They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. (NIV) Acts 2:42
The main word used in the New Testament for “intercession” is “entynchano”, which means “to plead on behalf of someone.” As you intercede in prayer for someone, you are pleading to God on behalf of that person. On a scale of 1 to 10 how would you rate your intercessory prayer life? When was the last time that you prayed that someone else. . .
- Would be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. (Romans 12:12)
- Would be strengthened with God’s power through his Spirit. . .so that Christ may dwell in his or her heart through faith. (Ephesians 3:16)
- That their love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, (Philippians 1:9)
- That they would live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, (Colossians 1:10)
- May be active in sharing their faith. . .and will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. (Philemon 1:6)
- Would have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way. (Hebrews 13:18)
How often do you pray for others that. . .
- Whenever they opened their mouth, words may be given them so that they will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel. . .and that they may declare it fearlessly, as he or she should. (Ephesians 6:19-20)
- They may enjoy good health and that all may go well with them (3 John 1:2)
- They build themselves up in most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. (NIV) Jude 1:20
For Paul, intercessory prayer was serious business. . .
- In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy (Philippians 1:4)
- We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, (Colossians 1:3)
- Night and day we pray most earnestly. . . (1 Thessalonians 3:10)
- . . .pray continually; (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
- With this in mind, we constantly pray for you. . . (2 Thessalonians 1:11)
The early church modeled a lifestyle of prayer. What does your intercessory prayer life say to others about your commitment to community?
