This article is part of a series, Pray like Jesus, on ways Jesus teaches us how to pray to our heavenly Father. Keep an eye out for related articles.
Throughout His ministry, Jesus frequently prayed intercessory prayers on behalf of others. His example teaches us how to carry the needs and burdens of others directly to the throne of God.
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Interceding for Peter
Jesus prayed for Peter within the earshot of the other disciples. “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers” (Luke 22:31–32).
With this prayer, Jesus promised Peter His ongoing support and commissioned him to encourage and pray for others.
Prayer for future believers
Before Jesus’ departure to His Father, He prayed a beautiful prayer interceding for His disciples and for future believers. “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in Me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as You are in Me and I am in You” (John 17:20–21).
His prayer, overheard by His disciples, showed His love, protection and missional purpose for them.
Interceding from the cross
As Jesus hung on the cross suffering an agonizing death, He prayed for His executioners — those who had nailed Him there. “Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing’” (Luke 23:34). This prayer, uttered in Jesus’ greatest pain, revealed the heart of God — His deep love, grace and complete forgiveness.
Old Testament models of intercession
The Old Testament is filled with intercessory prayer examples:
— Moses pleaded for mercy for Israel, begging God to be compassionate to the sinful people who had created and worshipped the idolatrous golden calf. (Read Ex. 32:11–14.)
— Samuel prayed for Israel. “Then Samuel said, ‘Assemble all Israel at Mizpah, and I will intercede with the Lord for you’” (1 Sam. 7:5).
— Daniel confessed on behalf of Jerusalem, “We have sinned. … Look with favor on your desolate sanctuary” (Dan. 9:5, 17).
New Testament examples of intercessory prayer
The New Testament is also rich with examples of intercessory prayer:
— The early church prayed for Peter while he was in prison. “So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him” (Acts 12:5). Due to their prayers, God sent an angel to Peter who released him and led him out of the cell to the house of John’s mother, Mary. (See Acts 12:1–12.)
— Paul thanked God for the Corinthians for their prayers: “… you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many” (2 Cor. 1:11).
—Paul requested intercessory prayer when in Ephesus. “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions. … Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel” (Eph. 6:18, 19).
—James urged the Church to pray in unity when he wrote, “Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders. … The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” (James 5:14, 16).
Suggestions
When you pray personally:
—“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Gal. 6:2). One way to bear another’s burdens is through intercessory prayer, going directly to God on their behalf.
—Pray specifically for the person by name, including details and desired outcomes.
—Pray in faith, approaching God with confidence, knowing that He hears and acts when we pray for others (1 John 5:14–15).
—Pray that the person’s prayers will be in line with God’s heart and purposes, not only for their own agenda.
“The intercession of the believer is the voice of the Church, crying to God with the mind of Christ,” writes Dietrich Bonhoeffer in “Life Together.”
When the Church prays:
Scripture encourages unity through a church’s prayers for others. God hears these prayers of intercession. “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. For where two or three gather in My name, there am I with them” (Matt. 18:19–20).
In “Power Through Prayer,” E. M. Bounds writes, “While the Church prays, mountains tremble and kingdoms crumble.”
Create prayer ministries in your church, asking members to pray for the church family, local communities and the world and its leaders.
As the Antioch church did in Acts, pray for those in your church who make decisions for the congregation. “While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off” (Acts 13:2–3).
Teach church members how to pray intercessory prayers in their families and communities.
Become known as a praying church that prays compassionately for the pastor and church leaders as well as for those both near and far. Hold intercessory prayer services to pray for the denomination’s missionaries who share the gospel with the world. Pray also for those they minister to in national and global areas.
“Intercession is not only a cry for mercy but a fellowship with Christ in His work of mediating grace,” writes Andrew Murray in “With Christ in the School of Prayer.” When we pray on behalf of others, we follow Jesus’ example and His teachings on intercessory prayer.
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