Intercession is a profound privilege granted to the saints, allowing them to stand in the gap for others through prayer. This act of interceding is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative and is a vital aspect of the Christian life, reflecting the heart of Christ Himself.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of intercession is woven throughout Scripture, with numerous examples and exhortations highlighting its importance. One of the most compelling examples is found in the life of Abraham, who interceded for Sodom and Gomorrah. In Genesis 18:23-33, Abraham pleads with God to spare the cities if righteous people can be found within them. This passage illustrates the power and responsibility of intercessory prayer, as Abraham boldly approaches God on behalf of others.

Moses also serves as a model intercessor. In Exodus 32:11-14, after the Israelites sinned by worshiping the golden calf, Moses implores God to relent from His anger and spare the people. His intercession is marked by a deep love for the people and a desire for God's glory to be upheld.

The New Testament further emphasizes the role of intercession. In 1 Timothy 2:1, Paul urges believers: "First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone." This directive underscores the comprehensive nature of intercessory prayer, extending beyond personal concerns to encompass all people.

The Role of Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ is the ultimate intercessor, whose life and ministry exemplify the heart of intercession. Hebrews 7:25 states, "Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them." Christ's ongoing intercession for believers is a source of comfort and assurance, demonstrating His unending commitment to His people.

In John 17, often referred to as the High Priestly Prayer, Jesus intercedes for His disciples and all future believers. This prayer reveals His deep concern for their unity, protection, and sanctification, setting a pattern for believers to follow in their own intercessory prayers.

The Holy Spirit's Role

The Holy Spirit also plays a crucial role in intercession. Romans 8:26-27 explains, "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know how we ought to pray, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans too deep for words. And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God." The Spirit's intercession aligns the prayers of the saints with God's perfect will, empowering them to pray effectively even when words fail.

The Call to Intercede

Believers are called to follow the example of Christ and the saints who have gone before them by engaging in intercessory prayer. James 5:16 encourages, "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail." This verse highlights the efficacy of intercessory prayer and the communal aspect of the Christian faith, where believers support one another through prayer.

Intercession is not only a duty but a privilege, allowing believers to participate in God's redemptive work in the world. Through intercessory prayer, saints can impact the lives of others, bring about change, and align themselves with God's purposes.Genesis 18:23-33
And Abraham drew near, and said, Will you also destroy the righteous with the wicked?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

James 5:16
Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that you may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Saints' Privilege and Profit;
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saints, and they ... see what terms, characters, titles, and privileges, they are ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the saints privilege and profit.htm

Intercessory Prayer
... we have, indeed, a relationship to the saints, that their ... concerned with them in
all the privileges of grace ... perhaps you have a doubt about interceding for some ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/intercessory prayer.htm

Mahometans.
... singing praises to him, or interceding for mankind ... all the departed prophets and
saints appeared at ... in conclusion, bestowed on him several privileges above the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/mahometans.htm

Conditions of Effectual Prayer.
... and met with special promises), except to saints. ... themselves of the opportunities
and privileges which Jesus has ... the Holy Ghost as an interceding Spirit"they ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/booth/godliness/chapter vii conditions of effectual.htm

Joy, a Duty
... sitting at the right hand of God interceding for you ... in heaven." Do not rejoice in
your privileges; I mean ... was himself in a happy mood; these saints in Philippi ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 41 1895/joy a duty.htm

Heb. 4:14 Our Profession
... These privileges had made them very sensitive and jealous at ... The best of saints has
little idea how many vile ... to Him at the right hand of God interceding for us ...
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Acts 17:16-17. Athens.
... Christ"Christ"Christ"crucified, rising, interceding, redeeming, pardoning ... to feel
for our own countless privileges. ... once delivered to the saints" has lost ...
/.../chapter ix acts 17 16-17 athens.htm

The Doctrine
... Sinai were broken at the foot of the mount, and the others were preserved ... life, no
joy in the Holy Ghost, no share in the privileges of saints, because they ...
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Hymns for the Use of the People Called Methodists
... his needs and moods; the Church, its privileges and services ... hymns included under
the heading For Believers Interceding' are, for ... Where saints in an ecstasy gaze ...
/.../manning/the hymns of wesley and watts five papers/hymns for the use of.htm

The Barren Fig-Tree;
... by the interest which you have in your outward privileges. ... fruitless professors.8.
The dresser's interceding is to ... got into the assembly of the saints, or into ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the barren fig-tree.htm

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