Prayers of intercession are prayers that focus on the needs of others. God’s heart is moved to action when we pray on the behalf of others. In fact, Ezekiel 22:30, indicates that God is searching and waiting for people to stand in the gap so He may respond mercifully:
“And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.”
The “gap” here refers to the danger facing Jerusalem: God’s judgment was about to fall on the sinful city. Unfortunately, there was no one to intercede on behalf of the city and seek God’s mercy.
Today, God continues to look for those who will stand in the gap and make up the hedge. In His sovereignty, God has chosen to use the prayers of the saints to accomplish His will in the lives of others.
Why should we pray for others?
Galatians 6:2 tells us to “carry each other’s burdens,” and one way we do that is by lifting the concerns of others to God in prayer. Praying for one another is crucial to being a member of the Body of Christ and a way in which we show love for others.
Furthermore, the Bible instructs us to pray for one another and intercede on someone else’s behalf. When the circumstances of our brothers and sisters become overwhelming, we can be their voice, calling out to God for help:
“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints,” (Ephesians 6:18, NKJV).
“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men,” (1 Timothy 2:1, NKJV).
“Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much,” (James 5:16, NKJV).
Example prayers of intercession in the Bible
- Abraham interceded for the sinful people in Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 18:16-33).
- Isaac prayed that Rebekah would have children (Genesis 25:21).
- David made prayers of intersession for his firstborn son, by Bathsheba. He spent the night lying in sackcloth on the ground (2 Samuel 12:16).
- Esther stood in the gap for her people with prayer and fasting. As a result, she saved them from Haman who wanted them destroyed (Esther 8).
- Jesus prayed for His disciples and all believers in His final hours before being arrested (John 17:6-26). He also prayed for those who crucified Him (Luke 23:34).
- The Church earnestly prayed for Peter who was in prison (Acts 12:5).
- Paul, the apostle, prayed several times for his brothers and sisters in Christ (Ephesians 1:15-20; 31:14-21; Philippians 1:9-11; Colossians 1:3-12).
How to pray an intercessory prayer
- Pray in a detailed request. Consider the needs of the individuals you desire to pray for and write them down next to their names. Be specific in your request concerning them. God knows everything, but it’s good for us to clearly understand what we are praying for.
- Remind God of His promises. The Bible is filled with promises God made to His people, and He is faithful to keep His Word. So, before you begin to pray, search the Scriptures for promises that relate to the need of the person you are interceding for. Then, confidently remind God of His promises in His Word and trust Him to bring them to pass in their lives.
- Pray fervently. The Bible tells us, “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much,” (James 5:16). To pray fervently means to pray persistently until God answers, no matter how long it takes.
There are times when what we pray for will manifest instantly; however, there will be times when we must wait before we receive what we are believing God for. For this reason, we must be persistent in prayer and trust that God‘s timing is perfect (Habakkuk 2:3, NLT). - Pray in faith. Hebrews 11:6 says, “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Therefore, to pray in faith is to first believe that God exists and then to acknowledge that He rewards those who diligently seek Him. So, as you pray, stand firm in faith and take confidence in God’s power to overcome any obstacle.
- Be led by the Spirit. Sometimes we do not know the needs of those we are interceding for. This is one of the important roles of the Holy Spirit. He knows where the need is and then guides us in our prayer for that person (Romans 8:26-27).
- Thank God in advance for the answer. Thanking God should not only be done after receiving an answer to our prayers, but it should be made before we see our prayers answered. Before raising Lazarus from the dead, Jesus thanked His Father that He had heard His prayer (John 11:41-44). Also, Jesus gave thanks before the miracle of feeding the five thousand with the five loaves and two fish (John 6:10-12). Thanking God before our prayers are answered is an act of faith, and faith, according to God’s Word, brings answers to prayer (Matthew 21:22).
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