Topical Encyclopedia
Intercessory prayer, a profound and vital aspect of Christian life, involves praying on behalf of others, seeking God's intervention, guidance, and blessings for them. This practice is deeply rooted in Scripture and reflects the heart of Christ's ministry, as well as the teachings of the apostles.
Biblical FoundationThe concept of intercessory prayer is woven throughout the Bible, with numerous examples demonstrating its importance and efficacy. One of the earliest instances is found in
Genesis 18:22-33, where Abraham intercedes for Sodom, pleading with God to spare the city if righteous people can be found within it. This passage highlights the power of intercession and God's willingness to listen to the prayers of His faithful servants.
In the New Testament, Jesus Christ Himself is the ultimate intercessor.
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." Christ's role as an intercessor is central to His priestly ministry, continually advocating for believers before the Father.
The Apostle Paul frequently engaged in intercessory prayer, as seen in his letters to the early churches. 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 prayers for the spiritual growth and well-being of the believers exemplify the selfless nature of intercession.
Theological SignificanceIntercessory prayer is an expression of love and compassion, reflecting the character of God who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth (
1 Timothy 2:4). It is an act of standing in the gap, as described in
Ezekiel 22:30 , where God seeks someone to "stand before Me in the gap on behalf of the land so that I should not destroy it."
This form of prayer acknowledges the interconnectedness of the body of Christ, where believers are called to bear one another's burdens (
Galatians 6:2). Through intercession, Christians participate in God's redemptive work, aligning their hearts with His purposes and demonstrating faith in His power to transform lives and situations.
Practical ApplicationEngaging in intercessory prayer requires a heart attuned to the needs of others and a willingness to seek God's will above all. It involves listening to the Holy Spirit's prompting and being persistent in prayer, as encouraged in
1 Thessalonians 5:17 : "Pray without ceasing."
Believers are encouraged to pray for various needs, including the salvation of the lost, the healing of the sick, the guidance of leaders, and the strengthening of the church.
James 5:16 underscores the effectiveness of such prayers: "The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail."
Intercessory prayer is not limited to personal petitions but extends to global concerns, reflecting the expansive nature of God's kingdom. Christians are called to pray for peace, justice, and the spread of the Gospel, trusting in God's sovereignty and His ability to work through their prayers to accomplish His divine purposes.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
1 Samuel 12:19And all the people said to Samuel, Pray for your servants to the LORD your God, that we die not: for we have added to all our sins this evil, to ask us a king.
Torrey's Topical TextbookHebrews 13:18
Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
Christ's Intercessory Prayer.
... CHRIST'S INTERCESSORY PRAYER. ... First, Jesus prays for Himself; and His prayer is,
"Father, glorify Thy ... to yield ourselves to the Spirit of Christ and seek to be ...
/.../xvi christs intercessory prayer.htm
Faith of Sinners in Prayer
... Revivals begin when sinners seek the prayers of ... the wonderful influence these men
of prayer had with ... So intercessory prayer predominated in those early days of ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/bounds/prayer and praying men/xi faith of sinners in.htm
Prayer and Desire
... are shut up to the Name, merit and intercessory virtue of ... Thus praying is, after
all, inspired to seek after God. Prayer-desire is inflamed to see God, to have ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/the necessity of prayer/iv prayer and desire.htm
Address in Lambeth Chapel, at the First Session of the Lambeth ...
... souls have looked with deep interest to the ... is quickening Christian hearts to seek
for unity. ... There must be unceasing, prevailing intercessory prayer for those ...
//christianbookshelf.org/whipple/five sermons/iv address in lambeth chapel.htm
Putting God to Work
... And ye shall seek me and find me, when ye shall search for me ... of the nature of prayer,
intercourse with God, and showing the intercessory side of prayer. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/the weapon of prayer/ii putting god to work.htm
The Journey through Perea to Jerusalem
... visit to the feast of Dedication is due to John's interest in the ... a way of escape
if Israel would return and seek the Lord ... The intercessory prayer"John 17:1-26 ...
/.../rhees/the life of jesus of nazareth/v the journey through perea.htm
The Founding of Herrnhut, 1722-1727.
... Church himself; he had no special interest in her ... they resolved to quit Moravia,
and seek for other ... of the Lord the incense of intercessory prayer should rise ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter iii the founding of.htm
The Epistle of St. James
... Wisdom denoted an absorbing interest in human relationships ... the one condition of
having prayer answered unconditionally ... tried by temptation may seek to excuse ...
/.../moffat/the general epistles james peter and judas/the epistle of st james.htm
The Christ of the Gospels. By Rev. Professor Schaff.
... all-absorbing devotion to God with untiring interest in the ... what they do." He did
not seek or hasten ... mode of existence; and in his intercessory prayer he asks ...
/.../the christ of the gospels.htm
The Johannine Writings
... is not the place at which to seek for the ... interest of the nation, and this great
interest of the ... has been found in our Lord's intercessory prayer: For their ...
/.../denney/the death of christ/chapter 5 the johannine writings.htm
Resources
What is fervent prayer (James 5:16)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is listening prayer? Are listening prayers biblical? | GotQuestions.orgIs there evidence that God answers prayer? | GotQuestions.orgPrayer: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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Bible Thesuarus
