What is the role of intercessory prayer in the church?

Intercessory prayer occupies a vital and profound place within the Christian tradition, serving as a powerful means through which believers can express their communal faith, uphold each other in times of need, and participate actively in God’s ongoing work in the world. This form of prayer involves Christians taking a stand in prayer on behalf of others, pleading before God for their needs, struggles, and situations. It is a practice deeply embedded in the scripture and has been a cornerstone in the life of the church throughout centuries.

Understanding Intercessory Prayer

Intercessory prayer is, at its core, an act of love and selflessness. It reflects the heart of what it means to live in Christian community, bearing one another's burdens and so fulfilling the law of Christ as mentioned in Galatians 6:2. When one engages in intercessory prayer, they are essentially stepping outside of their own needs and lifting up the needs of others before God, trusting in His power and mercy to intervene and act according to His divine will.

This type of prayer is not about changing God’s mind or convincing Him to do something He is unwilling to do. Rather, it is about participating in God’s already present compassion and willingness to act on behalf of His creation. It aligns the intercessor's heart with God’s heart, creating a conduit through which His love and power can flow into the lives of others.

Biblical Foundations

The scriptural basis for intercessory prayer is robust, spanning both the Old and New Testaments. One of the most compelling examples is found in the story of Abraham interceding for Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 18:20-33. Abraham’s dialogue with God demonstrates the potential impact of righteous intercession on the decisions of God concerning judgment and mercy.

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ provides the ultimate model for intercessory prayer. Throughout His ministry, Jesus prayed for others, including His disciples and even those who crucified Him (Luke 23:34). Moreover, Jesus’ role as our mediator who intercedes on our behalf before the Father, as mentioned in Hebrews 7:25, underscores the ongoing necessity and power of intercession in the Christian life.

The Apostle Paul also emphasizes the importance of prayer for others. His epistles contain numerous exhortations to pray for all people, highlighting this practice as crucial for the wellbeing of individuals and communities alike (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Paul’s own prayers for the churches he wrote to are profound examples of intercessory prayer (Ephesians 3:14-21).

The Role of Intercessory Prayer in the Church

In the life of the church, intercessory prayer serves multiple functions:

1. Fostering Unity and Love: When church members pray for one another, they are knit together in a spiritual bond that transcends individual differences. It cultivates a spirit of unity and deepens their compassion for each other, reflecting the unity of the Body of Christ.

2. Spiritual Support: Intercessory prayer acts as a spiritual lifeline for those who are suffering, facing trials, or feeling weak in faith. Knowing that others are praying for you can be a profound source of comfort and strength.

3. Mission and Outreach: Praying for the spread of the Gospel and for the needs of those outside the church is a crucial part of fulfilling the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). Through intercessory prayer, the church extends its influence beyond its walls and participates in God’s redemptive work in the wider world.

4. Spiritual Warfare: Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil. Intercessory prayer is a key element in spiritual warfare, as believers stand in the gap, praying for deliverance and protection for themselves and others from spiritual attacks.

Living Out Intercessory Prayer

To cultivate a robust practice of intercessory prayer, believers can adopt several practical steps:

• Regular Prayer Times: Setting aside specific times for intercessory prayer can help cultivate consistency and depth in one’s prayer life.

• Prayer Lists: Keeping a list of individuals and situations to pray for can aid in maintaining a focused and organized approach to intercession.

• Corporate Prayer: Participating in prayer meetings and other church-based prayer initiatives can enhance one’s commitment to intercessory prayer and connect one with the broader prayer efforts of the community.

• Informed Prayer: Staying informed about the needs of those in one’s community and the wider world can lead to more specific and heartfelt intercessory prayers.

The Impact of Intercessory Prayer

While the outcomes of intercessory prayer are ultimately in God’s hands, numerous testimonies attest to the profound impact of this practice on individuals and communities. Lives have been transformed, relationships mended, resources provided, and hearts comforted through the faithful prayers of God’s people. This should encourage believers to persist in intercessory prayer, trusting that God hears and responds in His perfect wisdom and timing.

In conclusion, intercessory prayer is not just a duty but a privilege. It allows believers to cooperate with God’s purposes and experience more of His presence and power in their lives and the lives of others. As such, it remains a vital practice in the life of the church, demonstrating the love and power of God in tangible ways.