Theme 2: Intercession for Others – Standing in the Gap with Love and Power
- Yvonne Perry
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
What Is Intercession?
At its heart, intercession is a act of standing in the gap between someone and their situation, bringing their needs before God. It is selfless prayer, where we pause our own concerns to lift up others. When you take a moment to plead, to cover, to bless, to war in the spirit on someone else behalf.
“I looked for someone among them who would build up the wall and stand before Me in the gap on behalf of the land…”—Ezekiel 22:30 (NIV)
To intercede is to become a vessel of love and mercy. It is to say, “Lord, I may not have the answers, but I know You do.”
Why Is Intercession So Important?
Intercession:
Aligns our heart with God’s compassion
Invites heaven to invade earth’s situations
Builds unity in the Body of Christ
Releases healing, breakthrough, and deliverance
Is one of the purest forms of love in action
Jesus Himself is our perfect example. He intercedes for us even now at the right hand of the Father (Romans 8:34). When we intercede, we partner with Christ’s ongoing work.
“The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”—James 5:16 (NIV)
Jesus: Our Eternal Intercessor
At the center of all intercession stands Jesus Christ, our great High Priest, who continuously intercedes for us before the Father. His role as intercessor didn’t end at the cross—it continues eternally, full of mercy, compassion, and power.
“Therefore He is able to save completely those who come to God through Him, because He always lives to intercede for them.”—Hebrews 7:25 (NIV)
When we come before God in prayer, we don’t stand alone. We come through Christ, who understands our weaknesses (Hebrews 4:15), carries our burdens, and pleads our case in heaven with perfect love.
Jesus Interceded While on Earth:
He prayed for His disciples (John 17)
He forgave those who crucified Him: “Father, forgive them…” (Luke 23:34)
He wept for the brokenness of others (John 11:35)
Jesus Still Intercedes Today:
As our Advocate (1 John 2:1)
As the Mediator between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5)
As the Voice speaking on our behalf, even when we don’t have the words
“Christ Jesus… is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.”—Romans 8:34 (NIV)
Reflection Thought:
Because Jesus is interceding for you, you can intercede for others with boldness, compassion, and hope. You are not praying from a place of striving but from the authority of the One who defeated death and lives forever.
Who Should We Intercede For?
There are so many in need of prayer, both near and far. Here are some areas to focus your intercession:
Family & Friends
Pray for your spouse, children, parents, grandchildren, friends, and neighbors. Ask for salvation, protection, and spiritual growth.
Church & Leaders
Cover your pastors, ministry leaders, and fellow believers. Pray for wisdom, purity, strength, and revival in the Church.
Government & National Leaders
Intercede for our local, state, and national leaders—regardless of political views. Pray for justice, humility, and God-led decision-making.
“I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority…”—1 Timothy 2:1-2 (CSB)
First Responders
Lift up police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and military personnel. Pray for their protection, peace, and strength as they serve.
The Sick & Suffering
Intercede for those battling illness, grief, or mental health struggles. Ask for comfort, healing, and the peace of God to surround them.
The Homeless & Marginalized
Pray for provision, shelter, dignity, and transformation. Intercede for ministries and communities seeking to be the hands and feet of Jesus.
The Lost & Brokenhearted
Cover those who don’t know Christ or feel far from Him. Pray that the Holy Spirit would draw them, heal them, and lead them to truth.
How to Begin Praying as an Intercessor
Start small: Ask God each morning, “Who do You want me to pray for today?”
Write names in a prayer journal and revisit them regularly
Use scriptures as your foundation (e.g., Psalm 91, Isaiah 61, 1 Timothy 2)
Set aside quiet time to pray deeply and intentionally
Pray in agreement with others—there is power in united prayer!
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”—Galatians 6:2 (ESV)
Suggested Scriptures for Intercession
Romans 8:26-27 – The Spirit helps us intercede
Ephesians 6:18 – Pray at all times with perseverance for all the saints
Job 42:10 – Job’s own restoration came when he prayed for his friends
James 5:16 – Prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective
Matthew 5:44 – Pray for your enemies
Hebrews 7:25 – Jesus ever lives to make intercession
Closing Encouragement
You may never stand on a stage or wear a title but when you kneel in prayer for someone else, you are doing Kingdom work. You are shifting atmospheres. You are lifting burdens. You are bringing heaven’s power into broken places.
This week, let’s take our eyes off ourselves and lift up the needs of others. Let us stand in the gap like Jesus with open hands, soft hearts, and bold prayers.
“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up…”—1 Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV)
Keep an eye out for the second part of our blog series on intercession, as well as our printable version of the 8 prayer watches. If you haven't yet, please subscribe to stay updated on all the incredible things God is doing with The Bible Bloom.
With love and grace,
Yvonne Perry
Creator and Founder of The Bible Bloom