Intercessory prayer involves standing in the gap for others, praying for their needs, and asking God to intervene in their lives. It is a powerful way to bring the needs of others before God and to seek His help, mercy, and intervention on their behalf. Below are intercessory prayer points with supporting scriptures to guide your prayers as you lift up the needs of others, your community, your nation, and the world.
Intercessory Prayer Points
1. Prayer for Salvation of Souls
- Scripture: “This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” — 1 Timothy 2:3-4
- Prayer:
- Lord, I pray for those who do not yet know You. Open their hearts to receive the gospel and let them come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Remove every barrier that stands in the way of their salvation, and may Your light shine into their darkness. Bring people into their lives who will share Your love and truth with them.
2. Prayer for Healing and Restoration
- Scripture: “Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for You are the one I praise.” — Jeremiah 17:14
- Prayer:
- Father, I lift up those who are suffering from sickness, pain, and disease. Stretch out Your healing hand and touch their bodies, bringing complete restoration. I declare that by the stripes of Jesus, they are healed. Let Your healing power flow into every area of their lives—physical, emotional, and spiritual.
3. Prayer for Families and Marriages
- Scripture: “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” — Joshua 24:15
- Prayer:
- Lord, I pray for families and marriages that are struggling or in crisis. Bring reconciliation, understanding, and forgiveness where there has been hurt. Strengthen the bonds of love and unity between husbands and wives, and let Your peace reign in their homes. May each family member come to know and serve You, and may their homes be filled with Your presence.
4. Prayer for the Nation
- Scripture: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” — 2 Chronicles 7:14
- Prayer:
- Father, I pray for our nation and its leaders. Grant them wisdom, integrity, and a heart to serve with justice and righteousness. Heal our land from division, strife, and any form of injustice. Let Your peace and righteousness reign in every sector of society, and may our nation turn to You for guidance and direction.
5. Prayer for the Church and Its Leaders
- Scripture: “And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding.” — Jeremiah 3:15
- Prayer:
- Lord, I lift up the pastors, ministers, and leaders of the church. Strengthen them, encourage them, and protect them from burnout and attacks of the enemy. Grant them wisdom as they shepherd Your people, and let them be examples of Christlike love and integrity. I also pray for unity within the body of Christ, that we may work together to advance Your kingdom.
6. Prayer for Protection Against Spiritual Attacks
- Scripture: “No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn.” — Isaiah 54:17
- Prayer:
- Lord, I stand in the gap for those who are under spiritual attack. I pray for Your protection over their minds, bodies, and spirits. I bind every plan of the enemy against them and declare that no weapon formed against them shall prosper. Cover them with the blood of Jesus and surround them with Your angels to guard and protect them.
7. Prayer for Comfort and Strength for the Bereaved
- Scripture: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” — Matthew 5:4
- Prayer:
- Father, I pray for those who have lost loved ones and are grieving. Surround them with Your comforting presence and give them the strength to endure this difficult time. Let Your peace fill their hearts, and help them to find hope and healing in Your promises. May they feel Your love and support through those around them.
8. Prayer for Revival and Spiritual Awakening
- Scripture: “Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?” — Psalm 85:6
- Prayer:
- Lord, I pray for a revival in our churches, communities, and nation. Awaken our hearts to seek You passionately and to turn away from anything that distracts us from Your presence. Let Your Spirit move mightily, bringing repentance, renewal, and a fresh outpouring of Your love. May we see a great harvest of souls as Your people return to You with all their hearts.
9. Prayer for the Persecuted Church
- Scripture: “Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.” — Hebrews 13:3
- Prayer:
- Father, I lift up the persecuted church around the world. Strengthen those who are suffering for their faith and give them courage to stand firm. Provide for their physical and spiritual needs, and let them know that they are not alone. May their testimony be a light that draws others to Christ, even in the midst of suffering.
10. Prayer for Breakthrough in Difficult Situations
- Scripture: “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” — Jeremiah 33:3
- Prayer:
- Lord, I intercede for those who are facing impossible situations. Whether it’s financial struggles, family conflicts, or health challenges, I pray for Your divine intervention. Bring breakthroughs where there seems to be no way, and let Your power be made perfect in their weakness. Answer their cries and give them a testimony of Your goodness.
11. Prayer for Children and Youth
- Scripture: “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” — Proverbs 22:6
- Prayer:
- Father, I pray for the children and youth in my community and around the world. Protect them from harmful influences and guide them in the paths of righteousness. Let them grow up knowing Your love and truth. I ask for godly mentors to come into their lives and for Your wisdom to guide their decisions.
12. Prayer for Peace in Troubled Areas
- Scripture: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” — John 14:27
- Prayer:
- Lord, I pray for regions of the world that are affected by conflict, violence, and war. Bring peace and healing to these areas. Comfort those who are suffering and displaced. Raise up peacemakers and leaders who will work towards reconciliation and justice. Let Your peace prevail in places where there seems to be no hope.
13. Prayer for Wisdom for Decision-Makers
- Scripture: “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” — 1 Timothy 2:1-2
- Prayer:
- Lord, I intercede for those in positions of authority—government leaders, judges, community leaders, and those making decisions that affect many lives. Grant them wisdom and discernment as they govern and make policies. Let Your principles of justice, compassion, and truth guide their decisions.
14. Prayer for Financial Provision for the Needy
- Scripture: “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:19
- Prayer:
- Father, I pray for those who are struggling financially and those who are in need. Open doors of opportunity for them and provide for their needs in miraculous ways. Let those who are lacking find support, and may their faith be strengthened as they see Your hand of provision in their lives.
15. Prayer for Those Battling Addiction
- Scripture: “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” — John 8:36
- Prayer:
- Lord, I lift up those who are struggling with addiction and habits that are destroying their lives. Set them free, Lord, and give them the strength to overcome. Surround them with people who will support them in their journey to recovery. Let them experience Your love and power that can break every chain.
Final Thoughts
Intercessory prayer is a powerful way to support others spiritually, standing in the gap and calling on God to intervene in their lives. As you use these prayer points and scriptures, trust that God hears you and that He is able to do far more than we ask or imagine. Let your prayers be filled with faith and compassion, knowing that your intercession can make a difference in the lives of those you pray for.