“Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groaning which cannot be uttered.” Romans 8:26

Throughout scripture we learn there are different ways to pray. Intercessory prayer, for example, is the deepest and most unselfish form of prayer. This type of prayer is characterized by terms such as “wrestling in prayer”, “groaning that can’t be uttered”, and “fervent, agonizing prayer.”

The word intercession means, “to come between,” or “to interpose on behalf of someone else”. An individual who is engaged in intercessory prayer is beseeching God on behalf of another person.

My Personal Testimony

I have shared this testimony in the past, but feel prompted to shared it again. Several years ago in Bible College, I developed an undeniable burden for a family member who had fallen away from God. I entered into a season of fasting and prayer for this individual, believing that God was going to do something miraculous in their life. One afternoon, I entered the prayer room, and a spirit of intercession came over me.

I prayed for almost five hours; it was physically exhausting, and I felt like an iron ball was in my stomach, weighing me down, causing me to remain tethered to the floor. In those few hours, it was as though I felt all of the shame, heartache, fear, regret, and pain of my loved one. My burden was great. In my desperation, I cried out to the Lord, “Take this burden from me, it’s too heavy for me to bear anymore.”

At that moment the Lord spoke to my spirit so beautifully  said, “What you have felt for your family member, I have felt for the whole world.”

I proceeded to weep and thank God for His great love for humanity.

We serve a God who is touched with the feeling of our infirmities (Hebrews 4:15), meaning everything you have gone through, our Savior has carried it personally on the cross.

Intercessory Prayer Examples In Scripture

  • Moses prayed in intercession for Israel and they were spared Deuteronomy 9:25-26.
  • Abraham prayed in intercession for Sodom and Gomorrah, Genesis 18:22-33.
  • Paul prayed in intercession for Israel, Romans 9:1-5.
  • Paul agonized and interceded for the Galatians church, Galatians 4:19.

At times, the Spirit will lead you into intercessory prayer for someone. When this occurs, you will find yourself praying in a very unique and specific manner. Intercession is a deep prayer experience that pulls down strongholds and wins great victories.

There is a power of intercessory prayer because when we pray in our understanding, we pray our prayer; we pray our own will. However, intercessory prayer lends oneself completely to God. Essentially, you say, “God, pray your prayers through me, I desire to be a vessel.”

I’m thankful to share with you that the person I prayed for that day years ago is now back in church and actively serving in ministry. God hears every prayer you pray and He loves your family and friends even more than you do. Continue to seek His face and yield your spirit to God’s.

Author

Angela Overton is a lover of words, nature, and coffee. She is an ordained minister with the UPCI, has a Masters Degree in Theology, and loves to teach Bible studies. She and her amazing husband, Michael, pastor in Silver Spring, Maryland.

4 Comments

  1. Excellent post today. Thank you. God bless you.

  2. Thank you for this powerful devotion today it is so timely. I don’t want to just be temporarily stirred but to be changed, to answer the call for intercessory prayer! May we feel the compassion
    as Jesus did for the lost. For the backslidden and prodigals. May we awaken!!!
    .

    • Yes, I feel the same way. I don’t want to get stuck in a rut of complacency, but desire to experience all that God has for His church!