The Ministry of Intercession
Prayer is one of the most profound ways we can connect with God. Through heartfelt conversation and petition, we draw closer to our Creator. But prayer encompasses another dimension often overlooked—the ministry of intercession. Intercessory prayer goes beyond our relationship with God. It is the act of praying on behalf of others, lifting their needs, hopes, and concerns before the throne of God. This powerful form of prayer can transform lives, ignite renewal, and reveal the boundless love of Christ.
In this blog post, we will explore intercessory prayer’s beauty and biblical foundation. We will see how it strengthens relationships, fuels faith, and aligns our hearts with God’s will. And we will look at Jesus, our ultimate model of selfless intercession.
What Does the Bible Say About Intercession?
Intercession has its roots in Scripture. Throughout the Bible, we find stories of faithful prayer warriors interceding on behalf of their people. From Moses to Paul, biblical heroes understood the power of intercession.
In Exodus 32, Moses’ prayers saved the Israelites from destruction after their idolatry. He appealed to God’s mercy, standing in the gap between a sinful people and a holy God. Centuries later, Paul consistently prayed for the fledgling churches under his care. His intercession helped lay the early church’s foundation (Ephesians 1:15-19).
James 5:16 also reminds us that the earnest prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. Biblical intercession changed hearts, shifted circumstances, and drew people closer to God.
How Does Intercessory Prayer Transform Lives?
Intercessory prayer makes a real difference. It brings breakthrough and renewal by:
· Strengthening Relationships: We develop empathy and compassion when we intercede for others. Our connections deepen, both with them and with God.
· Overcoming Obstacles: Through intercession, we tap into the endless resources of Christ. Prayers unlock solutions to complex issues and provide clarity in confusion.
· Fueling Faith: Answered prayers build our trust in God’s faithfulness. We begin to align our desires with His perfect will.
· Cultivating Humility: Intercession reminds us of our dependence on God. We seek His intervention rather than trusting in our limited strength.
· Guiding Our Priorities: The Holy Spirit shapes our perspectives as we intercede. We gain a fresh understanding of God’s heart for people.
In many ways, intercessory prayer is the engine room of renewal. It opens channels for God’s power to flow through stubborn obstacles. Lives steeped in prayer radiate the light of Christ.
From Dandelions to Bouquets
Picture a young child picking dandelions as a gift for his mother. The child eagerly gathers his bouquet, but his father intervenes. Lovingly, the father supplements the gift, adding beautiful flowers and removing weeds. With a radiant smile, he sends the boy to present the refined bouquet.
The child offers an earnest but imperfect gift, much like our prayers. But through intercession, Jesus lovingly refines our petitions. He infuses them with beauty, grace, and wisdom as they rise to the throne room.
Our prayers become like a fragrant offering, elevated and perfected through divine grace. Intercession transforms simple requests into gardens of worship before God’s throne.
Timeless Insights on Intercessory Prayer
Faithful believers have long understood the power of intercession.
· “True intercession involves bringing the person, or the circumstance that seems to be crashing in on you, before God, until you are changed by His attitude toward that person or circumstance.” –Oswald Chambers
· “Intercession is truly universal work for the Christian. No place is closed to intercessory prayer.” –Richard Halverson
· “Intercession is the noblest work to which men can give themselves.” –Andrew Murray
· “If I could hear Christ praying for me in the next room, I would not fear a million enemies—yet distance makes no difference—He is praying for me.” – Robert Murray M’Cheyene
The testimony of these believers reminds us that prayer transcends human understanding. As we bring situations before God, we see them through His eyes of grace and truth.
Jesus Christ: The Model Intercessor
No one demonstrates intercession more powerfully than Jesus Himself. On the cross of Calvary, despite agonizing pain, Jesus prayed for the very people crucifying Him. He interceded before the Father, “Forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Even in His darkest hour, selfless intercession filled Jesus’ heart.
Hebrews 7:25 tells us that He continues interceding today at the Father’s right hand. Christ prays for us constantly, bridging the gap between fallen humanity and a holy God. No prayer of ours is ever neglected. Our gracious High Priest purifies and lifts each one before the throne of mercy.
The Invitation to Intercede
Intercessory prayer is a privilege and responsibility for every Christian. God invites us to stand in the gap, praying earnestly for people in need (Ezekiel 22:30). But it is impossible without help from the Holy Spirit, who “intercedes for us with groans too deep for words” (Romans 8:26).
As we intercede, we must remember that prayer does not change God’s mind. He is unchanged and unchanging. Instead, prayer changes us. It aligns our hearts with the Father’s will and fills us with selfless concern for others. We become conduits of God’s grace.
May we embrace this sacred calling, approaching God’s throne of mercy with humility. Let the fragrance of intercession mark our lives. May the loving guidance of the Holy Spirit continually refine our petitions and deepen our connection with God.
Here are some practical action steps to help incorporate intercessory prayer into your daily life:
· Create a Prayer List. Make a list of people and situations that need prayer. Update it regularly and keep it where you’ll see it often as a reminder.
· Set Prayer Reminders. Use phone alarms, calendar alerts, or apps to remind yourself to pause for prayer at specific times each day. Consistency is key.
· Pray Through Your Contacts. Set aside time to pray through the names in your phone contacts and offer each person’s needs to God.
· Intercede During Daily Tasks. Pray for others while doing routine chores, errands, or commuting. Redeem the mundane time.
· Pray Before Meetings. Arrive early and intercede for each person who will attend. Ask God to guide conversations and decisions.
· Fast and Pray. Consider fasting from media, food, or other things to focus more intensely on prayer. Fasting and intercession often go hand-in-hand.
· Journal Your Prayers. Writing down your prayers can help you keep track of requests and God’s answers over time. It also prioritizes prayer.
· Join a Prayer Group. Praying with others provides friendship, accountability, and encouragement in intercession.
· Read About Intercession. Let books on prayer (authors such as Andrew Murray or E.M. Bounds) inspire and educate you. Apply what you learn.
With creativity and commitment, you can make intercessory prayer a natural part of your walk with God. Begin where you are, take small steps forward, and let your life overflow with prayer. Tell someone you are praying for them!
Josh Cehulik 