Overview
Intercession means to plead with God on behalf of others, bringing their needs, requests, and concerns before Him. The Old Testament shows intercession as a vital spiritual practice, exemplified by leaders and priests who stood before God for their people. Through intercession, believers participate in God's redemptive work and exercise faith that prayer genuinely influences divine action.
Key Scriptures
"Then all the people came to Jeremiah and said, 'Please let our petition come before you, and pray for us to the Lord your God' " (Jeremiah 42:2, ESV).
"And the Lord said to Moses, 'I have seen this people, and behold, it is a stiff-necked people. Now let me alone, that my wrath may burn hot against them and I may consume them; but of you I will make a great nation.' But Moses implored the Lord his God and said, '...Turn from your fierce wrath and relent from this disaster against your people' " (Exodus 32:9-12, ESV).
"The Lord blessed you through the priestly blessing, which they carried upon their hearts" (Exodus 28:29, ESV).
Application
Develop a consistent intercessory prayer life, regularly bringing the needs of family, church, and community before God with faith that He hears and responds.