There is. Scripture calls it intercession—and it’s one of the most powerful things a Christian can do. Abraham argued with God for the sake of Sodom, and God listened. Moses literally stood between God’s judgment and a rebellious nation, and God relented. Esther risked execution to plead for her people. Intercession isn’t polite well-wishing. It’s entering the throne room of God with someone else’s name in your mouth and refusing to leave until you’ve laid their burden down.
What Is Intercessory Prayer?
The word “intercede” means to “go between.” An intercessor stands between God and another person, bringing that person’s needs before God’s throne. It’s a priestly role—and the New Testament says that every believer is a priest (1 Peter 2:9). You have direct access to God, and you can use that access on behalf of others.
“I looked for someone among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found no one.”
That verse is haunting: God looked for someone to stand in the gap—and found no one. He didn’t need a theologian or a superhero. He needed a person willing to pray. God could act without your prayers—He’s sovereign. But He has chosen, mysteriously and graciously, to include your prayers in how He works. When you intercede for someone, you are not performing a religious duty. You are partnering with the Creator of the universe on behalf of someone He loves.
A Simple Framework for Intercession
If you’ve ever sat down to pray for someone and found yourself staring at the wall after ten seconds, you’re not alone. Intercession is a skill, and like any skill, it helps to have a starting point. Here’s a simple rhythm that can deepen over time:
- Name the person. Speak their name aloud before God. There’s something powerful about specificity.
- Name the need. What are they facing? Be as specific as you can. If you don’t know details, ask God to meet them where they are.
- Pray Scripture over them. Find a verse that speaks to their situation and pray it with their name inserted.
- Ask boldly. Don’t hold back. God invites bold requests (Hebrews 4:16). Ask for healing, provision, breakthrough, peace—whatever they need.
- Trust the outcome to God. You’ve done your part. Now release the person and the situation into God’s hands.
Common Mistakes in Intercession
- Praying once and moving on. Intercession is persistent. Keep praying until you have peace or an answer.
- Praying vaguely. “Bless them” is a fine prayer, but “Give them courage for their appointment tomorrow” is more powerful.
- Trying to control the outcome. You’re the intercessor, not the answer. Pray boldly, but hold the result with open hands.
- Forgetting to listen. Sometimes God wants to direct your prayer. Pause and listen before you launch into requests.
- Neglecting yourself. You can’t pour from an empty cup. Intercede for others from a place of spiritual health, not obligation.
Praying for People Who Don’t Know You’re Praying
Some of the most important intercession happens without the other person’s knowledge. You can pray for a coworker who’s struggling, a neighbor you’ve never met, a public figure, or a stranger you passed on the street. God doesn’t require the person’s consent to hear your prayer on their behalf. Your intercession is between you and God.
How to Pray for Your Friends
Practical ways to pray specifically for the people closest to you.
How to Pray for Your Community
Expand your intercession from individuals to your neighborhood and city.
Challenge: Choose one person today. Commit to praying for them every day for 30 days. Be specific. Be persistent. And watch what God does—in them and in you.