The Power and Practice of Intercessory Prayer

Intercession is the sacred act of standing in the gap, praying on behalf of others and intervening before God for those in need of divine mercy and grace. It is a powerful spiritual discipline that can alter outcomes through intense, earnest prayer (1 Kgs 13:6; Ps 106:23; Jas 5:16).

Understanding the Biblical Foundation of Intercession

Intercession is praying on behalf of others, intervening before God for those in need of divine mercy and grace with intense earnest prayer, to alter the outcome of what otherwise would have happened. Through prevailing praying we are "urged to make requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving for everyone...who wants all people to be saved...travailing until Christ be formed in them for His glory", regardless of the personal cost to ourselves (Gal 4:19; 1 Tim 2:1,3-4).

Focused intense prayer is the most aggressive, proactive and beneficial work we can engage in for God's Kingdom. It is not just a quick one-time prayer, but rather a request that is brought before the Lord many times until there is a breakthrough (Lk 18:1-8). "You don't have because you don't ask" so "Ask and you will receive" (Jn 16:24; Jas 4:2).

It is asking God to intervene and move in the lives of others

Reflecting the Old Testament pattern, as believers we have a ministry as priests, to stand between a righteous God and sinful man (1 Pet 2:5-9; Rev 1:6, 5:10). In Old Testament times the blood of animal sacrifices was the means of approach before God; today because the blood sacrifice of Jesus was complete and does not have to be repeated we can approach God boldly bringing the sacrifice of our own lives, and praise to Him in intimate relationship (Rom 12:1; Heb 4:14-16, 13:15).

The Calling and Responsibility of Intercessors

An intercessor, compelled by the seriousness of sin and its consequences when people are walking in rebellion with God, petitions the Lord to intervene and bring about a change of heart in them. While He will not override their free will it is asking they will choose to conform to His ways.

All Christians are to be intercessors

In humility, yet with a boldness claiming God's Word that it is "not His will that any should perish" in hell, and that prayers spoken in faith will bring results, the pray-er claims God's promise – "I will do whatsoever you ask in my name…" (Mt 7:7-11; Jn 14:13; 2 Pet 3:9; 1 Jn 5:14-15). The Lord is displeased when there is no intercession on behalf of the lost, with no one pleading for them. Instead, may this be our commitment, "I will certainly not sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you" (1 Sam 12:23; Isa 59:16). It is God's desire that every believer be active in intercessory prayer. What a wonderful privilege we have in being able to come boldly before the throne of Almighty God with our prayers and requests! So while we don't have the right to demand anything we can declare what He has said.

Old Testament cities were typically surrounded by a protective wall yet when there was a breach or weak point enemies could enter and attack the people. Soldiers standing in the gap able to repel invaders is a vivid picture of the role of an intercessor to protect vulnerable people who for whatever reason are unable to defend or pray for themselves (Ezek 22:30). Jesus stood in the gap between the judgement of a righteous God and us guilty sinful humanity, who because of our sin has left us vulnerable to divine punishment. His sacrifice on the cross was the only acceptable payment to protect and restore us to God (1 Tim 2:5; 1 Pet 3:18).

We are to follow His example and stand on behalf of others by pointing people to God and praying strategically because this is spiritual warfare on behalf of those whose minds are enslaved in ignorance and unable to effectively fight their own battles (Jn 13:15; 2 Cor 4:4; Eph 6:12). True intercessory prayer seeks not only to know God's will and see it fulfilled, but to see it fulfilled whether it benefits us and regardless of what it costs us. True intercessory prayer seeks God's glory, not our own.

The power of intercession is under-estimated until experienced

Divine Partnership and Intercessory Characteristics

The Holy Spirit and Jesus are interceding for us before God's throne (Isa 53:12; Rom 8:26-27,34; Heb 7:25). The Bible instructs, "Pray in the Spirit on all occasions…keep on praying for all the saints". Paul exhorted his readers to "Be faithful in prayer...Pray also for me…Devote yourselves to prayer…pray for us" (Rom 12:12; Eph 6:18-19; Col 4:2-3). When he mentions "Pray without ceasing" this refers to having an attitude of prayer all the time, indicating a dependency on God (1 Thes 5:17).

Characteristics of an intercessor include: an intimacy with God; a boldness to speak up and challenge God's stance as Abraham did (Gen 18:22-25); a conviction of God's justice; a concern for God's glory, not personal respect or honour; a dedication to the task, risking their own life; a willingness to identify with those being interceded for, using 'we' rather than 'they' (Dan 9:5-6).

Reflection and Application:

Consider how God might be calling you to stand in the gap for others through intercessory prayer.
Identify specific individuals or situations that need persistent prayer and spiritual intervention.
Develop a regular prayer routine that includes interceding for others, not just personal needs.
Seek to cultivate the characteristics of an effective intercessor: intimacy with God, boldness, and dedication.