Intercession or intercessory prayer 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. The Apostle Paul's exhortation to Timothy specified that intercession prayers should be made for everyone. I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
(1 Timothy 2:1-4) Have you ever felt an unexplained burden on your heart to pray for the masses, unnamed others, your community, or the world? That is the Holy Spirit calling you to intercession. The Bible is filled with examples of men and women who lifted others in prayer, and Ephesians 6:18 tells us: And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.
With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. What is Intercession and Intercessory Prayer? The primary principle of intercession is to seek God's mercy and grace on others' behalf. This form of prayer reflects the belief in the Christian community that individuals can approach God to seek intervention, guidance, or blessings for others.
It is rooted in the idea of fellowship and mutual care among believers. The concept of intercession is supported by various passages in the Bible. For example, in the New Testament, Apostle Paul encourages believers to make "supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for all people." Intercessory prayers can be offered for a wide range of issues, including health, personal challenges, spiritual growth, or global concerns.
They are a fundamental part of Christian worship and personal devotion, often seen in church services, prayer groups, and individual prayer practices.
Intercession causes us to internalize God’s Word and changes us.
Intercession unites our hearts with the people and places we pray for.
Intercession renews our hope and faith.
Intercession imparts life (John 6:63).
Intercession makes a long-term impact beyond this age (Rev. 5:8, Rev. 8:1-6).
Intercession humbles us.
Intercession changes the spiritual atmosphere of cities and nations.
Intercession causes multiple blessings to return to the intercessor (Luke 6:38).
An Example of Intercessory Prayer Lord Jesus, I come to you today and thank you for the privilege of praying for others. I've been the recipient of others' prayers so often, I understand how powerful intercessory prayer can be. I ask you first to cleanse my heart and show me if there is any unconfessed sin in my own life so that my prayers for others will not be hindered. I thank you that through your name, I can come boldly before you and pray with confidence, according to your will and know that you hear me. I lift up those in my neighborhood, in my city, and in my church. Begin with those who follow you, and help them influence others for good. Let them be salt and light, pointing others to you. Deepen their love for you and for the people around them. Guard them from hypocrisy or from giving in to temptations that could harm the cause of Christ. Raise up leaders who will serve you faithfully at all costs. Turn the hearts of fathers toward their children, and families toward you. Help them to exemplify your values, and make them bold in their faith. Strengthen my own family, and those closest to me, Lord. May our love for you help us to love and forgive others and make a difference in our world.
I pray for teachers, for students, and for all those in authority and leadership, both locally and throughout the world. Give them your mind, and surround them with godly counselors who will exercise integrity and work for justice, morality, and freedom. Help them to esteem you, not dismiss you. Send revival, Lord. I pray for the lost, the hurting, the lonely, the sick, the bereaved, and those who are imprisoned—behind both visible and invisible walls. Send your comfort, your peace, and your calming presence to those who are without hope. Protect the defenseless, and hold them close to your heart. I pray for laborers to tell the good news of Jesus to people around our world. Jesus, my heart cries out for persecuted believers, too. Make them brave, and give them your powerful protection.
I pray you will bring swift justice to those who want to destroy the innocent and those who carry your name. Bind the power of Satan, and strengthen believers everywhere.
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