The Power of Prayer – Intercession
Understanding the Role of Intercession
Every person has things in their life that they care deeply about—family, friends, church, community, and even government. When these aspects of our lives are not as they should be, we long for change. Fortunately, as believers, we have a powerful tool to bring about transformation—intercession.
What Does the Bible Teach About Intercession?
Intercession is a vital component of a believer’s prayer life. The Bible distinguishes between different types of prayer:
- Supplication – Simply asking God for something.
- Prayer – A broad term encompassing all communication with God.
- Giving of Thanks – Expressing gratitude and praise to God.
- Intercession – Standing in the gap for others, bringing their needs before God.
Intercession is not just encouraged but commanded in Scripture and modeled by many biblical figures.
Biblical Examples of Intercession
Old Testament Examples
- Abraham interceded for Lot and his family (Genesis 18:22-23).
- Moses pleaded with God not to destroy Israel. His prayer brought mercy to the people so that the children and young adults could enter the promised land despite the evil choices of their elders. (Numbers 14:5-6, 20).
- Samuel interceded for Israel after they repented from idolatry, leading to God’s intervention against the Philistines (1 Samuel 7:5).
- Prophets like Amos, Ezekiel, and Elijah also stood as intercessors for the people.
New Testament Examples
- Paul prayed for:
- The salvation of Israel (Romans 10:1).
- A spirit of unity within the church (Romans 15:5-6).
- Believers to know God and understand their spiritual inheritance (Ephesians 1:15-23).
- Stephen interceded for his enemies as they stoned him (Acts 7:59-60).
- Jesus continually intercedes for us at the right hand of God (Romans 8:34). He also prayed for Peter that his faith would not fail (Luke 22:31-32).
How Does This Apply to Us Today?
The Call to Intercede
God commands us to intercede. He is actively looking for those willing to stand in the gap and pray for the needs of others:
- Ezekiel 22:30 – God searches for someone to intercede on behalf of the land.
- Ezekiel 33:6 – We will be held accountable for failing to intercede when we see danger coming.
Intercession strengthens Christian fellowship and is an antidote for selfishness. As Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote:
“A Christian fellowship lives and exists by the intercession of its members for one another, or it collapses. I can no longer condemn or hate a brother for whom I pray, no matter how much trouble he causes me. His face, that hitherto may have been strange and intolerable to me, is transformed in intercession into the countenance of a brother for whom Christ died, the face of a forgiven sinner.”
The urgency of intercession is also emphasized by Leonard Ravenhill:
“If we had more sleepless nights in prayer, there would be fewer souls to have a sleepless eternal night in hell.”
Taking Action
Intercession is a powerful force for change. We must pray for our families, church, community, and world as believers. By intentionally committing to intercession, we align ourselves with God’s heart and become instruments of His will.
For more information on prayer and intercession, the following books are excellent resources (please note I receive a small commission for books purchased through this blog):
How to Labor in Prayer for Breakthrough
The Intercessors Handbook: How to Pray with Boldness, Authority, and Supernatural Power
Intercessory Prayer: How Can Can Use Your Prayers to Move Heaven and Earth
Will you take up the call to intercede today? What specific areas are you asking God to intervene in?
I would love to hear your comments and pray in agreement with you!
Blessings,
Erin
