Intercessory prayer is practiced by humbly and faithfully bringing before God the needs of others—both those near and dear and those across the world. It may be done in silence or aloud, alone or in community, but always with the conviction that God listens and responds in His mercy. Archbishop Foley Beach (ACNA, Diocese of the South) has said, “You don’t need to be eloquent to intercede. You need to care enough to bring someone else into the presence of God.” (Provincial Teaching on Prayer, 2020)

The Book of Common Prayer provides a clear model in the Prayers of the People, where we pray for the Church, the world, the afflicted, the departed, and those in authority. John Yates III (ACNA, Diocese of the Mid-Atlantic) encourages believers to “adopt these petitions as a daily framework for personal intercession, letting the Church’s wisdom shape your prayers for the world.” (Prayer and Formation, 2021)

Bishop Ben Kwashi (GAFCON, Jos Province of Nigeria) emphasizes the need for perseverance: “Intercession is not one-and-done. It is wrestling with God, like Jacob. It is crying out until the answer comes—or until your heart is changed.” (GAFCON Pastoral Letter, 2019) Such prayer is not only petition, but also identification with the suffering and spiritual needs of others.

Gerald Bray (ACNA-affiliated, Beeson Divinity School) teaches that intercessory prayer “unites us with Christ’s priesthood. He prays for His people still, and we, in Him, extend that love in the form of faithful intercession.” (The Church: A Theological and Historical Account, 2016) Through prayer, we join Christ’s ongoing ministry from the right hand of the Father (Romans 8:34).

Stephen Andrews (Principal, Wycliffe College, Toronto) offers pastoral insight: “A practical way to begin is to keep a simple list—family, friends, leaders, enemies. Pray with Scripture open, letting God’s Word direct your petitions. Be brief, be faithful, and leave the outcome to God.” (Lecture on Pastoral Theology, 2022)