What is intercessory prayer? How can I intercede for others through my prayer life?

What is intercessory prayer?
How can I intercede for others through my prayer life?

Quite simply, intercessory prayer is the act of praying on behalf of others. The role of mediator in prayer was prevalent in the Old Testament, in the cases of Abraham, Moses, David, Samuel, Hezekiah, Elijah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel. Christ is pictured in the New Testament as the ultimate intercessor, and because of this, all Christian prayer becomes intercession since it is offered to God through and by Christ. Jesus closed the gap between us and God when He died on the cross. Because of Jesus’ mediation, we can now intercede in prayer on behalf of other Christians or for the lost, asking God to grant their requests according to His will. “For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5). “Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us” (Romans 8:34).

The following is only a partial list of those for whom we are to offer intercessory prayers: all in authority (1 Timothy 2:2); ministers (Philippians 1:19); the church (Psalm 122:6); friends (Job 42:8); fellow countrymen (Romans 10:1); the sick (James 5:14); enemies (Jeremiah 29:7); those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44); those who forsake us (2 Timothy 4:16); and all men (1 Timothy 2:1).

God calls all Christians to be intercessors. It is God’s desire that every believer be active in intercessory prayer. What a wonderful and exalted privilege we have in being able to come boldly before the throne of Almighty God with our prayers and requests!
Source:

http://www.gotquestions.org/intercessory-prayer.html

What God wants to do on the earth, He will do through prayer intercessors. When God wants to change those course of actions or events that will take a path of their own, He searches out an intercessor, on whose heart He can place His desires. Therefore that intercessor will interceed, and pray, and change those events or courses of action.

Make a list of the people you pray for. Be specific. What needs do you want to help carry for another. When someone asks you to pray for them, add them to your list. Then make it a point to contact these people and tell them you are praying for them daily. This is important because the next time you are tempted to omit your time of prayer you will remember that you told someone you were praying for them and in your desire to be faithful you will make time to pray.

Also note what is going on in the news, like right now the world’s response to the earthquake in Haiti. Add any disaster, or weather related situations, for example, to your prayers. Pray for those affected, or in harms way who may not be able to pray for themselves. People you may not even know!