What does Intercede Mean in the Bible?
To intercede, in Biblical terms, refers to the act of pleading with God on behalf of other people. It’s a sacrificial and empathetic form of prayer, suggesting a respect and understanding of others’ needs and situations. Intercession is typically done on behalf of those who cannot or will not pray for themselves, encompassing the sick, the lost, or those in sin. It’s noteworthy to mention that intercession mirrors Jesus’ work as he intercedes for humanity before God.
Who Can Intercede According to the Bible
In the Bible, multiple identities intercede. Private individuals, prophets, and, most importantly, Jesus Christ himself, are all portrayed as intercessors at times. For instance, Moses’ constant intercession for his people, the Israelites, is a distinct theme throughout Exodus. Moreover, Jesus being described as our intercessor, means that he continues to mediate or intervene for us before God. This portrayal embellishes and solidifies the significance of the act and our direct access to God through Jesus.
Why Intercession Matters in the Bibles Teachings
The importance of intercession in the Bible stems from its central role in furthering God’s kingdom on Earth. As believers, the Bible encourages us to live in unity and love, where the needs of others matter. For this reason, intercession is seen as more than a spiritual duty, but as an extension of love and care towards fellow men. It’s about aligning our hearts with God’s heart towards humanity and being instrumental in bringing his divine plans to fruition. Plus, it denotes a humbling recognition of our reliability on God for all things as we stand in the gap for others.
When to Intercede as Outlined in the Bible
While the Bible doesn’t explicitly prescribe precise moments for intercession, it does repeatedly relay the importance of prayer and, by extension, intercession in believers’ everyday lives. The Bible encourages Christians to pray consistently, in all circumstances, and for everyone, hence the act of intercession should almost be a natural part of Christian living. It comes in times of personal understanding and willingness to lift others up in prayer, be they individuals, communities, or nations.
What the Bible Reveals about God’s Response to Intercession
Various instances in the Bible show God responding favorably to intercessory prayers. These examples often present a compassionate God willing to pardon, heal, and provide in response to intercessory petitions. This, however, doesn’t imply that God will always answer intercessory prayers in the way we expect or desire because his wisdom and understanding far exceed ours. Yet, it is evident that active intercession does engage God’s attention and affects his interaction with mankind. And this leads us to acknowledge and experience God’s love and power in new and profound ways.
Below is the full list of bible verses on intercede (King James Version – KJV). The list is ranked in order of popularity and we hope you find the inspiration you need.
Most Popular Bible Verses About Intercede
1 Timothy 2:1
“1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;”
Hebrews 7:25
“25 Wherefore 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.”
Related Themes: Omnipotence Hope Perseverance Technology Despair
Ezekiel 33:6-7
“6 But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman’s hand.7 So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me.”
Ezekiel 22:30-31
“30 And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.31 Therefore have I poured out mine indignation upon them; I have consumed them with the fire of my wrath: their own way have I recompensed upon their heads, saith the Lord GOD.”
Ezekiel 3:20-21
“20 Again, When a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumblingblock before him, he shall die: because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thine hand.21 Nevertheless if thou warn the righteous man, that the righteous sin not, and he doth not sin, he shall surely live, because he is warned; also thou hast delivered thy soul.”
Isaiah 59:15-16
“15 Yea, truth faileth; and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey: and the LORD saw it, and it displeased him that there was no judgment.16 And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him.”
John 16:24
“24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.”
Ezekiel 3:17-19
“17 Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.18 When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.19 Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.”
Related Themes: Watchman
Exodus 34:8-9
“8 And Moses made haste, and bowed his head toward the earth, and worshipped.9 And he said, If now I have found grace in thy sight, O Lord, let my Lord, I pray thee, go among us; for it is a stiffnecked people; and pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us for thine inheritance.”
Related Themes: Worship
