Intercessory prayer is a powerful and transformative practice that can bring us closer to God and to one another. At its core, intercessory prayer is the act of praying on behalf of others, lifting up their needs and concerns to God in a spirit of love and compassion. Whether we are praying for our loved ones, our communities, or the world at large, intercessory prayer can help us to connect with the divine and to deepen our faith.
Through intercessory prayer, we can become more attuned to the needs of those around us, and we can learn to see the world through God’s eyes. We can also gain a deeper understanding of the power of prayer, and of the ways in which our prayers can make a real difference in the lives of others. Whether we are praying for healing, for comfort, or for guidance, intercessory prayer can help us to tap into God’s infinite wisdom and love, and to share that love with those around us.
As we explore the practice of intercessory prayer, we will dive into the biblical examples of intercession, the dangers of a so-called intercession ministry, and the misconceptions about intercessory prayer. We will also learn how we can apply the principles of intercessory prayer to our own lives, and how we can use this powerful practice to deepen our faith and bring healing and hope to those around us.
What is Intercessory Prayer?
Intercessory prayer is a powerful way to connect with God and seek His help on behalf of others. It is the act of praying to God on behalf of others or asking a saint in heaven to pray on behalf of oneself or for others. This type of prayer is an expression of agape, or selfless, love that seeks the best for others, even if they are enemies.
As Christians, we believe that intercessory prayer reflects God’s own character of outgoing love and mercy. It is a way of joining God in His work of transforming the world and bringing His kingdom on earth. When we pray for others, we are asking God to intervene in their lives and bring healing, comfort, and strength.
Intercession is a vital part of our spiritual life, and it can take many forms. We can pray for our family, friends, and neighbors, asking God to bless them and meet their needs. We can also pray for our enemies, asking God to soften their hearts and bring them into a closer relationship with Him.
Through intercessory prayer, we can also seek God’s guidance and wisdom in our own lives. We can ask Him to show us how to best serve others and make a positive impact in the world. As we pray for others, we also grow in our own faith and relationship with God.
In conclusion, intercessory prayer is a beautiful and powerful way to connect with God and seek His help on behalf of others. It is an expression of selfless love and a way of joining with God in His work of transforming the world. Let us continue to pray for one another and seek God’s guidance and wisdom in our lives.
Example Intercessory Prayer
Intercessory prayer is a powerful way to connect with God and ask for His help and guidance on behalf of others. One of the most well-known examples of intercessory prayer is the Lord’s Prayer, which Jesus taught to his disciples. This prayer is not only a personal prayer but also a communal prayer that intercedes for the whole family of God.
The Lord’s Prayer includes petitions for God’s name to be hallowed, his will to be done, his kingdom to come, his provision to be given, his forgiveness to be granted, and his protection to be offered. It covers the most important aspects of God’s relationship with his people and can be used as a model for intercessory prayer.
When we pray for others, we are acknowledging their needs and asking God to intervene on their behalf. We can pray for healing, comfort, strength, guidance, provision, salvation, and family restoration. We can also pray for the needs of our community and the world at large.
As we pray, we should have faith that God hears our prayers and will answer them according to his will. We should also pray with an attitude of humility and submission, recognizing that God knows what is best for us and for those we are praying for.
Finally, we should always end our prayers with “amen,” which means “so be it.” This is a way of expressing our trust in God and our willingness to accept his will for our lives and the lives of those we are praying for.
Let us continue to pray for one another and intercede on behalf of those in need. May God’s love and grace be with us all.
Biblical Examples of Intercession
It is a powerful way to bring our loved ones and those in need before the throne of God. In the Bible, we find many examples of intercessors who prayed for others, both in the Old and New Testaments. Let’s take a look at some of the most notable intercessors and their stories.
- Abraham: In Genesis 18:23-33, Abraham intercedes for the people of Sodom for the sake of his nephew Lot. He pleads with God to spare the city if there are at least ten righteous people there. This story shows us that we can pray for the salvation of others, even those who seem far from God.
- Moses: In Exodus 32:9-14 and Numbers 14:11-20, Moses pleads with God for mercy for the sinning people of Israel. He reminds God of His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and asks Him to forgive the people and spare them from destruction. This story teaches us that we can pray for God’s mercy and forgiveness for ourselves and others.
- Samuel: In 1 Samuel 7:5-6 and 12:19-25, Samuel prays for the people of Israel and their king. He intercedes for them in times of trouble and reminds them to turn back to God. This story shows us that we can pray for our leaders and our nation, and ask God to guide them in His ways.
- David: In Psalm 35:13-14 and 122:6-9, David prays for his enemies and for the nation of Israel. He asks God to protect them from harm and to bless them with peace. This story teaches us that we can pray for our enemies and those who persecute us, and ask God to transform their hearts.
- Daniel: In Daniel 9:3-19, Daniel confesses the sins of his people and asks for God’s favor. He intercedes for them and pleads with God to restore their land and their city. This story shows us that we can confess our sins and the sins of our nation, and ask God for His forgiveness and mercy.
- Esther: In Esther 4:15-17, Esther fasts and prays for the deliverance of her people from Haman’s plot. She risks her own life to intercede for them before the king. This story teaches us that we can pray for the protection and deliverance of our loved ones, even in the face of great danger.
- Job: In Job 42:7-10, Job prays for his friends who had spoken wrongly about God. He intercedes for them and asks God to forgive them. This story shows us that we can pray for our friends and loved ones, even when they have hurt us or offended us.
- Elijah: In 1 Kings 17:1, 18:41-45, and 17:17-24, Elijah prays for the drought to end and for the widow’s son to be raised from the dead. He intercedes for them and asks God to show His power and glory. This story teaches us that we can pray for miracles and signs of God’s presence and love, even in the darkest of times.
- Elisha: In 2 Kings 5:1-14 and 6:15-20, Elisha prays for the healing of Naaman’s leprosy and for the restoration of his servant’s sight. He intercedes for them and asks God to show His compassion and mercy. This story shows us that we can pray for physical healing and restoration, and ask God to use us as His instruments of grace and love.
- Isaiah: In 2 Kings 19:14-19 and 20:1-11, Isaiah prays for the healing of Hezekiah’s illness and for the deliverance of Jerusalem from the Assyrians. He intercedes for them and reminds them of God’s power and faithfulness. This story teaches us that we can pray for God’s protection and deliverance, even in the face of great adversity.
- Jeremiah: In Jeremiah 29:10-14 and 31:31-34, Jeremiah prays for the restoration of Judah after the Babylonian exile. He intercedes for them and reminds them of God’s promises and plans. This story shows us that we can pray for restoration and renewal, and ask God to use us as His agents of change and transformation.
- Ezra: In Ezra 9:5-15 and 10:1-17, Ezra prays for the repentance of the returned exiles who had married foreign women. He intercedes for them and asks God to forgive them and restore them to His covenant. This story teaches
What Do We Learn From These Examples?
From the examples of intercessory prayer, we can learn some valuable lessons that can help us deepen our faith and improve our prayer life. First and foremost, we learn that intercessory prayer is a privilege and a responsibility that God has given to his people. It is a way for us to show our love and compassion for others and to make a difference in their lives.
Intercessory prayer is not motivated by selfishness or pride but by a genuine desire to help others. It is based on God’s promises and character, not on our own merits or desires. We should approach intercessory prayer with persistence and fervency, not casually or indifferently. We should be humble and submissive, not presumptuous or demanding, and we should be confident and expectant, not doubtful or despairing.
Intercessory prayer is also obedient and faithful, not rebellious or unfaithful. We should pray for others with a desire to help where we can, including physical help and encouragement. We can use cards, calls, and visits to show our support and care.
Through intercessory prayer, we can exercise our faith and authority as believers. We can trust God to work in the lives of those we pray for, and we can have hope that he will answer our prayers in his own time and way. Let us continue to grow in our understanding and practice of intercessory prayer, and may it be a source of blessing and strength for us and those we pray for.
The Dangers Of A So-Called Intercession Ministry
As Christians, we are called to intercede for others in prayer. However, we must be careful not to turn this practice into a source of pride or superiority. We must remember that we are all equal in the eyes of God, and no one is more spiritual or favored than others.
Furthermore, we must avoid using intercessory prayer as a means of manipulation or control. We cannot dictate to God how he should answer our prayers or what he should do. Instead, we must trust in his wisdom and sovereignty.
Intercessory prayer should also not be a substitute for action or obedience. We must not delegate to God what he has commanded us to do or be. Instead, we must take responsibility for our actions and do our part in making the world a better place.
We must also be careful not to use intercessory prayer as a form of gossip or slander. We cannot use prayer as an excuse to share negative or false information about others. Instead, we must focus on praying for their well-being and healing.
Finally, intercessory prayer should not be a burden or duty. We do not have to pray for everything and everyone, nor do we have to follow a certain formula or method. Instead, we should pray from the heart, and trust that God hears and answers our prayers according to his will.
Let us be mindful of these dangers and pitfalls as we engage in intercessory prayer. May our prayers be sincere, humble, and focused on the well-being of others, rather than ourselves.
There Is Only One Intercessor
As Christians, we believe in the power of prayer and the importance of interceding for others. However, it is crucial to remember that there is only one mediator between God and humanity, and that is Jesus Christ. The Bible is clear on this point, as stated in 1 Timothy 2:5.
Jesus Christ is the perfect and ultimate intercessor. He died for our sins, rose from the dead, and ascended to heaven, where he lives to intercede for us. As mentioned in Romans 8:34 and Hebrews 7:25, Jesus is the only one who can truly intercede on our behalf.
It is through Jesus Christ that we can have access to God’s throne of grace, as stated in Ephesians 2:18 and Hebrews 4:14-16. He is the only one who can reconcile us to God and grant us eternal life.
Furthermore, Jesus Christ is the only one who truly understands our needs and weaknesses. As mentioned in Hebrews 2:17-18 and 4:15, he sympathizes with us and helps us in our time of need.
As we pray for others, let us remember to always pray in the name of Jesus Christ. He is the only one who can truly intercede on our behalf and bring our prayers to God. Let us also remember to give thanks to Jesus for his sacrifice and his love for us.
In conclusion, let us always keep in mind that there is only one intercessor, and that is Jesus Christ. Let us place our faith in him and trust that he will always be there for us.
Should We Ask For The Prayers Of Others? Yes!
Asking for the prayers of others is an essential aspect of intercessory prayer. Even though Jesus Christ is the only intercessor, we are still encouraged to ask for the prayers of others and to pray for others as well.
Asking for the prayers of others is a way of acknowledging our dependence on God and our need for His grace. It also expresses our fellowship and unity with the body of Christ, inviting others to share in our joys and sorrows and to bear one another’s burdens.
When we ask for the prayers of others, we honor and respect their gifts and roles in the church. We follow the example of Jesus, who asked his disciples to pray with him in the garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-46) and of the apostles, who asked the churches to pray for them and their ministry (Romans 15:30-32; 2 Corinthians 1:8-11; Ephesians 6:18-20; Colossians 4:2-4; 1 Thessalonians 5:25; 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2; Hebrews 13:18-19; Philemon 22).
Asking for the prayers of others is also a great way to build community and strengthen relationships with our friends and family members. It can be a powerful way to connect with others and deepen our spiritual lives.
So, let us not hesitate to ask for the prayers of others. We can take comfort in the knowledge that we are not alone in our struggles and that we have a community of believers who are willing to support us in prayer. Together, we can lift each other up and draw closer to God.
Can We Ever Say A Particular Person Is An Intercessor?
As Christians, we often talk about the concept of intercession, which is the act of praying to God on behalf of others. While we may know individuals who are particularly devout in their prayer life, the Bible does not assign the title of “intercessor” to any specific person or group.
According to the Bible, the only person who can rightfully be called an intercessor is Jesus Christ himself. He is our ultimate mediator and intercessor before God, as stated in 1 Timothy 2:5: “For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus.”
It is important to remember that while we may seek the prayers of others, no one person has more power or influence in prayer than another. We are all equal in the eyes of God, and our prayers are equally valuable and effective.
Furthermore, the Bible does not encourage us to pray to anyone other than God or to invoke anyone other than Jesus Christ as our intercessor. We should always direct our prayers to God alone, and trust in His love and mercy to answer them according to His will.
In conclusion, while we may admire and seek the prayers of those who are particularly devout, we should never assign the title of “intercessor” to any specific person or group. Instead, we should all strive to be faithful and fervent in our own prayer life, trusting in the power of God to hear and answer our prayers.
Additional Examples of Intercessory Prayers
In addition to the biblical examples of intercession, we can find some helpful and inspiring examples of intercessory prayers in the history of the church and in the lives of Christians today. Some of the most famous and influential intercessors in the history of the church include Augustine, Francis of Assisi, Martin Luther, John Wesley, George Müller, Hudson Taylor, Billy Graham, and Mother Teresa.
Each of these individuals prayed for different things, but they all shared a deep faith in God and a commitment to serving others. Augustine prayed for the conversion of his son and his mother, and for the peace and unity of the church in the midst of the barbarian invasions. Francis of Assisi prayed for the poor and the oppressed and for the renewal and reform of the church in the 13th century. Martin Luther prayed for the reformation and revival of the church in the 16th century, and for the protection and guidance of the reformers. John Wesley prayed for the awakening and evangelization of England and America in the 18th century and for the growth and holiness of the Methodists. George Müller prayed for the provision and care of thousands of orphans in Bristol, England in the 19th century, and for the advancement of the gospel around the world. Hudson Taylor prayed for the opening and the mission of China in the 19th century, and for the endurance and fruitfulness of the China Inland Mission. Amy Carmichael prayed for the rescue and the ministry of the temple children in India in the 20th century, and for the strength and wisdom of the Dohnavur Fellowship. Billy Graham prayed for the salvation and the discipleship of millions of people in the 20th century and for the unity and the witness of the church in the world. Mother Teresa prayed for the dignity and the service of the poorest of the poor in Calcutta, India in the 20th century, and for the love and the joy of the Missionaries of Charity.
Some of the most common and relevant intercessory prayers in the lives of Christians today are praying for peace especially in the face of violence, terrorism, and war, praying for the provision and the prosperity of ourselves and others, especially in the context of poverty, unemployment, debt, and economic crisis, praying for the wisdom and the direction of ourselves and others, especially in the matters of education, career, marriage, family, and ministry, praying for the salvation and the growth of ourselves and others, especially for those who are lost, backslidden, or struggling in their faith, and praying for the revival and the mission of the church, especially for the fulfillment of the Great Commission and the manifestation of the kingdom of God.
Intercessory prayer is a powerful way to show our faith, hope, and love for others. We can pray for anyone and anything, and trust that God hears our prayers and answers them according to his will. Let us continue to pray for one another and for the world, and let us believe that God is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us (Ephesians 3:20).
An Intercessory Prayer for the Church
As members of the church community, we are called to pray for one another, to lift each other up in times of need, and to intercede on behalf of our brothers and sisters in Christ. One powerful example of an intercessory prayer for the church is the one that Paul prayed for the Ephesians, which we can adapt and apply to our own context.
In this prayer, Paul thanks God for the church and all the blessings that come with being part of the body of Christ. He asks that God strengthen us with power through His Spirit so that we may be rooted and grounded in love and able to comprehend the breadth, length, height, and depth of Christ’s love. Paul also prays that God would enlighten the eyes of our hearts, so that we may know the hope of His calling and the riches of His inheritance in the saints.
As we pray this prayer for our own church community, let us remember that we are all part of the same family, united by our faith in Christ. Let us pray for one another’s physical and emotional well-being, for our spiritual growth and maturity, and for the strength to persevere through trials and challenges. Let us also give thanks for the ways in which God has blessed us as a community, and ask that He would continue to use us for His glory and the good of others.
May we be a community that is marked by love, unity, and faithfulness, and may our prayers for one another be a powerful testimony to the world of God’s grace and goodness. Amen.
Prayer of Intercession for Your Adult Child
As parents, we want the best for our children, even when they are grown and have families of their own. We want them to be happy, healthy, and fulfilled in their lives. One way we can help them achieve these goals is through prayer, specifically intercessory prayer.
An example of a prayer of intercession for your adult child is the one that the author of [A Prayer of Intercession] wrote for her son, which we can modify and use for our own situation:
”Heavenly Father, I come before You today to lift up my child to You. I pray that You will bless them with Your love, grace, and mercy. I ask that You guide them in all their decisions, and help them to seek Your will in everything they do. I pray that they will be healthy, happy, and fulfilled in their lives and that they will always feel Your presence with them. Lord, I ask that You protect them from harm, and surround them with Your angels. I pray that they will be successful in all their endeavors and that they will be a blessing to others. Thank You, Lord, for hearing my prayer, and for Your love and faithfulness to us. Amen.”
This prayer acknowledges that our children are ultimately in God’s hands and that we can trust Him to guide and protect them. It also expresses our love and concern for our children, and our desire for them to be happy and successful.
As we pray for our adult children, we can also pray for our family as a whole. We can ask God to strengthen our relationships and to help us to love and support one another. We can pray for unity, forgiveness, and healing where there have been hurts or misunderstandings.
Intercessory prayer is a powerful tool that we can use to show our love for our family and to invite God’s blessings into our lives. Through prayer, we can trust in God’s plan for our children and our family, and find peace and comfort in His presence.
A Biblical Prayer for the Salvation of Others
Based on the example of Paul’s prayer for the Israelites (Romans 10:1-4), we can pray a biblical prayer for the salvation of others. We confess that our heart’s desire and prayer to God is for the salvation of our friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, and anyone else who does not know Him.
We pray that God would open their eyes and their hearts to see and believe the gospel of His Son, Jesus Christ. We pray that He would remove any veil or obstacle that prevents them from recognizing and receiving His grace and His truth.
We pray that God would convict them of their sin and their need for His forgiveness and His righteousness. We pray that He would grant them repentance and faith, that they would turn from their own ways and trust in His way.
We pray that God would reveal to them the beauty and the glory of His Son, who died for their sins and rose again for their justification. We pray that He would make them His children and His heirs, that they would be born again by His Spirit and adopted into His family.
We pray that God would transform them by His power and by His love, that they would be conformed to the image of His Son and renewed in their mind and in their heart. We pray that He would save them, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.
We pray this in the name of Jesus, the only Savior and the only Lord. Amen.
As we pray for the salvation of others, we are reminded of the power of prayer and the importance of interceding on behalf of those who do not know God. The Bible tells us that God desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:3-4). We can be confident that our prayers are heard by God and that He is working in the hearts of those we pray for.
Let us continue to pray for the salvation of others, trusting in God’s unfailing love and mercy, and believing that He is able to save to the uttermost all who come to Him through faith in Jesus Christ.
Jesus’ Example of Intercessory Prayer
One of the most remarkable and profound examples of intercessory prayer is the prayer that Jesus prayed for his disciples and for all believers before his arrest and crucifixion (John 17). In this prayer, Jesus interceded for his followers, asking the Father to glorify him and glorify the Father through him, protect them from the evil one and from the world, sanctify them in the truth and in the word, unite them in love and in the Spirit, and bring them to his presence and to his glory.
This prayer reveals the heart and the mind of Jesus, who loved his own to the end, and who gave himself up for them. It also reveals the will and the purpose of the Father, who sent his Son to save the world, and who gave him authority over all flesh. Moreover, this prayer reveals the role and the work of the Spirit, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, and who testifies of them and glorifies them.
As we read and meditate on Jesus’ example of intercessory prayer, we are reminded of the power and privilege of prayer. We are called to pray for one another, to lift up each other’s burdens, and to intercede for those who are in need. We are also encouraged to seek God’s will and God’s glory in all that we do and to trust in his love and his grace, even in the midst of trials and difficulties.
Let us therefore pray with confidence and with faith, knowing that our prayers are heard and answered by our loving Father in heaven. Let us also pray with humility and with reverence, recognizing that we are but sinners saved by grace, and that we depend on God’s mercy and forgiveness every day of our lives.
In conclusion, let us follow Jesus’ example of intercessory prayer, and let us pray for one another with love, compassion, and faith. May our prayers be a source of hope, healing, and comfort, and may they bring us closer to God and to one another.
Misconceptions about Intercessory Prayer
Despite the biblical and historical evidence for intercessory prayer, there are still some misconceptions and misunderstandings that some people have about this practice. Here are a few clarifications:
- Intercessory prayer is only for the spiritually mature or gifted, not for the ordinary or average believer.
This is false because intercessory prayer is a privilege and a responsibility that God has given to all his children, regardless of their spiritual level or ability. Intercessory prayer is not a matter of skill or technique but of faith and love. Intercessory prayer is not a competition or a comparison, but a cooperation and a collaboration.
- Intercessory prayer is only effective if it is long and loud, not if it is short and silent.
This is false because intercessory prayer is not measured by its length or volume but by its sincerity and fervency. Intercessory prayer is not a performance or a show, but a conversation and a communion. Intercessory prayer is not a formula or a ritual, but a relationship and a response.
- Intercessory prayer is only necessary if there is a crisis or a problem, not if there is a blessing or a praise.
This is false because intercessory prayer is not only a request or a plea but also a thanksgiving and worship. Intercessory prayer is not only for the needs or the wants but also for the gifts and the graces. Intercessory prayer is not only for the troubles or the trials but also for the joys and the victories.
- Intercessory prayer is only answered if it is according to God’s will, not if it is according to our will.
This is true because intercessory prayer is not a way of imposing our will on God, but of aligning our will with God’s. Intercessory prayer is not a way of changing God’s mind or plan, but of participating in God’s purpose and mission. Intercessory prayer is not a way of getting what we want from God, but of receiving what God wants for us and for others.
- Intercessory prayer is only beneficial for the ones we pray for, not for ourselves or for God.
This is false because intercessory prayer is a way of blessing and benefiting everyone involved, including ourselves and God. Intercessory prayer is a way of growing and maturing in our faith and in our love, as we learn to trust and obey God more. Intercessory prayer is a way of expressing and enhancing our fellowship and our unity, as we share and support one another more. Intercessory prayer is a way of honoring and glorifying God, as we acknowledge and praise his sovereignty and his goodness more.
Let us remember that intercessory prayer is a powerful and precious gift that we have been given by God. Let us use it wisely, humbly, and faithfully, for the sake of his kingdom and his glory.