Intercessory prayer is praying to God on behalf of another. The word ‘intercessor’ means intermediary, arbitrator, mediator; ‘to meet with, come between.’ An Intercessor intervenes on behalf of another. It is advocating to God on behalf of someone else in Prayer. Epaphras in Colossians 4:12 is a valid example of fervently praying for the needs of others. The Bible states:
Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.
Abraham also interceded for Sodom and Gomorrah, when they were about to be destroyed because of their sins (Genesis 18:22-33). His intercession led to the preservation of Lot, his nephew. The Bible states that Jesus intercedes on our behalf, as believers, before God. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus (1 Timothy 2:5).
This kind of prayer is a powerful way to express your love and compassion for others. The truth is, whatsoever you make happen for others, God will make happen for you (Luke 6:39-40). Intercession can bring about a positive transformation in the life of the intercessor. In Job 42:10, God turned around the captivity of Job after he prayed for his friends.
Understand that intercession can be done for individuals, groups, communities and nations. lt is a privilege and a responsibility to stand in the gap for others and take their needs before God’s throne of grace, to partner with Him in His purposes for them.
For instance, Moses prayed intercessory prayers for the children of Israel many times, as they provoked God to anger in the wilderness. Through the prayer of intercession, their lives were preserved; provision was made from the rock, and deliverance from God’s wath over the graven image made before delivery of the ten commandments, serpent bites, leprosy as a result of rebellion, etc. (Numbers 12:13).
Samuel also interceded on behalf of Israel. The Israelites had sinned against the Lord and asked for a king when God was their king. God sent a thunderstorm on the wheat harvest to discipline them, then the people asked Samuel to pray for them so they wouldn’t die. Samuel responded by saying it would be a sin against the Lord for him to cease to pray for them.
Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way: 1 Samuel 12:23.
He also interceded for Saul when he sinned against God through disobedience. He prayed for Saul until, And the Lord said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Isarel? (I Samuel 16:1)
Apostle Paul also emphasised the significance of intercession, especially for other brethren and new converts. It reflects the heart of God for mankind, who desires that all people should be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4). Prayer of intercession strengthens our relationship with God, and gives us spiritual satistaction. As it is written, For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you… (Colossians 1:9).
This involves praying for the Kingdom of God as Jesus taught in Matthew 6:5-15. Praying ‘thy Kingdom come’ is establishing the Kingdom of God here on earth. We are expected to stand in the gap for our fellow brethren, unsaved souls, and those who may be going through challenges.
shalom!
#pstnath.
Jesus is Lord.