Lesson 1: The Call to the Wall
“Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore hear a word from My mouth, and give them warning from Me.” (Ezekiel 33:7)
At a glance
- God sets watchmen on the walls and looks for intercessors to stand in the gap.
- The watchman sees and warns; the intercessor pleads before God.
- This is a calling God gives, not a hobby.
- Watchmen and intercessors protect, cover, and break through for others.
- The call carries responsibility and great reward.
1. Watchmen in Scripture
In ancient cities, watchmen stood on the walls and towers day and night. They watched for danger and for messengers, and they sounded the trumpet when trouble was coming (2 Samuel 18:24–27; Ezekiel 33:2–6).
God uses this picture for His people who watch in the spirit. “I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem; they shall never hold their peace day or night” (Isaiah 62:6).
In summary:
- Watchmen stood on the walls to see and warn.
- God calls spiritual watchmen to do the same.
2. Intercessors in Scripture
An intercessor stands between God and people, pleading on their behalf. God said, “I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land” (Ezekiel 22:30).
Jesus Himself “always lives to make intercession” for us (Hebrews 7:25). The Holy Spirit also “makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered” (Romans 8:26).
In summary:
- Intercessors stand in the gap.
- Jesus and the Holy Spirit intercede, and we join Them.
3. Watchman and intercessor together
| Watchman | Intercessor | |
|---|---|---|
| Posture | Standing on the wall, looking out | Standing in the gap, facing God |
| Action | Sees and warns | Pleads and prays |
| Example | Habakkuk on his watch (Habakkuk 2:1) | Abraham praying for Sodom (Genesis 18:22–33) |
Most who are called carry both. They watch to see what God is showing, then pray what they see.
In summary:
- Watchmen see; intercessors pray.
- Most callings combine both.
4. Signs of the call
You may be called as a watchman or intercessor if:
- You carry a burden to pray that does not leave.
- God wakes you in the night to pray.
- You sense things in the spirit before they happen.
- You feel compelled to pray for leaders, cities, or nations.
- You find joy and life in long seasons of prayer.
Anna, a prophetess, “did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day” (Luke 2:37). She was there to see the baby Jesus because she had been watching.
In summary:
- A persistent burden to pray is a sign of the call.
- Watchmen are often awakened and alert in the spirit.
5. Responsibility and reward
God told Ezekiel that a watchman who sees danger and stays silent will be held responsible (Ezekiel 33:6). The call is serious.
But the reward is great. Prayer changes things: Moses stood in the gap and God relented (Exodus 32:14). The church prayed for Peter and he was freed from prison (Acts 12:5–10). “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (James 5:16).
In summary:
- Watchmen are responsible to warn and pray.
- Prayer moves God and changes outcomes.
Practical steps this week
- Write down the burden God has placed on your heart to pray for.
- Set a daily watch time and keep it all week.
- Pray Isaiah 62:6–7 over your church and city.
- Notice when God wakes you or nudges you to pray, and respond.
Key takeaways
- God sets watchmen on the walls.
- God looks for intercessors to stand in the gap.
- Watchmen see and warn; intercessors plead and pray.
- A lasting burden to pray is a sign of the call.
- The call is serious, and prayer changes things.
Reflect
- What burden has God placed on my heart to pray for?
- Do I respond when God wakes me or prompts me to pray?
- Am I watching, praying, or both?
Prayer
Lord, You are looking for someone to stand in the gap. Here I am; set me on the wall. Open my eyes to see, and give me a heart to pray. Help me respond every time You call me to watch. Let my prayers move heaven and change lives. In the mighty name of Jesus, amen.