Bible Verses About Intercessory Prayer
Intercession means praying for others, presenting their needs before God. Scripture calls the believer to intercede for all, assured that "the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much" (James 5:16). The apostle Paul exhorts in 1 Timothy 2:1 that "supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men," because God "will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth." Intercession, then, is not a mere religious duty; it is an act of love that carries others before the throne of grace with faith and perseverance. The Bible offers beautiful examples of intercessors: Abraham pleaded for Sodom, Moses stood in the breach for Israel, and Samuel counted it a sin to cease praying for his people. Above all, Christ himself remains our great intercessor: "He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them" (Hebrews 7:25). Moreover, in our weakness, "the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered" (Romans 8:26). Thus intercession is rooted in the work of Christ and the help of the Spirit. These verses invite the believer to a life of intercession, carrying others in prayer with love, faith, and constancy, knowing that God hears and answers according to his perfect will. When we lift up the needs of family, friends, the suffering, and even strangers, we participate in the very ministry of Christ, who lives forever to plead on behalf of his people before the Father.
Key verse snapshot
“And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.”
Bible Verses about Intercessory Prayer
6 Scripture passages on this theme
James 5:15
“And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.”
James 5:16
“Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”
Philippians 4:6
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”
1 Kings 8:28
“Yet have thou respect unto the prayer of thy servant, and to his supplication, O Lord my God, to hearken unto the cry and to the prayer, which thy servant prayeth before thee to day:”
2 Chronicles 6:19
“Have respect therefore to the prayer of thy servant, and to his supplication, O Lord my God, to hearken unto the cry and the prayer which thy servant prayeth before thee:”
Isaiah 56:7
“Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Bible say about intercessory prayer?
How do we intercede for others according to the Bible?
Who intercedes for us according to Scripture?
Scripture Art for Intercessory Prayer
Take these verses home. Beautifully designed printable posters to keep God's Word close.
Digital download · Instant access · Multiple print sizes
Apply These Verses to Your Life
Scripture comes alive when we meditate on it and apply it daily. Read these verses in full context, pray for understanding, and ask God how they speak to your situation with intercessory prayer.
- Author:
- The Lord Will Editorial Team
- Reviewed by:
- Ugo Candido
- Last updated:
- Category:
- Scripture Guidance