What is Intercession?
Christian intercession can be described as love on its knees, praying on behalf of others. It’s an appeal for God to intervene in someone’s life, or in a specific place or situation. An intercessor stands in the gap, willing to identify with the sins of others, asking God for mercy and forgiveness as if those sins were their own.
For biblical context, study the lives of Nehemiah, Ezra, and Daniel—all mighty intercessors.
Intercession is one of the most dynamic and fulfilling aspects of the Christian life. From your prayer closet, you can impact the world. In partnership with God, you help release freedom, healing, salvation, and peace into nations, cities, families, and individuals.
Although rarely seen or recognized publicly, intercessors are essential to every growing church or ministry. Their consistency in prayer lays a foundation that allows God to move in power.
Prophetic Intercession
Prophetic intercession happens when God speaks directly to His people and shows them how to pray effectively. Intercessors must stay humble and teachable, listening for His voice.
Psalm 25:9 – He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble His way.
John 16:13 – When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth… and He will declare to you the things that are to come.
Romans 8:26 – Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness… the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.
Yield to the Word of God
The Bible is the most powerful tool an intercessor has. Let it guide your prayers. Keep it nearby as you intercede. The Holy Spirit will often highlight passages that offer powerful prayer strategies.
For Example:
Psalm 37:8 – Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil.
This verse might prompt you to pray through your own anxieties—or intercede for others who are overwhelmed by worry.
Pray the Word Just As It Is
Psalm 91 and Ephesians 6:10–18 are powerful Scriptures for praying protection over loved ones, churches, and ministry leaders.
If you are called to full-time ministry or deep intercession, consider memorizing these passages.
Pray Blessings from Scripture
The Bible is filled with blessings. Speak them aloud. As you intercede for others, you also strengthen your own spirit. It’s a double blessing!
Speak and Declare the Word
Speaking God’s Word aloud ministers to your spirit and activates faith. It’s vital to keep your inner life vibrant and healthy.
Pray a Rhema Word from the Logos Word
Logos: the written Word of God—your Bible.
Rhema: a now word—when a verse jumps off the page and speaks directly to your situation.
When you pray a Rhema word, you align your intercession with heaven’s reality:
“Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
It’s like being handed a blank cheque. The storehouse is already full. Pray boldly and confidently!
Sometimes you won’t know why a certain verse is highlighted to you—but over time, God will reveal His purposes.
Use the Word to Build Long-Term Strategies
Scripture can shape your long-term prayer approach. For example:
Use the parable of the Prodigal Son as a framework for praying over loved ones who have walked away. (See Praying for the Prodigals for more.)
Be Precise in Prayer
Avoid vague prayers. Instead of:
“God bless Bobby and give him what he needs,”
try:
“Father, give Bobby peace in his workplace, healing in his back, and a deeper sense of Your presence.”
Be clear and specific—just like a child asking their father for food or a hug. Don’t leave God guessing.
Pray for Insight into Physical Healing
Ask the Lord clear questions:
Is it this person’s time to go home?
Is complete healing Your will right now?
Most of the time, you’ll sense the Spirit say, “It’s not their time.” Then pray in faith. Stand on the Word, no matter what the circumstances look like.
A Strong Word of Caution from a Seasoned Intercessor
God reveals secrets to those who can keep them.
A trusted intercessor is one who remains discreet. Until God clearly directs you to share what you’ve heard or seen in prayer, stay silent. Some revelations are meant to stay between you and the Lord.
Luke 9:36 (RSV) – And they kept silence and told no one in those days anything of what they had seen.
Luke 2:19 (RSV) – Mary kept all these things, pondering them in her heart.
For further helps, please read Developing an Effective Prayer Life
©1997, 2025 Katherine Walden
Sign up to receive a weekly emailed devotional by Katherine by using the following form.
