What is Intercessory Prayer in the Bible?

Have you ever been in a prayer meeting and someone says, “We’re going to move into intercession now”? What does intercessory prayer even mean? Fear not! In this blog, we’re going to explain what intercessory prayer is, how it differs from regular prayer, and learn together what the Bible says about intercessory prayer.

What is Intercessory Prayer?

Intercessory prayer combines two words together: intercessor and prayer. The word "intercede" or to be an "intercessor" means to intervene, step in, or take action on behalf of another. Prayer is when we wholeheartedly ask God for help and/or express thanks to God for who He is. So, when we combine those two words together, we discover that intercessory prayer means to pray as a means to step in or take action on behalf of someone else.

What does that look like in real life? Here are some examples of what intercessory prayer can look like in everyday life: 

• A mother stepping in to pray for one of her children to be free from addiction.
• Someone intentionally setting aside time to pray for peace in a foreign country. This could look like praying for the persecuted Church in Nigeria or interceding for the end of wars, like in Ukraine or the Middle East.
• A church intentionally praying for God to intervene in their community and that He would shift things spiritually in their neighborhood.
• Intercessory prayer can also look like taking time every day to pray for one person you know who doesn’t know Jesus, to encounter God, and surrender their life to Jesus!

You may also be wondering: What does intercessory prayer look like in the Bible? Later in this blog, we’ll dive into Bible verses about intercessory prayer and how to grow in intercessory prayer, but here are some quick stories of where we see intercessory prayer in action in the Bible:

• Abraham praying on behalf of the towns of Sodom & Gomorrah, asking God not to destroy them if a certain number of righteous people were found in the land. (Genesis 18:16-33)
• Eli, the priest, practiced intercessory prayer on Hannah’s behalf when she was desperately praying for God to give her a son. (1 Samuel 9)
• Jesus is mentioned as interceding for us at the right hand of the Father! How incredible to know Jesus is practicing intercessory prayer at all times on our behalf. (Hebrews 7:25)

Now that you know what intercessory prayer is, let’s learn more about the Biblical definition of intercessory prayer by reading Bible verses about intercessory prayer.

Biblical Examples of Intercessory Prayer

The scriptures are full of biblical examples of intercessory prayer and testimonies of what happens when you continue to pray, even when the mountain doesn’t move right away. Here are some of our favorite Bible verses on intercessory prayer and scripture on intercession to inspire you to pray more and more!

Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. - Mark 11:23 -24

Intercessory prayer Bible verses always invite believers in Jesus to speak to situations and see them shift for His glory. Lots of us love to pray in our heads, rather than speak out loud. Both prayer in our mind and prayer out loud carry significant power, but intercessory prayer Bible verses almost always recommend speaking! So, next time you go to pray about a certain situation, don’t be afraid to pray out loud. You don’t have to scream or shout, just tell God, out loud, what you’re praying for and what you want to see Him do.

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for all people. - 1 Timothy 2:1

Intercessory prayer Bible verses can be found in the Old Testament and the New Testament. This intercessory prayer scripture uses strong language to stir Christians to contend and grow in the place of prayer. The author of 1 Timothy urges Christians to pray, intercede, and always be thankful to God.

Learn more about how to grow in gratitude at Thanksgiving or any time of year: Rediscovering Faith at Thanksgiving | 5 Steps to Grow Your Faith

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

Did you know that Jesus lives to pray for you and intercede for you? Intercessory prayer scriptures show us that Jesus is the greatest intercessor who always prays for us. Because Jesus is able to save, heal, and deliver, we can take courage that Jesus will also teach us how to pray and contend as intercessors, just like Him.

Learn more about prayer and how to grow in the place of intercession in our FREE e-book: Let’s Talk About Prayer: Simple Steps to Connect with God

He said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.” - Matthew 17:20

If you’re wondering, “What is intercessory prayer?”, look to the teachings of Jesus. This intercessory prayer scripture is a direct quote of Jesus! As Jesus was teaching His disciples in Matthew 17, He encouraged his followers to have faith. This scripture on faith is also a Bible verse on intercessory prayer. It's such good news to know that intercessory prayer doesn’t have to be big, loud, or showy. All you need is faith the size of a mustard seed to see mountains move!

And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, - Colossians 1:9

Intercessory prayer scriptures show us that prayer is meant to happen consistently, not sporadically. As you’re discovering what the Bible says about intercessory prayer, you’ll discover that there’s not usually a set time or place for intercessory prayer, but rather, intercessory prayer becomes a way of life. Since we have to model that Jesus prays for us consistently, as we become more like Him, we will naturally pray more often. But how do we not cease in prayer? Simple, little, and Bible-based prayers throughout the day can keep us in a place of prayer the whole day long.

Learn more about the power of prayer in our blog: Never Underestimate the Power of Prayer

If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. - John 15:7

What if you prayed like Jesus was actually going to answer your prayer? Intercessory prayer scriptures encourage us to pray with faith and expectancy, as if Jesus will suddenly answer our prayers! In the rest of this chapter in John 15, we read Jesus’ intercessory prayers on behalf of his disciples and for all those who will believe in Him. Jesus modeled intercessory prayer right before He went to the cross to be crucified, and even in His final hours, He prayed, “Forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34)

Sometimes, intercessory prayer looks like forgiveness. Learn more about the radical power of forgiveness in our blog: How to Find Freedom Through Forgiveness

Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” - Jeremiah 29:7

This intercessory prayer scriptures is a direct quote from God! This intercessory prayer scripture comes from the book of Jeremiah in the Old Testament. The context for this intercessory prayer Bible verse is intense. The Israelites had been taken from Jerusalem and were exiled to Babylon. Babylon was wicked, in opposition to God, and even practiced human sacrifice. And what does God tell the Israelites to do? Practice intercessory prayer! God invites the Israelites to practice intercessory prayer and seek the peace and welfare of the city they are in, despite the cities opposition to God.

How can you practice intercessory prayer this week towards someone you disagree with? Learn more about blessing your enemies in our blog: How to Love Someone You Disagree With

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. - Romans 8:26

Romans 8:26 is an essential Bible verse that helps answer the question, “What is intercessory prayer?” Sometimes, we don’t have words when we pray. Intercessory prayer scriptures tell us that sometimes, God will pray through us, with groanings too deep for words.

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. - James 5:16

Intercessory prayer scriptures always remind us that prayer is powerful. In James 5:16, the Bible tells us that the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. If you’re feeling nervous about intercessory prayer, don’t be: all you have to do is start, ask God for what you want or need, and believe Him with faith. Your intercessory prayers are powerful and effective!

Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. - Romans 8:34

Romans 8:34 is an intercessory prayer scripture that reminds us that Jesus is praying and interceding for us. Can you imagine what Jesus’ intercessory prayers sound like for you? God’s intercessory prayers for you are probably full of His love for you and His protection towards you.

Did you know Jesus loves you unconditionally? Discover just how much Jesus loves you in our blog: 15 Bible Verses About God Loving You No Matter What

But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit - Jude 1:20

Intercessory prayer scriptures sometimes talk about the spiritual gift of speaking in tongues or praying in the Holy Spirit. While the global Church sometimes disagrees about whether praying in the Holy Spirit is for today, the early Church often prayed in the Holy Spirit.

Discover more about the spiritual gift of speaking in tongues, a tool for intercessory prayer, in the book of Acts: The Coming of the Holy Spirit

“As for me, I will certainly not sin against the LORD by ending my prayers for you. And I will continue to teach you what is good and right.” - 1 Samuel 12:23

As we’ve seen in earlier intercessory prayer scriptures, the Bible tells us to pray, pray some more, and then, to keep on praying! In this intercessory prayer scripture, the prophet Samuel is telling the people of Israel that he will not sin against the Lord by ending his prayers for them. In this scripture, we read that Samuel is practicing intercessory prayer for a large group of people.

Discover more about how to practice intercessory prayer by loving those around you, even when it’s difficult: 7 Truths the Bible Teaches About Love

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. - Ephesians 6:18

Ephesians 6:18 is another intercessory prayer scripture that speaks about praying in the spirit. This intercessory prayer scripture also encourages Christians to be alert and to always pray for the Lord’s people.

Learn more about why intercessory prayer scriptures encourage Christians to stay aware, alert, and full of prayer: 7 Bible Verses About Why Christians Need to Be Alert

He was amazed to see that no one intervened to help the oppressed. So he himself stepped in to save them with his strong arm, and his justice sustained him - Isaiah 59:16

As you read the Bible more and more, you'll discover that intercessory prayer originates from the heart of God. In this intercessory prayer scripture, God expresses his amazement that no human was interceding or intervening to help the oppressed. While this intercessory prayer scripture ultimately points to Jesus, who will stretch out his arms on the cross to save the lost, it also shows us just how much God cares about intercessory prayer. He is looking all throughout the earth for Christians who will pray and answer their own prayers by helping the oppressed.

But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, - Matthew 5:44

Sometimes, intercessory prayer looks like loving our enemies and praying for those who persecute us. Persecute is a big word for when people mistreat, slander, or harm you because of your faith. In the Bible, there is a miraculous story of how Saul, a man who formerly persecuted the Church, became Paul, who authored most of the New Testament! It’s safe to assume that Christians in that land were practicing intercessory prayer over Saul…and their prayers changed the course of history for the better.

Hear a real-life story of a Saul-to-Paul transformation from a former crime-boss turned Christian: It’s Never Too Late: A Real Life Story of God’s Redemption

So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him. - Acts 12:5

The book of Acts is full of intercessory prayer scriptures and Biblical examples for intercessory prayer. In Acts 12, the chapter starts with a disciple named James being killed and Peter being thrown into prison. Why? Because of their faith in Jesus. However, because of the earnest, intercessory prayer of the Church, Peter is spontaneously rescued by an angel of the Lord who supernaturally breaks his chains! The angel safely leads him out of the prison and then disappears. Then, Peter goes to the home of the believers who were interceding for him. What a wild story of the power of intercessory prayer!

Not sure where to start with intercessory prayer? Start by growing your prayer life with our blog: 8 Ways to Pray Throughout the Day

I looked for someone who might rebuild the wall of righteousness that guards the land. I searched for someone to stand in the gap in the wall so I wouldn’t have to destroy the land, but I found no one. - Ezekiel 22:30

Intercessory prayer scriptures often show us the heart of God and His zeal to rescue, save, and redeem. In Ezekiel 22, it says that God was searching for someone to stand in the gap as a watchman. In ancient times, a watchman was someone who stood to guard a city and warn others about danger. In modern times, the term watchman generally applies to people who practice intercessory prayer. God is looking for people who will live with intercessory prayer in their hearts and stand guard against the enemy, for the sake of others.

As you grow in intercessory prayer, you will naturally grow in sharing your faith. Learn more about becoming confident in prayer and evangelism: How to Cultivate a Lifestyle of Evangelism

“Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.” - Matthew 18:19

This intercessory prayer scripture in Matthew 18 is another reminder that when we pray, God hears us! Intercessory prayers are more fun and effective in community with others. Jesus tells us that when we agree about anything we’re interceding for, it will be done for us. While answers to prayer don’t always happen in the timing we’re expecting, Jesus is faithful to answer our prayers.

But what about when God doesn’t answer right away? Discover how to have peace in the waiting with our blog: Why Isn’t God Answering My Prayer?

Samples of Intercessory Prayer

As you grow in practicing intercessory prayer, we encourage you to keep things simple and pray the Bible! Intercessory prayer scriptures are so powerful and show us God’s heart for people as we pray. The Bible even says that the word of God is as sharp as a double-edged sword and is able to pierce hearts with its power (Hebrews 4:12). Below are some samples of intercessory prayers, based on the Bible, so you can get started with intercessory prayer today!

Intercessory Prayer for Someone to Follow Jesus:

Father, I thank you that you desire to draw all men unto yourself (John 12:32). Thank you for sending Jesus to free us from the laws of sin, the sting of death, and the torment of hell (Romans 8:2, 1 Corinthians 15:55-57). Thank you that the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy, and I ask that you would multiply my story in (insert name here)’s life (Revelation 19:10).

Thank you for your desire to rescue and save the lost (Luke 19:10). Thank you for your unmatched power to deliver the bound and bring freedom to the captives (Luke 4:18-21). I thank you in advance, before I see the breakthrough in (insert name here)’s life, and I praise you for opening their eyes to your marvelous light (Acts 26:18). I honor you, Jesus, for being the savior of the world and the savior of my friend. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Intercessory Prayer for Someone Who Is Sick:

Father, I honor you for being the giver of good gifts (James 1:17, Matthew 7:11). I thank you for the supernatural gift of healing that is available because of your son, Jesus (Acts 10:38). Thank you that you are good to all and that you love to heal (Matthew 14:14). I praise you because nothing is too hard for you and with God, nothing is impossible (Mark 10:27).

The sickness that (insert name here) is experiencing is easy for you to fix, Jehovah Rapha, the Lord who heals (Exodus 15:26). I bless (insert name here) and I speak the name of Jesus over the body and say, “Be healed in Jesus’ name!” (Acts 3:6). I thank you Jesus that you are willing to heal and that you always work everything for the good of those who love you (Matthew 8, Romans 8:28). I pray all of this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Intercessory Prayer for Your Neighborhood:

Father of mercy and God of all comfort, you know the hurting and the broken in my neighborhood (2 Corinthians 1:3-5). Thank you for stretching out your hand to heal those who are hopeless, save the lost, and deliver those who are stuck (Acts 4:30). Thank you for bringing peace to my neighborhood and sending angels to protect and guard my street (John 14:27, Psalm 91).

I praise you, Holy Spirit, for leading my neighbors into all truth and giving me opportunities to share the light of Jesus with them (John 16:13, Matthew 5:14-16). I thank you in advance before I see the breakthrough in my neighborhood. You are always good, and you always hear me when I pray (Psalm 34:17-18). I pray all of these in your powerful name, Jesus: the light of the world and the light of my neighborhood.

Learn how intercessory prayer and loving your neighbors go hand in hand: Front Yard Missions: How to Change Your Neighborhood

Intercessory Prayer for the Persecuted Church:

Father, I thank you for my brothers and sisters, all across the globe, who love you and are loyal to your name. I thank you that you love to do the impossible things through signs, wonders, and miracles (Mark 16:17-18). I thank you that nothing is too hard for you! I thank you that you love to open prison doors and provide a way out where there is no way (Acts 16:16-40).

You are the God who parts the Red Sea, provides water from the rock, heals the sick, raises the dead, casts out demons, and cleanses lepers (Exodus 14, Matthew 11:4-6). Jesus, you can rescue and save those experiencing persecution because of your name. You are still willing, still able, and still ready to turn Saul’s to Paul’s and take what the enemy meant for evil and turn it for good (Acts 9, Genesis 50:20-22).

Thank you for covering the persecuted Church under the shadow of your wing and providing miracles by the power of your name (Psalm 91, Philippians 2:9-11). Consider the enemy’s threats and grant the persecuted Church boldness to proclaim your name and contend for your Gospel (Acts 4:29).

Protect the people you love, especially the women and children. Keep them from all harm and provide supernatural wisdom for them today ( Psalm 121:7-8, James 1:5). I pray all of this in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen! 

Conclusion

As you can see, intercessory prayer isn’t for certain Christians; intercessory prayer is for everyone who is following Jesus. Through intercessory prayer scriptures, you can grow in praying the heart of God in any situation. By the Holy Spirit, you can partner with the heart of God towards others. Whether you’re praying for someone who is sick or whether you’re interceding for someone to receive Jesus into their heart, intercessory prayer is like being a caring friend or a devoted parent, but in the spirit! As you follow Jesus’ example of intercessory prayer, you’ll find yourself praying all the time.

Don’t wait for the perfect moment to start praying: intercessory prayer is for you, even today! Whether you’re whispering a quick prayer on your morning walk or whether you’re intentionally setting aside time for uninterrupted intercessory prayer, your prayers are going to change the world.

Have a testimony of God answering your intercessory prayers? We want to hear about it! Email your intercessory prayer testimonies to: podcast@askaboutmyfaith.com or send us a message on Instagram.