Discover the Power of Intercession

Can prayer really change God’s mind? Is there any evidence to support this hope? What can we possibly do in the face of God’s sovereignty? I am not talking about being rebellious but about earnest intercession about a situation. Powerful prayer happens throughout scripture. The example I will share today demonstrates the effectiveness  of intercession to change the mind of God.

Ben White

The Back Story

Abraham was chosen by God’s grace and for God’s purposes. He lived a righteous life and continually expressed his faith in God. So God visited Abraham in the form of three messengers (you can read the whole story in Genesis 18).
During this visit, God told Abraham that he was about to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah. The revelation of judgment and condemnation must have been startling to Abraham. He thought about his nephew Lot who had settled in the area and was immediately concerned about his safety.

Then Abraham settled into a long ‘negotiation’ with God. He asked if God would sweep away the righteous with the wicked. His first request was for God to spare these cities if there were 50 righteous people there. God granted his request. Then Abraham asked five more times, each time lowering the number of righteous required until he reached 10 righteous. God agreed to each request.

How intercession happens

Intercession starts with God. It is possible because he makes a gracious choice. He has chosen you. He reveals his plan to you. When you listen to God you hear what he is saying and begin to understand his intentions. The Bible clearly lays out God’s plan. It gives us a big picture.

Intercession comes from a righteous life. That righteous life is not earned but first given by God and then lived in the power of the Spirit. When we entertain sin and live a life that is not pleasing to God, we won’t have power to intercede.

Intercession always appeals to the nature of God. Notice how Abraham says: “Shall not the judge of all the earth do what is just?” (Genesis 18:25 – ESV) Our intercession must appeal to his nature – his mercy, his grace, his holiness, his righteousness.

Intercession always agrees with God’s stated will. For example, we know that it is God’s will that none should perish but all come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). The end result of sin is judgment, condemnation and hell. When we intercede, the destiny of those we love and pray for can change. In this case, it requires their participation.

Intercession requires bold faith. Abraham certainly demonstrated this bold faith. Moses did the same. In fact, as you look through scriptures, the heroes of the faith were bold. They made audacious requests of God. We can approach God’s throne of grace with confidence (Hebrews 4:16).

Intercession changes God’s mind. Even though we appeal to the nature and will of God, there are times when God makes his will known to test our faith. Just as King Hezekiah pleaded for his life when it was revealed to him that he would die and God added fifteen years to his life, so we can appeal to God for mercy and grace.

We know that prayer is a mystery. Intercessory prayer is a mystery. But this is God’s way of helping us participate in the work he is doing on earth. He invites us into partnership with him and his redemptive plan! We have a responsibility and a privilege of participating with him that starts with listening to him, mostly through our reading the Bible and prayer.

Your Turn

Who are your interceding for? Have you almost given up on them? I have heard death-bed confessions of faith. In fact, I heard one just two days before writing this.

Don’t ever give up in praying for someone. God’s will is set; without confession and repentance, judgment and condemnation are coming. But if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).

You must intercede for your family and friends who are unsaved. God will do all he can to answer that prayer. And don’t ever give up. Keep on praying!

If this has helped or encouraged you, please share! If you have a story of successful intercession, share it in the comments or just email me!