Intercessors play a vital role in the spiritual life of the Christian community, acting as mediators who stand in the gap between God and humanity through prayer. The concept of intercession is deeply rooted in the Bible, where numerous figures are depicted as intercessors, pleading with God on behalf of others.

Biblical Foundation

The role of an intercessor is first seen in the Old Testament. Abraham is one of the earliest examples, interceding for Sodom and Gomorrah. In Genesis 18:23-33, Abraham pleads with God to spare the cities if righteous people can be found within them. This passage highlights the power and importance of intercessory prayer, as Abraham negotiates with God, demonstrating both boldness and humility.

Moses is another prominent intercessor. In Exodus 32:11-14, after the Israelites sin by worshiping the golden calf, Moses intercedes on their behalf, imploring God to relent from His anger and spare them. Moses' intercession is characterized by his deep love for the people and his willingness to stand in the breach for them, even offering his own life in their place (Exodus 32:32).

The prophets also served as intercessors. Samuel, for instance, is noted for his role in praying for the people of Israel. In 1 Samuel 12:23, he declares, "As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you." This underscores the responsibility and commitment of an intercessor to continually lift others in prayer.

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is the ultimate intercessor. His entire ministry is marked by intercession, culminating in His sacrificial death on the cross. Hebrews 7:25 states, "Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them." Jesus' intercession is ongoing, as He sits at the right hand of the Father, advocating for believers.

The Apostle Paul also emphasizes the importance of intercessory prayer. In 1 Timothy 2:1, he urges, "First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone." Paul himself is an example of an intercessor, frequently praying for the churches and individuals he ministered to, as seen in his letters (e.g., Ephesians 1:16-18, Philippians 1:3-5).

Characteristics of Intercessors

Intercessors are marked by several key characteristics:

1. Compassion and Empathy: Intercessors are deeply moved by the needs and sufferings of others, driving them to prayer. This compassion reflects the heart of Christ, who was moved with compassion for the multitudes (Matthew 9:36).

2. Faith and Persistence: Effective intercessors possess strong faith in God's power and willingness to intervene. They are persistent, often praying without ceasing until they see a breakthrough (Luke 18:1-8).

3. Holiness and Righteousness: The prayers of a righteous person are powerful and effective (James 5:16). Intercessors strive to live lives that are pleasing to God, knowing that their own spiritual condition can impact their prayers.

4. Selflessness: Intercessors often put the needs of others before their own, willing to sacrifice time and energy in prayer. This selflessness mirrors the sacrificial love of Christ.

Role in the Church

Intercessors are essential to the life of the Church, supporting its mission and ministry through prayer. They pray for leaders, the congregation, and the world, seeking God's guidance, protection, and blessing. Intercessory prayer is a powerful tool for spiritual warfare, standing against the forces of darkness and advancing God's kingdom on earth.

In summary, intercessors are vital to the spiritual health and growth of the Church, embodying the love and compassion of Christ as they faithfully stand in the gap for others.

God Seeks Intercessors
... CHAPTER XIV God seeks Intercessors. ... God seeks intercessors."There is a world with
its perishing millions, with intercession as its only hope. ...
/.../murray/the ministry of intercession/chapter xiv god seeks intercessors.htm

Whether we Ought to Call Upon the Saints to Pray for Us?
... Now it is unnecessary to present anything to one to whom all things are present.
Therefore it is unnecessary to make the saints our intercessors with God. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether we ought to call.htm

From the Supplement to the Summa --Question Lxxii of the Prayers ...
... But we ought to ask the Saints even when on earth to be our intercessors with God,
as the Apostle shows us by his example when he says: I beseech you, therefore ...
/.../aquinas/on prayer and the contemplative life/from the supplement to the.htm

The Other Passages of Scripture which they Employ to Defend their ...
... And since those good Doctors would make out by these words that the Patriarchs are
intercessors, I should like them to tell me why, in so great a multitude, [12 ...
/.../of prayer--a perpetual exercise of faith/chapter 25 the other passages.htm

The Twenty-First Article they Absolutely Condemn, Because we do ...
... only require invocation in the worship of the saints, but also apply the merits
of the saints to others, and make of the saints not only intercessors, but also ...
/.../the apology of the augsburg confession/part 26 the twenty-first article.htm

One Antidote for Many Ills
... Others of you are intercessors; and here I hope I have taken in all who
love the Lord in this place. Oh! how much the strength of ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/one antidote for many ills.htm

The Source of Power in Prayer.
... Another, and a most important phase of prayer is intercession. What a work
God has set open for those who are His priests"intercessors! ...
/.../murray/the masters indwelling/xii the source of power.htm

Prayer and Missions
... The one great need in the modern missionary movement is intercessors. They
were scarce in the days of Isaiah. This was his complaint: ...
/.../bounds/the essentials of prayer/xiii prayer and missions.htm

A Model of Intercession
... we believe what we profess, that God alone is able to help, that God certainly will
help in answer to prayer,"all this need ought to make intercessors of us ...
/.../murray/the ministry of intercession/chapter iii a model of.htm

The Danger of Deviating from Divine Institutions.
... Those who go to God in other ways, or depending on other intercessors, are said
"not to hold the head." * "The head of every man is Christ." + Such people will ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xxviii the danger of.htm

Intercessors (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Intercessors (2 Occurrences). Job 16:20 My friends scoff
at me: But mine eye poureth out tears unto God, (See JPS). ...
/i/intercessors.htm - 6k

Intercourse (6 Occurrences)

/i/intercourse.htm - 8k

Intercessor (2 Occurrences)

/i/intercessor.htm - 7k

Pours (21 Occurrences)
... He pours out my gall on the ground. (WEB NAS RSV). Job 16:20 Mine inward thoughts
are my intercessors, mine eye poureth out tears unto God; (See RSV). ...
/p/pours.htm - 11k

Paraclete
... called paracletes: "The works of benevolence and mercy done by the people of Israel
in this world become agents of peace and intercessors (paracletes) between ...
/p/paraclete.htm - 17k

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