Biblical Reference

The role of mediator in prayer was prevalent in the Old Testament, in the cases of Abraham, Moses, David, Samuel, Hezekiah, Elijah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel. Christ is pictured in the New Testament as the ultimate intercessor, and because of this, all Christian prayer becomes intercession since it is offered to God through and by Christ. Jesus closed the gap between us and God when he died on the cross. Because of Jesus’ mediation, we can now intercede in prayer on behalf of others, asking God to grant requests according to God’s will.

• First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings should be made for everyone, for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity. This is right and is acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God; there is also one mediator between God and humankind (1 Timothy 2:1-5, NRSV).

• Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us” (Romans 8:34, NRSV).

Daniel, Chapter 9:2b-4a, NRSV serves as a primary model for intercessory prayer.
…according to the word of the Lord to the prophet Jeremiah, must be fulfilled for the devastation of Jerusalem, namely, seventy years. 3 Then I turned to the Lord God, to seek an answer by prayer and supplication with fasting and sackcloth and ashes. 4 I prayed to the Lord my God.

Like Daniel, Christians are to come to God on behalf of others in a heartbroken and repentant attitude, recognizing their unworthiness and with a sense of self-denial. Daniel does not say, “I have a right to demand this out of you, God, because I am one of your special, chosen intercessors.” He says, “I’m a sinner,” and, in effect, “I do not have a right to demand anything.” True intercessory prayer seeks not only to know God’s will and see it fulfilled but to see it fulfilled whether or not it benefits us and regardless of what it costs us. True intercessory prayer seeks God’s glory, not our own.

The following is only a partial list of those for whom we are to offer intercessory prayers:

For all in authority
1First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings should be made for everyone, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity (1 Timothy 2:1-2, NRSV).

For ministers
12 I want you to know, beloved, that what has happened to me has actually helped to spread the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to everyone else that my imprisonment is for Christ; Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, this will result in my deliverance. (Philippians 1:12-13; 19, NRSV).

For Jerusalem
6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
‘May they prosper who love you. (Psalm 122:6, NRSV).

For friends
7 After the Lord had spoken these words to Job, the Lord said to Eliphaz the Temanite: ‘My wrath is kindled against you and against your two friends; for you have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has. 8 Now therefore take seven bulls and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt-offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you, for I will accept his prayer not to deal with you according to your folly; for you have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has done.’ 9 So Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite went and did what the Lord had told them; and the Lord accepted Job’s prayer. (Job 42:7-9).

For fellow countrymen
Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved (Romans 10:1, NRSV).

For the sick
Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord (James 5:14, NRSV).

For our enemies
4 Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: 5 Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat what they produce. 6 Take wives and have sons and daughters; take wives for your sons, and give your daughters in marriage, that they may bear sons and daughters; multiply there, and do not decrease. 7 But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare, (Jeremiah 29:4-7, NRSV).

43 ‘You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.” 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be children of your Father in heaven, (Matthew 5:43-45a, NRSV).

Episcopal Relevance

Intercessory prayer, a central aspect of Christian worship, holds particular significance within the Episcopal liturgy. Rooted in the belief in the power of prayer to bring about change and to intercede on behalf of others, intercessory prayer is a sacred act that embodies our commitment to compassion, community, and faith.

At the heart of intercessory prayer is the understanding of God as both intrinsic and heavenly, intimately involved in the lives of individuals and communities while also beyond human experience. This theological perspective informs the Episcopalians’ approach to prayer as we seek to engage with God in a spirit of humility, reverence, and trust.

Intercessory prayer encompasses a wide range of intentions and concerns. It may include prayers for the well-being of individuals, communities, and nations and petitions for healing, reconciliation, justice, and peace. The Book of Common Prayer provides rich intercessory prayers, offering guidance and structure for communal and individual prayer.

One distinctive feature of intercessory prayer in the Episcopal Church is its emphasis on corporate worship and communal participation. In the liturgy, congregants offer their prayers and petitions as a unified body, symbolizing their shared responsibility for one another’s spiritual and material welfare. This communal dimension of intercessory prayer fosters a sense of belonging and solidarity within the faith community, reinforcing our commitment to inclusivity and mutual support.

Moreover, intercessory prayer is deeply rooted in the sacramental life of the Episcopal faith tradition. It is often incorporated into the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, where the congregation prays for the world’s needs and offers thanksgiving for God’s grace and mercy. Through the sacramental encounter with Christ in the Eucharist, we believe that our prayers are made more effectual, drawing strength and inspiration from the divine presence amid our worship.

Intercessory prayer is also characterized by its openness to the movement of the Holy Spirit. We believe God’s grace is at work in the world, guiding and transforming human hearts according to the divine will. Therefore, intercessory prayer is not merely a recitation of requests but an invitation for God to act in ways that may surpass human understanding, trusting in the power and goodness of God.

Intercessory prayer occupies a central place in the spiritual life of Episcopalians, embodying our commitment to faith, compassion, and community. Grounded in the belief in God’s presence and power, we engage in prayer to seek healing, reconciliation, and renewal for ourselves and others. Through communal worship, sacramental practice, and openness to the movement of the Holy Spirit, intercessory prayer becomes a sacred expression of our commitment to love God and neighbor.

Cultural Relevance

Intercessory prayer, the act of praying for others, has a rich history spanning various cultures and religious traditions. While it is difficult to pinpoint its exact origins, the practice of intercessory prayer can be traced back thousands of years.

In the Judeo-Christian tradition, intercessory prayer has roots in the Old Testament, where figures such as Abraham, Moses, and the prophets interceded with God on behalf of their communities or individuals. One notable example is Abraham’s intercession for Sodom in Genesis 18:22-33, where he pleads with God to spare the city if there are righteous people.

In Christianity, intercessory prayer holds significant importance and has been practiced in various forms, including within monastic communities, during liturgical services, and in private devotions. The early Christian church often emphasized the importance of praying for others, and the concept of saints interceding for believers gained prominence over time.

In Islam, intercessory prayer is also a fundamental aspect of the faith. Muslims believe in the power of intercession on the Day of Judgment, where prophets, angels, and righteous individuals may intercede on behalf of believers. The concept of “shafa’a” or intercession is mentioned in the Quran, and there are specific prayers (duas) and traditions (hadith) that emphasize the importance of seeking intercession from Allah.

Intercessory prayer is also found in other religious traditions worldwide. In Buddhism, for example, practitioners may engage in prayers and rituals to seek blessings and protection for others. Similarly, in Hinduism, devotees may offer prayers and perform rituals on behalf of others, believing in the power of divine intervention.

Intercessory prayer is a universal practice reflecting humanity’s desire to connect with the divine and seek assistance, blessings, or guidance for oneself and others. It has evolved over time within various religious and cultural contexts, but its essence remains to appeal to a higher power on behalf of others in need.