What Is Intercession?
The privilege, responsibility, and opportunity of praying for others
To intercede is to pray on behalf of another, to go between, or advocate for someone. Here are two quick examples of intercession, both from Mark:
In the seventh chapter, we see the Savior in the region of Decapolis (v. 31). In the next verse, they brought to Him [one who was deaf] and they implored Him to lay His hand on him.
These folks implored - that is asked fervently, begged perhaps - for the Lord to do something only He could do.
This Imploring is Intercession, a standing in between
Again, this time in chapter 8, Jesus is now in Bethsaida. In verse 22, they brought to Him a man who could not see, and again the ESV records they implored Him to touch him.
In both instances, Jesus responded to the imploring - the asking, and He healed them.
How much may we also ask the Lord for others to hear and to see [Him]?!
Our Lord Christ is the ultimate intercessor, having gone between God and us. We can read the great prayer of intercession in John 17, about His intercession on the cross, and even now interceding at the right hand of the Father.
Paul’s letters are full of intercessory praying. And in the Old Testament, we find examples of this going between God and man in prayer in the likes of Abraham, Moses, David, Samuel, Hezekiah, Elijah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel.
Intercessory prayer may be considered an act of selfless love, an expression of God’s own love for us. And then through our praying for others, express His love to them. We have a divine opportunity to participate in the work of the Lord as He uses us to bless those we pray for.
Who do we pray for?
In part, we pray for friends (Job 42:8), the sick (James 5:14), ministers of the church (Philippians 1:19); those in authority, and all people (1 Timothy 2:1, 2); neighbors far and wide (Romans 10:1); enemies (Matthew 5:44); any who forsake us (2 Timothy 4:16); and of course, the church—the people of God (Colossians 4:12).
We can all, and all should, engage in intercessory praying. There are some who will pray more than others, but none of us is exempt from seeking the Father in Jesus name on behalf of another. Who will pray for your family? YOU will. Who will pray for your pastor? YOU will. Who will pray for your neighbor, mayor, dentist, plumber, teacher, etc? YOU will.
Yes, you for your circle of people, and so on. Perhaps because no one else will. They may not know you, or that you’ve been holding them before the Lord and imploring Him. But, the Father who sees in secret will reward you: But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. - Matthew 6:6 ESV
What an immense privilege, responsibility, and opportunity!
A privilege to be involved in the Lord’s work, a responsibility for you may be the only person to pray for that person, and an opportunity see answers to the prayers.
Pray, for others.
Praying the Word of God on Behalf of the People of God
Thu - 1 Peter 4: 7-9
Fri - 1 Peter 5: 10, 11
Sat - 2 Peter 1: 2, 3
Sun - 2 Peter 3: 18
Will you join us in praying these verses, and ask one person to join you?