Intercessory prayer, the act of praying on behalf of others, is a vital component of Christian life and practice. Within the context of the Church, intercessory prayer serves as a means of seeking divine intervention, guidance, and blessing for the collective body of believers. The New Testament provides numerous examples and exhortations for believers to engage in intercessory prayer for the Church, emphasizing its importance in maintaining spiritual health, unity, and growth.

Biblical Foundation

The Apostle Paul frequently highlights the necessity of intercessory prayer for the Church in his epistles. In Ephesians 6:18, Paul instructs believers to "pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." This passage underscores the continuous and vigilant nature of intercessory prayer, emphasizing its role in supporting the Church community.

In Colossians 1:9, Paul writes, "For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding." Here, Paul exemplifies intercessory prayer by seeking spiritual growth and discernment for the Church at Colossae, demonstrating the importance of praying for the Church's spiritual maturity and alignment with God's will.

Purpose and Focus

Intercessory prayer for the Church encompasses several key areas:

1. Unity and Harmony: Jesus Himself prayed for the unity of believers in John 17:21, saying, "that all of them may be one, Father, just as You are in Me and I am in You." Praying for unity within the Church is essential to reflect the oneness of the body of Christ and to present a unified witness to the world.

2. Spiritual Growth and Maturity: As seen in Paul's prayers, intercessory prayer seeks the spiritual development of the Church. Ephesians 3:16-19 highlights this focus: "I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith."

3. Protection and Perseverance: The Church faces spiritual warfare and opposition, necessitating prayers for protection and endurance. In 2 Thessalonians 3:3, Paul assures, "But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one." Intercessory prayer seeks God's safeguarding and fortitude for the Church amidst trials.

4. Mission and Evangelism: The Great Commission calls the Church to spread the Gospel. Intercessory prayer supports this mission, as seen in Acts 4:29-30, where the early Church prays for boldness in proclaiming the Word: "Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable Your servants to speak Your word with great boldness."

Role of Believers

Every believer is called to participate in intercessory prayer for the Church. James 5:16 encourages, "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." This verse highlights the communal aspect of prayer and the efficacy of righteous intercession.

Intercessory prayer for the Church is not limited to clergy or leaders but is a responsibility shared by all members of the body of Christ. Through prayer, believers can support their local congregations, the global Church, and the advancement of God's kingdom on earth.Psalm 122:6
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 62:6,7
I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night: you that make mention of the LORD, keep not silence,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Christ's Intercessory Prayer.
... CHRIST'S INTERCESSORY PRAYER. ... forget this earnest consideration of their state or
should ever come to ... Beginning with prayer for Himself, our Lord passes at the ...
/.../xvi christs intercessory prayer.htm

Intercessory Prayer
... should be public prayers, though offered in private ... text into use by offering an
intercessory prayer and then I ... THE PERSONS FOR WHOM WE SHOULD MORE PARTICULARLY ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/intercessory prayer.htm

Introductory Notice to the Early Liturgies.
... the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto My ... delivered a Homily
or Sermon, explanatory, it should seem, of ... "The great Intercessory Prayer. ...
/.../various/early liturgies/introductory notice to the early.htm

The Founding of Herrnhut, 1722-1727.
... rules which he had just drawn up for the ... service began; the "Confession" was offered
by the ... the Lord the incense of intercessory prayer should rise continually ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter iii the founding of.htm

The Last Discourses of Christ - the Prayer of Consecration.
... here, the Great High-Priest first offered up to the ... that' [in order that] the Father
should keep them ... In its last part this intercessory Prayer of the Great ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xi the last discourses.htm

The First Cry from the Cross
... our Saviour might have paused from intercessory prayer, it was ... when we read the
Saviour's prayer aright"it ... reason why you Christian people should not subside ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 15 1869/the first cry from the.htm

Confirmation.
... And should any one be ashamed of this public ... pastor, lift their hearts in earnest
intercessory prayer to God ... He receives the offered means of Grace, assents to ...
/.../the way of salvation in the lutheran church/chapter xii confirmation.htm

One of Paul's Prayers
... is inexhaustible instruction in our Lord's Intercessory Prayer; but we ... That your
faith should not stand in the wisdom of ... would never mock me by such a prayer. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/whyte/lord teach us to pray/xii one of pauls prayers.htm

The Arrest
... that Jesus said to Peter, "Put up again thy ... This saying occurs in His great intercessory
prayer, offered at the ... made that very evening, "If I should die with ...
/.../stalker/the trial and death of jesus christ/chapter i the arrest.htm

Doctrine and Discipline of the Church
... dictated to the Pope whom he should admit into ... The great increase in the whole
intercessory machinery of ... to the people, together with the Lord's Prayer and the ...
/.../medley/the church and the empire/chapter xi doctrine and discipline.htm

Why is daily prayer important? | GotQuestions.org

What is a prayer vigil? | GotQuestions.org

What are the different types of prayer? | GotQuestions.org

Prayer: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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