40 Powerful Bible Verses About Intercession

Intercession is one of the most powerful acts of love and faith a believer can offer. To intercede means to stand in the gap on behalf of someone else; praying for their needs, protection, healing, or salvation. Throughout Scripture, we see countless Bible verses about intercession that remind us of the importance of praying not only for ourselves but also for others.

In this post, we will look at 40 powerful Bible verses about intercession, explain what intercession really means, highlight examples of intercession in the Bible, and encourage you to strengthen your prayer life.

What is Intercession?

Intercession is the act of praying on behalf of others. It goes beyond personal requests and focuses on lifting up the needs of family, friends, leaders, and even nations before God. In simple terms, it is standing in prayer for someone else’s breakthrough.

The Bible teaches that Jesus Christ is our greatest intercessor. Romans 8:34 says that Christ is at the right hand of God, interceding for us. This means even when we don’t have the strength to pray, Jesus continues to present our needs before the Father.

As believers, we are called to imitate Christ and engage in intercessory prayer, carrying one another’s burdens as an expression of love and obedience to God.

Examples of Intercession in the Bible

There are many examples of intercession throughout Scripture that show its significance. Here are a few notable ones:

Abraham interceding for Sodom (Genesis 18:22-33): Abraham pleaded with God to spare the city if righteous people could be found.
Moses interceding for Israel (Exodus 32:11-14): After Israel sinned with the golden calf, Moses prayed earnestly for God to have mercy.
Samuel interceding for Israel (1 Samuel 7:5-9): Samuel prayed and offered sacrifices for the people when they repented of their sins.
Jesus interceding for His disciples (John 17): Jesus prayed for the protection, unity, and sanctification of His followers.
Stephen interceding at his death (Acts 7:59-60): As he was being stoned, Stephen prayed for God to forgive those who were killing him.

These examples remind us that intercession is both powerful and necessary for God’s people.

40 Powerful Bible Verses About Intercession

Here are 40 Scripture references that highlight the power and importance of intercession. These verses will inspire and guide you in praying for others:

Old Testament Bible Verses About Intercession

Genesis 20:17 – “Then Abraham prayed to God, and God healed Abimelek, his wife and his female slaves so they could have children again.”
Genesis 18:32 – Abraham said, “May the Lord not be angry, but let me speak just once more. What if only ten can be found there?” He answered, “For the sake of ten, I will not destroy it.”
Exodus 32:11 – “But Moses sought the favor of the Lord his God. ‘Lord,’ he said, ‘why should your anger burn against your people, whom you brought out of Egypt with great power and a mighty hand?’”
Numbers 14:19 – “In accordance with your great love, forgive the sin of these people, just as you have pardoned them from the time they left Egypt until now.”
1 Samuel 7:5 – “Then Samuel said, ‘Assemble all Israel at Mizpah, and I will intercede with the Lord for you.’”
1 Samuel 12:23 – “As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you.”
Job 42:10 – “After Job had prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before.”
Isaiah 53:12 – “For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.”
Jeremiah 27:18 – “If they are prophets and have the word of the Lord, let them plead with the Lord Almighty…”
Ezekiel 22:30 – “I looked for someone among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found no one.”

New Testament Bible Verses About Intercession

Matthew 5:44 – “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
Luke 22:32 – “But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”
John 17:9 – “I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours.”
John 17:20-21 – “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message.”
Acts 7:59-60 – “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.”
Acts 12:5 – “So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.”
Romans 8:26 – “The Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.”
Romans 8:34 – “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 10:1 – “Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved.”
2 Corinthians 1:11 – “As you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf…”
Ephesians 1:16 – “I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.”
Ephesians 6:18 – “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.”
Philippians 1:3-4 – “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy.”
Colossians 1:9 – “For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you.”
1 Thessalonians 1:2 – “We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers.”
1 Thessalonians 5:25 – “Brothers and sisters, pray for us.”
2 Thessalonians 1:11 – “With this in mind, we constantly pray for you.”
1 Timothy 2:1 – “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people.”
1 Timothy 2:2 – “…for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives.”
Hebrews 7:25 – “Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.”
Hebrews 13:18 – “Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way.”
James 5:16 – “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
James 5:17-18 – “Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly…”
1 Peter 3:12 – “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer.”
1 Peter 4:7 – “Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.”
1 John 5:16 – “If you see any brother or sister commit a sin that does not lead to death, you should pray and God will give them life.”
1 John 5:14 – “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.”
Jude 1:20-21 – “But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit…”
Revelation 5:8 – “…the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people.”
Revelation 8:4 – “The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of God’s people, went up before God from the angel’s hand.”

How to Practice Intercession in Daily Life

Intercession does not require eloquence or lengthy prayers. What matters is sincerity, faith, and persistence. Here are a few ways you can practice intercession daily:

Pray for your family and friends – Ask God to protect, guide, and bless them.
Pray for your community and leaders – Seek peace, wisdom, and justice.
Pray for the sick and struggling – Lift up those in pain or distress.
Pray for the church – Intercede for pastors, missionaries, and believers worldwide.
Pray for nations – Stand in the gap for countries facing war, famine, or disaster.

Conclusion

Intercession is a calling for every believer. Just as Abraham, Moses, Samuel, and Jesus interceded, we are also invited to lift others in prayer. Whether it is praying for healing, salvation, or guidance, intercession brings transformation.

These 40 Bible verses about intercession show the heart of God and His desire for us to stand in prayer for one another. As you pray, remember that your words carry power, and heaven responds when you intercede.