This is the third and final part of my brief series on intercession. In my first blog I wrote on how the Son of God intercedes for us (Rom. 8:34), and in the second section how the Spirit makes intercession on our behalf (Rom. 8:26-27). Now I want to focus on how we, as the saints of God, are to intercede for each other as commanded in Scripture; also in following the example of both Jesus and the Holy Spirit. There is no doubt that a large part of our prayer life should be spent in intercession for each other. Paul wrote to the Ephesians to make “petition for all of the saints” (6:18) and this should be done continually in the power of the Spirit. The Apostle Paul reminds his readers to pray for him constantly (Gal. 6:19; cf. 1 Thess. 5:25; 2 Thess. 3:1), and encourages the churches that he is always praying for them as well (e.g., Col. 1:9). James exhorts us to “pray for one another” (5:16) for healing, and reminds us that the prayers of the righteous “can accomplish much.” When the Apostle Peter was imprisoned the church engaged in fervent prayer for him (Acts 12:5).
One of the greatest blessings and encouragements to me is to know that I have godly brothers and sisters praying for me every day and even at specific times of the day. We must be devoted to praying for one another with the understanding and expectation that God will honor this intercession according to His will. I hope we will all be committed to a ministry of intercessory prayer for each other. I would also request that all of you who read this, pray for me daily as I greatly need your intercession. I request prayer specifically as a husband, Bible teacher, and pastor. Jesus the Son of God is praying for us, we have the Holy Spirit making intercession for us, and we have the prayers of the saints. Let us therefore take great courage and comfort in the fact that if we can “ask anything according to His will” (1 John 5:14) the Father hears those prayers and will answer them.
