INTERCESSORY PRAYER

Chapter 2

Intercessory Prayer

Intercessory prayer is praying on behalf of others, where an intercessor takes the place of another or pleads with God on their behalf, especially in cases of desperate need. Jesus Christ is presented as the model of intercession.

The biblical basis for intercession is rooted in the concept of believers being called as priests unto God, forming a holy priesthood (1 Peter 2:9) and a kingdom of priests (Revelation 1:6). In the Old Testament, the Levitical priesthood serves as an example, where priests stood before God and between God and the people, offering sacrifices and offerings. The blood sacrifice, particularly mentioned in Hebrews 7:11-19, highlights the role of the priest in mediating between the Old and New Testaments. The Levitical Priesthood was passed down through generations of the tribe of Levi.The Melchizedek Priesthood, represents a new order of spiritual priests. In this new order, the Lord Jesus is the high priest, whose priesthood is established not through bloodline but through spiritual birth in Christ.

The model intercessor is Jesus, sent by God to intercede for humanity. He stands before God on behalf of sinful humanity, just as Old Testament priests did. There is “one mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5). There is significance of intercession, drawing parallels between Old Testament figures (like Moses) and the believer’s role in standing before God. We should develop intimacy with God through worship and the sacrifice of Christ, which grants believers access to God as advocates and intercessors.Intercessors are a “royal and holy priesthood” given to believers through righteousness, not their own, but through the kingly authority delegated by God. The importance of prayer is that It can transcend geographical and cultural barriers, enabling individuals and nations to achieve their destiny and save humankind through fervent prayers.