Intercessory Prayer 101: Standing in the Gap for Loved Ones

Standing in the gap for others through prayer is a profound privilege.

Intercessory prayer is not just about saying a quick prayer and moving on; it’s a heartfelt commitment to bring someone’s needs before God. And, trust me, when you start making intercessory prayer a regular part of your life, you’ll see your faith grow and your impact on others deepen.

The Bible tells us, “The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results” James 5:16.

What is Intercessory Prayer?

So, what is intercessory prayer? It’s when you pray on behalf of someone else. I pray daily for my husband, my kids, their spouses, and now my grandkids. I even pray for my future grandkids and the ones I’ll never meet.

The Bible says “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever”, Hebrews 13:8. And Jesus set the example for us when He prayed for us in John 17:20, “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message,” (emphasis mine)

Other examples of intercessory prayer in the Bible are:

• Abraham, for instance, negotiated with God to spare Sodom and Gomorrah for the sake of a few righteous people (Genesis 18:23-33).
• Moses interceded for the Israelites when they were worshipping the golden calf, pleading with God to forgive them (Exodus 32:11-14).
• Daniel begged God on behalf of his people (Daniel 9).
• Peter prayed for Dorcas who was raised from the dead (Acts 9:36-42).
• Paul prayed for the churches he visited. He speaks of praying for them in each of his letters.

Intercessory prayer is different from other types of prayer because it focuses specifically on the needs of others rather than on our needs.

The Power and Purpose of Intercessory Prayer

Intercessory prayer is incredibly powerful. It’s not just about asking God to fix things—it’s about asking Him to intervene in ways we can’t always see. Praying for someone else can strengthen your relationship with them because you’re showing that you care deeply about their struggles and victories.

Or they may not even know. Have you ever prayed for a stranger you see hurting or having a bad day?

One thing I’ve learned is that faith and perseverance are crucial. Many times I’ve prayed for someone and didn’t see immediate results. Let’s be honest, it’s hard to keep praying when we wonder if our prayers are making a difference.

I know, I’ve prayed about one situation for over 30 years! But several times in the Bible we are encouraged to keep on praying and not give up.

Here are a few verses if you need some encouragement:

• Luke 18:1, Jesus tells us to “Keep on praying and never give up”. 
• 1 Thessalonians 5:17, “Never stop praying”. 
• Romans 12:12, “Be constant in prayer”. 
• Colossians 4:2-6, “Persevere in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving”. 
• 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances”.

Intercessory prayer also has a ripple effect. It doesn’t just affect the person you’re praying for; it transforms you, too. It builds your faith and teaches you more about God’s timing and His plans, which are often bigger and better than we can imagine.

Preparing Your Heart for Intercessory Prayer

So how do we effectively intercede for family, friends, or even strangers we meet?

Well, first, we must make sure we are right with God. Before you start praying for someone else, it’s important to prepare your heart. It’s hard to stand in the gap for others if your own spiritual life is out of whack.

Psalm 66:18 says, “If I had not confessed the sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.” So before we can start to earnestly pray for others, we need to confess our sins and get honest before the Lord.

Take time to nurture your relationship with God through personal prayer, Bible reading, and worship.

Empathy and compassion are also necessary if you’re going to effectively intercede for someone. You need to genuinely feel their pain and joy. When we have empathy—putting ourselves in their shoes—it makes our prayers more heartfelt and effective.

We must also be open to the Holy Spirit’s guidance. There have been moments when I felt a nudge to pray for something specific that seemed odd at the time but later turned out to be exactly what was needed. The Holy Spirit knows more about what is going on with someone than we do. Our job is to be obedient to what He leads us to do.

5 Practical Steps to Effective Intercessory Prayer

1. Identify Specific Needs: Start by pinpointing the exact needs of the person you’re praying for. It’s more impactful to pray for specifics like “work forgiveness in their heart” rather than just “bless them.”
2. Use Scripture in Your Prayers: Incorporate relevant Bible verses into your prayers. God’s Word is powerful and using it in intercession aligns your prayers with His promises.
3. Pray with Faith and Expectation: Believe that your prayers can make a difference. It’s easy to get discouraged, especially if you don’t see immediate results, but keep praying with confidence that God is at work.
4. Be Consistent and Persistent: Intercession isn’t a one-and-done thing. It’s a commitment. Set aside regular times for prayer and keep bringing the needs of others before God.
5. Trust God’s Timing and Will: Sometimes, answers to prayer take longer than we’d like. Trust that God knows what’s best and that His timing is perfect. It’s a lesson I’ve learned the hard way but I’ve come to trust His plan.

Common Challenges in Intercessory Prayer

(and How to Overcome Them)

One challenge I’ve faced is dealing with unanswered prayers. It’s frustrating when you’re praying for something fervently, and it feels like nothing is changing. During these times, I remind myself that God’s plan is often different from mine and that unanswered prayers might mean that something better is on the way.

Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us that God’s ways and thoughts are not like ours and He definitely knows more than me.

What helps me the most in this area is reminding myself that changing someone is NOT my job. That is what the Holy Spirit does.

Another issue is staying focused. I’ve found it so easy to get distracted while praying. My mind wanders, and I end up thinking about other things instead of interceding. Setting a specific time and place for prayer can help keep you focused and create a routine that minimizes distractions.

One thing I have done is to create a portable “war room” that goes with me. I have a traveler’s notebook in my truck to write prayers in and keep track of people I want to pray for. I also have different colored index cards I write specific Bible verses on the front and list people and needs I am praying that verse over on the back.

Balancing personal prayer time with intercessory prayer for others can also be tricky. Sometimes, you’re so caught up in praying for others that you neglect your own needs. That’s where my prayer list comes in. I like to use the Armor of God Prayer Journal.

I can keep track of specific scriptures I want to use in my prayers, prayer requests, and answered prayers, and it helps increase my faith and draw me closer to God.

Creating an Intercessory Prayer Strategy

To make intercessory prayer more effective, consider developing a prayer list or journal.

That’s where my prayer list comes in. I like to use the Armor of God Prayer Journal. I can keep track of specific scriptures I want to use in my prayers, prayer requests, and answered prayers, and it helps increase my faith and draw me closer to God.

Set aside dedicated time for intercessory prayer. It’s easy to let it slide if you don’t make it a priority. Choose a time that works best for you, whether it’s early in the morning or before bed, and stick to it.

Involving others can also enhance your intercessory efforts. Form a prayer group or enlist friends and family to join you in prayer. There’s strength in numbers, and having others pray with you can provide additional support and encouragement.

Conclusion

Intercessory prayer is a powerful way to stand in the gap for those you love. It requires preparation, persistence, and a deep connection with God, but the rewards are immense. By using practical steps like identifying specific needs, using Scripture, and praying with faith, you can make a significant difference in the lives of others.

I encourage you to start or deepen your intercessory prayer practice. Don’t be discouraged by challenges or unanswered prayers—keep going, and trust that your prayers are making a difference. Share your experiences or any tips you might have in the comments below. Let’s support each other as we stand in the gap for our loved ones and grow in faith together!