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The Power of Intercession: Standing in the Gap

Updated: Aug 23

Woman in white shirt praying with eyes closed


“And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me…” – Ezekiel 22:30 (KJV)


Have you ever felt a strong pull to pray for someone out of the blue? Or felt a burden on your heart that didn’t seem your own? That’s the call of intercession. It's a divine invitation from the Lord to stand in the gap and pray on behalf of others.

In this blog post, we’re exploring the powerful role of intercession, how it draws us into deeper partnership with God, and how you can step into this sacred assignment even if you’re new to it.

(We touched on intercession in the previous post but we are going to go a little deeper in this post.)

What Is Intercession?

Intercession is prayer that goes beyond your personal needs and reaches into the lives, situations, and spiritual battles of others. It is selfless, Spirit-led, and powerful. It’s not about elegant words, but about carrying someone else’s need before the throne of God.

To intercede means to plead, stand in the gap, intervene, or act on behalf of someone else. In biblical times, intercessors were often watchmen standing on the walls, alert and aware, ready to sound the alarm and cover others in prayer.


“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men.” – 1 Timothy 2:1 (KJV)

Intercessors Are Watchmen

God is still looking for watchmen today. People who are spiritually awake, attentive, and willing to intercede. An intercessor doesn’t just pray about a situation they pray through it.


Biblical Watchmen:

  • Ezekiel 3:17 – "Son of man, I have made thee a watchman…"

  • Isaiah 62:6-7 – "I have set watchmen upon thy walls… give Him no rest till He establishes..."


Watchmen see what others might miss. They pray over families, churches, communities, and nations with spiritual discernment and boldness.


Jesus: Our Great Intercessor

The greatest intercessor of all is Jesus Christ. He not only prayed for others while on earth, but He continues to intercede for us right now in heaven.


“He ever liveth to make intercession for them.” – Hebrews 7:25 (KJV)“Christ… who also maketh intercession for us.” – Romans 8:34 (KJV)

This gives us confidence. Even when we don’t know how to pray, Jesus is praying for us. And He invites us to join Him in the work of intercession.


Who Should We Intercede For?

The short answer: everyone the Lord places on your heart. But Scripture gives us clear examples:

  • Family (Job 1:5)

  • Leaders and government (1 Timothy 2:1–2)

  • The church and pastors (Ephesians 6:18–20)

  • The lost and broken (Romans 10:1)

  • Friends and neighbors (James 5:16)

  • Even our enemies (Luke 6:28)


Intercession is partnering with heaven to see God’s will done on earth. It is taking the weight of a burden into the secret place, not to control the outcome, but to stand in faith until God’s purpose unfolds.

When Should We Intercede?

The Lord often wakes His intercessors in the quiet of the night. There are 8 Prayer Watches—time windows in a 24-hour period that many intercessors use to pray strategically.

These watches include:

  • Evening stillness (6 PM–9 PM)

  • Spiritual warfare (12 AM–3 AM)

  • Healing and deliverance (3 AM–6 AM)

  • Divine direction and thanksgiving (6 AM–9 AM)


Learn more about the 8 Prayer Watches and how to journal them on our file share page.

How to Begin Interceding

You don’t need to be perfect or have all the right words. Here’s how to start:

  1. Ask the Holy Spirit who to pray for.

  2. Write it down. Keep a journal of burdens, names, and answers to prayer.

  3. Pray the Word. Use scripture to declare God’s promises.

  4. Be consistent. Even short, faithful prayers are powerful.

  5. Stay available. God may lead you to pray at unexpected times.


Final Thoughts

Intercession is not just for “prayer warriors.” It’s for every believer who wants to love like Jesus and partner with God to see His will done on earth. Through prayer, you can touch nations, rescue lives, and bring healing to many people right from your prayer closet.

“The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” – James 5:16 (NLT)

Let’s be watchmen. Let’s be willing. Let’s be those who stand in the gap.


With love and prayer,

Yvonne Perry

Creator and Founder of The Bible Bloom

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