The concept of Christians acting as missionaries in interceding for others is deeply rooted in the biblical mandate to love and serve one another. Intercession, the act of praying on behalf of others, is a vital aspect of Christian life and mission. It reflects the heart of God, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4).

Biblical Foundation

The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that underscore the importance of intercessory prayer. In the Old Testament, figures like Abraham and Moses are seen interceding for others. Abraham pleaded with God for the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 18:22-33), while Moses interceded for the Israelites after they sinned with the golden calf (Exodus 32:11-14).

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ Himself is the ultimate intercessor. He prayed for His disciples and all future believers, asking the Father to protect and sanctify them (John 17:9-21). The Apostle Paul frequently mentioned his prayers for the churches, demonstrating a missionary heart in his intercessory efforts. For instance, he wrote to the Ephesians, "I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers" (Ephesians 1:16).

The Call to Intercede

All Christians are called to be intercessors, reflecting the priestly role of believers. 1 Peter 2:9 states, "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." This priestly role includes the responsibility to pray for others, standing in the gap as advocates before God.

The Apostle Paul exhorts believers to engage in intercessory prayer in 1 Timothy 2:1 : "First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone." This directive emphasizes the universal scope of intercession, extending beyond personal concerns to include all people, especially those in positions of authority.

Intercession as Missionary Work

Intercessory prayer is a form of missionary work, as it aligns with the Great Commission to "go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19). Through prayer, Christians can reach beyond geographical and cultural boundaries, impacting lives and advancing God's kingdom worldwide. Intercession is a powerful tool in spiritual warfare, as believers contend for the souls of individuals and the transformation of societies.

The missionary aspect of intercession is further highlighted in Colossians 4:2-4 , where Paul requests prayer for open doors to proclaim the gospel: "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful, as you pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains."

Practical Application

Christians are encouraged to cultivate a lifestyle of intercessory prayer, integrating it into their daily spiritual practices. This can be done individually or corporately, as part of a church community. Believers are urged to pray for the lost, the persecuted church, missionaries, and global leaders, trusting in God's power to effect change.

Intercession requires a heart of compassion and a willingness to bear the burdens of others. Galatians 6:2 instructs, "Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." By interceding, Christians demonstrate love and obedience to Christ's command to love one another as He has loved us (John 13:34).

In summary, the call for all Christians to be as missionaries in interceding for others is a biblical mandate that reflects God's heart for humanity. Through intercessory prayer, believers participate in God's redemptive work, impacting lives and advancing His kingdom on earth.Colossians 4:3
With praying also for us, that God would open to us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hebrews 13:18
Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

James 5:16
Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that you may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The General Conference of 1832
... and the instructors we provide for them, shall all, as far ... of them up in the way
in which they should go ... a course likely to make our children Christians, to one ...
/.../chapter 11 the general conference.htm

Our Lord's Prayer for his People's Sanctification
... for granted that you who profess to be Christians have escaped ... a life work, and for
it we should seek the ... of the future, whose harvest would gladden all lands. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 32 1886/our lords prayer for his.htm

Israel at the Red Sea
... who are something between the two, who are neither Christians nor worldlings ... Where
should we put you at last ... two opinions, but just say, once for all, whom you ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/israel at the red sea.htm

Tit. 2:06 Thoughts for Young Men
... are serious in hell;"and why then should not you ... as we bye upon Him, that we are
strong Christians. ... only when self is nothing and Christ is all our confidence ...
/.../chapter xix tit 2 6 thoughts.htm

Carey's Family and Friends
... and other churches to the first body of Christians that would ... all the churches in
England and America should be drawn ... and of the one work in which all were the ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter viii careys family and.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1832 to the Beginning ...
... mission, it is necessary that they should know something ... them and their children
to all the miseries ... know something more respecting the God of the Christians. ...
/.../chapter 12 from the close.htm

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