INTERCESSION
1. Definition
Intercession is the act of praying on behalf of another person, standing in the gap between their need and God’s mercy.
It is an expression of love, compassion, and spiritual responsibility.
To intercede is to carry someone else’s burdens before God—as Moses, Jesus, and the apostles did.
2. Biblical Foundations
A. Old Testament
Intercession appears throughout Scripture as a holy duty:
• Abraham pleading for Sodom (Genesis 18)
• Moses praying for Israel (Exodus 32; Numbers 14)
• Samuel interceding for the people (1 Samuel 12:23)
• Job praying for his friends (Job 42:10)
In each case, God responds to the prayers of His servants on behalf of others.
B. New Testament
Intercession becomes central to Christian identity:
• Jesus prays for His disciples (John 17)
• The early church intercedes for the imprisoned (Acts 12:5)
• Paul urges believers to pray “for all people” (1 Timothy 2:1)
3. Christ the Great Intercessor
At the centre of all Christian intercession stands Christ Himself.
A. In His earthly ministry
Jesus prayed for the sick, the lost, the disciples, and even His enemies: “Father, forgive them.” — Luke 23:34
B. In His exalted ministry
“He always lives to make intercession for them.” — Hebrews 7:25
C. The Advocate
Christ is the intercessor, mediator, high priest, and advocate before the Father.
All Christian intercession participates in His ongoing ministry.
4. The Holy Spirit’s Intercession
Romans 8 describes a second divine intercessor:
• The Spirit intercedes with groanings too deep for words (Romans 8:26–27)
• The Spirit prays within believers according to God’s will
Thus Christian intercession is:
• enabled by the Spirit
• offered through the Son
• received by the Father
It is the life of the Trinity expressed in prayer.
5. The Nature of Intercessory Prayer
A. Standing in the Gap
To intercede is to insert oneself between need and God, like a bridge.
B. Bearing Burdens
“Bear one another’s burdens.” — Galatians 6:2
C. Love in Action
You love someone when you carry their name into the presence of God.
D. Persistence
Intercession often requires enduring prayer—like the persistent widow (Luke 18).
E. Identification
The intercessor identifies with the pain and needs of others, just as Jesus identifies with ours.
6. Who Is Called to Intercede?
All Christians.
Paul instructs believers to intercede:
• for rulers
• for the church
• for the lost
• for the suffering
• for enemies
Intercession is not a special ministry for the few; it is the heartbeat of a priestly people.
7. Forms of Intercession
• Praying for the sick
• Praying for salvation
• Praying for deliverance
• Praying for nations
• Praying for the church
• Praying for enemies
• Praying for comfort and healing
• Praying for spiritual growth of others
Intercession may be silent, spoken, written, or expressed through tears and groaning.
8. The Power of Intercession
A. God responds to intercessory prayer
Scripture repeatedly shows that God moves in response to the prayers of His people.
B. Intercession changes the intercessor
Compassion grows. Pride dies. Love deepens.
C. Intercession changes situations
God chooses to work through prayer.
D. Intercession pushes back darkness
It is a weapon in spiritual warfare.
9. The Heart Attitude of an Intercessor
• Humility
• Compassion
• Boldness
• Patience
• Faith
• Surrender to God’s will
“Not my will, but Yours be done.”
10. Why Intercession Matters
• It reflects the heart of Jesus
• It binds the church together in love
• It transforms people and nations
• It expresses faith in God’s power
• It participates in God’s redemptive work
• It brings heaven’s will to earth
Intercession is the Church standing on behalf of a hurting world, lifting others to the throne of grace.
In Daily Faith: Pray faithfully for the needs of others, the church, and the world.
In Daily Life: Practicing Intercession
Intercession is not merely a ministry for a few spiritual giants; it is a calling for every believer who desires to love God and others well.
1. Begin Each Day by Asking God Whom to Pray For
Biblical Guidance
• Jeremiah 33:3
• John 10:27
Daily Practice
• Keep a small prayer list.
• Pray immediately when someone comes to mind.
Why It Matters
Beginning your day with intercession aligns your heart with God’s heart.
It trains you to listen, notice, and respond to the Spirit’s prompting.
Encouragement
God will bring people to mind because He trusts you to pray — you are partnering with Him.
2. Pray for People When You Meet or Think of Them
Biblical Guidance
• 1 Thessalonians 5:17
• Hebrews 10:24 + James 5:16 (combined themes)
Daily Practice
• Pray silently as people share burdens.
• Bless strangers as you pass them.
• Turn every interaction into prayer.
Why It Matters
Intercession transforms ordinary moments into sacred opportunities.
It keeps your heart soft, compassionate, and attentive.
Encouragement
Your quiet, unseen prayers may be the very thing God uses to change someone’s day — or life.
3. Pray Scripture Over People
Biblical Guidance
• Hebrews 4:12
Daily Practice
• Use Scripture as your prayer language.
• Pray promises, not just problems.
Why It Matters
Praying Scripture aligns your intercession with God’s revealed will.
It strengthens faith and brings clarity when words fail.
Encouragement
When you pray God’s Word, you pray with heaven’s authority — your prayers carry weight.
4. Carry Others’ Burdens in Prayer
Biblical Guidance
• Galatians 6:2
Daily Practice
• Lift burdens prayerfully, not emotionally.
• Bring names to the Father after difficult conversations.
Why It Matters
Intercession frees you from carrying burdens alone — you place them in God’s hands.
It deepens empathy without overwhelming your soul.
Encouragement
God sees every burden you carry for others — and He carries you as you carry them.
5. Pray for Leaders, Authorities, and Situations in the World
Biblical Guidance
• 1 Timothy 2:1–2
Daily Practice
• Pray when you read the news.
• Pray for pastors, teachers, employers, officials.
Why It Matters
Interceding for leaders shapes nations, churches, and communities.
It aligns your heart with God’s desire for justice, peace, and righteousness.
Encouragement
Your prayers reach places you cannot go — God moves through them.
6. Lift Up Those Who Are Hard for You to Love
Biblical Guidance
• Matthew 5:44
• Romans 12:21
Daily Practice
• Pray for difficult coworkers or family members.
• Bless those who frustrate you.
Why It Matters
Intercession softens your heart and breaks cycles of bitterness.
It transforms enemies into people you see through Christ’s eyes.
Encouragement
God can change your heart — and theirs — through your prayers.
7. Set Aside Specific Time Each Day to Intercede
Biblical Guidance
• Psalm 5:3
• Daniel 6:10
Daily Practice
• Choose a consistent time.
• Keep a short, regular prayer list.
Why It Matters
Intentional rhythms form spiritual maturity.
Regular intercession builds perseverance and depth.
Encouragement
Even five faithful minutes a day can reshape your spiritual life.
8. Partner With the Holy Spirit
Biblical Guidance
• Romans 8:26–27
Daily Practice
• Ask the Spirit to pray through you.
• Trust God when words fail.
Why It Matters
Intercession is not your strength — it is God praying through you.
This frees you from pressure and invites divine partnership.
Encouragement
When you don’t know what to pray, the Spirit does — and He intercedes perfectly.
9. Pray Immediately — Don’t Delay
Biblical Guidance
• Proverbs 3:27
Daily Practice
• Pray on the spot when someone asks.
• Offer short, faith-filled prayers.
Why It Matters
Immediate prayer builds faith and obedience.
It turns requests into real encounters with God.
Encouragement
Your willingness to pray now can be a lifeline for someone in need.
10. Give Thanks When God Answers
Biblical Guidance
• 1 Thessalonians 5:18
• Psalm 103:2
Daily Practice
• Record answered prayers.
• Thank God aloud.
• Share testimonies.
Why It Matters
Gratitude strengthens faith and reminds you that God is active.
It fuels future intercession with confidence.
Encouragement
Every answered prayer — big or small — is a sign of God’s nearness and care.
11. Intercede With a Heart of Surrender
Biblical Guidance
• Luke 22:42
• Proverbs 3:5
Daily Practice
• Release people into God’s care after praying.
• Trust God’s timing and wisdom.
Why It Matters
Surrender keeps intercession from becoming anxiety.
It anchors your heart in God’s sovereignty and goodness.
Encouragement
God hears every prayer — and He answers with perfect love, even when you cannot yet see it.
Summary: How to Live a Life of Intercession Daily
✔ Pray for others as part of your daily rhythm
✔ Use Scripture to guide your prayers
✔ Respond immediately when someone shares a burden
✔ Rely on the Holy Spirit
✔ Pray for leaders and nations
✔ Intercede for enemies and difficult people
✔ Keep a prayer list
✔ Give thanks for every answered prayer
“The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” — James 5:16
Scripture References:
1 Timothy 2:1–2
Romans 8:26–27
James 5:16