The Prayer of Intercession

SUPPLEMENT ON THE PRAYER OF INTERCESSION

Intercessionis the act of going to God on behalf of another person (or persons). While praise and thanksgiving express love toward God, and petition and confession express love toward oneself, intercession expresses love toward others. We pray for others, basically, because we care for them and we believe they need the help which God can and will give them.

WHY DO WE INTERCEDE?

1. God commands it (1 Tim. 2:1-3).

2. By doing so we invite God to act in the lives of others (Matt. 9:37,38).

3. By doing so we empower the saints (2 Thess. 1:11,12).

a. We empower them for unity (John 17:20-23; Rom. 15:5,6).

b. We empower them for evangelism (2 Thess. 3:1,2).

c. We empower them for spiritual growth (Col. 1:9-12).

d. We empower them for trials (Luke 22:31,32).

4. By doing so we improve society (1 Tim. 2:1,2; Prov. 21:1).

5. By doing so we follow the examples of Jesus (Heb. 7:25).

FOR WHOM ARE WE TO INTERCEDE? (1 Tim. 2:1)

1. Our family and friends

2. Our enemies (Matt. 5:44)

3. Our political leaders (1 Tim. 2:2)

4. All Christians everywhere (Eph. 6:18)

HOW DO WE INTERCEDE?

1. See another’s needs (Prov. 20:12; 21:13; 28:27; Mark 6:34).

2. Identify with his needs (Rom. 12:15; 2 Cor. 11:28,29; Mark 9:21,22).

3. Carry his needs to God in prayer (Gal. 6:2; Eph. 3:20,21; Matt. 8:5-10).

WHAT DO WE ASK FOR OTHERS? (Luke 2:52)

1. We ask God to bless them intellectually.

a. Governmental leaders: wisdom (Prov. 20:28; 29:14; Eccl. 4:13; 1 Tim. 2:1,2; Micah 6:8)

(1) "Do justly"--make decisions fairly and impartially.

(2) "Love mercy"--have humane compassion for those they govern.

(3) "Walk humbly"--serve the people with meekness.

b. Fellow Christians: knowledge in three areas (Col. 1:9-11)

(1) Knowledge of the Lord's will

(2) Knowledge in all spiritual wisdom (how to apply His will)

(3) Knowledge in all spiritual understanding (how to see each situation from God's point of view)