Purpose of Intercessory Prayer
Intercessory prayer is the act of standing in the gap and praying on behalf of others, seeking God’s intervention, mercy, and blessings in their lives. It is a powerful spiritual practice rooted in love, compassion, and faith, as seen throughout the Bible. Here are key purposes supported by Scripture:
- To Advocate for Others Before God Intercessory prayer reflects our love for others as we bring their needs before God. This is seen in the example of Moses, who prayed for Israel after their sin of idolatry:
- “And I fell down before the LORD, as at the first, forty days and forty nights: I did neither eat bread, nor drink water, because of all your sins which ye sinned… I prayed therefore unto the LORD, and said, O Lord GOD, destroy not thy people and thine inheritance.” (Deuteronomy 9:18-19)
- To Seek God’s Mercy and Forgiveness Intercession often involves pleading for God’s mercy for others, especially in times of judgment or sin.
- “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)
- To Strengthen Others Spiritually Intercession supports those who are weak in faith or facing spiritual battles.
- “But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” (Luke 22:32)
- To Bring Healing and Restoration Praying for others can lead to physical, emotional, and spiritual healing.
- “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” (James 5:16)
- To Align with God’s Will Intercession seeks to align human needs with God’s divine purposes, trusting His will to be done.
- “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10)
- To Imitate Christ’s Ministry Jesus serves as the ultimate intercessor, praying on behalf of humanity. Believers are called to follow His example.
- “Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.” (Romans 8:34)
- To Unite the Body of Christ Intercessory prayer fosters unity as believers bear one another’s burdens.
- “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)
In summary, intercessory prayer is a divine privilege and responsibility, allowing believers to participate in God’s work by seeking His grace and power for others. Through it, we demonstrate love, faith, and dependence on God, fulfilling His will for our lives and the lives of those we lift up in prayer.
