Intercessory Prayer
Intercessory prayer in the Bible refers to the act of praying on behalf of others, seeking God's intervention, mercy, or help in their lives. This form of prayer is characterized by selflessness and compassion, as the intercessor stands in the gap for individuals or groups, pleading for their needs before God. The biblical figure of Moses serves as a prominent example of intercessory prayer; he prayed fervently for the Israelites when they sinned against God, asking for their forgiveness and pleading for God's mercy (Exodus 32:11-14). Similarly, in the New Testament, the Apostle Paul frequently engaged in intercessory prayer, as seen in his letters where he mentions praying for the spiritual growth and well-being of the churches he established (Philippians 1:3-5).In addition to individual examples, intercessory prayer is highlighted in the context of community and collective needs. James 5:16 encourages believers to pray for one another, emphasizing the power and effectiveness of such prayers. Furthermore, Jesus Himself is depicted as an intercessor; in John 17, He prays for His disciples and future believers, asking God to protect and unify them. This illustrates the deep relational aspect of intercessory prayer, as it reflects God's desire for His people to support one another and seek divine assistance together. Thus, intercessory prayer is not only an act of compassion but also a vital practice that underscores the interconnectedness of the Christian community and the call to bear one another's burdens (Galatians 6:2).
Intercessory Prayer27
Necessity of Intercessory Missionaries
By Mike Bickle711:09:32LUK 18:7REV 5:8Mike Bickle emphasizes the critical role of intercessory prayer in the global missions movement, asserting that intercession is not a separate activity but central to the work of missionaries. He highlights the growing worldwide prayer movement and the necessity of night and day prayer to bring about justice and transformation in cities. Bickle calls for a new generation of intercessors, likening them to Anna from the Bible, who dedicated her life to prayer and intercession. He stresses that the effectiveness of evangelism and mercy deeds is significantly enhanced when supported by a strong prayer foundation. Ultimately, he encourages believers to embrace their calling as intercessors, as this is vital for the fulfillment of the Great Commission.
1 John 5:16
By John Gill01JN 5:16John Gill emphasizes the importance of intercessory prayer for fellow believers who sin, highlighting that while all sin is deserving of death, those who are truly in Christ are not condemned due to God's grace. He explains that a brother's sin is not unto death if he does not persist in it and shows genuine remorse, and thus, believers should pray for one another to receive comfort and life from God. Gill also warns of the sin unto death, which is unforgivable and involves a willful rejection of the truth of the Gospel, urging caution in prayer for such cases.
Prayer That Combats Satan's Aims
By David Wilkerson0JHN 4:46JHN 8:441PE 5:8REV 12:12David Wilkerson emphasizes the urgent need for fervent prayer to combat the destructive aims of Satan, who is actively seeking to ruin families in these last days. He highlights the reality of spiritual warfare, referencing 1 Peter 5:8, and illustrates the power of intercessory prayer through the story of a nobleman whose son was on the brink of death. This nobleman's determination to seek Jesus exemplifies the faith required to overcome desperate situations. Wilkerson encourages believers to pray aggressively and with faith, trusting in Jesus' miraculous power to bring healing and restoration to their families.
The Wisdom and Privilege of Embracing Our Sacred Trust
By Mike Bickle1944:302CH 29:25PSA 139:23ISA 42:10AMO 9:11MAT 28:19ROM 12:1PHP 3:141TH 5:16HEB 10:24REV 19:1Mike Bickle emphasizes the significance of embracing our sacred trust in the context of God's prophetic history, urging believers to remain faithful amidst the mundane and challenging aspects of life. He reflects on the prophetic words received 30 years ago regarding the establishment of 24-hour prayer and the rise of intercessory missionaries, highlighting the importance of commitment to this divine mandate. Bickle encourages the congregation to grow in revelation and understanding of their roles, asserting that true fulfillment comes from engaging deeply with God's purpose rather than merely fulfilling duties. He stresses that the sacred trust is a serious vocation, not a casual commitment, and calls for a collective effort to fulfill God's global mandate through prayer and worship. Ultimately, he reminds the audience that their faithfulness in this calling is crucial for the unfolding of God's plans in the earth.
Called to Be an Intercessory Missionary
By Mike Bickle2059:29ISA 62:6Mike Bickle emphasizes the biblical foundation and significance of being an intercessory missionary, explaining that this role is deeply rooted in both the Old and New Testaments. He encourages believers to embrace their calling with dignity and commitment, highlighting the importance of prayer and worship in fulfilling the Great Commission. Bickle reassures that the lifestyle of an intercessory missionary is not only valid but essential for spiritual growth and community revival. He urges listeners to understand their unique place in God's plan and to remain steadfast in their mission, despite challenges and weariness. Ultimately, he calls for a collective movement towards continuous prayer and worship as a response to God's calling.
Prayer Born of Compassion
By E.M. Bounds0LAM 3:22MAT 9:36ROM 10:1E.M. Bounds emphasizes the profound nature of spiritual compassion, which arises from a renewed heart and compels individuals to pray earnestly for others in need. This compassion, rooted in mercy and pity, drives believers to intercede for the suffering and lost, reflecting Christ's own compassion for humanity. Bounds illustrates that true compassion sees beyond physical needs to the spiritual plight of souls, urging the church to pray for laborers in the harvest. He highlights that prayer, born of compassion, is essential for the effective ministry and outreach of the church. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a compassionate heart that mirrors God's own, leading to fervent prayer for the salvation of others.
Intercessory Prayer
By Gerhard Du Toit1.9K33:39LUK 11:1In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal experience of witnessing the power of God's presence and the impact it had on his life. He emphasizes the importance of having a broken heart for people and the need for intercession through prayer. The speaker tells a story about an old man who prayed fervently for his town, and as a result, a revival broke out and many people were saved. The speaker also expresses his burden for the lost and the need for revival in the world today.
A Life of Effectual Intercessory Prayer
By Gerhard Du Toit3.5K1:26:16PSA 119:130JER 4:31MAT 6:33ACT 6:41TH 5:17JAS 5:12In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of discerning the difference between the voice of God and the voice of Satan. He shares a story about a man who would pray for the souls of men and women in a town, kneeling at a specific spot and looking over the town. The preacher emphasizes the need for prayer and seeking God's guidance in order to fulfill His purpose in our lives. He also mentions the significance of having a clean heart before God and encourages the congregation to examine their own relationship with God.
Twenty-Seventh Lesson. ‘Father, I Will;’ Or, Christ the High Priest
By Andrew Murray0JHN 15:5JHN 17:24ROM 8:26EPH 6:18PHP 4:6COL 4:21TH 5:17HEB 4:14JAS 5:161JN 5:14Andrew Murray emphasizes the significance of Jesus' high-priestly prayer in John 17, where Christ intercedes for Himself, His disciples, and all believers. He teaches that true prayer in Jesus' name is rooted in unity with Him and seeks to glorify the Father. Murray encourages believers to embrace their calling as intercessors, praying specifically for their circles and the unity of the Church. He highlights the power of prayer when aligned with Christ's will and the importance of losing one's own will to find strength in God's purpose. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper understanding and practice of intercessory prayer as a vital aspect of the Christian life.
The Prayer of Intercession
By F.B. Meyer0PHP 1:3F.B. Meyer emphasizes the significance of intercessory prayer, drawing from Paul's epistles to illustrate how prayer should be a constant and joyful practice for believers. He encourages Christians to cultivate habits of prayer, setting aside specific times and places for communion with God, and to approach prayer with a spirit of joy and faith. Meyer highlights the importance of praying for both the saved and unsaved, and the necessity of relying on the Holy Spirit to guide and empower our prayers. He concludes that effective prayer requires a deep faith in God's willingness to hear and respond to our requests.
A Model Prayer of Intercession
By T. Austin-Sparks0DEU 28:64NEH 1:4PSA 119:25ISA 58:12LUK 22:42HEB 5:7T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the characteristics of intercessory prayer as demonstrated by Nehemiah, highlighting the importance of anguish, knowledge of God, persistence, vicarious repentance, faith in God's Word, and utter surrender. He illustrates how Nehemiah's heartfelt prayer was rooted in a deep concern for God's people and a profound understanding of God's promises. Sparks challenges listeners to reflect on their own spiritual state and the seriousness of their prayers, urging them to identify with the struggles of others and to pray with unwavering faith and commitment. Ultimately, he calls for a complete abandonment to God's will, ensuring that intercessory prayer aligns with God's interests rather than personal desires.
1 Samuel 1:2-16
By Leonard Ravenhill1581:19:531SA 1:10Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the profound nature of intercessory prayer through the story of Hannah in 1 Samuel 1:2-16. He highlights the essential elements of prayer, such as desperation, sacrifice, and the need for a deep connection with God, as demonstrated by Hannah's heartfelt cries for a child. Ravenhill draws parallels between Hannah's anguish and the spiritual barrenness in the church today, urging believers to seek God earnestly and to understand that true prayer often involves deep personal sacrifice and commitment. He concludes that God answers desperate prayers, often for purposes beyond our immediate understanding, as seen in Hannah's eventual gift of Samuel, a prophet for Israel.
No Substitute for Prayers!
By Oswald J. Smith0PHP 4:6JAS 5:16Oswald J. Smith emphasizes the unparalleled power of intercessory prayer as the Christian's most effective weapon, capable of achieving what no other means can. He laments the modern trend of relying on natural methods instead of the God-ordained practice of prayer, which leads to superficial results in evangelism and church work. Smith warns that while outward appearances may suggest success, true spiritual outcomes are often lacking when prayer is neglected. He calls for a return to intercessory prayer, urging believers to persistently seek God's intervention for genuine transformation. The sermon serves as a reminder of the importance of prayer in achieving supernatural results in the life of the church.
The Call to Be a Full-Time Intercessory Missionary
By Mike Bickle2253:521CH 9:331CH 23:30ISA 62:6MAT 21:13LUK 2:37ACT 6:4ROM 12:121TH 5:16JAS 5:16REV 5:8Mike Bickle emphasizes the growing call for full-time intercessory missionaries within the body of Christ, highlighting the biblical foundation and historical precedent for this vocation. He notes the significant increase in 24-hour prayer ministries globally, from 25 to over 20,000 in just 30 years, indicating a divine movement led by the Holy Spirit. Bickle encourages believers to support this calling, even if they are not personally called to it, and stresses the importance of prayer as a central activity in the church. He references biblical examples, particularly from the Old Testament, to illustrate the role of intercessors and their vital function in God's plan. Ultimately, he calls for a recognition of individual callings while affirming the necessity of intercessory prayer in the end times.
Expository Thoughts on Mark - Mark 7:24-30
By J.C. Ryle0MRK 7:29JAS 5:16J.C. Ryle emphasizes the power and importance of intercessory prayer through the story of a Gentile woman who persistently sought Jesus to heal her daughter possessed by an unclean spirit. Despite initial discouragement, her unwavering faith and determination in prayer led to her daughter's healing, illustrating that prayer can bring hope even in desperate situations. Ryle encourages parents to pray for their children, reminding them that while they cannot control their children's hearts, they can always intercede on their behalf. He stresses the necessity of perseverance in prayer, urging believers to continue praying for others, regardless of the apparent lack of immediate results. Ultimately, Ryle concludes that intercessory prayer is a profound act of love and kindness that can lead to significant spiritual breakthroughs.
Letters: Mrs. R. M. Ballantyne, His Niece, Harrow-on-the-Hill (1)
By Andrew Bonar0ROM 10:1EPH 2:131TI 2:1HEB 4:14JAS 5:16Andrew Bonar shares a heartfelt letter to his niece, expressing his commitment to pray for the salvation of those who are distant from God, particularly the children of godly parents. He emphasizes the power of prayer and the importance of interceding for others, asking for support in prayer for his own needs as well. Bonar's letter reflects a deep reliance on Christ's sacrifice and the work of the Holy Spirit in bringing people closer to God.
Intercessory Prayer - Part 2
By Leonard Ravenhill8.5K29:23ISA 40:31MAT 6:6MAT 23:15LUK 18:1ACT 2:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being zealous and passionate in spreading the word of God. He criticizes those who claim to have the best thing in the world but do not fully commit to it. The speaker shares examples of individuals in history who fervently prayed for revival and saw results. He also highlights the disruptive nature of revival, causing discomfort and dislocation in people's lives. The sermon encourages listeners to be dedicated and willing to sacrifice for the cause of spreading the gospel.
Intercessory Prayer - Part 1
By Leonard Ravenhill12K29:32MAT 6:33JHN 1:1ROM 12:22CO 12:9In this sermon, the preacher discusses the different perspectives of Jesus presented in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Matthew portrays Jesus as a king, while Mark emphasizes his role as a servant. Luke presents Jesus as a man who is dependent on his Father and is known for his deep prayer life. The preacher emphasizes the importance of prayer and obedience in the Christian life, using examples from the Bible such as Moses and Abraham Lincoln. The sermon concludes with a warning about the consequences of disobedience and the importance of trusting and obeying God.
The Sin of Not Praying for Others
By J.R. Miller21SA 12:23MAT 7:7LUK 6:28EPH 6:18PHP 1:3COL 1:91TH 5:171TI 2:1HEB 4:16JAS 5:16J.R. Miller emphasizes the critical duty of praying for others, illustrating that neglecting this responsibility is a sin against God. He reflects on Samuel's commitment to intercede for the people who had wronged him, highlighting that true love and friendship require us to pray for even those who have hurt us. Miller warns against the dangers of selfishness in prayer and the temptation to cease praying due to delayed answers or perceived unworthiness of others. He encourages believers to recognize the spiritual needs of those around them and to persist in prayer, as it is through intercession that God's blessings are often bestowed. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper understanding of the importance of prayer in fostering genuine love and support for one another.
The Spirit of Prayer
By Andrew Murray0ROM 8:26Andrew Murray emphasizes the vital role of the Holy Spirit in prayer, explaining that while we may struggle to articulate our needs, the Spirit intercedes for us with unutterable groanings that align with God's will. He illustrates how the Spirit connects us to the Father and the Son, enabling us to receive divine grace and guidance in our prayers. Murray encourages believers to recognize the Spirit's presence within, fostering a deeper relationship with God through both understanding and spiritual yearning. He highlights the importance of intercessory prayer, urging the church to embrace unity and collective supplication as the Spirit works through each member. Ultimately, he calls for a complete surrender to the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to lead and empower our prayer life.
Angel Work in a Bad Town
By F.B. Meyer0GEN 19:12F.B. Meyer delivers a powerful sermon titled 'Angel Work in a Bad Town,' reflecting on the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah as a divine warning against immorality and vice. He emphasizes that God's judgment is not hasty but is preceded by careful observation and numerous warnings, showcasing His mercy even in destruction. Meyer highlights the role of angels in rescuing Lot, illustrating God's love and the importance of intercessory prayer, while urging believers to actively seek and save those lost in sin. The sermon serves as a reminder of the urgency of evangelism and the need to remain vigilant against the moral decay of society.
Spiritual Warfare - He Helpeth
By Phil Beach Jr.2938:29JOS 6:1EPH 6:12Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the significance of spiritual warfare, urging believers to stand firm on God's promises and engage in intercessory prayer. He draws parallels between the Israelites' preparation at Gilgal and the necessary spiritual disciplines Christians must practice, such as spiritual circumcision, celebrating Christ as our Passover, and walking in truth. Beach highlights that victory over spiritual Jerichos—representing sin and demonic strongholds—requires faith, obedience, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. He encourages the congregation to take hold of God's Word and combine it with the power of the Holy Spirit to confront and overcome the works of the devil. Ultimately, he reminds believers that the battle belongs to the Lord, and through trust and obedience, they can achieve spiritual victory.
Job Said, It May Be That My Sons Have Sinned
By F.B. Meyer0JOB 1:5EPH 6:11F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of vigilance and prayer in the lives of parents, using Job's concern for his children as a model. He notes that during times of festivity, individuals are particularly susceptible to temptation and may stray from their faith. Meyer encourages believers to prepare themselves spiritually before engaging in social gatherings and to reflect on their behavior afterward, seeking forgiveness for any uncharitable thoughts or actions. He highlights the power of intercessory prayer for children who are navigating the world, reminding parents that they can still influence their lives through prayer even when they are not physically present. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a proactive approach to maintaining one's faith amidst societal pressures.
Our Daily Homily - 1 Timothy
By F.B. Meyer01TI 1:151TI 2:11TI 3:161TI 4:41TI 5:51TI 6:17F.B. Meyer emphasizes the profound grace of God as he reflects on Paul's declaration of being the chief of sinners, illustrating that if Paul could be saved, anyone can. He discusses the necessity of intercessory prayer for others, highlighting that true believers should feel a divine yearning for the salvation of all. Meyer also notes the importance of recognizing God's gifts and maintaining a spirit of thanksgiving, while encouraging those who are grieving to trust in God for comfort and provision. He contrasts the uncertainty of riches with the reliability of trusting in the living God, urging believers to find security in Him rather than material wealth.
How Then Shall We Live? (Omega)
By Mike Bickle151:03:08JOL 2:12Mike Bickle emphasizes the urgency of living righteously in anticipation of Jesus' return, highlighting the significance of our choices and their eternal impact. He stresses the power of corporate intercessory worship as a means through which God governs and releases His blessings, urging believers to gather in solemn assemblies to seek God's mercy and intervention in times of crisis. Bickle reminds us that our choices matter, and through prayer and worship, we can influence the spiritual realm and the quality of life we experience. He calls for a radical turning of our hearts towards God, emphasizing the need for humility and repentance in our approach to Him.
Because of His Importunity
By Andrew Murray0LUK 11:5Andrew Murray emphasizes the power of importunate prayer, using the parable of a friend at midnight to illustrate the importance of intercession for others. He teaches that true friendship with God involves being a friend to the needy and that boldness in prayer is both lawful and pleasing to God. Murray highlights that prayer is not only for personal strength but also for the benefit of others, and that perseverance in prayer reveals our faith and dependence on God. He encourages believers to approach God as their Friend, confident in His willingness to respond to their needs and the needs of others. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper understanding of the relationship between prayer, friendship, and the blessings that come from God.
The Necessity of Intercessory Missionaries
By Mike Bickle251:09:32LUK 18:7REV 5:8Mike Bickle emphasizes the critical role of intercessory prayer in the global missions movement, asserting that intercession is not a separate activity but central to the work of missionaries. He highlights the growing worldwide prayer movement and the necessity of night and day prayer to bring about justice and transformation in cities. Bickle calls for a new generation of intercessors, likening them to Anna from the Bible, who dedicated her life to prayer and intercession. He stresses that the effectiveness of evangelism and mercy deeds is significantly enhanced when undergirded by persistent prayer. Ultimately, he encourages believers to embrace their calling as intercessors, as this is vital for the fulfillment of the Great Commission and the return of Christ.