5 Examples of Intercessors in the Bible

Have you ever wondered who the noteworthy intercessors in the Bible are? They are the ones who selflessly stand in the gap, pleading with God on behalf of others.

These individuals exemplify the power and importance of intercessory prayer, demonstrating how it can bring about remarkable change and transformation.

There are many examples of intercessors in the Bible.

From God’s servant Moses in the Old Testament, who interceded for the Israelites, to Jesus, who intercedes for us today, there are numerous examples of intercessors throughout the Bible.

But who are they, and what can we learn from their fervent prayers? Do you want to be a prayer warrior? The Word of God has lots to say on this topic. The cost can be high, but it is worth it.

Let’s explore the lives of these faithful intercessors and discover the profound impact they had on the course of history.

Intercessory prayer is one of the most powerful prayers in our arsenal. There was a time in my life when I was struggling with a spirit of fear. The fear refused to go away.

Many people will pray for me individually, but it will remain.

We had to call a group of intercessors to come home by us and pray for me, and after 2 hours of praying, the fear left my body and never returned.
There is power in intercessory prayer.

Key Takeaways

• Intercessory prayer is a form of pleading on behalf of others in prayers, demonstrating love and care for others.
• Examples of intercessors in the Bible include Abraham, Moses, Elijah, and Jesus.
• These biblical intercessors teach us the power and importance of intercessory prayer.
• Intercessory prayer seeks God’s blessings for others and can bring positive change and healing.

What is intercessory prayer?

There are many kinds of prayers, but Intercessory prayer is the act of pleading on behalf of others in your prayers.

It’s a powerful way to demonstrate love and care for others as you bring their needs and concerns before God. In the Bible, several examples of intercessors faithfully prayed for others and saw excellent results.

One biblical principle of intercessory prayer is found in James 5:16, which says, ‘The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.’

This verse highlights the importance of having a righteous heart and a deep connection with God when interceding for others.

Abraham is an excellent example of an intercessor in Genesis 18, where he pleaded with God to spare the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.

Another powerful example of intercessory prayer is seen in the life of Moses. In Exodus 32, when the Israelites sinned and worshipped a golden calf, Moses interceded on their behalf, asking God to spare them from destruction. God listened to Moses’ prayer and showed mercy to the people.

These examples of intercessory prayer in the Bible show us the impact our prayers can have on the lives of others. When we intercede for others, we partner with God to bring His will and purposes to their lives.

Why we say intercessory prayers

Regarding intercessory prayers, it’s essential to understand why we engage in this powerful act of pleading on behalf of others. Intercessory prayer isn’t just a religious ritual; it holds significant meaning and purpose.

Here are four reasons why we say intercessory prayers:

1. Compassion: Intercessory prayer allows us to show empathy and compassion towards others. It’s an expression of our love and concern for those in need.
2. Connection: Through intercessory prayer, we connect with God on a deeper level and seek His intervention in the lives of others. It strengthens our relationship with Him and builds our faith.
3. Impact: Intercessory prayer can bring about positive change in the lives of those we pray for. It’s a way for us to participate actively in God’s plan for healing and restoration.
4. Examples in the Bible: The New Testament provides numerous examples of intercessors, such as the Apostle Paul, who fervently prayed for others. Learning from these examples inspires us to become prayer warriors and intercede on behalf of others.

Examples of Intercessory prayer in scripture

Several powerful examples of individuals engaging in intercessory prayer exist in the Bible. One such example is Abraham’s intercession on behalf of the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.

In Genesis 18:23-33, we see Abraham pleading with God to spare the cities if even a few righteous people could be found. Abraham’s prayers were a testament to his faith and his concern for the well-being of others.

Genesis 18:22-24 – “The men turned away and went toward Sodom, but Abraham remained standing before the Lord. Then Abraham approached him and said: “Will you sweep away the righteous with the wicked? What if there are fifty righteous people in the city? Will you really sweep it away and not spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous people in it?” (NIV)

Another example of intercessory prayer can be found in the book of Exodus when Moses interceded on behalf of the Israelites. In Exodus 32:11-14, Moses pleaded with God not to destroy the people after they’d sinned by worshiping a golden calf.

Exodus 32:11-13
But Moses implored the Lord his God and said, “O Lord, why does your wrath burn hot against your people, whom you have brought out of the land of Egypt with great power and with a mighty hand? Why should the Egyptians say, ‘With evil intent did he bring them out, to kill them in the mountains and to consume them from the face of the earth’?

Turn from your burning anger and relent from this disaster against your people. Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, your servants, to whom you swore by your own self, and said to them, ‘I will multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have promised I will give to your offspring, and they shall inherit it forever.’”

Moses’ intercessory prayer exemplified his love and care for the people he led, and God showed mercy in response to his prayer.

These examples of intercessory prayer serve as a reminder of the power and importance of praying on behalf of others. They demonstrate the selflessness and compassion found in those who engage in mediation.

Intercessory prayer isn’t only a way for us to seek God’s blessings for ourselves, but it’s also a way for us to intercede on behalf of others, showing love, mercy, and concern for their well-being. Such prayers are mighty. 

5 Examples of Intercessors In The Bible

Now, let’s look at some examples of intercessors in the Bible. These individuals played a crucial role in standing in the gap and praying for others.

From Abraham’s prayer for Sodom to Jesus interceding for His followers, these examples demonstrate the significance and impact of intercessory prayer.

1. Abraham’s Prayer for Sodom

Abraham fervently appealed to God on behalf of the wicked city of Sodom, pleading for mercy and justice to spare the righteous. His mediation is a powerful example of an intercessor’s role in seeking God’s intervention.

Abraham’s prayer for Sodom is a remarkable display of love and compassion. As you reflect on this intercessory prayer example, envision the desperation in Abraham’s voice as he begged God to spare the city for the sake of the righteous.

Imagine his anguish as he negotiated with the Almighty, hoping to find even a handful of honest people to save.

Consider the weight of responsibility he carried, knowing that his words could determine the fate of an entire city. And marvel at his unwavering faith, boldly asking God to hold back His judgment and extend His mercy.

Abraham’s intercession teaches us the power and importance of interceding for others before God.

2. Moses’ Prayer, Interceding For Israel

Moses, another prominent intercessor in the Bible, fervently prayed on behalf of the nation of Israel, seeking God’s mercy and guidance. As a servant of God, Moses understood the importance of intercessory prayer and its role in the lives of God’s people.

His prayer for Israel is a powerful example of intercession.

Moses’ Intercessory Prayer for Israel
1. Moses pleaded with God to show mercy to Israel, even in the face of their disobedience.
2. He interceded for the people’s forgiveness, asking God to spare them from His wrath.
3. Moses sought God’s guidance and direction, asking Him to lead the nation on the right path.
4. He stood in the gap between God and the people, acting as a mediator and intercessor.

Moses’ prayer for Israel showcases the heart of an intercessor, willing to stand in the gap and intercede on behalf of others. His example reminds us of the power and importance of intercessory prayer in our lives and those around us.

3. Ezra’s Prayer, Identifying With The Sins Of His Nation

Ezra, a faithful intercessor in the Bible, demonstrated his deep commitment to his nation by praying and identifying with their sins. In Ezra’s prayer, he showed a profound understanding of the collective guilt of his people.

Ezra 9:6-15
O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift my face to you, my God, for our iniquities have risen higher than our heads, and our guilt has mounted up to the heavens. From the days of our fathers to this day we have been in great guilt.

And for our iniquities we, our kings, and our priests have been given into the hand of the kings of the lands, to the sword, to captivity, to plundering, and to utter shame, as it is today. But now for a brief moment favor has been shown by the Lord our God, to leave us a remnant and to give us a secure hold within his holy place, that our God may brighten our eyes and grant us a little reviving in our slavery.

For we are slaves. Yet our God has not forsaken us in our slavery, but has extended to us his steadfast love before the kings of Persia, to grant us some reviving to set up the house of our God, to repair its ruins, and to give us protection in Judea and Jerusalem.

“And now, O our God, what shall we say after this? For we have forsaken your commandments, which you commanded by your servants the prophets, saying, ‘The land that you are entering, to take possession of it, is a land impure with the impurity of the peoples of the lands, with their abominations that have filled it from end to end with their uncleanness.

Therefore do not give your daughters to their sons, neither take their daughters for your sons, and never seek their peace or prosperity, that you may be strong and eat the good of the land and leave it for an inheritance to your children forever.’

And after all that has come upon us for our evil deeds and for our great guilt, seeing that you, our God, have punished us less than our iniquities deserved and have given us such a remnant as this, shall we break your commandments again and intermarry with the peoples who practice these abominations?

Would you not be angry with us until you consumed us, so that there should be no remnant, nor any to escape? O Lord, the God of Israel, you are just, for we are left a remnant that has escaped, as it is today. Behold, we are before you in our guilt, for none can stand before you because of this.”

He acknowledged their transgressions and recognized the consequences of their disobedience.

Through his prayer, Ezra exemplified the qualities of a faithful intercessor, displaying empathy, humility, and genuine concern for his nation’s well-being.

1. Ezra’s prayer reveals his selflessness as he places the needs of his people above his own.
2. He takes responsibility for the sins of his nation, showing a willingness to stand in the gap on their behalf.
3. Ezra’s prayer demonstrates his unwavering faith in God’s mercy and forgiveness.
4. Through his identification with the sins of his nation, Ezra sets an example of repentance and restoration.

Ezra’s prayer is a powerful reminder of intercession’s importance and impact on a nation’s spiritual well-being. This was a great prayer on behalf of Israel. 

4. Elijah Asks God to Show Israel Who is the real God

I Kings 18:36-37 At the time of the offering of the oblation, Elijah the prophet came near and said, “O Lord, God of Israel, let it be known this day that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant, and that I have done all these things at your Word. Answer me, O Lord, that this people may know that you, O Lord, are God and that you have turned their hearts back.”

Elijah fervently implored God to reveal His power and supremacy to the people of Israel. In a dramatic showdown, Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal and Asherah on top of Mt. Carmel. He proposed a test to determine who the real God was – the one who answered by fire would be the true God.

As the prophets of Baal cried out to their gods without success, Elijah called upon the name of the Lord. Immediately, the fire of the Lord came down from heaven, consuming the sacrifice and the altar. The people of Israel fell on their faces, acknowledging the power of the one true God.

Elijah’s intercessory prayer demonstrated the authority and sovereignty of God, leading the people to repentance and turning their hearts back to Him. 

5. Jesus intercedes for His Followers

The Lord Jesus is a powerful example of intercession in the Bible, advocating for His followers to bring them closer to God. His intercessory prayer reveals His deep love and care for His disciples. Here are four reasons why Jesus’ intercession is significant and impactful:

1. Jesus intercedes for His followers because of His love for them. He desires to see them grow in their faith and experience the fullness of God’s love and grace.
2. His intercession is effective because He has the authority and power to intercede on our behalf. He’s the Son of God, and the Father hears His prayers.
3. Jesus’ intercession is a good work. It demonstrates His selflessness and compassion for His followers as He seeks their well-being and spiritual growth.
4. When Jesus intercedes, He does so in His name. He acknowledges His authority and uses His name to approach God, recognizing that it’s through Him that we can have a relationship with the Heavenly Father.

Through Jesus’ intercession, we’re assured that our prayers are heard and that God’s love and grace are extended to us. He is indeed the ultimate intercessor. 

Bible Verses About Intercession

The Bible provides numerous examples of intercessory prayer and offers guidance on engaging in this practice.

One example is in James 5:16, which states, ‘Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed.

The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it’s working.’ This verse emphasizes the importance of praying for others and highlights the effectiveness of intercession.

Another example of intercession can be seen in Romans.

Romans 8:26-27, where it says, ‘Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We don’t know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows the mind of the Spirit because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.’

This passage reminds us that the Holy Spirit intercedes on our behalf, even when we don’t know how to pray.

Romans 8:34 Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and maketh intercession for us. 

These are just a few examples of intercession found in the Bible. By studying these verses and incorporating intercessory prayer into your spiritual life, you can deepen your connection with God and positively impact the lives of others.

How to say an intercessory prayer

To effectively engage in intercessory prayer, it’s essential to understand how to say it in a way that aligns with biblical principles and maximizes its impact. Here are four key steps to consider:

1. Approach God with a humble heart: Like Abraham’s intercession for Sodom and Gomorrah, approach God with humility and reverence. Acknowledge your dependence on Him and His sovereignty.
2. Pray with faith and belief: Examples of intercessors in the Bible, like Moses and Elijah, believed in the power of prayer and had unwavering faith in God’s ability to answer. Approach your intercessory prayers with confidence in God’s promises.
3. Pray according to God’s will: Seek God’s guidance and align your prayers with His Word. Jesus taught us to pray, ‘You will be done.’ Trust that God knows what’s best and pray accordingly.
4. Persist in prayer: Examples of intercessory prayer, such as the persistent widow in Luke 18, teach us the importance of persevering in prayer. Don’t give up easily. Keep praying and trusting in God’s timing and plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Does Intercessory Prayer Differ From Regular Prayer?

Intercessory prayer differs from regular prayer by focusing on praying for others rather than oneself. It involves standing in the gap and pleading on behalf of others before God, seeking His intervention and blessings.

Are There Specific Qualifications or Characteristics That Make Someone an Effective Intercessor?

You don’t need specific qualifications or characteristics to be an effective intercessor. It’s about having a heart that genuinely cares for others and a willingness to pray on their behalf.

Can Intercessory Prayers Change the Outcome of a Situation or Influence God’s Will?

Intercessory prayers have the power to change outcomes and influence God’s will. Your prayers can make a difference in any situation. Trust in the power of your intercession and believe that God hears and responds.

Are There Any Limitations or Boundaries to Intercessory Prayer?

There are no limitations or boundaries to intercessory prayer. It is a powerful tool that allows you to connect with God and seek His intervention in any situation, regardless of circumstances.

How Can Someone Grow in Their Ability to Be an Intercessor?

To grow in your ability to be an intercessor, you can cultivate a consistent prayer life, study the Word to understand God’s heart, seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and surround yourself with other believers with a heart for intercession.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are numerous examples of intercessors in the Bible who served as potent mediators between God and humanity.

From Abraham pleading for Sodom and Gomorrah to Moses interceding for the Israelites, these individuals demonstrated the importance of intercessory prayer in seeking God’s mercy and intervention.

Through their faithful intercession, they showcased the power of prayer and the impact it can have on the lives of others. As believers, we can be encouraged to follow their example and actively engage in intercessory prayer for the needs of others and not just our own needs.