Example Prayers
Intercession for the Lost and Unsaved
Father, I intercede for those who do not yet know Jesus as their Savior. I bring their names and faces before You with deep concern. I ask that You would open their eyes to see Jesus, their hearts to receive Him, and their wills to surrender to Him. Remove every barrier of pride, fear, and deception. Send believers across their paths who will speak truth in love. Give them a moment of clarity where they recognize their need for You. Use circumstances and the Holy Spirit's gentle conviction to draw them home. I plead for their salvation with all my heart.
Romans 8:26 - "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans."
Intercession for Leaders
Lord, I lift up those in positions of leadership—in government, church, business, and education. Grant them wisdom to make righteous decisions. Protect them from corruption and selfish ambition. Surround them with counselors who speak truth. Give them courage to do what is right, even when it costs. Open their eyes to the impact of their decisions on those they lead. May their leadership reflect Your justice, mercy, and truth. Grant them the strength to withstand pressure and the humility to admit when they're wrong. Establish leaders of character and integrity.
1 Timothy 2:1-2 - "I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness."
Intercession for the Sick and Suffering
I bring before You those suffering with illness, pain, and disease. For those whose prognosis is grim, I ask for miraculous healing. For those facing long recovery, I ask for strength, hope, and community support. For those in pain, I ask for relief and comfort. For those separated from loved ones by illness, I ask for tender connection even from a distance. Comfort the families who watch their loved ones suffer. Give courage to medical teams serving them. Use this trial to deepen faith and reveal God's goodness. And God, if healing comes through recovery, may they be restored fully.
James 5:14-15 - "Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up."
Intercession for Families in Crisis
Father, I intercede for families facing crisis—broken relationships, financial devastation, addiction, mental health struggles. Bind up what is fractured. Restore what seems lost. Bring healing to the deepest wounds. Give parents wisdom to lead with love and firmness. Protect children from lasting trauma. Soften hardened hearts and open closed ears. Bring reconciliation where there is estrangement. Provide for material needs and emotional support. Let these families know they are not abandoned. Surround them with Your compassion and the help of faithful people. Work redemption in these difficult seasons.
Psalm 10:14 - "But you, God, see the trouble of the afflicted; you consider their grief and take it in hand. The victims commit themselves to you; you are the helper of the fatherless."
Intercession for Revival and Spiritual Awakening
I intercede for spiritual awakening to sweep across my community, nation, and the world. I ask for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Break through spiritual apathy and indifference. Create hunger for truth in hearts that have grown cold. Raise up bold proclaimers of the Gospel. Move the church to authentic faith and passionate prayer. Break the power of spiritual darkness. Let righteousness flourish and evil be exposed. Use ordinary believers to do extraordinary Kingdom work. May multitudes turn from darkness to light, from death to life, from self to Savior. Send revival, O God.
Psalm 85:6 - "Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?"
About This Method
Intercessory prayer stands as one of the most profound and impactful forms of prayer available to believers. Paul writes that the Holy Spirit "intercedes for us through wordless groans," revealing that intercession is so central to God's kingdom that the Spirit Himself practices it. When believers engage in intercessory prayer, they join with the Holy Spirit in bringing the needs of others before the throne of God.
Throughout Scripture, intercessors changed the course of history. Abraham interceded for Sodom, and God preserved Lot's family. Moses interceded for Israel after the golden calf incident, and God withheld His judgment. Esther interceded for her people at risk of genocide, and God brought deliverance. Daniel interceded for Jerusalem's restoration and was given revelation. Jesus Himself interceded for His disciples. These examples show that intercessory prayer is not a sideline activity but central to God's purposes.
Effective intercessory prayer typically involves several elements. First, it requires genuine concern and burden for those you intercede for—you can't effectively intercede for people you don't care about. Second, it involves bringing their specific situations before God with clarity and honesty. Third, it appeals to God's character and past faithfulness. Fourth, it often includes listening to what the Holy Spirit wants to add to the prayer. Fifth, it demonstrates persistence—great intercessions often require repeated, ongoing prayer rather than single requests.
Intercessory prayer is challenging because it demands emotional investment, time commitment, and vulnerability. But it's also one of the most powerful privileges God grants His people. When you intercede, you're standing in the gap between need and God's abundant supply. You're saying, "Their situation matters to me because it matters to God. I will give my time, energy, and prayer to see God's purposes fulfilled in their lives." This selfless, sacrificial prayer changes not only those being prayed for but also the intercessors themselves, transforming them into partners with God in His redemptive work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is intercessory prayer?
Intercessory prayer is the practice of praying on behalf of others, standing in the gap between them and God. An intercessor brings the needs, burdens, and situations of others before the throne of God, appealing for God's intervention, mercy, and blessing. It's one of the highest callings in prayer—partnering with God to see His will come to pass in others' lives and circumstances.
How is intercession different from regular prayer?
Regular prayer often focuses on personal needs and communication with God. Intercessory prayer shifts focus to others—you're carrying their burdens, voicing their needs, advocating on their behalf. It requires empathy, burden-bearing, and persistent prayer. Intercessors see themselves as spiritual representatives, standing before God with genuine concern for others' wellbeing and transformation.
Who should I intercede for?
You can intercede for anyone God places on your heart: family and friends, church leaders and pastors, government leaders, the sick, the lost, the oppressed, your enemies, your nation, and communities in crisis. Many intercessors find they have particular burdens for specific groups or causes. The most effective intercession often comes when you genuinely care about those for whom you're praying. Pay attention to who and what God puts in your heart.