Praying for others
Intercessory prayer, what it means and how to do it
· 2 min read
Intercessory prayer means praying for others. Learn what it is, examples of intercession in the Bible, and simple steps to pray for people every day.
Intercessory prayer is praying for other people, bringing their needs to God on their behalf. Paul urged that “supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people” (1 Timothy 2:1). Intercession isn’t a special gift for a few. Every Christian can pray for others.
What is intercessory prayer?
Intercessory prayer is praying for other people, bringing their needs to God on their behalf. Paul urged that “supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people” (1 Timothy 2:1, ESV). Jesus Himself intercedes for His people (Romans 8:34), and every Christian is called to pray for others: family, friends, the church, leaders, and people who don’t yet know Him.
What intercessory prayer means
To intercede is to step in for someone. When you pray for a sick friend, a struggling coworker, or your church, you’re interceding. You’re asking God to act in someone else’s life.
Intercession in the Bible
- Abraham pleaded with God for the city of Sodom (Genesis 18:22-33).
- Moses prayed for Israel after they sinned (Exodus 32:11-14).
- Samuel said, “far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you” (1 Samuel 12:23).
- Job prayed for his friends (Job 42:10).
- Paul prayed constantly for the churches (Colossians 1:9).
- Jesus prayed for His disciples and for all who would believe (John 17:9, 20).
Jesus still intercedes for His people: “he always lives to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:25). When we pray for others, we follow Him.
How to practice intercessory prayer
- Keep a list. Write down the people and needs God puts on your heart. See how to make a prayer list.
- Pray Scripture. Use Paul’s prayers, like Ephesians 3:14-21 and Colossians 1:9-12.
- Be specific. Name the person and the need.
- Keep going. Some prayers take years. Jesus told us to pray and not lose heart (Luke 18:1).
- Let people know. A short message that you prayed encourages them.
Intercession often starts with the people closest to you. See praying for friends.
Intercession is specific: a name, a need, and a promise from Scripture.
Intercessory prayer for the church and the world
Pray for your church’s leaders and members, for those in authority (1 Timothy 2:2), for persecuted Christians (Hebrews 13:3), and for the gospel to spread (2 Thessalonians 3:1). See how to pray for your church.
Practice intercession in The Pray App
The Pray App helps you pray for others by name. Each person or need is a prayer card. You pray through today’s cards one at a time, and when you finish, you see who you prayed for and can text them.
At the end of each session, see the people you interceded for.
The Pray App is free on the App Store. See how to pray for others.
Questions people ask
What is intercessory prayer?
Intercessory prayer is praying on behalf of someone else, bringing their needs to God. Paul urged that "supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people" (1 Timothy 2:1).
Who intercedes for us?
Jesus intercedes for His people (Hebrews 7:25, Romans 8:34), and the Holy Spirit helps us when we don't know what to pray (Romans 8:26). When we pray for others, we follow their example.
Is intercessory prayer only for pastors or prayer teams?
No. Every Christian is called to pray for others. Ephesians 6:18 says to keep alert "with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints."
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