Intercessory prayer is the act of praying on behalf of others. The Bible encourages believers to engage in intercessory prayer for others, especially for those in positions of authority, for the sick and afflicted, for ministers of the gospel, and for fellow believers. Here is an overview of what the Bible teaches about intercessory prayer.
Praying for Authorities
The Bible instructs us to pray for those in authority over us, that they may govern justly and allow us to live peaceful lives. For example, Paul urges prayers “for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way” (1 Timothy 2:2). Peter also commands, “Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution…for this is the will of God” (1 Peter 2:13,15). When we pray for our leaders, we are obeying God’s command to remember those in authority with petitions and intercessions (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Through prayer, we can influence authorities for good and prevent the restriction of the gospel message (1 Timothy 2:1-4; Ezra 6:10).
Praying for the Sick
Intercessory prayer for the sick is a loving act of faith. James instructs, “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up” (James 5:14-15). When we pray in faith for the sick, God may graciously choose to heal. Even if physical healing does not result, prayer demonstrates love and care for the sufferer. Jesus Himself frequently prayed for the sick (Matthew 8:5-13; 9:27-30; Mark 7:31-37), showing how compassion motivates intercessory prayer.
Praying for Gospel Ministers
The Bible urges us to pray for those who minister the gospel. Paul routinely asked for prayer that he would “declare [the gospel] boldly, as I ought to speak” (Ephesians 6:19-20) and that the “word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored” (2 Thessalonians 3:1). When we pray for pastors, missionaries, and evangelists, we stand with them in their spiritual battles. As Aaron and Hur held up Moses’ hands for victory over the Amalekites (Exodus 17:8-13), so our prayers uphold ministers’ hands and empower their preaching. Praying for gospel ministers is vital for the advance of God’s kingdom.
Praying for Other Believers
We should regularly intercede for fellow Christians. Paul emphasizes this: “I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf” (Romans 15:30). Epaphras provides an excellent example: he is described as “always struggling on [others’] behalf in his prayers, that [they] may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God” (Colossians 4:12). When we intercede for other believers, we act as priests bringing their needs before God’s throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16). Our prayers bless and strengthen God’s people.
How Intercessory Prayer Accomplishes Spiritual Work
The Bible reveals how intercessory prayer accomplishes meaningful spiritual work. Our prayers are like holy incense offered before God’s throne in heaven (Psalm 141:2; Revelation 5:8). Jesus intercedes for believers as our great High Priest, giving our prayers efficacy before the Father (Romans 8:34). The Holy Spirit Himself prays for us, taking our feeble petitions and perfecting them before God (Romans 8:26-27). When we pray for others, we join in the triune God’s redemptive work in the world.
Intercessory prayer is also a primary way that believers carry out Jesus’ command to “love one another” (John 13:34). Praying for others is an act of love and service (Galatians 5:13). Jesus even insisted that loving our enemies must include praying for them (Matthew 5:44). Sacrificial love for others through prayer pleases God and testifies of our redemption in Christ (1 John 4:7-12).
The Power and Effectiveness of Intercessory Prayer
Intercessory prayer is powerful and effective. “The prayer of a righteous person has great power,” James tells us (James 5:16). Through believing prayer in Jesus’ name, we have access to the infinite resources of God (John 14:13-14). Biblical examples like Peter’s miraculous release from prison illustrate the potency of prayer (Acts 12:1-17). Jesus assured His disciples that agreeing together in prayer is especially effective, for “if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven” (Matthew 18:19). United intercessory prayer taps into divine power.
However, intercessory prayer is not like a magic formula, where following some technique automatically produces results. Our prayers must be offered in submission to God’s sovereign will, with trust in His wisdom and love (1 John 5:14-15). God promises to hear and answer our prayers according to His perfect purposes (Isaiah 65:24; 1 John 5:14-15). So we can pray with confident faith while entrusting ourselves and others to God’s care and keeping (Philippians 4:6-7).
Interceding for Others is a Privilege and Blessing
The Bible presents intercessory prayer as a privilege and blessing. What an honor to interact with the living God on behalf of our fellow human beings! We can approach the throne of grace with boldness because of Christ’s redemption (Hebrews 4:16). As we share people’s needs with our heavenly Father, we experience intimate fellowship with Him. We become more loving, less self-centered, and more invested in God’s work as we persistently intercede for others. Praying for others is also a blessing to us when the ones we pray for reciprocate by interceding for us before God’s throne.
Jesus Christ: Our Perfect Intercessory High Priest
The intercessory prayers that believers offer by faith merely reflect the perfect intercession of Jesus Christ. Jesus ever lives to make intercession for His people (Hebrews 7:25). He sympathizes with our weaknesses, so we can approach Him to find mercy and grace in every time of need (Hebrews 4:14-16). We have an advocate, Jesus Christ the righteous, who continually intercedes for us before the Father’s throne (1 John 2:1; Hebrews 9:24). Because Jesus bore our sins and intercedes for us, God hears our imperfect prayers. Our intercessory prayers participate in the perfect priestly mediation of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is our supreme intercessory High Priest.
Biblical Examples of Intercessory Prayer
Throughout Scripture, we find stories of God’s people interceding for others through prayer:
– Abraham prayed persistently for Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 18:16-33).
– Moses frequently interceded for wayward Israel (Exodus 32; Numbers 14:11-20).
– Samuel lamented and prayed for Saul even after God had rejected him as king (1 Samuel 15:11, 35).
– Daniel pleaded for God to restore Jerusalem after the exile (Daniel 9:1-19).
– Epaphras persistently labored in prayer for the Colossian church (Colossians 4:12-13).
– The early church prayed earnestly for Peter’s supernatural release from prison (Acts 12:5, 12).
– Paul frequently requested prayer that he would boldly proclaim the gospel (Ephesians 6:19-20; Colossians 4:3-4).
These examples inspire us to persistently intercede for others. God may graciously choose to answer our prayers, working powerfully through our intercessions.
How Should We Pray for Others?
Scripture guides how we should pray for others:
– Pray regularly and persistently (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
– Pray according to God’s will, seeking His glory (1 John 5:14; John 14:13).
– Pray with faith in Christ (John 16:24; James 1:6-8).
– Pray with thanksgiving to God (Philippians 4:6-7; 1 Thessalonians 5:18).
– Pray for both physical and spiritual needs (James 5:14-16; Matthew 9:37-38).
– Pray for authorities, unbelievers, ministers, the sick, fellow believers (1 Timothy 2:1-3; Matthew 5:44; Ephesians 6:19-20; James 5:14-16; 1 Thessalonians 5:25).
– Pray corporately with other believers (Matthew 18:19-20).
– Pray according to God’s revealed will in Scripture (1 John 5:14-15).
As we bring others’ needs to our heavenly Father, interceding biblically and persistently, our sovereign God promises to hear and answer according to His perfect will and timing.
Blessings from Intercessory Prayer
God blesses those who commit to intercede for others:
– We experience intimate fellowship with God as we interact with Him through prayer.
– We grow in Christlike love for others as we persistently bear their burdens in prayer.
– We receive joy when we see prayers answered and God glorified.
– We are reassured that others are interceding for us as well.
– We deepen bonds with other believers as we agree in united prayer.
– We gain confidence that Christ Himself is interceding for us as our High Priest.
– We know we are participating in advancing God’s kingdom through our prayers.
Intercessory prayer is a precious privilege! As we lift others up before God’s throne of grace, we receive untold spiritual blessings.
Conclusion
Intercessory prayer is a vital ministry believers are called to fulfill. As we intercede biblically for others – praying for authorities, the sick, ministers, fellow Christians, and even enemies – we participate in God’s redemptive plan. Though intercessory prayer requires sacrifice and persistence, it brings untold blessings. Most importantly, it connects us to Jesus Christ, our great High Priest whose prayers for us never cease. Empowered by Christ’s intercession, the prayers of His people avail much. Interceding for others demonstrates faith in our sovereign God, who promises to hear and answer our prayers according to His perfect will.
