The prayer in which one prays on behalf of a person, requesting God to do His best for that person, is referred to as intercession. Intercession, together with God’s healing work in this world, is a powerful way of manifesting our love and concern for other people. One may plead for oneself, communities, groups, nations, or for everyone else.
As believers in Christ, we enjoy both the privilege and the duty to intercede for others, to present them at God’s throne of grace, and to cooperate with Him in His plans for them.
The importance of intercessory prayers
God wants everyone to be saved and come to know the truth; thus, intercessory prayer is significant because it expresses this desire (1 Timothy 2:4). Besides, intercessory prayer also strengthens our relationships with God because, in this way, He entrusts us to fully believe in Him and follow His will. We are also the beneficiaries of the answer to prayers, because when we witness God moving on behalf of others’ prayers, we feel joyful, calm, and appreciative.
How to Pray Intercessory Prayers
It takes a true and real heart to have intercessory prayers. We must be willing to submit to God’s will and trust in his goodness and power. undefined
- Find out who or what needs to be prayed for.
Tell God to reveal his plans and intentions to them.
Thanks be to God for all that He has done and will continue to do.
Pray to God for help and let it be His will and glory.
Raise your prayers for critical needs such as safety, health, provision, direction, and so on.
Jesus is our mediator, and advocate in God’s presence, praying for us.
Praying with confidence and perseverance, knowing that God listens to our prayers and answers them.
Prayer of Intercession Example
Dear, Father God
It makes us very heartrending to see that your beloved children are going through such suffering around the world. We sum up all of the people around us that have a hard time. In particular, we pray for those who physically struggle with illness or those who mentally struggle with depression or anxiety.
Lord, come show them your love through us, the church, and make them filled with hope and joy. Aid us in serving to others through the power of your Spirit and to be able to work together in unity. Oh, let us be your light in the darkness and of good courage in You.
O LORD, we are distressed to watch leaders of the world solidifying division rather than unity, chasing wealth instead of justice and covering lies rather than tell the truth. We lift up those who are in very high leadership positions before you. Take the lead in their thoughts, control their deeds and transform their minds. Save them from the influence of the forces of the darkness and dispose of any corruption.
We ask that you plan new ways of justice for all countries and other places that are suffering. Father, I fear that the gap between the rich and poor will become greater. We lift all the poor to your heights. Come bring miracles of supply, healing and renewal. Speak to us so we might participate in reshaping of the world. We request all this in the powerful name of Jesus.
Amen.
25 Powerful Examples of Intercession Prayers
We will discuss twenty power-packed examples of intercessory prayers that will enable us to pray for others in a far more skillful way. Also, we will look into some biblical verses that inspire and instruct us to pray for others.
1. Intercessory Prayer for Healing
I approach You, Our Heavenly Father, on behalf of the ones who need healing—physical, emotional, and spiritual. I put them on Your holy seat, and, with Your strong hand, I ask for the cure and recovery of their bodies, minds, and souls. Lord, I pray for wisdom, skill, and understanding for those medical staff who care for them. May your divine power illuminate them and toll on the devastation in their lives. And by reminding the sick and their loved ones of your love and faithfulness, you can give them confidence in their faith. I ask for it in Jesus’ name. Bravo.
The basis for this prayer is James 5:14–16, which calls for families to confess their sins to one another and pray for the sick to be healed. As it functions, a righteous person’s prayer is full of great power.
2. Intercessory Prayer for Comfort
Dear Lord, I pray for the people who are experiencing loss, grief, and sorrow. Let them feel your comforting presence, your tender arms holding them. Take their aching hearts and the peace that goes beyond understanding. Lord, may you be their strength and sanctuary during this difficult time. Let it be your friend, family, or community; provide them with the help and encouragement they need to solve the problem. May the comfort you give them bring life, healing, and hope. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Bravo.
Based on [2 Corinthians 1:3–4] of the prayer, where God is described as the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort, who consoles us in whatever affliction we are in, this prayer aims at giving us the same comfort and solace as other people with the same affliction.
3. Intercessory Prayer for Strength
All those who are faced with hardships, trials, and tribulations will be lifted by the powerful God. Let them embrace the courage and endurance to endure the ordeal. May they believe they can stand on Your grace and power and have faith in You. Therefore, let them find renewed energy in you and not become exhausted or disappointed. Lord, give them a rock, a castle, a defense, and a shield. May Your Spirit lead them through any struggles, and they will experience winning in their lives by tasting the victory. I pray in Jesus’ name. Bravo.
This prayer is based on [Isaiah 40:1, as quoted in 28–31]. Repeatedly, this chapter assures us that the Lord is the Lord who does not faint or grow weary; He gives power to the faint and increases the strength of those who have no strength; those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall soar on wings like eagles; they shall run and not grow tired; they shall walk and not be faint.
READ: 65 Bible Verses About Loyalty To Inspire You
4. Intercessory Prayer for Guidance
Loving Father, I pray for those who need direction in their lives. Engage them in the plan You have for them through Your Word and Your Spirit. Let them know what you have designed for them and empower their steps. Lord, be their shepherd and direct them, their torch, and their guide. And may they quietly search for you and devote everything they have. May they be able to hear You above the din of the outside world and obediently follow You wherever You lead them. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Bravo.
The foundation of this prayer is [Psalm 32:8], which encourages us that the Lord will lead and counsel us in the right way; He will guide us with His eyes upon us.
5. Intercessory Prayer for Provision
Father in heaven, I would like to ask you for financial or material help from those who need it. Supply everything they need consistently based on the abundance of Your riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Let the rain come down and drench them with many blessings until they can’t grasp them all. Lord, be the ever-flowing fountain, their shield, and their strong tower. Let them also believe that You will give them these things, and that they must first seek Your kingdom of God and Your righteousness. May they be thankful and generous, just as you have been so gracious to them. I implore you in the name of Jesus. Bravo.
This prayer is grounded in Philippians 4:19, which states that God will fulfill all our needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
6. Intercessory Prayer for Salvation
Father, I ask for all those who do not know of You and have not acknowledged your gift of salvation to be merciful to them. I pray You will turn them into believers in Your Son, Jesus Christ, and make them repenters through Your grace and Your Spirit. Oh Lord, let them sense the power of your love and grace, and their eyes will perceive the truth of the gospel. I urge them to actually trust that You have raised Jesus from the dead and publicly confess that He is Lord. May they become Your children and be reborn from You. I pray in the name of Jesus. Indeed.
The foundation of this prayer is Romans 10:9–10, which declares that we will be saved if we believe in our hearts that God raised Jesus from the dead, and with our mouths we confess that He is Lord, for the heart believes and is therefore justified, and the mouth confirms and so is saved.
7. Intercessory Prayer for Family Restoration
I pray for those who are suffering from grief and family turmoil, dear God. May it be wherever there is resentment and bitterness, I pray you bring reconciliation and forgiveness to restore and mend their relations. Lord, please be their rest, their love, their healer, and their deliverer. May they, through their words and actions, show respect for you and each other. Let them try to serve one another by being humble and patient with each other in love. Hopefully, they act in concert rather than against each other. Praying in Jesus’ name. Indeed.
This prayer is based on Ephesians 4: “Walk in a manner that is worthy of the heavenly calling, with all humility and gentleness, with long-suffering, bearing with one another in love, laboring to keep the unity of the Spirit by the bond of peace.”
READ: Why can’t Baptists dance? – BIBLES LESSONS –
8. Intercessory Prayer for Peace
I would like the Lord Almighty to bless those who have anxiety, distress, or confusion. O Lord, I pray for Your protection over their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, and that You give them Your peace, which is deeper than all understanding. Lord, be their strength, shelter, help, and comfort. It is comforting to know that they can tell you all their problems. Let them experience your power and strength at the center of their problems. Let them know you are God, and they can stay at peace. I ask you through Jesus.
This prayer is based on Philippians 4:6-7. “Be eager for nothing, but in everything, through prayer and supplication, let your requests be known to God, and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
9. Intercessory Prayer for Justice
God of Justice, I pray for those who have been victimized by violence, injustice, or oppression. I demand that you stand by their side and defend their rights. As their leader and deliverer, O Lord, be an advocate for them and an avenger. Let justice be done and righteousness prevail. As your kingdom approaches, may your promises be comfort and hope for them. May they have faith in You, who will judge the world fairly, rather than despairing or ceasing to hope. In his name, I call on Jesus. Salutations.
This prayer is based on Psalm 9:7–10, which says the Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble; those who know His name trust in Him; He does not forsake those who seek Him; the Lord sits enthroned forever; He has established His throne for justice; he judges the world with righteousness; he judges the people with uprightness.
10. Intercessory Prayer for Revival
Holy Father I call for everyone who is spiritually lukewarm or dry. I request that You raise them by Your Word and Your Spirit, renewing their initial love for You and for Your Glory. Lord, be their spirit, fervor, excitement, and ecstasy. However, first, may they always and ever search for you. May they direct all aspects of their being—physical, mental, and spiritual—to You, O Lord. Let them be faithful to you and worship you in truth.
The foundation of this prayer is [Psalm 85:6], where we ask God to rejoice in Him and not be grieved.
READ: 24 Beautiful Bible Verses About the Heart of a Woman
11. Intercessory Prayer for Hope
My Lord, Bless them with hope and joy. I pray You will hide them deep in Your eternal hope and that their souls will remain steadfast in Your word and Your love. Lord, be their certainty, shelter, expectation, and aspiration. May they also look to you as the better than the author and the perfecter of their faith, who, being seated at God’s right hand, endured the cross, despising the shame, for the joy that was set before Him. They will give thanks for hope, endure hardship, and pray. I receive it in the name of Jesus. Bravo.
According to Romans 5:6, This implies that hope is not shameful, for the love of God has been poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, who gave it to us.
12. Intercessory Prayer for Wisdom
Dear God, the Almighty One, I pray for the people who are seeking understanding and insight in their lives. I beseech You to grant them a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of You, so that their hearts would be opened to appreciate the power of Your might that has seized upon us believers, the riches of Your heritage, which is the saints, and the expectation that You have cast upon them. Lord, make them their wise teacher, counselor, and guide, too. In their humility and sincerity, may they ask you for wisdom, and in your generosity, grant them the wisdom they desire. May they make the right decision and glorify you in all they do. In Jesus’ name, I plead with you. Bravo.
The foundation of this prayer is [Ephesians 1:17–19], which requests that the Spirit of wisdom and revelation may be given to us in the knowledge of Jesus Christ, the Father of glory.
13. Intercessory Prayer for Protection
I humbly ask, Lord, for those who need safety and security in their lives. I request they lie underneath Thy wings and be covered by Thy feathers. Thy faithfulness will be their wall and shield. Lord, please be their strength, bailout, savior, and fortress. May there be safety under the secret place of the Most High and the shadow of the Almighty. Let them not be afraid of the night or the daytime shaft. May they come to You when they need You, and may they know You are the God of rescue and answer. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Bravo.
The foundation of this prayer is [Psalm 91:1–4], in which a person who lives under the Most High’s shelter is under the shadow of the Almighty and addresses the Lord as “my refuge and my fortress, my God, whom I trust.”
14. Intercessory Prayer for Joy
I plead with you to provide for people who needed it yesterday, Lord. Alert, Gracious Father. May Your presence and deliverance overflow with unimaginable, glorious happiness. Lord, be their joy and adornment, their delight, and their reward. May they always enjoy your presence and be humble and grateful in all situations. Let them joyfully celebrate and thank you. May they know Your peace to be both their shield and their support. I pray in the name of Jesus. In that case, amen.
Getting the result of our faith, the salvation of our souls, this prayer is based on 1 Peter 1: Yet, we love Him even though we have not seen Him, as we trust Him and find ourselves joyous through joy of inexpressible and glorious fullness [8–9].
15. Intercessory Prayer for Love
I pray for those who are looking for acceptance and God’s love. Love God. I beseech Your Holy Spirit, which You have given us, to pour Your love into their hearts. Lord, please be their friend and father, their love, and their life. Let them understand your love, which has no limits, boundaries, or depths for them. May they love you fully with their heart, soul, mind, and strength, while loving their neighbors as themselves. May they love each other as you have loved them. So that everyone will understand that they are Your disciples. I say this in the name of Jesus. Bravo.
This prayer is predicated on Romans 5:5, ‘The love of God has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit whom he has given to us.’
16. Intercessory Prayer for Faith
I pray for people who need to put their trust and faith in the Lord, O faithful God. I plead with You that You would fortify their faith and endow them with trust in You and your word. Lord, give them faith and assurance, as well as conviction and confidence. May these people believe in you and the one you sent, Jesus Christ. Let your word and spirit guide them. Help them walk by faith, not by sight. May their faith fill up your heart and move mountains. May they stay loyal to you and your cause until the very moment of your arrival. I pray in the name of Jesus. Thanks.
The foundation of this prayer is [Mark 9:24], in “I believe; help my unbelief!” Jesus responds to a father’s plea for a cure.
17. Intercessory Prayer for Grace
I pray for those who need your grace and mercy, God of Grace.
I request You extend upon them Your advantage, releasing them from their sins and cleaning them of any impurity. Be their friend and savior, their grace and salvation, O Lord. I hope in Your hands they accept Your grace in faithfulness and holiness rather than wasting it. Let them grow in the knowledge and grace of the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Perhaps they will show Your goodness by forgiving others, just as You have forgiven them. In Jesus’ name, I ask. Bravo.
This prayer is based on the exhortation to not accept God’s grace in vain found in 2 Corinthians 6:1.
18. Intercessory Prayer for Freedom
Father, I yearn for people who are imprisoned by fear, addiction, and sin. I ask that you break every chain and those tight grips that hinder them and release them with your truth and your power. Lord, be their deliverance, their freedom, their liberator, and their savior. Let them know the Son who really liberates them, as well as the truth that truly emancipates. Let them be your servants who, in God’s service, remain free from the chains of slavery. May they employ their liberty to serve each other with love instead of exploiting their freedom through flesh. I am praying in Jesus’ name. Bravo.
This prayer is predicated on [John 8:17] and [2 Corinthians 3:17], so without the Son, we cannot be liberated.
19. Intercessory Prayer for Humility
Lord, I lift my prayer for those who would benefit from humility and gentleness, the virtues of meekness. I ask that You help them realize that they cannot do it all and that they need Your mercy, and to humble themselves before You and other people. Lord, be their teacher, role model, and example of humility.
Let them consider Christ Jesus, who, being as God, did not consider their being equal to God a thing to be sought. Conversely, he took the humble approach, assuming the form of a servant and being made in the likeness of humanity. Therefore, let them be clothed in humility toward one another, for You are giving grace to the humble and opposing the proud. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Thanks.
The foundation of this prayer is Philippians 2:5-8, where it tells us to do as Christ Jesus did in His humility.
20. Intercessory Prayer for Unity
I pray for those who desire peace and togetherness with God, who is faithful. I pray You would make them one, as You are making Your Son and Your Spirit one, so that they may be one in You and with one another so that the world will know that You have sent Your Son to them. Lord, please be their communion, fellowship, and unity, as well as peace and bond. Let us ever keep the unity of the Spirit, to be associated in sympathy and peace with all humility, kindness, patience, and tender-hearted forbearance towards one another. Let them all have a pure heart, be in one accord, and love and be polite to one another. I pray in the name of Jesus. Thanks.
The foundation of this prayer is John 17: “I do not ask for these things alone, but also on behalf of those who believe in me through their words.” That they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I am in you. “May they also be one of us, so that the world may believe that you sent me.”
Let us be the models who are persistent and pray like we are superheroes with great power, faith, and love.
God bless you for your task of mediation.
Bible Verses About Intercession Prayers
1 Timothy 2:1 – Praying for All People
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people,
Romans 8:26 – The Spirit’s Intercession
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.
Hebrews 7:25 – Christ’s Saving Intercession
Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.
Romans 8:34 – Christ’s Intercession for Us
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.
Ephesians 6:18 – Praying in the Spirit
Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,
Isaiah 59:16 – Intercession by God’s Arm
He saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no one to intercede; then his own arm brought him salvation, and his righteousness upheld him.
Isaiah 53:12 – Christ’s Intercession for Transgressors
Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong, because he poured out his soul to death and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors.
John 17:1-26 – Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer
When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed. …
1 Timothy 2:1-2 – Praying for Leaders
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.
James 5:16 – Power of Prayer
Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.
Matthew 5:44 – Love Your Enemies in Prayer
But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
1 Timothy 2:5 – Christ as the Mediator
For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,
Matthew 18:19-20 – Power of Agreement in Prayer
Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”
Psalm 106:23 – Moses’ Intercession
Therefore he said he would destroy them— had not Moses, his chosen one, stood in the breach before him, to turn away his wrath from destroying them.
Acts 12:5 – Church’s Prayer for Peter
So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church.
Jude 1:20 – Building Up in Faith Through Prayer
But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit,
Ezekiel 22:30 – Seeking Intercessors
And I sought for a man among them who should build up the wall and stand in the breach before me for the land, that I should not destroy it, but I found none.
Job 42:10 – Job’s Intercessory Prayer
And the Lord restored the fortunes of Job, when he had prayed for his friends. And the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before.
Jeremiah 7:16 – Prohibition of Prayer for the People
“As for you, do not pray for this people, or lift up a cry or prayer for them, and do not intercede with me, for I will not hear you.
Joel 2:17 – Priestly Intercession
Between the vestibule and the altar let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep and say, “Spare your people, O Lord, and make not your heritage a reproach, a byword among the nations. Why should they say among the peoples, ‘Where is their God?’”
Luke 23:34 – Jesus’ Prayer for Forgiveness
And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments.
Philippians 1:19 – Paul’s Confidence in Prayer
For I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance,
Romans 8:26-27 – Spirit’s Intercession According to God’s Will
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. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
1 Samuel 12:23 – Samuel’s Commitment to Intercede
Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you, and I will instruct you in the good and the right way.
Acts 7:60 – Stephen’s Intercessory Prayer
And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
My words of Conclusion
Interceding through prayer before God’s seat of grace is a powerful way of serving the people. When we pray in harmony with God’s heart for others, we are not only interceding but also getting closer to Him. We experience joy and peace as we see the answers and favors that God gives to others through intercessory prayer.
If you’d like to pray intercessory prayers, use the examples as a guide.
- [The Power of Intercessory Prayer] is Dutch Sheets’ book that presents the biblical foundation and principles of intercessory prayer, as well as easy steps and examples of how to pray for others.
[Intercessors for America]: A website that will provide you with the tools, news updates, and prayer guides to help you pray for the United States and the world.
I truly hope that this post has helped and inspired you. May God be with you as you raise others in your prayers. “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective,” as James 5:16 teaches us.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do you start an intercession prayer?
Begin with “Please join me in prayer.” And try to formulate what you say, Be sensitive to the diversity of opinions on controversial issues
What is the common prayer of intercession?
‘Comfort and heal all those who suffer in body, mind, or spirit, especially … (a list of names follows) … and all those being cared for in this parish.
What is an example of a general intercession?
God our Father, you bless us with the gift of faith. Increase our faith as we answer our baptismal call to take part in the world- wide mission of Jesus.
What scripture to read for intercessory prayer?
1 Timothy 2:1. 1 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people
Jeremiah 7:16.
1 Samuel 12:23.
What are the four steps of intercession?
When God’s people intercede, God intervenes. There is power in our free will. 4 steps of intercession- get informed, get inspired, get indignant, get in synch.
How do you end a prayer of intercession?
In any service which includes Holy Communion, the section of the intercessions concerned with the communion of saints may be replaced by one of the following, which provide a weightier ending and point ahead to the communion.
How long should intercessions be?
Intercessions at the main Sunday Eucharist should last between three and five minutes, including a period of corporate silence.
What is the powerful scripture for intercession?
1 Timothy 2:1-2, “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people
What is a short sentence for intercession?
She was released from jail after the fatherly intercession of a police officer. Not simply was he mentioned, as men may well have been in the prayers of intercession, but he was actively made present as lord of the situation.
What are the rules of intercession?
Intercessors should be open to the movement of the Holy Spirit and find opportunities to hear from the Lord in silence.