Intercessory Prayer
What did Jesus say about intercessory prayer.
Romans 8:34 says that Jesus “is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.” In 1 John 2:1 we read that Jesus is our “advocate with the Father,” and from Hebrews 7:25 we learn that Jesus “always lives to intercede” for us.
When God’s people intercede, God intervenes. There is power in our free will. 4 steps of intercession:
1. Get informed
2. Get inspired
3. Get indignant
4. Get in synch
Intercessory prayer has a two-fold power. First, it looks to the interest of others. It seeks the good, even for those that may do us harm, and the benefit to others is obvious. It can bring about healing, conversion, and God’s will.
This is an expression of His desire for intimate partnership with us. He will not do our part and we cannot do His part. If we do not do our part, then God withholds some of the help and blessing He would have given us.
The unexpected gift of intercessory prayer is a deepening of our own faith, secured with every word of God’s truth we speak over others and accept as truth that applies to all of God’s children . . . including us.
“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people — for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness” (1 Timothy 2:1-2).
in-ter-sesh’-un (pagha`, “to make intercession”; originally “to strike upon,” or “against”; then in a good sense, “to assail anyone with petitions,” “to urge,” and when on behalf of another, “to intercede” (Ruth 1:16; Jeremiah 7:16; 27:18; Job 21:15; Genesis 23:8; Isaiah 53:12; Jeremiah 36:25).