Intercessory prayer, the act of praying on behalf of others, is a significant aspect of Christian practice and is commanded in various passages of the Bible. This form of prayer is not only a demonstration of love and concern for others but also an act of obedience to God's directives.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible provides numerous examples and instructions regarding intercessory prayer. One of the clearest commands is found in the New Testament. In 1 Timothy 2:1-2, the Apostle Paul writes, "First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be offered for everyone—for kings and all those in authority—so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity." This passage underscores the importance of praying for all people, including leaders and those in positions of authority, highlighting the role of intercessory prayer in promoting peace and godliness.

In the Old Testament, the role of intercessory prayer is exemplified by figures such as Moses, who interceded for the Israelites on numerous occasions. In Exodus 32:11-14, Moses pleads with God to spare the Israelites after they sinned by worshiping the golden calf. His intercession is effective, as the Lord relents from bringing disaster upon His people.

Jesus as the Model Intercessor

Jesus Christ serves as the ultimate model of intercessory prayer. In John 17, often referred to as the High Priestly Prayer, Jesus prays for His disciples and all future believers. In John 17:20, He says, "I am not asking on behalf of them alone, but also on behalf of those who will believe in Me through their message." This prayer demonstrates Jesus' concern for His followers and His desire for their unity and protection.

Furthermore, Jesus' intercessory role continues in His heavenly ministry. Hebrews 7:25 states, "Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them." This ongoing intercession underscores the importance and power of intercessory prayer in the life of believers.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit also plays a crucial role in intercessory prayer. Romans 8:26-27 explains, "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans too deep for words. And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God." This passage highlights the Spirit's assistance in prayer, ensuring that our intercessions align with God's will.

Practical Application

Believers are encouraged to engage in intercessory prayer as a vital part of their spiritual lives. James 5:16 instructs, "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail." This verse emphasizes the effectiveness of intercessory prayer and its role in fostering healing and righteousness within the community of faith.

Intercessory prayer is a powerful tool for believers to support one another, seek God's intervention in various situations, and fulfill the biblical command to pray for others. Through intercession, Christians participate in God's redemptive work and demonstrate His love to the world.1 Timothy 2:1
I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

James 5:14,16
Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Secret Burden
... public, as you are permitted and enabled and commanded to pray for them in private.
It would be resented, and never forgiven. In intercessory prayer in public ...
//christianbookshelf.org/whyte/lord teach us to pray/xxii the secret burden.htm

Sanctified by the Truth.
... this agree the words of our Lord in His intercessory prayer. ... and to realize that
the Saviour's prayer is answered ... sin, the truth which we are commanded to buy ...
/.../clark/the theology of holiness/chapter xiv sanctified by the.htm

Covenanting Sanctioned by the Divine Example.
... Cross, and which is prophetic of his exercises there, and his intercessory prayer,
contain at ... other of the ten precepts is in the like manner commanded in them ...
/.../the ordinance of covenanting/chapter ix covenanting sanctioned by.htm

The Doctrines of Salvation A. Repentance. B. Faith. C. ...
... command (Col.4:2, RV; 1:Thess.5:17; we are commanded to take ... 1). In Jeremiah
(15:1) Moses and Samuel are represented as offering intercessory prayer for Israel ...
/.../evans/the great doctrines of the bible/the doctrines of salvation a.htm

The Gospel of John
... the Father, 14:1--- 16: 33; and offers the intercessory prayer committing his ... John
evidently commanded a fairly good Greek vocabulary, but does not attempt any ...
/.../drummond/introduction to the new testament/the gospel of john.htm

Putting God to Work
... intercourse with God, and showing the intercessory side of ... all things, that He might
answer prayer, and then ... Himself over to His praying ones to be commanded. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/the weapon of prayer/ii putting god to work.htm

The Founding of Herrnhut, 1722-1727.
... village judge; and the judge, no other than Toeltschig's father, commanded them
to ... this new temple of the Lord the incense of intercessory prayer should rise ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter iii the founding of.htm

The Perseverance of Faith
... Intercessory prayer never prevails until we bear the object of ... one of our friends
observed in prayer that there ... And he commanded the multitude to sit down on ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/the perseverance of faith.htm

Index.
... continued in sleep, xxix.9; effects of intercessory, xxxi.9 ... xxiv.7; had no visions
before the prayer of union ... singing of the Office, xxxi.26; commanded to labour ...
//christianbookshelf.org/teresa/the life of st teresa of jesus/index 2.htm

The Christ of the Gospels. By Rev. Professor Schaff.
... Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and ... and
his own eternal mode of existence; and in his intercessory prayer he asks to ...
/.../the christ of the gospels.htm

What is fervent prayer (James 5:16)? | GotQuestions.org

What is listening prayer? Are listening prayers biblical? | GotQuestions.org

Is there evidence that God answers prayer? | GotQuestions.org

Prayer: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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