Brethren continue to receive prayer requests regarding others who are struggling with serious illnesses and trials. We are updated weekly, sometimes daily, regarding the physical and spiritual needs of not only the brethren in our immediate congregation, but also the needs of brethren throughout the world. Furthermore, we are often called upon to pray for many who are not members of United Church of God.

When we respond to these requests, we are partaking in an ancient form of supplication called intercessory prayer. That is, we are praying fervently on behalf of someone else. We take someone else's needs very personally; we see that someone else has a problem and we bow before God on their behalf.

Sodom Lost; Lot Saved

One of the earliest recorded examples of intercessory prayer is the famous example of Abraham interceding for his nephew, Lot (Genesis 18:16-33). Abraham had just finished preparing a meal for the preincarnate Christ and two angels. Christ told Abraham that He was about to visit Sodom to decide whether or not He should completely destroy this wicked city. Abraham, realizing that his nephew, Lot, and his family would also be destroyed in Sodom, began interceding with God on behalf of his nephew.

We have all been inspired, even amused, at the boldness of Abraham. First, he pleaded to the Lord that if 50 righteous people were found in the city, could possibly the city be spared? When the Lord said He would not destroy it if 50 righteous were found, then Abraham asked Him to consider 45, then 40, then finally 10!

This is a marvelous example of intercessory prayer. Abraham was fervently beseeching God on behalf of another, in this case, Lot and his entire family. The city of Sodom was destroyed, but God did hear Abraham's prayer and provided a way of escape for Lot.

Daniel's Example

A second example of intercessory prayer is found in the book of Daniel. This is the time when Jerusalem had been conquered by King Nebuchadnezzar and many Jews had been deported to Babylon. Among them was Daniel.

In chapter 9, we read that Daniel understood, at least in part, through the prophecies of Jeremiah, that ultimately the blessings promised to the tribe of Judah would be restored. The entire world would be refreshed by the return of Jesus Christ and the establishment of the Kingdom of God on this earth. But before Daniel received the explanation of the 70-weeks prophecy, he realized that he needed to fast and pray and intercede on behalf of Israel (Daniel 9:11).

This was a remarkable prayer in many ways. First, it shows Daniel's own heart of repentance because he acknowledged that he too was a sinner: "We have sinned" (verse 5); "We have rebelled" (verse 9).

What is also recorded is Daniel's intercessory prayer for Israel. See verses 17-19: "Now therefore, our God, hear the prayer of Your servant and his supplications [urgent and fervent prayer for mercy]...

"Oh my God, incline Your ear and hear...for we do not present our supplications before You because of our righteous deeds, but because of Your great mercies. O Lord, hear! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, listen and act! Do not delay for Your own sake, my God, for Your city and Your people are called by Your name."

This is a classic example of a person applying intercessory prayer on behalf of others.

"Intercession for the Transgressors"

The greatest example of intercessory prayer is found in the mission of Jesus Christ. We read in the prophecy of Isaiah 53:12 that Jesus Christ was to bear "the sin of many." Further, He "made intercession for the transgressors."

Indeed, while on the cross, Jesus prayed for and interceded for those who were killing him (Luke 23:34). Even before this incident, while He was being arrested, He insisted that the disciples be let go (John 18:8). And, just a few moments before His death, He interceded on behalf of His own mother and instructed John to provide a home for her (John 19:26-27). These are examples from the One who, by His very office, is to intercede on behalf of His people.

In Romans 8:34, we read of Jesus being seated at the right hand of the Father, interceding for all of us. And finally we read in Hebrews 7:25 that as our High Priest, Jesus is "also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He ever lives to make intercession for them."

Needed as Never Before

What an incredible blessing that we have in realizing that Jesus Christ is our Intercessor! And what a wonderful responsibility we share in following the example of Christ in offering up intercessory prayer on behalf of others!

God's people need each other's prayers as never before. May God bless you in your prayer life as you strive to follow the intercessory example of our elder Brother, Jesus Christ.