How to Intercede Biblically

God made it very clear, “If my people, who are called by My name, humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, I will forgive their sin and I will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14

Intercession is bringing requests before God on behalf of others. It is standing in the gap for them, as seen in Ezekiel 22. When people commit iniquity, it provokes God’s judgment, but God looks for people who can fill the cup of mercy through intercession. “Iniquity causes an outcry against the city” (Genesis 18:21), but “intercession causes a cry for the city’s mercy, repentance, and revival” (Ezekiel 22:30). Intercession fills the cup with prayers, tears, and repentance, which God then pours out by answering, forgiving, changing, healing, and breaking through (2 Chronicles 7:14).

Examples of Intercession in Scripture

• Job interceded on behalf of his friends (Job 42:10).
• Abraham interceded for sinful Sodom (Genesis 18:23-32) and for Abimelech (Genesis 20:17-18).
• Moses interceded on behalf of Pharaoh (Exodus 8-10) and Israel (Numbers 16, 21).
• Samuel interceded for Israel (1 Samuel 7:5).
• David interceded for Israel (2 Samuel 24:17).
• Solomon interceded for Israel (1 Kings 8:28-53).
• Ezra interceded for Israel (Ezra 9:5-15).
• Other examples include Esther, Nehemiah, Jeremiah, Daniel, and the church that prayed for Peter.
• Jesus intercedes for us (Hebrews 7:25).
• The Holy Spirit intercedes for us (Romans 8:26-27).

How to Intercede Biblically

1. Intercession Should Be in Response to God’s Word

We intercede because God has a promise.

2. Intercession Should Be Characterized by Brokenness

Intercession involves humility and brokenness. Daniel set his face toward the Lord God to make requests by prayer, supplication with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes (Daniel 9:3). This was not him demanding anything or binding anything; it was a deep humility and repentance, marked by brokenness and tears before the Lord. True intercession is marked by a contrite heart.

3. Intercession Should Be Marked with Fasting

We see in Daniel 9, that he not only prayed, but he coupled his intercession with fasting (Daniel 9:3). When we fast, we set aside physical needs to focus more on spiritual matters. This often increases the fire to pray and intercede.

4. Intercession Should Be Identified with God’s People

Daniel identified with God’s people, using “we” and “us” instead of “they” and “them.” In his prayer, Daniel said “we have sinned” and “we have done wrong” 22 times (Daniel 9). This identification with God’s people is crucial in intercession. By standing in the gap, we acknowledge our shared shortcomings and seek God’s grace for everyone involved.

5. Intercession Doesn’t Involve Engaging in Second Heaven Warfare

Lastly, we must understand that intercession does not involve binding principalities or waging war in the spiritual realm.

In the bible, we just don’t see intercession involving binding, waging war and dethroning principalities. It’s just not shown explicitly.

What is known, is our role in humbling ourselves, fasting, identifying with God’s people, and crying out for mercy. The power of intercession lies in our submission to God and our reliance on His power, not in our ability to confront spiritual forces directly.

Find out more about Second Heaven Warfare.

Final Words

If you’re believing for your loved ones to be saved, join together in prayer and fasting. Our Fast Forward Challenge group fasts regularly every month, praying for the salvation of family members. We pray for God’s mercy, for hearts to be softened, and for God to send laborers to share the Gospel. You can join by clicking here.