Intercession

The word ‘intercession’ generally means praying for someone else (although, it can also be used for praying for oneself). We are all called to intercession.

The apostle Paul writes to Timothy, ‘I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for everyone – for kings and all those in authority’ (1 Timothy 2:1–2).

Jesus is the great intercessor. He ‘made intercession for the transgressors’ (Isaiah 53:12). He ‘is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us’ (Romans 8:34; see also Hebrews 7:25). The Holy Spirit also intercedes for us and through us: ‘The Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express… the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will’ (Romans 8:26–27).

In the Old Testament passage for today, we see Isaiah’s role as an intercessor. Interceding for others is part of the role of a prophet. Intercession was also made by kings, for example, David, Solomon, and Hezekiah. You, too, are called to this invisible but invaluable ministry.

Intercede for seekers - Psalm 83:1-18

This psalm is a prayer of intercession – interceding for people to have knowledge of God’s final vindication, and for this to result in conversion prior to that final day.

The surrounding nations want to destroy the people of God (v.4). Yet, the psalmist sees this more as an attack on God himself. He refers to them as ‘your enemies’ (v.2) who ‘form an alliance against you’ (v.5). This is a reminder that an attack on the people of God is ultimately an attack on God.

The prayer of the psalm is that God’s enemies will be routed (vv.9–15). However, it is also intercession for conversion: ‘Cover their faces with shame so that they will seek your name, O Lord’ (v.16). There is an inherent desire that others would seek the one true God: ‘Let them know that you, whose name is the Lord – that you alone are the Most High over all the earth’ (v.18).