Intercessory prayer is a way of standing in the gap for someone else. It involves pleading with God on their behalf, bringing their needs and concerns directly to Him. It’s a vital part of any Christian’s life and plays an important role in the health of the church.
The church is constantly facing spiritual battles, so constant prayer is needed for protection and growth. When we practice intercession, we’re supporting our church leaders, fellow believers, and the mission of spreading the Gospel.
Let’s explore what the Bible says about intercessory prayer, highlighting some specific points we can focus on in our prayers and offering practical guidance to help you pray effectively.
What is Intercessory Prayer?
Intercessory prayer is when you go to God and ask Him to act on behalf of someone else. It’s more than just a passing thought or a quick request. It involves genuine empathy, compassion, and a willingness to “stand in the gap” for someone else.
Intercessory prayer is different from other types of prayer. Personal prayer is usually focused on your own needs and desires. Prayers of thanksgiving are about expressing gratitude for the blessings God has given you. Intercessory prayer, on the other hand, puts the needs of others first.
The Bible is full of examples of people who interceded for others. Moses pleaded with God on behalf of the Israelites. Abraham begged God to spare Sodom and Gomorrah. And, of course, Jesus is the ultimate intercessor, constantly advocating for us before God.
Biblical Foundation for Interceding for the Church
The Bible is full of examples of people praying for other people. These prayers of intercession show us how to approach God on behalf of others and give us confidence that God hears and answers those prayers.
Old Testament Examples
In the Old Testament, we see Abraham interceding for the city of Sodom in Genesis 18:22-33. Abraham persists in his requests and shows boldness in asking God to spare the city if even a few righteous people can be found there. This story illustrates God’s willingness to listen to intercessory prayers.
Moses also interceded for the Israelites in Exodus 32:11-14 after they worshipped a golden calf. Moses’ prayer averted God’s wrath and shows the power of a leader’s prayer for the people they lead.
New Testament Examples
In the New Testament, Jesus intercedes for his disciples in John 17, praying for their unity and protection. This prayer reveals Jesus’ deep love and concern for his followers and serves as a model for how we can intercede for other believers.
The Apostle Paul also frequently prayed for the churches he served. His prayers in Ephesians 1:15-23 and Philippians 1:3-11 emphasize spiritual growth, love, and discernment. These prayers highlight the importance of continual prayer for fellow believers.
Key Scriptures on Intercession
1 Timothy 2:1-4 encourages us to pray for all people, including those in authority. This scripture broadens the scope of intercession and emphasizes the importance of praying for our leaders.
James 5:16 affirms that the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. This verse underscores the efficacy of intercessory prayer and the importance of living a righteous life.
Why should we pray for the church?
Praying for the church is important for a few key reasons:
The church faces spiritual attacks.
The Bible tells us that we’re in a constant spiritual battle. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that our fight isn’t against people, but against spiritual forces. The church needs our prayers for protection against these attacks.
The church needs to grow and be revived.
Prayer is essential for the church’s spiritual development and renewal. When we pray, we open the door for the Holy Spirit to work powerfully in the lives of believers and within the church as a whole.
The church needs unity and love.
Prayer helps create a sense of unity and love among Christians. Jesus himself prayed for unity among his followers in John 17:21. When we pray together, we’re more likely to work together in harmony.
The church has a mission to fulfill.
Intercessory prayer plays a vital role in supporting the church’s mission to share the Gospel. Prayer empowers evangelism and outreach, enabling the church to effectively reach people with the message of God’s love.
15 Powerful Intercessory Prayers for the Church
Prayer is powerful, and praying for others, also known as intercessory prayer, is an important part of the Christian life. Here are some prayers you can offer on behalf of your church and its members.
Prayer for Spiritual Growth and Maturity
Ask God to deepen the faith of the believers in your church and help them understand His Word. Pray that they grow in wisdom and knowledge and have a greater hunger for righteousness and a desire to live holy lives. Ask that they be filled with the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Prayer for Church Leadership (Pastors, Elders, and Ministers)
Pray for wisdom, discernment, and guidance for your church leaders. Ask God to give them a vision for the church’s future and protect them from spiritual attacks and discouragement. Ask for strength and encouragement in their ministry so they can lead with grace and compassion.
Prayer for Unity and Love in the Church
Pray for a spirit of unity and harmony among church members. Ask God to break down barriers of division and prejudice and increase love and compassion for one another. Ask that they may bear one another’s burdens and support each other through life’s challenges.
Prayer for Revival and Spiritual Awakening
Pray for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the church. Ask God to ignite a passion for Him in believers’ hearts and bring about a spiritual awakening in the community. Pray that many would come to know Jesus as Lord and experience the transforming power of His love.
Prayer for Protection Against Spiritual Attacks
Pray for God’s protection against the enemy’s schemes. Ask for discernment to recognize and resist temptation and for spiritual armor to be worn daily. Pray for strength to stand firm in faith and resist the forces of darkness.
Prayer for New Believers and Discipleship
Pray for new believers to grow in their faith and for guidance and support as they learn to follow Christ. Ask for strong discipleship programs in the church so that all believers are equipped to make disciples and share their faith with others.
Prayer for Church Growth and Evangelism
Pray for the church to reach out to the lost and hurting in the community. Ask for opportunities to share the gospel and for the church to grow both numerically and spiritually. Pray that new members be welcomed and integrated into the church family.
Prayer for the Youth and the Next Generation
Pray for the youth to be grounded in their faith and protected from negative influences. Ask for them to be leaders in the church and community and to be bold witnesses for Christ.
Prayer for Financial Provision and Stewardship
Pray for the church’s financial needs to be met and for wise stewardship of resources. Ask for generosity among church members and that they give cheerfully and sacrificially to support the church’s mission.
Prayer for Missions and Outreach Programs
Pray for missionaries and outreach programs, asking for their protection and success in sharing the gospel. Pray for the church to have a heart for the nations and for opportunities to support global missions.
Prayer for Healing and Comfort for Church Members
Pray for healing for those who are sick or suffering and for comfort for those who are grieving. Ask for God’s presence to be felt in times of need and that believers experience His peace and love.
Prayer for Persecuted Christians and Churches Worldwide
Pray for persecuted Christians around the world, asking for their protection and perseverance. Pray for an end to religious persecution and that all people may have the freedom to worship according to their conscience.
Prayer for Wisdom and Discernment in Church Decisions
Pray for leaders to make wise decisions and for God’s guidance in all matters. Ask for unity and agreement in decision-making and that all decisions be made in accordance with God’s will.
Prayer for God’s Presence in Every Church Service
Pray for the Holy Spirit to be present in every service and that hearts be open to receive God’s Word. Ask for powerful worship and effective preaching that transforms lives and draws people closer to God.
Prayer for Strength to Endure Trials and Challenges
Pray for strength to endure trials and challenges, asking for perseverance and hope in difficult times. Pray for God’s peace to guard hearts and minds and that believers remain steadfast in their faith, knowing that God is with them always.
How to Pray Effectively for the Church
Praying for fellow believers, for church leaders, and for the Church as a whole is a vital act of service. Here are some tips for interceding effectively on behalf of the Church:
Pray with a Biblical Foundation
Praying prayers based on Scripture will help you align your heart with God’s will. When your prayers are rooted in the promises and principles of the Bible, you can be sure you’re asking for things God wants to give.
Studying the Bible will give you insight into God’s heart for the Church. As you learn what God desires for His people, let the Scriptures inform what you ask for in prayer.
Pray with Faith and Expectation
As Hebrews 11:6 says, without faith it is impossible to please God. Believe that God hears your prayers and will answer them. Approach God with confidence and trust, knowing that He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think (Ephesians 3:20).
When you pray, expect to see God work in response to your prayers. Maintain a hopeful and expectant attitude, watching for God’s hand in the lives of those you’re praying for.
Pray Specifically and Persistently
Instead of praying vague prayers, be specific in your requests. Instead of praying, “Bless the missionaries,” try praying, “Give the missionaries in Nigeria wisdom as they translate the Bible into the local language.” Clearly articulate the needs and desires you are praying for.
Keep a prayer journal to track your prayers and God’s answers. A prayer journal will help you stay focused and remember to pray consistently. When you see how God has answered past prayers, your faith will be strengthened.
Pray persistently, not giving up easily. Luke 18:1-8 tells the parable of the persistent widow, encouraging us to always pray and never give up.
Cover All Areas of the Church
When you pray for the Church, remember to cover all the important areas: the leadership, the spiritual growth of the members, the unity of the body, the work of evangelism, and God’s protection over all.
Using a prayer list or calendar can help you stay organized and ensure that you’re remembering to pray for different needs on different days.
Conclusion
Intercessory prayer is vital to the life and health of the church. It’s a potent instrument for spiritual growth, a shield of protection, and a driving force behind our mission to share the good news with the world. When we lift up others in prayer, we participate in God’s work and invite His presence into their lives and circumstances.
I hope this exploration of Bible verses about intercessory prayer has inspired you to make intercession a regular part of your life. Let’s commit to praying faithfully for our churches, our leaders, our communities, and the world. Let’s remember that our prayers have the power to move mountains and change lives.
May God richly bless you and your church as you seek Him in prayer, and may He grant you the grace to be faithful intercessors, always bringing the needs of others before His throne.