Praying for others, known as intercession, is a powerful act of love. Today, we’ll explore what Scripture teaches about intercession and why it’s a meaningful part of our spiritual lives.
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What Does The Bible Say About Intercession
1 Timothy 2:1
“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for all people.”
This verse highlights the importance of intercession in our prayers. It encourages us to pray not only for ourselves but also to intercede on behalf of others. Intercession involves bringing the needs and concerns of others before God, seeking His intervention and guidance in their lives.
Intercession is a selfless act of love, showing our willingness to stand in the gap for others and lift them up in prayer. It is a powerful way to demonstrate our care for others and to participate in God’s work of bringing healing, comfort, and restoration to those in need.
Hebrews 7:25
“Therefore, he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.”
This verse reveals the incredible truth that Jesus Christ, our Savior, continually intercedes for us. He intercedes on our behalf, standing before God as our advocate and making intercession for the forgiveness of our sins.
Jesus’ intercession demonstrates His deep love and commitment to His followers. As we come to God through faith in Jesus, we can find assurance in knowing that He is constantly interceding for us, ensuring our salvation and bringing our needs before the Father.
Romans 8:26
“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.”
This verse reminds us that the Holy Spirit actively assists us in our prayers, especially in times when we are at a loss for words or don’t know how to pray. The Spirit intercedes for us, expressing the deep longings and needs of our hearts to God.
Intercession is not limited to our human efforts; the Spirit of God intercedes for us in supernatural ways, aligning our prayers with God’s will and orchestrating His purposes in our lives. In times of weakness, the Holy Spirit strengthens us and intercedes on our behalf.
James 5:16
“Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
This verse encourages the practice of interceding for one another, particularly in times of confession and seeking spiritual healing. It emphasizes the importance of community and accountability in our journey of faith.
Intercessory prayer among believers is a vital aspect of the Christian life. As we open up to one another, sharing our struggles and vulnerabilities, we can pray for each other’s healing and restoration. The prayers of those who are righteous, living in alignment with God’s will, are potent and bring about transformation.
Ezekiel 22:30
“I looked for someone among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found no one.”
In this verse, God expresses His search for someone to intercede on behalf of the land and prevent its destruction. Intercession has the power to bring about divine intervention and protection.
As intercessors, we are called to stand in the gap—standing between God’s judgment and the object of His wrath, pleading for His mercy and grace to be poured out. Our intercession can make a significant impact in turning the hearts of people and nations toward God, averting judgment and ushering in revival.
1 Samuel 12:23
“As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right.”
In this verse, Samuel expresses his commitment to intercede for the people of Israel and his refusal to let sin hinder his duty to pray for them. Intercession is not only an act of love but also a responsibility we have as believers.
Just as Samuel prioritized praying for the Israelites, we ought to lay aside any personal grievances or excuses and faithfully intercede for others. Through our intercession, we can help guide others in God’s ways, teaching them to walk in righteousness and follow His path.
Colossians 1:9
“For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives.”
Paul writes to the Colossians, expressing his unwavering commitment to intercede on their behalf. His prayer demonstrates the desire to see believers grow in spiritual maturity and understanding of God’s will.
Intercession involves seeking God’s wisdom and understanding on behalf of others. Through our prayers, we can ask God to fill fellow believers with the knowledge of His will, that they may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord and bear fruit in every good work.
John 17:20-21
“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”
In His high priestly prayer, Jesus intercedes not only for His disciples but also for future believers. He longs for unity among all who would come to believe in Him and acknowledges the impact it would have on the world.
Through intercession, we can lift up the body of Christ as a whole, praying for unity, love, and harmony among believers. Our prayers can serve as a testimony to the world, demonstrating the reality of Jesus and His redemptive work.
Psalm 122:6
“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: ‘May those who love you be secure.’
This verse exhorts us to intercede for the peace of Jerusalem, the Holy City of God. By praying for its peace, we align ourselves with God’s heart and His purposes for His chosen people.
Intercessory prayer for Jerusalem extends to interceding for the fulfillment of God’s promises for Israel and the restoration of His people. As we intercede, we join in partnership with God’s plan for His land and people, inviting His blessing and protection upon Jerusalem and its inhabitants.
2 Thessalonians 3:1
“Finally, brothers and sisters, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you.”
Paul requests the Thessalonian believers to intercede for him and his companions as they proclaim the message of the Lord. This verse highlights the importance of intercessory prayer for the spread of the gospel.
Intercession for missionaries, evangelists, and ministers of the Word is crucial in enabling the rapid spread of the gospel and the effective proclamation of God’s truth. By praying for those who labor in the mission field, we actively participate in the advancement of God’s kingdom.
Numbers 14:13-20
“Moses said to the LORD … ‘Pardon the iniquity of this people, I pray, according to the greatness of Your mercy, just as You have forgiven this people, from Egypt even until now.’ So the LORD said: ‘I have pardoned, according to your word; but truly, as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the LORD.'”
Moses intercedes on behalf of the rebellious Israelites, pleading with God to forgive and not destroy them. God shows mercy and grants their pardon, showcasing the power of intercession to bring about divine forgiveness and restoration.
Intercession can have a profound impact on the lives of individuals and even entire nations, as seen in Moses’ plea. Through our intercessory prayers, we can stand in the gap for those who have gone astray, appealing to God’s mercy and compassion, inviting Him to extend His forgiveness and grace.
Job 42:10
“After Job had prayed for his friends, the LORD restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before.”
Job’s intercession for his friends is followed by God’s restoration and blessing in his own life. This verse illustrates the power of intercession not only in the lives of others but also in experiencing personal breakthroughs and restoration.
When we intercede for those around us, we position ourselves for God’s favor and provision. By seeking the welfare and well-being of others, we can also receive God’s abundant blessings and experience the fullness of His restoration in our own lives.
Genesis 20:7
“Now return the man’s wife, for he is a prophet, and he will pray for you and you will live.”
In this verse, God instructs Abimelech to return Sarah, Abraham’s wife, because Abraham is a prophet who will intercede for him. Abraham’s intercession becomes the key to Abimelech’s deliverance and restoration.
Intercessors have the privilege of standing before God on behalf of others, advocating for their well-being and protection. Just as Abraham interceded for Abimelech, we are called to intercede for those around us, bringing about divine intervention and deliverance.
Philippians 1:4-5
“In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.”
Paul reassures the Philippians of his continuous prayers for them and expresses his joy in their partnership in the gospel. Intercession is a genuine expression of love and concern for others, resulting in joy and unity.
By actively interceding for fellow believers, we participate in their spiritual journeys and contribute to their growth and transformation. Our prayers become a source of encouragement and solidarity, fostering a deep sense of joy and partnership in the work of the gospel.
1 Chronicles 29:19
“And give my son Solomon the wholehearted devotion to keep your commands, statutes, and decrees.”
David’s prayer for his son Solomon reflects intercession aimed at securing his son’s commitment to follow God wholeheartedly. Intercessory prayer for our loved ones, especially the next generation, is vital to seeing them embrace and walk in God’s ways.
Through our intercession, we can ask God to equip and empower those we love to live lives of devotion and obedience. Our prayers have the potential to shape the spiritual trajectory of others, guiding them toward a deep and lasting relationship with the Lord.
Nehemiah 1:4-11
“When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. … ‘Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name.”
Nehemiah’s intercession for the people of Israel and their situation in Jerusalem is marked by mourning, fasting, and passionate prayer. His intercessory efforts pave the way for God’s restoration and the rebuilding of the city walls.
Intercession often involves a heartfelt burden and a willingness to sacrifice and invest time in seeking God’s intervention. Like Nehemiah, we can diligently intercede for the needs and concerns that weigh on our hearts, trusting that God will hear and respond.
Luke 22:32
“But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”
Jesus’ intercession for Simon Peter before his denial reveals the transformative power of His prayers. Jesus not only intercedes for Peter’s faith but also commissions him to strengthen others once he has been restored.
Intercession has the ability to activate God’s divine purposes in the lives of individuals. By praying for others’ faith, restoration, and strength, we can become instruments of encouragement, empowering them to fulfill their calling and ministry.
Luke 23:34
“Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.'”
This powerful plea from Jesus on the cross demonstrates His intercession for those who crucified Him. His prayer for forgiveness underscores the redemptive nature of intercession, even for those who have wronged us.
Intercession is rooted in love and compassion, extending forgiveness and seeking reconciliation. By interceding for our enemies and those who have hurt us, we participate in Christ’s ministry of reconciliation, inviting God’s mercy and grace to transform lives.
1 Samuel 1:10-11
“In her deep anguish, Hannah prayed to the LORD, weeping bitterly. And she made a vow, saying, ‘LORD Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the LORD for all the days of his life.'”
Hannah’s intercession for a child exemplifies the depth of emotion and earnestness that can accompany intercessory prayer. Her heartfelt petition is marked by tears, a vow, and an offering of surrender.
Intercessory prayers can arise from the depths of our souls, expressing our deepest longings and desires. Like Hannah, we can present our requests to God with sincerity and humility, offering ourselves and our loved ones in willingness for God’s purposes and plans.
Acts 27:24
“Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.”
In this verse, an angel of God reassures Paul of God’s divine protection and salvation, not only for Paul but also for all who were with him on the ship. Intercession can have a ripple effect, extending God’s grace and favor to those connected to the ones being prayed for.
Our intercession can bring about supernatural intervention and spare not only individuals but also entire communities from harm. Through our prayers, we invite God’s presence and protection over those in our sphere of influence, experiencing the profound impact of intercession.
John 15:16
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.”
Jesus emphasizes the foundational truth that He has chosen and appointed us for a purpose. As intercessors, we are called to bear fruit through our prayers, trusting that whatever we ask in Jesus’ name will be granted by the Father.
Intercession is not simply a one-sided act; it is a partnership with God in bringing about His will on earth. By aligning our prayers with God’s heart and purpose, we can experience the fulfillment of our petitions as we operate in His authority and in the power of His name.