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What does “intercession” mean? How do you pray for other people? Let’s take a look.
“Theology for Kids.” What does that mean?
Theology is simply a big word meaning “the study of God.” You don’t have to wait until you are a teenager or an adult to start learning about God.
Pastors and others who have read a lot of books sometimes like to use fancy words when they talk about God-stuff. Once a month in our “Big Word Breakdown,” we’ll take one of those hard words and explain it for kids (and adults) in plain English.
What does “intercession” mean?
“Intercession” is a fancy way to say a “prayer for other people.” When you intercede for someone, you are praying for them. Did you know the Holy Spirit intercedes and prays for us?
Also, the Spirit helps us. We are very weak, but the Spirit helps us with our weakness. We don’t know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit himself [intercedes or] speaks to God for us. He begs God for us, speaking to him with feelings too deep for words. God already knows our deepest thoughts. And he understands what the Spirit is saying, because the Spirit [intercedes or] speaks for his people in the way that agrees with what God wants.
Romans 8:26-27 (ERV)
How can I pray for other people?
The Bible tells us lots of ways to intercede and pray for other people.
Pray in the Spirit at all times. Pray with all kinds of prayers, and ask for everything you need. To do this you must always be ready. Never give up. Always pray for all of God’s people.
Ephesians 6:18 (ERV)
- Pray for those who sin, that they may come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior—James 5:16
- Pray for others to stand firm and know how to live for God no matter what—Colossians 4:12
- Pray for those who are mourning after a loved one died—Romans 12:15
- Pray for those who are celebrating something—Romans 12:15
- Pray for those who are mean to you and your enemies—Matthew 5:44
- Pray for those who are sad—Romans 12:15
- Pray for those who are sick—James 5:14-15
- Pray for those who are suffering or facing troubles—James 5:13
- Pray for those who are happy—James 5:13
- Pray for those who tell people about Jesus—Ephesians 6:19-20
- Pray that all believers may work together to do God’s work—John 17:20-23
- Pray that you (and others) won’t be tempted to do the wrong thing—Matthew 6:12-14
- Pray for God to give you (and others) things you need to live (like food, water, clothing, shelter, and clean air)—Ephesians 6:18
- Pray for those who are teachers and leaders (like the pastor, principal, mayor, governor, and president)—1 Timothy 2:1-2
- Pray for your country—2 Chronicles 7:14
- What other ways can you think of to pray for other people?
Your challenge is to pick at least three of the ways above (or your own ways) to pray for other people and do it. Ready? Go.
Who have you interceded for and prayed for today? Tell us in the comments below.
I really need to intercede for my family especially my granddaughter that I love so very much. I can pray but I need to make sure my prayer is going to be right. She is 13 can be easily influenced, knows right from wrong but she does not go to Church like she use to. Her grandfather passed away recently and she loved him dearly and a little of him leaving has had a big affect on her. When she wanted to know about Jesus he was the main one she went too. Some bad things, bad things are coming her way and it’s going to take all the prayers and fasting I can do.
M. W., we will join you in interceding for your granddaughter. Don’t worry about having the “right” prayer. Some of my favorite verses are Romans 8:26-27, “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. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.” Combine that with Psalm 139:4: “Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely.” That tells me we need only pour our hearts out the best way we can. God knows the rest.