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A Call to Intercessory Prayer

The term intercessor is used for someone who intercedes for others. Interceding for others is a part of both the New and Old Testaments. Some of these examples were when Abraham interceded for Sodom because God was about to judge the residents for their wickedness and Moses, who interceded for Israel’s idolatry and stiff-neckedness (Exodus 32 &33). In the New Testament, the greatest example is Jesus Christ, our high priest who mediates between God and us.

1 Timothy 2:1

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

What is the biblical definition of intercession?

Intercession is similar to what Christ does for us as our high priest, interceding or intervening on our behalf towards God. In other words, intercession is praying on behalf of other people. In the case of Abraham, as mentioned above, Abraham prayed to God on behalf of Sodom. With the example of Moses, Moses prayed to God on behalf of Israel, reminding God of His promise to Israel when God mentioned starting over again with Moses since Israel was full of disobedient people (Exodus 32 & 33). John 17 also gives us an account of Jesus interceding for us, and even after He ascended into heaven, the Bible says that Christ still intercedes for us. Christ is our greatest intercessor. That is why it is only through Christ and by the name of Jesus that we can pray to God.

Heavenly Father, You are our strong tower, the God who comforts us.

A Call to Intercessory Prayer

Hebrews 7:25

Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

Heavenly Father, You are our strong tower, the God who comforts us.

A Call to Intercessory Prayer

Romans 8:34

Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

Heavenly Father, You are our strong tower, the God who comforts us.

A Call to Intercessory Prayer

What is the purpose of intercessory prayer?

As mentioned above, the purpose of intercessory prayer is to pray on behalf of other people. When we intercede for other people, we do it because we care for them and love them as our brothers and sisters in Christ. We pray on their behalf to God, as though their burden is also our burden.

Romans 12:15

Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.

Heavenly Father, You are our strong tower, the God who comforts us.

A Call to Intercessory Prayer

Here is a simple intercessory prayer that you can pray for a brother or sister in Christ:

Heavenly Father, You are our strong tower, the God who comforts us. I pray that You will provide comfort, grace, and mercy to [name of the person] as they go through this season of hardship. I pray that You will give them the strength they need to continue persevering. Everything comes from You. [name of the person] can do all things only through Christ, who strengthens them. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Heavenly Father, You are our strong tower, the God who comforts us.

A Call to Intercessory Prayer

What does the Bible say about interceding for others?

The Bible tells us to intercede for all people. That means we are to intercede not just for people in the church, like our pastors, ministers, and fellow brothers/sisters in Christ, but also for people outside the church, such as our government leaders. That includes interceding for our enemies and those who persecute us.

Heavenly Father, You are our strong tower, the God who comforts us.

A Call to Intercessory Prayer

1 Timothy 2:1-2

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

Heavenly Father, You are our strong tower, the God who comforts us.

A Call to Intercessory Prayer

Philippians 1:19

For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,

Heavenly Father, You are our strong tower, the God who comforts us.

A Call to Intercessory Prayer

Matthew 5:44

But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

Heavenly Father, You are our strong tower, the God who comforts us.

A Call to Intercessory Prayer

Father in heaven, I intercede for all people. Give me the grace to constantly remember the non-Christian people I know in my prayers, including those in the government. Help me to pray even for those who have done me wrong. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

What is the difference between prayer and intercessory prayer?

There are different types of prayers. For example, we have a thanksgiving prayer, which is different from an intercessory prayer in the sense that it is a prayer that’s all about giving thanks to God. There is also the prayer of faith from James 5:15, which is more about praying for healing for the sick. Though you can intercede for someone’s healing, the essence of intercessory prayer is that it is a prayer that we pray to God on behalf of someone.

For example, if someone is about to take an exam and we pray to God on their behalf, that is intercession. Instead, you acknowledge that everything is only possible because of who we are in Christ.

1 Thessalonians 5:18

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Heavenly Father, You are our strong tower, the God who comforts us.

A Call to Intercessory Prayer

James 5:15

And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.

Heavenly Father, You are our strong tower, the God who comforts us.

A Call to Intercessory Prayer

Examples of how to pray for someone

Here are some prayers you can offer as you intercede for other people:

For household salvation:

Heavenly Father, I pray for the family of [name of the person] that You would open their spiritually blinded eyes and work in their hearts so they may see the truth of the Gospel and receive Christ. We are only made alive from our trespasses because of Your mercy, and we are saved only by Your grace. Only You can turn their hearts of stone to hearts of flesh, Father. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Heavenly Father, You are our strong tower, the God who comforts us.

A Call to Intercessory Prayer

Safety for someone who is about to travel:

Heavenly Father, I pray on behalf of [name of the person] that You cover them under Your divine protection as they travel. Keep them safe and sound, Father. You alone are our dwelling place, the One who keeps us safe. You are our refuge and fortress. You keep us from evil and protect our life. Let no evil befall [name of the person]. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Prayer for provision for someone in need:

Father in heaven, You are a faithful God willing and able to provide. I pray for provision for the needs of [name of the person]. I pray that they will not lack in everything they need, but instead, have abundance to bless others and become a channel of blessing. Everything comes from You alone, God. You are the source of everything; everything we have is only because of Your grace and mercy. Give them the grace to always seek You first in times of need. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Interceding for others is something that all Christians are called to do. This is not just for church ministers or mature Christians who have been in the faith for a long time. When someone asks you to intercede for them, you don’t have to refer them to someone else who you think is better at interceding. There are certainly people whose gifting is heightened when it comes to interceding, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t or don’t have an obligation to do so. Remember that the Bible commands us to intercede for all people. Also, don’t forget that we intercede for others out of love (1 Corinthians 13:1-3).

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