What Does the Bible Say About Intercessory Prayer?

Written By Mary Carter

Mary is a devoted Bible student who loves sharing her knowledge, inspiring others with faith-filled insights, and deepening spiritual understanding through writing.

Prayer is one of the most powerful tools a believer has.

It is a way to communicate with God, seek His guidance, and express gratitude.

But intercessory prayer is something even deeper—it is when a person prays on behalf of someone else.

Instead of asking God for personal needs, intercession focuses on lifting others up before the Lord.

The Bible is filled with examples of intercessory prayer, showing how it can change lives, bring healing, and even alter the course of history.

Understanding what Scripture says about intercessory prayer can help believers become stronger in their faith and more committed to standing in the gap for others.

What Is Intercessory Prayer?

Intercessory prayer is the act of praying for someone else’s needs, struggles, or blessings.

It is a selfless form of prayer that reflects love and concern for others.

The word “intercede” means to plead on behalf of another, and that is exactly what happens in intercessory prayer.

It is a way of standing between someone and their situation, asking God to move in their life.

Romans 8:34 tells us that Jesus Himself intercedes for us, saying, “Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.”

If Jesus, the Son of God, prays for us, how much more should we pray for others?

Intercessory prayer is not just a kind gesture; it is a responsibility and a calling for all believers.

Biblical Examples of Intercessory Prayer

The Bible is filled with stories of people who interceded for others and saw God move in amazing ways.

One of the most powerful examples is Moses.

In Exodus 32, when the Israelites turned away from God and worshiped a golden calf, God was ready to destroy them.

But Moses pleaded with the Lord, saying, “Turn from your fierce anger; relent and do not bring disaster on your people” (Exodus 32:12).

Because of Moses’ intercession, God chose to spare the Israelites.

Another example is Abraham in Genesis 18.

When God was about to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah because of their wickedness, Abraham interceded on their behalf.

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He asked God, “Will you sweep away the righteous with the wicked?” (Genesis 18:23).

He kept asking God to spare the cities if there were enough righteous people, showing the power of persistent intercession.

Daniel also interceded for his people.

In Daniel 9, he prayed, confessing the sins of Israel and asking for God’s mercy.

He did not just pray for himself—he stood in the gap for an entire nation.

These stories show that intercessory prayer is not just about small requests.

It can influence major events and even change the course of history.

Jesus as the Ultimate Intercessor

Jesus is the greatest example of intercessory prayer.

He constantly prayed for His disciples and for those who followed Him.

In John 17, Jesus prayed for His followers, saying, “My prayer is not for them alone.

I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message” (John 17:20).

That means Jesus prayed for future believers—including people today.

Even now, Jesus continues to intercede for us.

Hebrews 7:25 says, “He is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.”

This means that Jesus is always praying for His people.

He stands before the Father, speaking on their behalf.

If Jesus spends time interceding, then believers should follow His example and do the same for others.

The Power of Intercessory Prayer

Intercessory prayer is not just a ritual—it has real power.

James 5:16 states, “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”

When believers intercede for others, they invite God’s power into situations that need His intervention.

Prayer can bring healing, restoration, and deliverance.

In Acts 12, Peter was in prison, and the church prayed for him.

While they were praying, an angel appeared and freed Peter from his chains.

The power of intercessory prayer literally broke him out of prison.

In 2 Chronicles 7:14, God gives a promise about intercession, saying, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

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This shows that intercessory prayer does not just affect individuals—it can impact entire nations.

Why Intercessory Prayer Is Important

Intercessory prayer is an act of love.

When believers pray for others, they are showing compassion and concern.

Philippians 2:4 says, “Not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

Praying for others is a way of putting this verse into action.

Intercessory prayer also strengthens faith.

When believers pray for others and see God answer, their trust in Him grows.

It reminds them that God is listening and working in ways they may not always see immediately.

Another reason intercessory prayer is important is that it fights spiritual battles.

Ephesians 6:12 reminds believers that “our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

Prayer is a spiritual weapon.

When believers pray for others, they are engaging in battle against the forces of darkness.

How to Practice Intercessory Prayer

Intercessory prayer does not have to be complicated.

It starts with a willing heart and a desire to see God move in someone else’s life.

One way to begin is by making a prayer list.

Write down the names of people who need prayer and be intentional about praying for them regularly.

Another way is to pray scripture over others.

For example, praying Philippians 4:6-7 over someone can bring peace to their heart: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

It is also important to listen to the Holy Spirit while praying.

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Sometimes, God will place someone on a believer’s heart, even if they do not know what that person is going through.

Praying for them in that moment can make a huge difference.

The Role of the Holy Spirit in Intercessory Prayer

Intercessory prayer is not something believers do alone.

The Holy Spirit helps guide prayers, even when words fail.

Romans 8:26 says, “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness.

We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.”

Sometimes, people do not know what to say in prayer.

They may feel burdened for someone but not know exactly what to ask God for.

That is when the Holy Spirit steps in.

He knows what is needed and intercedes on behalf of believers.

Final Thoughts

Intercessory prayer is a powerful way to show love, grow in faith, and invite God’s presence into the lives of others.

From Moses and Abraham to Jesus and Paul, the Bible is filled with examples of people who stood in the gap through prayer.

Jesus Himself continues to intercede for His followers, setting the ultimate example of how important intercessory prayer is.

Prayer has the power to bring healing, change circumstances, and even transform nations.

When believers take time to pray for others, they align themselves with God’s will and become part of His work on earth.

Interceding for others is not just a responsibility—it is a privilege.

It is a way to join in what God is doing and see His power at work.

By committing to intercessory prayer, believers can make a lasting impact on the lives of those around them.