Question 247: What Is Intercessory Prayer?

An Anglican Catechism (Expanded Version)

Question 247: What is intercessory prayer?

Intercessory prayer is prayer offered to God on behalf of others, asking Him to show mercy, bring healing, give wisdom, and accomplish His purposes in their lives. It is an act of love that imitates Christ, our great Intercessor, and joins in His priestly ministry for the Church and the world. (Genesis 18:23–24, 1 Samuel 12:23, Romans 8:34, Ephesians 6:18, 1 Timothy 2:1)

Full Scripture References

Then Abraham drew near and said, “Will You indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked? What if there are fifty righteous ones in the city? Will You really sweep it away and not spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous who are there?” – Genesis 18:23–24 (BSB)

“As for me, I surely will not sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you. I will teach you the good and right way.” – 1 Samuel 12:23 (BSB)

“Who is to condemn us? Christ Jesus is the One who died, and more than that, who was raised to life. He is at the right hand of God and is interceding for us.” – Romans 8:34 (BSB)

“Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition. Stay alert with all perseverance in your prayers for all the saints.” – Ephesians 6:18 (BSB)

“First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be offered for everyone.” – 1 Timothy 2:1 (BSB)

Expanded Explanation of Catechism Question

Intercessory prayer is a central ministry of the Christian life—pleading before God for others in love. It reflects the very heart of Christ, who “ever lives to make intercession” for His people. As Gerald Bray (Anglican theologian, ACNA-affiliated, Beeson Divinity School) states, “When we intercede, we echo the priestly ministry of Jesus. He does not merely teach or redeem—He prays for His own continually.” (God Has Spoken, 2014)

Intercession is a selfless act, turning the focus from our needs to the needs of others. Archbishop Foley Beach (ACNA, Diocese of the South) teaches, “One of the greatest acts of love you can offer someone is to carry their name before the throne of grace. It’s not a formality—it’s power.” (Teaching on Prayer and Intercession, 2018)

Bishop Ben Kwashi (GAFCON, Jos Province of Nigeria) urges believers not to treat intercession as optional: “When the Church prays for the nations, when it intercedes for the persecuted, when it pleads for the lost, it is standing in the gap as Ezekiel was called to do. This is the Church’s calling.” (GAFCON Plenary Address, 2018)

John Yates III (ACNA, Diocese of the Mid-Atlantic) reminds us, “We are not powerless. Prayer offered in faith and in Christ’s name changes lives, restores churches, heals wounds, and moves nations. God acts through intercessory prayer in ways we may not see until eternity.” (Sermon on the Church in Prayer, 2021)

The 2019 Book of Common Prayer guides us to pray regularly “for the Church, the nation, the world, the sick, the suffering, and the departed.” The Prayers of the People in Anglican liturgy model this rhythm, teaching us how to intercede not only for those we love, but even for those we struggle to love, just as Christ interceded for His enemies (Luke 23:34).

Early Church Fathers On Catechism Question

“Let us pray for those who have fallen into sin, that they may be restored. Let us not neglect to intercede, for we are all members of one another.” – Cyprian of Carthage, Letter to the Church at Carthage, c. 250 AD

“We should always remember in our prayers the Church, rulers, the afflicted, and all mankind, for this is pleasing to God our Savior.” – Origen, On Prayer, c. 230 AD

“When you pray, remember not only yourself, but also others. For how can you expect God to be mindful of you, if you are forgetful of your brothers?” – Basil the Great, Homily on Psalm 33, c. 370 AD

“Pray for others, even those who hurt you. Nothing brings down the pride of Satan so much as a Christian who, while being wronged, prays for his enemy.” – John Chrysostom, Homily on Romans, c. 390 AD

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