Intercession, the act of intervening or mediating on behalf of another, is a significant theme throughout the Bible. It is portrayed as a powerful expression of love, compassion, and faith, where individuals stand in the gap between God and others, pleading for divine intervention, mercy, or guidance. The following examples illustrate the profound role of intercession in biblical narratives.

Abraham for Sodom and Gomorrah

One of the earliest examples of intercession is found in the account of Abraham, who pleads with God on behalf of the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. Aware of the impending judgment due to the cities' wickedness, Abraham approaches God with humility and boldness. In Genesis 18:23-24 , Abraham asks, "Will You really sweep away the righteous with the wicked? What if there are fifty righteous people in the city?" Abraham continues to negotiate with God, reducing the number to ten, demonstrating his deep concern for the righteous and his belief in God's justice and mercy.

Moses for Israel

Moses frequently interceded for the Israelites, especially during times of rebellion and disobedience. After the incident of the golden calf, God expresses His intention to destroy the people and make a great nation from Moses. However, Moses intercedes on their behalf, appealing to God's promises and reputation among the nations. In Exodus 32:11-13 , Moses implores, "O LORD, why does Your anger burn against Your people, whom You brought out of the land of Egypt with great power and a mighty hand?" His intercession is marked by a selfless desire for God's glory and the well-being of the people.

Samuel for Israel

The prophet Samuel is another notable intercessor. When the Israelites demand a king, rejecting God's direct rule, Samuel is displeased. Yet, he continues to pray for them, demonstrating his commitment to their spiritual welfare. In 1 Samuel 12:23 , Samuel declares, "As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you. And I will continue to teach you the good and right way." Samuel's intercession is characterized by his dedication to prayer and instruction, even in the face of the people's rejection.

David for His People

King David, known for his heart after God, also exemplifies intercession. During a plague that strikes Israel as a consequence of his sin in taking a census, David pleads with God to spare the people. In 2 Samuel 24:17 , David cries out, "I am the one who has sinned and done wrong. But these sheep, what have they done? Please let Your hand fall upon me and my father's house." David's intercession is marked by his willingness to take responsibility and his deep concern for the people under his care.

Elijah for Israel

The prophet Elijah intercedes for Israel during a time of spiritual drought and apostasy. On Mount Carmel, Elijah prays for God to reveal Himself to the people and turn their hearts back to Him. In 1 Kings 18:37 , Elijah prays, "Answer me, O LORD, answer me, so that this people will know that You, O LORD, are God, and that You have turned their hearts back again." Elijah's intercession is a powerful demonstration of faith and a desire for national repentance and revival.

Jesus for His Disciples and Believers

The ultimate example of intercession is found in Jesus Christ, who intercedes for His disciples and all believers. In John 17, often referred to as the High Priestly Prayer, Jesus prays for His followers' protection, unity, and sanctification. In John 17:20-21 , He prays, "I am not asking on behalf of them alone, but also on behalf of those who will believe in Me through their message, that all of them may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I am in You." Jesus' intercession is characterized by His love, foresight, and desire for the spiritual well-being of His followers.

Paul for the Churches

The Apostle Paul frequently intercedes for the early Christian churches, expressing his deep concern for their spiritual growth and well-being. In his letters, Paul often begins with prayers of thanksgiving and intercession. For instance, in Ephesians 1:16-17 , Paul writes, "I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in your knowledge of Him." Paul's intercession is marked by his pastoral heart and desire for the churches to grow in faith and understanding.

These examples from Scripture highlight the vital role of intercession in the life of God's people, demonstrating its power to bring about change, mercy, and divine intervention.Genesis 48:15-20
And he blessed Joseph, and said, God, before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac did walk, the God which fed me all my life long to this day,
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Exodus 32:31,32
And Moses returned to the LORD, and said, Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold.
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Exodus 34:9
And he said, If now I have found grace in your sight, O LORD, let my LORD, I pray you, go among us; for it is a stiff necked people; and pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us for your inheritance.
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Numbers 10:35,36
And it came to pass, when the ark set forward, that Moses said, Rise up, LORD, and let your enemies be scattered; and let them that hate you flee before you.
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Numbers 27:16,17
Let the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, set a man over the congregation,
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Joshua 7:7-26
And Joshua said, Alas, O LORD God, why have you at all brought this people over Jordan, to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us? would to God we had been content, and dwelled on the other side Jordan!
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Judges 5:31
So let all your enemies perish, O LORD: but let them that love him be as the sun when he goes forth in his might. And the land had rest forty years.
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Ruth 2:12
The LORD recompense your work, and a full reward be given you of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings you are come to trust.
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1 Samuel 1:17
Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant you your petition that you have asked of him.
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1 Samuel 12:23
Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way:
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2 Samuel 24:17
And David spoke to the LORD when he saw the angel that smote the people, and said, See, I have sinned, and I have done wickedly: but these sheep, what have they done? let your hand, I pray you, be against me, and against my father's house.
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1 Kings 8:29,38,39,44,45
That your eyes may be open toward this house night and day, even toward the place of which you have said, My name shall be there: that you may listen to the prayer which your servant shall make toward this place.
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1 Chronicles 29:18,19
O LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, our fathers, keep this for ever in the imagination of the thoughts of the heart of your people, and prepare their heart to you:
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2 Chronicles 6:40,41
Now, my God, let, I beseech you, your eyes be open, and let your ears be attentive to the prayer that is made in this place.
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2 Chronicles 30:18,19
For a multitude of the people, even many of Ephraim, and Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun, had not cleansed themselves, yet did they eat the passover otherwise than it was written. But Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, The good LORD pardon every one
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Psalm 7:9
Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just: for the righteous God tries the hearts and reins.
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Psalm 12:1
Help, LORD; for the godly man ceases; for the faithful fail from among the children of men.
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Psalm 20:1-4
The LORD hear you in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob defend you;
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Psalm 25:22
Redeem Israel, O God, out of all his troubles.
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Psalm 28:9
Save your people, and bless your inheritance: feed them also, and lift them up for ever.
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Psalm 36:10
O continue your loving kindness to them that know you; and your righteousness to the upright in heart.
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Psalm 51:18
Do good in your good pleasure to Zion: build you the walls of Jerusalem.
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Psalm 80:1,2,14,15,17,19
Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, you that lead Joseph like a flock; you that dwell between the cherubim, shine forth.
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Psalm 122:7,8
Peace be within your walls, and prosperity within your palaces.
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Psalm 125:4
Do good, O LORD, to those that be good, and to them that are upright in their hearts.
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Psalm 132:8-10
Arise, O LORD, into your rest; you, and the ark of your strength.
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Psalm 134:3
The LORD that made heaven and earth bless you out of Zion.
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Psalm 141:5
Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head: for yet my prayer also shall be in their calamities.
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Isaiah 62:1
For Zion's sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burns.
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Isaiah 63:17-19
O LORD, why have you made us to err from your ways, and hardened our heart from your fear? Return for your servants' sake, the tribes of your inheritance.
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Isaiah 64:8-12
But now, O LORD, you are our father; we are the clay, and you our potter; and we all are the work of your hand.
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Jeremiah 18:20
Shall evil be recompensed for good? for they have dig a pit for my soul. Remember that I stood before you to speak good for them, and to turn away your wrath from them.
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Ezekiel 9:8
And it came to pass, while they were slaying them, and I was left, that I fell on my face, and cried, and said, Ah Lord GOD! will you destroy all the residue of Israel in your pouring out of your fury on Jerusalem?
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Ezekiel 11:13
And it came to pass, when I prophesied, that Pelatiah the son of Benaiah died. Then fell I down on my face, and cried with a loud voice, and said, Ah Lord GOD! will you make a full end of the remnant of Israel?
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Daniel 9:3-19
And I set my face to the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes:
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Joel 2:17
Let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare your people, O LORD, and give not your heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: why should they say among the people, Where is their God?
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Micah 7:14
Feed your people with your rod, the flock of your heritage, which dwell solitarily in the wood, in the middle of Carmel: let them feed in Bashan and Gilead, as in the days of old.
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Matthew 5:44
But I say to you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which spitefully use you, and persecute you;
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Matthew 6:10
Your kingdom come, Your will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
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Acts 7:60
And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
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Acts 8:15
Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
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Romans 1:9
For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;
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Romans 10:1
Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.
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1 Corinthians 1:3
Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
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2 Corinthians 9:10,14
Now he that ministers seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)
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2 Corinthians 13:7
Now I pray to God that you do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that you should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.
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Galatians 1:3
Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ,
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Galatians 6:16
And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and on the Israel of God.
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Ephesians 1:15-19
Why I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love to all the saints,
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Ephesians 3:14-19
For this cause I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
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Philippians 1:3-5,9,10
I thank my God on every remembrance of you,
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Colossians 1:3,4,9
We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,
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Colossians 2:1,2
For I would that you knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;
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Colossians 4:12
Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, salutes you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.
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1 Thessalonians 1:2
We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers;
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1 Thessalonians 3:10,12,13
Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?
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1 Thessalonians 5:23
And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
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2 Thessalonians 1:11
Why also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power:
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2 Thessalonians 2:16,17
Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which has loved us, and has given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,
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2 Thessalonians 3:5,16
And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.
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2 Timothy 1:3,18
I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of you in my prayers night and day;
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2 Timothy 2:7
Consider what I say; and the Lord give you understanding in all things.
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2 Timothy 4:16
At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.
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Philemon 1:4-6
I thank my God, making mention of you always in my prayers,
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Hebrews 13:20,21
Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,
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1 Peter 5:10
But the God of all grace, who has called us to his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that you have suffered a while, make you perfect, establish, strengthen, settle you.
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'Because of his Importunity'
... very fact which Abraham thought contrary to justice is continually exemplified in
Providence ... xix.29), so that there had been unrecorded intercession for him too ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/because of his importunity.htm

The Noble Results of this Species of Prayer
... Jesus Christ hath exemplified this in the Gospel: Martha did what was right; but ...
should pray for as we ought; but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us ...
/.../guyon/a short and easy method of prayer/chapter xxi the noble results.htm

Chrysostom as Deacon, Priest and Preacher at Antioch. AD 381-398.
... He exemplified his preaching by a blameless life, and soon acquired great reputation
and won ... and agony, but the city was saved by the intercession of Bishop ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/chapter vi chrysostom as deacon priest.htm

The Flood-Tide of Power.
... attending it should be so closely allied in our minds with the Spirit-filled life
which he exemplified so unusually. ... Intercession will become the life mission. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on power/the flood-tide of power.htm

Blair -- the Hour and the Event of all Time
... words which I have now read, began that solemn prayer of intercession for the ... exhibited
and the justice of the divine government awfully exemplified, in Christ ...
/.../kleiser/the worlds great sermons volume 3/blair the hour and.htm

The Universal Gift
... ends, and discernment of proper courses for a nation, such as were exemplified in
Joseph ... He is the Spirit of intercession; and whenever in my soul there move ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/the universal gift.htm

Homilies on Galatians and Ephesians.
... Fasting, a means of intercession, [268]101. ... Government, in its origin paternal,
[302]82; must be centered in one, [303]146; exemplified in a household, [304]159 ...
/.../homilies on galatians and ephesians.htm

Introductory Notice to the Early Liturgies.
... seem, of the Scripture which had been read, and exciting the people to an imitation
of the virtues therein exemplified. ... General Intercession for Quick and Dead ...
/.../various/early liturgies/introductory notice to the early.htm

A More Particular Account of the Way by which this Salvation is to ...
... Which is exemplified at large."11. ... To thine atonement, obedience, and intercession,
O thou holy and ever-acceptable High Priest, would I trust. ...
/.../the rise and progress of religion in the soul/chapter ix a more particular.htm

St. Malachy's Apostolic Labours, Praises and Miracles.
... of the Lord was making intercession for him, who maketh intercession for the ... of a
sept would be appointed, according to prevalent custom, exemplified in the ...
/.../chapter vi st malachys apostolic.htm

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