Intercession prayer, intercession in prayer, prayer intercessor – these are all terms that often come up in discussions about faith and spirituality. But what do they truly mean? In this article, we will delve into the biblical definition of intercession and explore its significance in the lives of believers.
Key Takeaways:
Intercession, derived from the Latin “intercedo,” is the act of praying or petitioning to God on behalf of others.
Intercession in prayer involves standing in the gap between God and individuals or situations, bringing their needs and concerns before Him.
A prayer intercessor is someone who selflessly advocates for others in prayer, seeking God’s intervention and blessings in their lives.
Intercession prayer is a powerful spiritual practice that allows believers to partner with God in bringing about His purposes and plans.
Throughout the Bible, there are numerous examples of intercession prayer, demonstrating the heart and desire of individuals to seek God’s will for others.
The Importance and Power of Intercession Prayer
Intercession prayer is a powerful spiritual practice that can have a profound impact on both the individual interceding and the recipients of their prayers. It allows believers to partner with God in bringing about His purposes and plans in the lives of others. Through intercession prayer, we have the opportunity to demonstrate our love, compassion, and care for others by lifting their needs and concerns before God.
Intercession prayer requests involve bringing specific needs and concerns before God, seeking His intervention, guidance, healing, or provision. It is an act of faith and humility, recognizing our dependence on God and His ability to bring about transformation and change. When we intercede on behalf of others, we are acknowledging that we cannot meet all their needs ourselves, but we trust in God’s power and love to work in their lives.
Intercession prayer is not just about asking for things; it is also about aligning our hearts with God’s will and seeking His wisdom and guidance. Through intercession, we can experience a deepening of our relationship with God as we seek His heart and desires for the people and situations we are praying for. We can be assured that our prayers are not in vain, for God hears and answers the prayers of His people according to His perfect timing and purposes.
“Prayer is not asking. It is a longing of the soul. It is daily admission of one’s weakness. It is better in prayer to have a heart without words than words without a heart.” – Mahatma Gandhi
Intercession prayer is a powerful tool that allows us to participate in God’s work in the world. It is an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others and to see God’s power and love at work. As we intercede, we can trust that God will use our prayers to bring about His will and to bring healing, restoration, hope, and blessings to those we pray for. Therefore, let us embrace the importance and power of intercession prayer, knowing that our prayers have the potential to bring about remarkable change and impact lives.
Benefits of Intercession Prayer
Scriptural Promises
Brings comfort and peace
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7
Brings healing and restoration
“Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven.” – James 5:14-15
Brings deliverance and breakthrough
“And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.” – Acts 4:31
Biblical Examples of Intercession Prayer
Throughout the Bible, we find inspiring examples of intercession prayer. These stories demonstrate the power and impact of lifting up the needs of others before God. Let’s explore some of these biblical instances:
Abraham: Pleading for Sodom and Gomorrah
Abraham’s intercession for the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah is a remarkable example of his heart for others. In Genesis 18:23-32, Abraham boldly approached God, pleading for mercy and interceding on behalf of the righteous people living in those cities. His selfless prayers demonstrate his deep concern for the well-being of others.
Moses: Interceding for God’s People
Moses, known for his close relationship with God, frequently interceded on behalf of the Israelites. In Exodus 32:9-14, we see Moses pleading with God to spare the people after their rebellion. He fervently prayed for their forgiveness and restoration, showcasing his role as an intercessor between God and His people.
Jesus: The Ultimate Intercessor
When it comes to intercession prayer, Jesus is the perfect example. In John 17, known as the High Priestly Prayer, Jesus intercedes for His disciples, praying for their protection, unity, and sanctification. He also extends His intercession to future believers, including us, affirming His continuous advocacy for those who follow Him.
Intercession Prayer Example
Biblical Reference
Abraham interceding for Sodom and Gomorrah
Genesis 18:23-32
Moses interceding for God’s people
Exodus 32:9-14
Jesus interceding for His disciples
John 17
These biblical examples of intercession prayer inspire us to follow in the footsteps of faithful intercessors. They remind us of the privilege and responsibility we have to stand in the gap for others, seeking God’s mercy, blessings, and intervention in their lives.
The Role of Jesus as the Ultimate Intercessor
The meaning of intercession prayer takes on a profound significance when considering the role of Jesus as the ultimate intercessor. His sacrificial death and resurrection paved the way for believers to approach God with confidence, knowing that Jesus continually intercedes for them before the Father. The depths of Jesus’ intercession prayer meaning lie in His ongoing advocacy for believers’ needs, forgiveness, and spiritual growth.
As we strive to follow Jesus’ example, there are various intercession prayer techniques we can adopt in our own lives. By partnering with Jesus in prayer for others, we align our hearts with His and seek His will to be accomplished. Intercession prayer is not just about presenting a list of requests, but about interceding on behalf of others with a genuine desire to see God’s intervention in their lives.
“For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus” – 1 Timothy 2:5
Jesus serves as the perfect example of love, compassion, and selflessness in intercession prayer. He carried the weight of humanity’s sins and interceded for forgiveness, demonstrating the depths of His love and desire for reconciliation. As believers, we can draw inspiration from His example, utilizing intercession prayer techniques to impact the lives of others and deepen our own spiritual journey.
Intercession Prayer Techniques
Description
Praying with empathy
Putting ourselves in others’ shoes and genuinely empathizing with their struggles, needs, and desires. This allows us to pray with greater understanding and compassion.
Praying with faith
Approaching intercession prayer with unwavering faith in God’s power and willingness to answer prayers. Trusting that He can bring about transformation and change.
Praying with surrender
Submitting our own desires and agendas to God, surrendering ourselves to His will and seeking His guidance and wisdom in interceding for others.
Praying with persistence
Continually bringing the needs of others before God, persisting in prayer even when answers seem delayed or elusive. Trusting in His perfect timing.
Intercession prayer is not just a religious duty, but a deeply personal and transformative practice. By understanding the role of Jesus as the ultimate intercessor and adopting intercession prayer techniques, we can draw closer to God, impact the lives of others, and experience the power of prayer in our own lives.
Conclusion
Intercession prayer is a powerful and transformative practice that holds great significance in the Christian faith. Through intercession, believers have the opportunity to stand in the gap for others, lifting their needs, concerns, and desires to God. It is a selfless act of love and compassion, demonstrating our heart’s desire to see God’s intervention and blessings in the lives of those we intercede for.
As we engage in intercession prayer, it is important to remember that Jesus Christ serves as the ultimate intercessor. His sacrificial death and resurrection opened the door for us to approach God with confidence, knowing that He hears and answers our prayers. Jesus continues to intercede for us, advocating for our needs and desires before the Father. We can find inspiration and guidance in His example, learning to align our hearts with His and seeking His will in our intercession.
Intercession Prayer Guide
To engage in effective intercession prayer, it is helpful to have a guide to follow. Here are a few techniques to consider:
Identify specific needs: Take time to identify the specific needs and concerns of the person or situation you are interceding for. This allows you to pray with focused intention and clarity.
Pray with faith: Approach intercession prayer with faith, believing that God is able to answer and bring about His purposes. Trust in His wisdom and sovereignty, even when the outcome is unknown to you.
Pray with persistence: Intercession is not a one-time event but a continuous act of standing in the gap for others. Be persistent in your prayers, continually bringing their needs before God and seeking His intervention.
Pray with humility: Recognize your own dependence on God and His wisdom. Approach intercession with humility, knowing that it is only through His grace and mercy that your prayers have power and impact.
By following these intercession prayer techniques and embracing the role of intercessor, you can make a significant difference in the lives of others and experience the transformative power of prayer in your own spiritual journey.
FAQ
What is intercession prayer?
Intercession prayer is the act of praying or petitioning to God on behalf of others. It involves standing in the gap between God and individuals or situations, offering supplications, petitions, and requests to God on their behalf.
Why is intercession prayer important?
Intercession prayer is important because it allows believers to partner with God in bringing about His purposes and plans in the lives of others. It is a powerful spiritual practice that can have a profound impact on both the individual interceding and the recipients of their prayers.
Are there examples of intercession prayer in the Bible?
Yes, throughout the Bible, there are numerous examples of intercession prayer. Patriarchs like Abraham, Moses, and Jacob interceded on behalf of others, seeking God’s mercy, justice, and blessings. The intercessory prayers of the prophets, such as Samuel, Elijah, and Elisha, also reveal their heart for God’s people and their desire for God’s will to be accomplished.
What is the role of Jesus in intercession prayer?
Jesus Christ is the ultimate and perfect intercessor. His sacrificial death and resurrection bridged the gap between humanity and God, making it possible for us to approach God with confidence. Jesus continually intercedes for believers before the Father, advocating for our needs, forgiveness, and spiritual growth.
How can I practice intercession prayer in my own life?
To practice intercession prayer, you can partner with Jesus in prayer for others, seeking His will and aligning your heart with His. You can bring specific needs and concerns before God, seeking His intervention, guidance, healing, or provision. Through faith and humility, you can make a difference through intercession prayer.
