The word “Intercessory” from the dictionary (Thesaurus) is an adjective which means “having the function of interceding”.  The word “intercede” is a verb that means “to act or interpose in behalf of someone in difficulty or trouble, as by pleading or petition”.  We know that prayer is talking to God, expressing our appreciation and praises of Him, thanksgiving, supplication, and confession.  God speaks to us through His words, the Bible.  Thesaurus dictionary defines prayer as “a spiritual communion with God or an object of worship, as in supplication, thanksgiving, adoration, or confession”.  Its simple definition is, “a petition; entreaty”.  So, we can have a clearer grasp of what intercessory prayer is, we need to understand the meaning of the words.  It simply means “praying for others” or “praying on behalf of others”.  

Jesus valued prayer.  In fact, it is the backbone of His ministry.  Early in the morning he rose up to pray:

And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed. (Mark 1:35)

He usually went to a place where he would not be disturbed.  Where he can have time alone with the Father.  Prayer is essential in the life of our Lord Jesus during his earthly ministry.  Especially when he makes a very important decision in how he would spend his life and with whom he spends much time in prayer. 

And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. (Luke 6:12)

It is a question to us if we ever give much time to prayer when we make important decisions in our lives and our ministries, on how we should spend our time, talent, and treasure to impact more people and influence them for the Lord.  Do we consider how we can be a blessing to many, by praying for God’s laborers and their outreaches?  Do you ever pray for the salvation of the lost? Your prayer can be a blessing to many.  

Prayer is most important in the ministry of our Lord Jesus.  He brought salvation for us by his death and resurrection.  But after he ascended to heaven, he continued to minister to us by intercessory prayer.  

But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. (Hebrews 7:24-25)

Jesus continues to save lost people and “he is ABLE TO SAVE them to the uttermost that come unto God BY HIM”.  It is clear in this passage that salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus.   This is related to Ephesians 2: 8-9:

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah. (Psalms 3:8)

Man cannot be a Savior, only God is the Savior.  Jesus saves and he always prays for us, believers and for the lost. 

In John 17 we find Jesus praying for believers and for the lost.  

I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;

(John 17:15-20)

In Luke 19: 10 we find that the very purpose of Christ is to seek and to save that which was lost. 

For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

(Luke 19:10)

Do you find it a great privilege to talk to God in prayer and intercede for others, for those who reach out for the lost and for the lost people to respond to God’s message through them?  

Consider these Scriptures:

And I looked, and there was none to help; and I wondered that there was none to uphold: therefore mine own arm brought salvation unto me; and my fury, it upheld me. (Isaiah 63:5)

And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday: And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. (Isaiah 58:10-11)

And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

(Luke 22:31-32)

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; (Ephesians 6:18)

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. (1 Timothy 2:1-2)

Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: (2 Thessalonians 3:1)

Take time to pray today… Praying for you 🙂 God bless — E. J.