Spiritual Practices Part 6

October 4, 2026

Intercessory prayer is a powerful spiritual practice. In some form, it is part of every major religion. An intercessory prayer is any form of prayer to the Divine that expends spiritual energy with the intention that to the prayed-for person’s particular circumstance are brought before God. 

The word “intercessory” means acting, speaking, or praying on behalf of another person, especially someone in trouble or need. In intercessory prayer, the one who prays comes before the Divine to ask for particular blessings, healings, or other needs of someone. Intercessory prayer can be offered to God, whether or not the prayed-for person knows that an intercession is being prayed on their behalf.

The earliest written evidence of religious intercession comes from Mesopotamia (2,400 BCE), where personal or lesser gods were petitioned to approach greater gods on behalf of human beings. In the Old Testament scriptures, one of the most powerful examples is Abraham’s appeal to God on behalf of the people of Sodom in Genesis 18. Abraham stands before God and pleads for mercy and justice. 

Intercession was also present from the beginning of Christianity. In one of Paul’s earliest letters (circa 50 CE), he requests intercessory prayer: “Brothers and sisters, pray for us.” (1 Thessalonians 5:25). A well-known reference to intercessory prayer is Paul’s encouragement of believers to pray for others. “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority—that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” (1 Timothy 2:1-2, NIV). Of course, arguably the most powerful intercessory prayer of all was made by Jesus from the cross when he prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:24) 

But how does intercessory prayer relate to our lives today? It is just as powerful today as it ever was, because it is about spiritual energy. Consider this: all thoughts and behaviors are energies. Some can be negative, creating negative energy, while others create positive energy. Positive or negative energy can ripple through a crowd and change the emotional and mental atmosphere in seconds. Any energy can ripple through a society and change the course of history. One book’s emotional and mental energy can change a culture’s collective sentiment. One dedicated person can embrace a people's imagination and take them to places they would never have ventured. Thoughts, will, and the intention behind them, whether of individuals or of collectives, can be transformative. 

One kind word can change someone’s day, or even their life. Not all kind words or positive energies change things for the better, or at least we may not see evidence of their effects. We do not know the exact pathways of negative or positive energy in the universe. Those pathways are yet to be discovered, just as the neural pathways of the brain and those within the heart were relatively unknown until a few years ago. This means that even though I do not know the route of the energy of my prayer or where it will live, its energy exists in some form long after I pray. Its power has been emitted into the universe and cannot be un-prayed. The universe is part of God. So, my prayer joins the energy of the universe (God), and like all energies, regardless of how small it may be, it must add to and therefore alter existing energies, even if only slightly. 

Our prayers are energies that matter. We cannot control lives or circumstances with the energies of our prayers, but we can offer that energy to God, in line with what God wills. 

Spiritual Practice

Choose one person or situation to hold in prayer. Name the person’s need before God, without prescribing the outcome. Sit quietly for several minutes, entrusting the person to God’s wisdom and care. When you finish, consider whether your prayer is inviting you to offer any appropriate practical help.

Inquiry

Why would you welcome an intercessory prayer on your behalf? 

Prayer

Dear God, 

For someone to carry me when I cannot carry myself is a huge and merciful gift for which I am truly thankful. 

Amen