The Power and Privilege of Intercessory Prayer
Scripture Text: Acts 12:1-12; James 5:14-16; 1 Timothy 2:1-8
To intercede is to take the hand of a needy brother or sister and place it in the hand of an Almighty God. It is the highest form of spiritual labor—the "Ministry of the Gap." As believers, we are called to follow the pattern of the Divine Intercessor, Jesus Christ, who lives to make intercession for us (Hebrews 7:25).
In the Kingdom of God, intercession is not a suggestion; it is a vital function of the Body of Christ. When we pray for others, we participate in the heavenly liturgy described in Revelation 8:3-4, where an angel offers the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar before the throne, rising like sweet incense to the nostrils of God.
What does it mean to intercede with God.
The word “intercede” escribe the action of a person who comes between two parties in dispute (whether individuals or corporate entities). They would advocate on behalf of one of the parties, seek to mediate a dispute, or solicit help for someone in need.
Intercessory prayer is an act of faith in which we ask God for something on behalf of another person. It is often used when someone needs healing or guidance.
The purpose of prayer isn’t to try to influence an unwilling God.
God will initiate prayer in our spirit. Prayer releases God’s Spirit into action James 4:2
Intercessors in the Bible:
- Intercession of Abraham for Lot, Sodom & Gomorrah (Gen. 18:17-33)
- Intercession of Moses for Israel (Exo. 32:11-13; 33:12-16)
- Intercession of Jeremiah for Israel (Jere. 14:7-9); and for himself (Jer. 12:1-6)
- Intercession of Ezra for Israel as they began to marry pagan wives (Ezra 9)
- Intercession of Paul for churches he had established (Phil. 1:3-4,9; Col. 1:3; 1 Thes. 1:2)
- Intercession of Jesus for His disciples, and indeed, the whole world (John 17)
I. The Miraculous Intervention: The Peter Principle (Acts 12)
The story of Peter in prison serves as the ultimate "Case Study" for intercessory prayer.
1. The Crisis: James had been executed, and Peter was next. The situation was humanly hopeless—bound with chains, guarded by sixteen soldiers, behind iron gates.
2. The Catalyst: Scripture records a powerful contrast: "Peter was kept in prison, but constant prayer was being offered to God for him by the church" (Acts 12:5).
3. The Result: The chains fell, the gates opened, and the angel of the Lord led him to freedom. Divine intervention was the direct result of the Church standing in the gap.
4. Doctrine of Corporate Prayer: There is a specific authority granted when the Church gathers to pray. This is the fulfillment of Matthew 18:19, where two or more agreeing on earth concerning anything they ask will see it done by the Father.
II. The Circles of Intercession: For Whom Do We Pray?
Intercession is a wide-reaching net that covers every aspect of human society and spiritual life.
• For the Household of Faith: We must pray for one another (James 5:16) and specifically for "all the saints" (Ephesians 6:18). We pray for those who have stumbled into sin, seeking their restoration (1 John 5:16), and for the sick, that they may be raised up (James 5:14-15).
• For the New Convert: Paul emphasized the need to pray for those young in the faith, that they might stand firm and grow in sanctification (2 Thessalonians 3:9-12).
• For the Public Square: We are commanded to pray for the city where we dwell (Jeremiah 29:7) and for all civil authorities (1 Timothy 2:2-8). Why? So that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness.
• For the Adversary: Following the radical ethic of Christ, we intercede even for our enemies and those who despitefully use us (Lucas 6:28). This is the prayer that breaks the cycle of hatred.
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III. The Altar of the Home: Praying for Our Children
The Bible provides a magnificent gallery of parents who refused to let go of God until their children were touched by His grace.
1. The Father’s Cry: From Abraham pleading for Ishmael (Genesis 17:18) to the father of the possessed boy crying, "Lord, have mercy on my son" (Matthew 17:15), we see that God honors the desperate plea of a parent.
2. The Mother’s Faith: The Syrophoenician woman provides a masterclass in persistence (Mark 7:26). She would not be denied because her daughter’s soul was at stake.
3. The Constant Watchman: Job rose early every morning to offer sacrifices for his children, saying, "It may be that my sons have sinned" (Job 1:5). Intercession is a proactive shield, not just a reactive measure.
4. The Legacy of Prayer: Many of the greatest leaders in Church history—from Augustine to the Wesleys—pointed to a praying mother as the reason for their salvation.
IV. Intercedes with God Nehemiah 1:1–2:8
(Nehemiah 1:1–2:8) While in Persia, Nehemiah learns of the broken wall in Jerusalem and intercedes with God and Artaxerxes on behalf of his people, which provides spiritual and economic preparation to reconstruct the wall
V. Ask For Help From Holy Spirit.
The Spirit of Christ praying and interceding on our behalf, praying through us in silent groanings, and also, at times, with “unknown tongues”. We are privileged to join our own heartfelt prayers with the prayers God prays through us.
You can also ask God to help you accomplish something. For example, you might ask God to give you wisdom with the peoples. Or you might ask God to bless him. Whatever you ask for, make sure you are faith about what you want.
Read more
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- Sermon About Restoration: Returning to God’s word
- +10 Sermons for Prayer Meeting. Preaching for Prayer Service
Conclusion: The Fragrance of the Altar
Intercession is a noble act because it is inherently unselfish. It is the moment where we stop looking at our own needs and start carrying the burdens of the world.
Remember, when you pray for your neighbor, your city, your leaders, or your children, those prayers are not lost. They are gathered in the Golden Bowls of heaven (Revelation 5:8). They are being mixed with the merits of Christ and presented to the Father.
Do not allow the "prison gates" of life to discourage you. Whether it is a sickbed, a wayward child, or a troubled nation, keep praying. The angel of the Lord is still dispatched in response to the "constant prayer" of the saints.
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