What Is Intercessory Prayer?

Intercessory prayer is one of the most powerful and compassionate ways that we, as believers, can come before God on behalf of others. It involves standing in the gap for people who are facing challenges, whether those are physical, emotional, spiritual, or relational. In intercessory prayer, we are lifting up the needs of others, asking God to intervene in their lives, and trusting Him to work on their behalf.

But what exactly does intercession mean, and why is it so important? Many of us are familiar with praying for our own needs, but intercessory prayer takes it a step further—praying not for ourselves, but for others. It’s a selfless act of love, a way of showing compassion and care for those in need. Through intercession, we can partner with God to bring about healing, restoration, and breakthrough in the lives of others. This article will explore the purpose, power, and importance of intercessory prayer, while providing practical steps to get started.

Understanding Intercessory Prayer

At its core, intercessory prayer is praying for someone else. It’s not about asking for your own needs or desires, but about lifting up others and asking God to intervene in their lives. When you intercede, you stand before God on behalf of others, bringing their burdens to the Lord in prayer.

The Bible speaks of the power of intercessory prayer in many places. James 5:16, KJV says, “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” This reminds us that our prayers—especially when done in faith—have a significant impact. When we intercede, we partner with God to see His will fulfilled in the lives of those we are praying for.

What Is the Purpose of Interceding?

The purpose of intercessory prayer is to petition God on behalf of others. It’s an act of love and obedience, as we lift up the needs of friends, family, and even strangers. Intercession allows us to partner with God in His divine plan for others, seeking His will and guidance for their lives.

Intercession also reflects the heart of God. It shows that we care deeply for others and want to see them blessed, healed, and restored. As we intercede, we are not only praying for tangible needs like health or provision, but we are also asking for spiritual growth and renewal in the lives of others.

Why Is Intercessory Prayer Important?

Intercessory prayer is an act of love and compassion. Jesus Himself is our ultimate example of an intercessor, as He continually prays on our behalf before God the Father (Romans 8:34). Intercessory prayer reflects the heart of Christ, and as His followers, we are called to do the same.

Through intercession, we align ourselves with God’s will for others. It’s a way of showing care and concern for the lives of those around us, and it deepens our relationship with God. When we pray for others, we make room for God to move in their lives, providing comfort, healing, strength, and wisdom.

How to Start Intercessions

If you're new to intercessory prayer, or you want to strengthen your prayer life, here are a few steps to get started:

1.    Identify Needs – Take note of the people in your life who need prayer. It may be family, friends, coworkers, or even people you’ve heard about who are struggling.

2.    Ask the Holy Spirit for Guidance – Intercession isn’t just about praying your will for others—it’s about aligning with God’s will. Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you in how to pray.

3.    Pray with Scriptures – God’s Word is a powerful tool in intercessory prayer. Find relevant scriptures that speak to the situation or need of the person you're praying for.

4.    Pray Boldly and Persistently – Keep praying and do not lose heart (Luke 18:1). Intercession requires persistence, trusting that God hears and will respond in His perfect timing.

5.    Pray for God’s Will – While we often pray for specific outcomes, it's important to also pray for God’s will to be done in the lives of others. Trust that His plan is better than anything we can imagine.

By praying this way, you will become a true intercessor, partnering with God to bring about transformation in the lives of others.

If you're looking to dive deeper into intercessory prayer, our 30 Devotionals on Interceding Prayer eBook is a great resource. It provides insights into how intercession works, offers prayer prompts, and helps keep you encouraged in your prayer journey.

Join the Bible Study Club for More Prayer Resources

As you continue to grow in your prayer life, consider joining our Bible Study Club. It’s a great way to access additional tools and resources that can further support your spiritual growth, including guided Bible studies, discussion templates, and devotionals to enrich your prayer life.

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Power of Intercession

Intercessory prayer is not just a practice—it's a powerful way to partner with God in His work on earth. When we intercede for others, we reflect God's heart for people and invite His transformative power into their lives. Remember, it’s not about our strength, but God’s power at work through our prayers.

As you continue to intercede, don’t underestimate the impact of your prayers. Whether you see the immediate results or not, God is at work. Be persistent, be specific, and always trust that He hears you. And as you grow in your intercessory prayer journey, tools like the 30 Devotionals on Interceding Prayer eBook can guide and encourage you. You’re not alone in this journey—there's a community of believers who are also committed to praying for others. Consider joining the Bible Study Club to further enrich your understanding of prayer and build a strong foundation for your spiritual growth.

Keep interceding. Your prayers are making a difference.