What is intercessory prayer?
Intercession is praying for others — bringing their needs, struggles, and salvation before God on their behalf. It is one of the highest forms of love, modeled by Jesus himself, who 'always lives to make intercession' for his people.
To 'intercede' is to stand between, to plead for someone else. The Bible is full of intercessors: Abraham for Sodom, Moses for Israel, Daniel for his exiled people, Paul for the churches. To pray for others is one of the most God-like things a person can do.
Supremely, Jesus himself is our great intercessor. Hebrews 7:25 says he 'always lives to make intercession' for those who come to God through him. Even now, at the Father's right hand, he prays for you by name.
We are invited into that ministry. 1 Timothy 2:1 calls for 'supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings… for all people.' Pray for the lost. Pray for those who hurt you. Pray for leaders, missionaries, the persecuted, the sick. Intercession is love made audible to God.
Original BibleDawn answer · reviewed 2026-06. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.