3 Favorite Scriptures for Intercessory Prayers

 

By: Sarah Geringer

Intercessory prayers are a wonderful way to minister to others. Even when people don't know you are praying on their behalf, they can be blessed by your prayers.

Since 2018, God has led me on a daily journey of intercessory prayer. It has had its ups and downs over time - it's definitely been an adventure with lots of changes.

My intercessory prayer journey has worked big changes in me. It has stripped away my selfishness and expanded my heart for others. Interceding on others' behalf day after day makes me more patient and more trusting of God, since I depend on his leading to guide my prayers for others.

When my own words fail me, it's good to use Scripture as inspiration for my prayers. Praying God's own Word back to him is very powerful. It is like claiming God's promises and reminding him of them, and declaring that you believe he will fulfill them in his own time and ways.

These are my three favorite scriptures for intercessory prayers. You can customize these prayers by inserting the person's name at appropriate places. I pray these scriptures every day for the people God puts on my heart in each season.

Which scriptures can you use to pray for others? Here's a list of three favorites you can use daily.

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Prayer 1

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13 NIV

This is a powerful prayer for people who need greater hope, and we all know someone like this. It helps you pray not only for hope, but joy, peace, and the power of the Holy Spirit to overflow in them. Praying this prayer lifts my spirits too, as it helps me focus on the good that God wants to do in their lives.

Prayer 2

We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. 

Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. 

All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better. 

We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. 

May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. 

Colossians 1:9b-12a NLT

This is an excellent prayer for spiritual growth. I prayed this prayer over each of my children as they were confirmed in their faith. It's a great prayer for parents to pray over their children and grandparents to pray over their grandchildren. It also works well for anyone whom you may be mentoring. If it's possible, pray this prayer out loud over the person who needs it from you, and they will be richly blessed.

Prayer 3

The Lord bless you
    and keep you;
25 the Lord make his face shine on you
    and be gracious to you;
26 the Lord turn his face toward you
    and give you peace.

Numbers 6:24-26 NIV

I often close my intercessory prayers with this benediction which I've heard in church nearly all my life. It's a lovely way to ask for God's favor on the person, and it feels like a fitting ending to the other more specific prayer requests I offer on their behalf.

I hope that these scriptures will inspire your prayers for others. If you have more scripture suggestions for intercessory prayer, please share them in the comments below so we can gain more ideas for praying for others.

Blessings and God's peace to you,

Sarah Geringer
Finding Peace in God's Word

Photo from Canva.com

Listen to the audio version of this devotion HERE on my podcast, Finding Peace in God's Word.

Check out my book, Hidden Manna on a Country Road, all about prayer walking - available now on Kindle and in paperback Nov. 1. Join the launch team HERE now through Sept. 30, 2022!

Reflection questions:

1. For whom do you pray on a daily basis?

2. How might using scripture in your prayers make them more powerful?

Please share your thoughts in the comments below.