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If this truth sounds bold, it is indeed a holy boldness, firmly rooted in the Word of God. The Apostle John writes:
“These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life. And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us whatever we ask we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.” (1 John 5:13–15)
In the Holy Scriptures, intercession means praying to God on behalf of others. Those who intercede stand before God with love and faith, seeking His mercy and blessing for others. This holy service is a work of compassion and unity in the body of Christ.
✍🏾The Call to Intercession
The prophet Zephaniah reveals God’s acceptance of intercession:
“My daughters who are scattered, who intercede for me beyond the rivers of Ethiopia, shall bring me My offering.” (Zephaniah 3:10)
This shows that there are those who intercede for the work and people of God, and that the Lord receives their prayers with favor.
✍🏾The Teaching of the Apostles
The Apostle Paul urged all believers to live a life of prayer and intercession:
“The Lord is near. In everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” (Philippians 4:6)
He further commanded in his letter to Timothy:
“I urge, therefore, that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people for kings and all who are in authority.” (1 Timothy 2:1–2)
This shows that intercession is not limited to priests or elders alone but is a calling given to all the faithful, so that peace and righteousness may dwell among people.
✍🏾Intercession within the Church
The Apostle James teaches about intercession as part of the life and healing of the Church:
“If anyone among you is sick, let him call for the elders of the Church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven. Confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man avails much.” (James 5:14–16)
This passage forms the biblical foundation for the Orthodox practice of communal prayer, confession, and the anointing of the sick. It reveals the power of intercession as a means of grace, healing, and forgiveness.
✍🏾The Intercession of the Saints on Earth
The Apostle Paul again bears witness to the prayers of the saints:
“While they themselves pray for you, they long for you because of the exceeding grace of God in you.” (2 Corinthians 9:14)
This shows that those who are still in the flesh living in this world pray for one another out of love and the grace that God has given them. Such intercession strengthens the unity of believers and expresses the communion of the faithful.
Examples of Intercession in the Bible
Intercession is a sacred practice in which believers pray to God on behalf of others. The Scriptures provide numerous examples of this holy calling, demonstrating both human and divine intercession.
Abraham Intercedes for Sodom
Abraham prayed to God on behalf of the people of Sodom and Gomorrah, pleading for mercy for the righteous, particularly for Lot and his family:
“Then Abraham drew near and said… ‘Far be it from You to slay the righteous with the wicked.’” (Genesis 18:23–32)
This shows that intercession is an act of love and advocacy for others, even in the face of divine judgment.
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