Intercession

 Intercession

July 1, 2025

Romans 8:26-28

26 In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; 27 and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for thesaints according to the will of God.

28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

Romans 8:34b

Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.

Hebrews 7:23-25

23The former priests, on the one hand, existed in greater numbers because they were prevented by death from continuing, 24 but Jesus, on the other hand, because He continues forever, holds His priesthood permanently. 25 Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.

1 John 2:1-2

1 My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; 2 and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world.

 

1 Peter 2:9

9 But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God’s OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaimthe excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;

What is intercession? The Websters (1828) definition is:

INTERCES'SION, n. [L. intercessio, from intercedo. See Intercede.]

The act of interceding; mediation; interposition between parties at variance, with a view to reconciliation; prayer or solicitation to one party in favor of another, sometimes against another.

In the Bible verses quoted above, there are actually three Greek words used that have various shades of meaning of intercede, advocate and help. But the general idea is that someone is standing up for someone else, to represent and plead for them, like a lawyer would do for you in court. In Hebrews 7, we see that intercession was one of the roles of the Levitical priests, but is a role that has been taken over by Jesus, our great Hight Priest. In Romans, there is further clarification of how Jesus intercedes for us and in Romans 8, we see how the Holy Spirit also intercedes for us. So intercession is a priestly function that is performed by Jesus and the Holy Spirit as they represent us before the Father.

We are also called the royal priesthood in first Peter, so we also have a role in intercession. We have the privilege of taking the concerns of others before the Father in Heaven to plead their case, as it were. When we need help understanding the way to do this, we have the Holy Spirit, who is our helper and intercessor, to give us the words to use. So let us exercise or priestly responsibilities and help those around us to pray. We can help them pray and bring their concerns to our Heavenly Father, in the confidence that he hears our prayers and will answer them.