Many thanks to Georgia for her input. My parish is currently putting together several intercessory prayer teams of four.
Exodus 25:17-22 (New International Version)
“Make an atonement cover of pure gold—two and a half cubits long and a cubit and a half wide. And make two cherubim out of hammered gold at the ends of the cover. Make one cherub on one end and the second cherub on the other; make the cherubim of one piece with the cover, at the two ends. The cherubim are to have their wings spread upward, overshadowing the cover with them. The cherubim are to face each other, looking toward the cover. Place the cover on top of the ark and put in the ark the Testimony, which I will give you. There, above the cover between the two cherubim that are over the ark of the Testimony, I will meet with you and give you all my commands for the Israelites.
The ark of the covenant held the Ten Commandments, a golden bowl of manna, and the flowering almond branch of Aaron. It was carried by four priests holding two poles that were inserted in four rings on the sides of the chest.
The deceased son of the widow of Nain was carried by four pallbearers holding two poles projecting at each end from the corners of the bier (Luke 7:11-18). The paralytic was carried by four friends, presumably on a stretcher (Mark 2:1-12).
All three were adjacent to a narrow place: the slit in the veil that separated the Holy of Holies from the Holy; the gate of Nain; and the hole in the roof.
When the concealed ark was moved in the wilderness, we do not know which priests carried it. All three–the ark, the bier, and the paralytic’s mat–were carried by four people who are anonymous.
All three involve a confrontation between good and evil. The high priest would enter the Holy of Holies once a year to sprinkle the blood of atonement–iniquity vs holiness. The funeral party ran into Jesus and His companions–death vs life. The Pharisees were listening to Jesus when the men made a hole in the roof–hardness of heart vs faith.
I believe this is a model for evangelism and healing–the Holy Spirit, two angels, and four intercessors.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Just as incense was continually offered before the opening in the veiled covering of the Holy of Holies, we offer our prayers for (name). Just as Moses encountered You at the mercy seat covered with gold, we cry out for (name) to encounter Jesus in a place of mercy, covered with the blood of the Lamb.
Underneath the mercy seat were the symbols of Your covenant, Your provision, and Your priestly office. We claim the blood of Jesus over (name), the word of God for (him/her), and the outward and visible signs of Your inward, invisible grace in (his/her) life.
We ask You to commission a holy angel to assist in bringing to order (name)’s spirit and soul, including the beliefs, motives, appetites, and will. Bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. We ask You to commission a second angel to assist in bringing (his/her) body into alignment with Your government, guiding (his/her) works and footsteps.
Father, we seek Your superior wisdom and ask You to guide us to the particular scriptures You wish us to pray for (him/her) in each season. You know (his/her) needs far better than we; bless (him/her). We surrender (name) to You and trust in Your ways, Your thoughts, and Your timing. We give You praise, thanksgiving, and glory for all that You will do in (name)’s life. Amen.
