Intercessory prayer, the act of praying on behalf of others, is a significant theme throughout the Bible, and the book of Isaiah provides profound insights into this spiritual practice. Isaiah, a major prophet in the Old Testament, is often seen as a mediator between God and the people of Israel, exemplifying the role of an intercessor.

Isaiah's Role as an Intercessor

Isaiah's prophetic ministry occurred during a tumultuous period in Israel's history, marked by political instability and spiritual decline. As a prophet, Isaiah was called to deliver God's messages to the people, often urging them to repent and return to the Lord. His role as an intercessor is evident in his prayers and pleas for the nation.

In Isaiah 37, we see a clear example of intercessory prayer. When King Hezekiah received a threatening letter from the Assyrian king Sennacherib, he sought Isaiah's counsel. Isaiah responded with a message of hope and assurance from the Lord, indicating that God had heard Hezekiah's prayer. Isaiah 37:21-22 states, "Then Isaiah son of Amoz sent a message to Hezekiah: 'This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: Because you have prayed to Me concerning Sennacherib king of Assyria, this is the word the LORD has spoken against him.'"

The Power of Intercession

Isaiah's intercessory role highlights the power and importance of prayer in influencing divine action. His prayers were not mere petitions but were rooted in a deep understanding of God's character and promises. Isaiah's intercession was effective because it aligned with God's will and purpose for His people.

In Isaiah 53, the prophetic vision of the Suffering Servant is often interpreted as a foreshadowing of Christ's intercessory work. Isaiah 53:12 states, "Therefore I will allot Him a portion with the great, and He will divide the spoils with the strong, because He poured out His life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. Yet He bore the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors." This passage underscores the ultimate act of intercession, where the Servant bears the sins of many, pointing to the redemptive work of Jesus Christ.

Isaiah's Vision of a Praying Community

Isaiah's prophecies also envision a future where God's people are characterized by prayer and intercession. In Isaiah 56:7 , the Lord declares, "I will bring them to My holy mountain and make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on My altar; for My house will be called a house of prayer for all the nations." This vision emphasizes the inclusivity and centrality of prayer in the worship of God, extending beyond Israel to all nations.

Lessons from Isaiah's Intercessory Prayer

Isaiah's example teaches several key lessons about intercessory prayer. First, it demonstrates the importance of aligning one's prayers with God's will. Isaiah's prayers were effective because they were grounded in the promises and purposes of God. Second, it highlights the role of the intercessor as a mediator who stands in the gap for others, advocating on their behalf before God. Lastly, Isaiah's vision of a praying community calls believers to embrace their role as intercessors, not only for their own needs but for the needs of others and the world.

In summary, the book of Isaiah provides a rich tapestry of intercessory prayer, illustrating its power, purpose, and potential to bring about divine intervention and transformation. Through Isaiah's example, believers are encouraged to engage in intercessory prayer with faith, aligning their petitions with the will of God and trusting in His sovereign plan.2 Chronicles 32:20
And for this cause Hezekiah the king, and the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz, prayed and cried to heaven.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Philip, the Evangelist
... at least he had found, a Greek copy of the prophecies of Isaiah, and this ... and in
the same spirit He prayed for them in His great intercessory prayer: "As Thou ...
/.../milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/philip the evangelist.htm

The Psalmist --Setting the Lord
... of Isaac and the God of Jacob, and the God of Moses and Isaiah; but best ... To have
seen and heard His intercessory prayer with His eyes lifted up to Heaven after ...
/.../whyte/lord teach us to pray/viii the psalmistsetting the lord.htm

Putting God to Work
... cry, and he shall say, Here I am" (Isaiah 58:9 ... a striking illustration of the nature
of prayer, intercourse with God, and showing the intercessory side of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/the weapon of prayer/ii putting god to work.htm

Chapter xviii
... Isaiah 41:8; 2 Chronicles 20:7; James 2:23. ... of the chapter, v.16-33, can be treated
under heads such as "The Boldness of Faith," or "Intercessory Prayer at its ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xviii.htm

Travailing for Souls
... to enter into the particular application of our text as Isaiah uttered it ... went not
forth to preach until he had spent nights in intercessory prayer, and uttered ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/travailing for souls.htm

The Epistle of St. James
... on personal conduct, and that the one condition of having prayer answered
unconditionally ... thought more generally, using a simile from the book of Isaiah (xl. ...
/.../moffat/the general epistles james peter and judas/the epistle of st james.htm

The Johannine Writings
... mind, by a sufficient hint, the fifty-third chapter of Isaiah, as the Old ... allusion
to His death has been found in our Lord's intercessory prayer: For their ...
/.../denney/the death of christ/chapter 5 the johannine writings.htm

The Work of Christ.
... In Isaiah we find a word which speaks of Him, "He shall ... praise and Glory, is made
possible through His blessed intercessory work and ... Encouragement for Prayer. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gaebelein/the work of christ/ii the work of christ.htm

Farewell Discourse to Disciples.
... people had been such a vine (Isaiah 5:1 ... of supplementing their personal deficiencies
by prayer made effective ... use of Christ's name for intercessory purposes was ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cxxi farewell discourse to disciples.htm

Exposition of the Doctrines of Grace
... The Rev. George Wyard, of Deptford, offered prayer. The REV. ... In his own house of
prayer he must and will maintain that which he believes to be true. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/exposition of the doctrines of.htm

Questions about Prayer (All) | GotQuestions.org

What is the purpose of prayer? | GotQuestions.org

What is a prayer circle? | GotQuestions.org

Prayer: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus