I’m Not Praying for That! Intercessory Prayer: A Biblical Practice and a Cautionary Perspective

A place to begin

Intercessory prayer, a cornerstone of the Christian faith, is a practice where believers petition God on behalf of others, lifting their needs, concerns, and desires to Him in prayer. This act of interceding for others aligns with the biblical principle of loving one's neighbor and fulfilling the command to bear one another's burdens (Galatians 6:2). Intercessory prayer reflects the heart of Jesus, who continually intercedes for His followers before the Father (Hebrews 7:25). In the Christian Church today, intercessory prayer is often practiced in various settings, including personal prayer times, corporate worship services, prayer groups, and ministries dedicated specifically to intercession.

Biblical support for intercessory prayer is abundant, with numerous verses encouraging believers to pray for one another. James 5:16 exhorts, "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working." Similarly, 1 Timothy 2:1 urges believers to make "supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings" for all people, including those in authority. The Bible also offers examples of intercessory prayer in action, such as when Abraham intercedes for Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 18:22-33) and Jesus prays for His disciples and all believers (John 17).

Reading with care

However, there exists a cautionary perspective on intercessory prayer, advocated by theologians and teachers like Dan Mohler, which warns against the potential pitfalls of focusing too much on the negative circumstances and emotions of others. Mohler, who I tremendous respect, often emphasizes the power of our thoughts and the importance of aligning them with the truth of God's Word. He highlights how dwelling on negative emotions, such as depression or fear, can lead to a mindset dominated by those feelings, ultimately shaping our reality (Proverbs 23:7). “We become what we think about,” positions Dan. Instead of fixating on the darkness and challenges around us, Mohler encourages believers to instead focus on the victorious power of the Holy Spirit to deliver us from darkness (2 Corinthians 10:5).

From this perspective, intercessory prayer may underemphasize believers' identity in Christ as victorious over evil. “I am not praying for that,” proponents might say. Rather than praying focused on deliverance from external circumstances, believers are instead encouraged to pray for an embrace of the truth of their identity in Christ and the transforming power of the Gospel (Romans 8:37). By renewing their minds through God's Word and focusing on the truth found in Scripture, believers can rise up and overcome the deceptions of their own emotions and experiences (Romans 12:2).

Carrying this into life

In harmonizing both perspectives, we should recognize the reality of pain and suffering while simultaneously holding fast to the truth of God's promises and the power of we have as inheritors of Christ victory in us as believers. So, while it is vital to lift up the needs of others in prayer and intercede on their behalf, believers must also guard their minds and hearts against the influences of deception, negativity, and despair. By renewing our minds with the truth of God's Word and focusing on the victorious power of the Gospel, as believers can find strength, hope, and transformation in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7). Intercessory prayer, when coupled with a steadfast faith in God's promises and a commitment to aligning one's thoughts with His truth, becomes a powerful tool for bringing about healing, deliverance, and restoration in the lives of believers and those for whom they intercede.