Topical Encyclopedia
Intercessory prayer, the act of praying on behalf of others, is a vital aspect of the Christian faith, deeply rooted in Scripture. It reflects the love and compassion believers are called to exhibit, as well as their trust in God's power and willingness to intervene in the lives of others.
Biblical FoundationsThe Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that encourage believers to engage in intercessory prayer. One of the most profound examples is found in the life of Jesus Christ, who serves as the ultimate intercessor. In
John 17, often referred to as the High Priestly Prayer, Jesus prays for His disciples and all future believers, demonstrating His deep concern and love for them: "I am not asking on behalf of them alone, but also on behalf of those who will believe in Me through their message" (
John 17:20).
The Apostle Paul also emphasizes the importance of intercessory prayer in his epistles. In
1 Timothy 2:1, he writes, "First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone." Paul’s exhortation underscores the necessity of praying for all people, including leaders and those in authority, as a means of fostering peace and godliness in society.
Old Testament ExamplesThe Old Testament is replete with instances of intercessory prayer. Abraham's plea for Sodom and Gomorrah (
Genesis 18:22-33) is a notable example, where he intercedes for the righteous within the cities. Moses, too, frequently interceded for the Israelites, as seen in
Exodus 32:11-14, where he implores God to relent from His anger after the people worship the golden calf.
Encouragement from the PsalmsThe Psalms offer encouragement for intercessory prayer, highlighting the psalmists' reliance on God to act on behalf of others.
Psalm 122:6 urges believers to "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: 'May those who love you prosper.'" This call to prayer reflects a broader principle of seeking the welfare of others through intercession.
New Testament TeachingsThe New Testament further encourages intercessory prayer through the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. In
Matthew 5:44, Jesus instructs His followers, "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." This radical call to pray for adversaries exemplifies the transformative power of intercessory prayer in aligning believers with God's will and love.
James 5:16 also highlights the efficacy of intercessory prayer: "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 passage reassures believers of the effectiveness of their prayers when offered in righteousness and faith.
Role of the Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in intercessory prayer, assisting believers in their weaknesses and interceding on their behalf.
Romans 8:26-27 states, "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 through wordless groans. 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."
ConclusionIntercessory prayer is a powerful expression of love and faith, deeply embedded in the biblical narrative. Believers are encouraged to engage in this practice, trusting in God's ability to work through their prayers for the benefit of others and the advancement of His kingdom.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
James 5:16Confess 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 Textbook1 John 5:16
If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not to death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not to death. There is a sin to death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
Intercessory Prayer
... endeavour to say something BY WAY OF ENCOURAGEMENT, that you may cheerfully offer
intercessory supplications. First, remember that intercessory prayer is the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/intercessory prayer.htm
One of Paul's Prayers
... is inexhaustible instruction in our Lord's Intercessory Prayer; but we ... his own hand
this combined challenge and encouragement. ... never mock me by such a prayer. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/whyte/lord teach us to pray/xii one of pauls prayers.htm
Paul and his Praying (Continued)
... the angel appeared unto him with that message of encouragement and assurance of ... As
he urged intercessory prayer on others, so he interceded himself for others ...
/.../bounds/prayer and praying men/xiv paul and his praying.htm
The Journey through Perea to Jerusalem
... a Pharisee's table (xi.37-52), the warning to the disciples against pharisaism
(xii.1-12), and the encouragement of the ... The intercessory prayer"John 17:1-26. ...
/.../rhees/the life of jesus of nazareth/v the journey through perea.htm
The Perseverance of Faith
... desire to bless his name, and I tell it for the encouragement of any ... Intercessory
prayer never prevails until we bear the object of our prayer upon our heart ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/the perseverance of faith.htm
Putting God to Work
... nature of prayer, intercourse with God, and showing the intercessory side of prayer. ...
He was greatly in earnest, and had every encouragement to press his ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/the weapon of prayer/ii putting god to work.htm
The Deepest Need of the Church Today is not for any Material or ...
... That is the real intercessory missionary ... when he was only twenty-one years of age,
he had a definite answer to prayer that was a great encouragement to his ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/bounds/purpose in prayer/chapter xi the deepest need.htm
The Work of Christ.
... And such a life, which is unto His praise and Glory, is made possible through His
blessed intercessory work and His presence in ... Encouragement for Prayer. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gaebelein/the work of christ/ii the work of christ.htm
The Epistle of St. James
... those who, like Pope's lady, are for ever in a passion or a prayer.' But he ... Luke
16:19 f., or of Sirach xxviii.1-7. In the positive encouragement, the merciful ...
/.../moffat/the general epistles james peter and judas/the epistle of st james.htm
Exposition of the Doctrines of Grace
... Shall see the Top Stone rise. The Rev. George Wyard, of Deptford, offered prayer.
The REV. ... It is a great encouragement to a seeking soul. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/exposition of the doctrines of.htm
Resources
Why is daily prayer important? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a prayer vigil? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the different types of prayer? | GotQuestions.orgPrayer: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
