Intercessory prayer is one of the most powerful and compassionate forms of prayer in the Christian faith. It is the act of praying on behalf of others—lifting them up to God in faith and asking for His intervention in their lives. Whether it’s for someone’s healing, salvation, protection, or guidance, intercessory prayer reflects the heart of love, compassion, and concern for others.
The Bible contains numerous passages that teach and encourage the practice of intercession. From Moses standing in the gap for Israel to Jesus interceding for His followers, intercession has been a vital part of God’s plan to bring about transformation and change. It is a way to express God’s love for others and to be used by God to bring His will to fruition in their lives.
In this article, we will explore 20 Bible verses on intercessory prayer, offering insight into the biblical foundation for interceding on behalf of others and encouraging believers to embrace this powerful tool in their spiritual lives.
1. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 (KJV)
“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.”
This passage encourages believers to pray for all people, including those in positions of authority. Intercession is an act of selflessness, and here, Paul emphasizes its role in promoting peace and godliness.
2. Romans 8:34 (KJV)
“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.”
In this verse, we see Jesus interceding for us at the right hand of the Father. His intercession is an essential part of our salvation, and He continues to pray for us, demonstrating the power of intercessory prayer.
3. Hebrews 7:25 (KJV)
“Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.”
This verse underscores the importance of Christ’s intercession. He is ever-living to intercede for us, securing our salvation and standing before the Father on our behalf.
4. James 5:16 (KJV)
“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 encourages believers to pray for each other, highlighting the power and effectiveness of intercessory prayer. This verse reminds us that our prayers for others can have a significant impact, bringing healing and restoration.
5. Ezekiel 22:30 (KJV)
“And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.”
God searches for intercessors who will stand in the gap for others. This verse illustrates the importance of interceding for the needs of others, preventing judgment and destruction through prayer.
6. Exodus 32:11-14 (KJV)
“And Moses besought the Lord his God, and said, Lord, why doth thy wrath wax hot against thy people, which thou hast brought forth out of the land of Egypt with great power, and with a mighty hand? … And the Lord repented of the evil which he thought to do unto his people.”
Moses interceded on behalf of Israel when they sinned against God. His prayer of intercession led to God’s mercy, demonstrating how powerful intercession can be in averting disaster and inviting divine grace.
7. 1 John 5:14-15 (KJV)
“And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.”
This verse emphasizes the confidence believers have when praying according to God’s will. When we intercede for others, trusting in God’s will, we can be confident that He will hear us and answer according to His purposes.
8. Romans 8:26-27 (KJV)
“Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.”
The Holy Spirit helps in our intercession, especially when we don’t know how to pray. He intercedes for us with groanings, ensuring that our prayers align with God’s will, which is a comforting thought when interceding for others.
9. Luke 22:31-32 (KJV)
“And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.”
Jesus interceded for Peter, knowing that Satan sought to destroy him. This act of intercession helped Peter remain strong in his faith, demonstrating how powerful and protective intercession can be.
10. John 17:9 (KJV)
“I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.”
In His high priestly prayer, Jesus interceded for His followers. This verse shows the personal nature of intercession, as Jesus specifically prayed for those who belonged to the Father.
11. 1 Timothy 2:3-4 (KJV)
“For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.”
Paul encourages believers to pray for all people because God desires for everyone to be saved. Intercession is an act of aligning our prayers with God’s will, seeking the salvation of others.
12. Isaiah 59:16 (KJV)
“And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him.”
God searches for an intercessor to stand in the gap for the people. This verse highlights the importance of intercessory prayer in fulfilling God’s will, especially in times of crisis and need.
13. Genesis 18:23-32 (KJV)
“And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked? … And he said, I will not destroy it for ten’s sake.”
Abraham interceded for the people of Sodom and Gomorrah, pleading for God to spare the righteous. His persistent intercession is a powerful example of how to intercede with boldness and persistence.
14. Jeremiah 27:18 (KJV)
“But if they be prophets, and if the word of the Lord be with them, let them now make intercession to the Lord of hosts, that the vessels which are left in the house of the Lord, and in the house of the king of Judah, and at Jerusalem, go not to Babylon.”
Jeremiah called for intercession during a time of impending judgment, demonstrating the role of intercessory prayer in seeking God’s mercy in difficult situations.
15. Isaiah 62:6-7 (KJV)
“I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the Lord, keep not silence.”
Isaiah encourages watchmen to continually intercede, never ceasing to pray for Jerusalem. Intercessory prayer should be persistent, not ceasing until God answers.
16. Psalm 106:23 (KJV)
“Therefore he said that he would destroy them, had not Moses his chosen stood before him in the breach, to turn away his wrath, lest he should destroy them.”
Moses interceded for Israel during their rebellion, and his prayers turned away God’s wrath. This verse shows how intercession can change the course of events, sparing people from destruction.
17. Daniel 9:3 (KJV)
“And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting and sackcloth and ashes.”
Daniel engaged in intercessory prayer with deep humility and repentance, seeking God’s mercy for the people of Israel. This verse demonstrates how intercession requires dedication and sincerity.
18. Matthew 7:7 (KJV)
“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.”
While this verse is often applied to personal prayer, it can also apply to intercession. When we intercede for others, we are encouraged to ask, seek, and knock with the expectation that God will answer.
19. Romans 15:30 (KJV)
“Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me.”
Paul requests the prayers of others, asking for intercession on his behalf. This verse underscores the importance of praying for others, especially for those in ministry.
20. Matthew 5:44 (KJV)
“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.”
Intercessory prayer is also for those who persecute us. Jesus teaches us to pray for our enemies, showing that our prayers should extend even to those who oppose or harm us.
Conclusion
Intercessory prayer is a vital aspect of the Christian faith, and these 20 Bible verses provide a foundation for understanding its importance. As we intercede for others, we align our hearts with God’s will, acting as vessels through which God’s love, mercy, and power flow into the lives of those we pray for.
In a world that is broken and full of challenges, intercessory prayer is a powerful tool that can bring about transformation, healing, and salvation. May we be inspired by these scriptures to engage in fervent and faithful prayer, lifting up the needs of others and trusting in God’s sovereign will.
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