New Testament Intercessory Prayer List

(not a comprehensive list - compiled by Mike Bickle - July ‘99)

APOSTOLIC PRAYERS OF PAUL

1. Prayer for revelation of Jesus' beauty and the Bride's destiny unto transforming our heart

...the Father of glory, may give to you the SPIRIT OF WISDOM AND REVELATION IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF HIM, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the HOPE OF HIS CALLING, what are the riches of the GLORY OF HIS INHERITANCE IN THE SAINTS, and what is the exceeding GREATNESS OF HIS POWER TOWARD US... (Eph. 1:17-19).

2. Prayer for the release of supernatural strength in the heart unto experiencing God's emotions.

...that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, TO BE STRENGTHENED WITH MIGHT THROUGH HIS SPIRIT IN THE INNER MAN, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, MAY BE ABLE TO COMPREHEND with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height-- to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. (Eph. 3:16-19)

3. Prayer for God's love to abound in our heart resulting in discernment and righteousness.

And this I pray, that YOUR LOVE MAY ABOUND still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may APPROVE THE THINGS THAT ARE EXCELLENT, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being FILLED WITH THE FRUITS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God (Phil. 1:9-11).

4. Prayer to know God's will, to be fruitful in ministry and strengthened by intimacy with God.

We...do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the KNOWLEDGE OF HIS WILL in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may have a WALK WORTHY OF THE LORD, fully pleasing Him, BEING FRUITFUL in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; STRENGTHENED WITH ALL MIGHT, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. (Col. 1:9-12)

5. Prayer for unity in the church across a city or region.

Now may the God of patience and comfort GRANT YOU TO BE LIKE-MINDED toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, THAT YOU MAY WITH ONE MIND AND ONE MOUTH glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus. (Rom. 15:5-7)

6. Prayer to be filled with supernatural joy, peace and hope.

Now may the God of hope FILL YOU WITH ALL JOY AND PEACE IN BELIEVING, THAT YOU MAY ABOUND IN HOPE by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Rom. 15:13)

7. Prayer for Israel to be saved through Jesus.

Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for ISRAEL is that they may be saved. (Rom. 10:1).

8. Prayer for the release of apostolic ministry and to abound in love and holiness

...we rejoice for your sake before our God, night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face and perfect what is lacking in your faith? Now may our God and Father Himself, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way to you. And may the Lord make you increase and ABOUND IN LOVE to one another and to all...so that He may ESTABLISH YOUR HEARTS BLAMELESS IN HOLINESS before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints. (1 Thes. 3:9-13)

9. Prayer for the release of the Holy Spirit's power unto mature holiness

Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it. (1 Thes. 5:23-24)

10. Prayer to be equipped and prepared to receive the fulness of God’s destiny for the church.

Therefore we also pray always for you THAT OUR GOD WOULD COUNT YOU WORTHY OF THIS CALLING, AND FULFILL ALL THE GOOD PLEASURE OF HIS GOODNESS AND THE WORK OF FAITH WITH POWER, that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Thes. 1:11-12)

11. Prayer for the Word to increase by the release of God's power to win unbelievers to Jesus.

Finally, brethren, pray for us, THAT THE WORD OF THE LORD MAY RUN SWIFTLY AND BE GLORIFIED, just as it is with you, and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for not all have faith. But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one. And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, both that you do and will do the things we command you. NOW MAY THE LORD DIRECT YOUR HEARTS INTO THE LOVE OF GOD AND INTO THE PATIENCE OF CHRIST. (2 Thes. 3:1-5)

Note Scriptures describing God causing His Word to increase resulting in many being born again. God glorifies His Word by manifesting His power to confirm it with signs and wonders.

Now when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord. And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed. (Acts 13:48)

So the Word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed. (Acts 19:20)

The Word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly...(Acts 6:7)

But the Word of God grew and multiplied. (Acts 12:24)

Then the proconsul believed, when he saw what had been done, being astonished at the Teaching of the Lord. (Acts 13:12)

12. Prayer that God would open a door of evangelism through releasing His power on the Word.

Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; meanwhile praying also for us, THAT GOD WOULD OPEN TO US A DOOR FOR THE WORD, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. (Col. 4:2-4)

Note Scriptures describing God causing a door to open for His Word by manifesting His power to confirm it with signs and wonders. In other words, that a door of power and opportunity would increase resulting in people being born again.

...that God...had OPENED THE DOOR OF FAITH to the Gentiles. (Acts 14:27)

For a GREAT AND EFFECTIVE DOOR HAS OPENED TO ME...(1 Cor 16:9)

when I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and a DOOR WAS OPENED TO ME BY THE LORD...(2 Cor 2:12)

...I have set before you AN OPEN DOOR, and no one can shut it... (Rev 3:8)

Note Scriptures declaring how God opens hearts (by revelation) in order to grant repentance to the spiritually deceived. We pray for revival, that God supernaturally opens many hearts.

...IF GOD PERHAPS WILL GRANT THEM REPENTANCE, so that they may know the truth, and...come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil...(2Tim 2:24-26).

Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us...THE LORD OPENED HER HEART TO HEED the things spoken by Paul. (acts 16:14)

He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures. (Luke 24:45)

13. Prayer to enriched with the supernatural gifts of the Holy Spirit leading unto righteousness.

I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus, THAT YOU WERE ENRICHED IN EVERYTHING by Him in all utterance and all knowledge, even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you, so THAT YOU COME SHORT IN NO GIFT, eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will also confirm you to the end, THAT YOU MAY BE BLAMELESS in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Cor. 1:4-8).

Note Scriptures that exhort us to earnestly desire the spiritual gifts. One primary way to earnestly seek the gifts of the Spirit is to earnestly pray for their release. This is a pray for revival.

But EARNESTLY DESIRE the best gifts...(1 Cor. 12:31)

...DESIRE SPIRITUAL GIFTS, but especially that you may prophesy. (1 Cor. 14:1)

DESIRE EARNESTLY to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues. (1 Cor. 14:39)

THE APOSTOLIC PRAYER OF PETER AND JOHN

1. Prayer for the impartation of Holy Spirit boldness through the release of signs and wonders.

...they raised their voice to God with one accord and said: "Lord, You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them, "who by the mouth of Your servant David have said: `Why did the nations rage, and the people plot vain things? The kings of the earth took their stand, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord and against His Christ.' "For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together "to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done. "Now, Lord, look on their threats, and GRANT TO YOUR SERVANTS THAT WITH ALL BOLDNESS THEY MAY SPEAK YOUR WORD, "BY STRETCHING OUT YOUR HAND TO HEAL, AND THAT SIGNS AND WONDERS MAY BE DONE through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus." And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness. (Acts 4:24-31) also, see Eph. 6:19.

THE APOSTOLIC PRAYERS OF JESUS

Consider the Apostle...of our confession, Christ Jesus...(Heb. 3:1)

1. The Lord’s Prayer

"In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. YOUR KINGDOM COME. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. GIVE US this day our daily bread. And FORGIVE US our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And DO NOT LEAD US into temptation, but DELIVER US from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. (Matt 6:9-13)

2. Prayer for anointed laborers in the Harvest

Then He said to His disciples, "The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. "Therefore PRAY THE LORD OF THE HARVEST TO SEND OUT LABORERS into His harvest." (Matt 9:37-38; Luke 10:2)

3. Prayer for the release of the Holy Spirit’s ministry.

"If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, HOW MUCH MORE WILL YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER GIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT TO THOSE WHO ASK HIM!" (Luke 11:13)

4. Prayer of strength in temptation.

Then He came to the disciples..., "What? Could you not watch with Me one hour? "Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation..." (Matt. 26:40-41)

JESUS’ HIGH PRIESTLY PRAYER - JOHN 17

1. Jesus prays to keep the saints in the Father’s name

"...I come to You. Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are. (John 17:11)

2. Jesus prays to keep the saints from the evil one

"I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. (John 17:15)

3. Jesus prays that the saints might be sanctified by truth

"Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. (John 17:17)

4. Jesus prays that the saints would experience the fulness of God's glory

"that they ALL MAY BE ONE, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You;

that they also MAY BE ONE IN US, that the world may believe that You sent Me.

"the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they MAY BE ONE JUST AS WE ARE ONE:

"I in them, and You in Me; that they MAY BE MADE PERFECT IN ONE,

and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them AS You have loved Me.

"Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, THAT THEY MAY BEHOLD MY GLORY which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.

"O righteous Father! The world has not known You, but I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me.

"And I have declared to them Your name, and WILL DECLARE IT, THAT THE LOVE WITH WHICH YOU LOVED ME MAY BE IN THEM, and I in them." (John 17:21-26)

WORSHIP HYMNS IN THE BOOK OF REVELATION

1. John’s thanksgiving to Jesus for such great love that makes us kings and priests unto God.

To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. (Rev. 1:5,6)

2. The seraphim’s song magnifying the Father's transcendent beauty.

The four living creatures... do not rest day or night, saying: “HOLY, HOLY, HOLY, LORD GOD ALMIGHTY, who was and is and is to come!” (Rev. 4:8)

3. The 24 elders sing to the Father – this is the 1st “worthy song”. (Note 3 themes in their praise.)

The 24 elders fall down...saying: “YOU ARE WORTHY, O LORD, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things and by Your will they exist and were created.” (Rev. 4:10-11)

4. The seraphim and the 24 elders before the Throne sing to Jesus – this is the 2nd “worthy song”. (Note the 5 verbs that describe Jesus' activity in redemption.)

...the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders...sang a new song, saying: “YOU ARE WORTHY to take the scroll, and to open its seals; for You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, And have made us KINGS AND PRIESTS TO OUR GOD; And we shall reign on the earth.” (Rev. 5:8-10)

5. The angelic host, the seraphim and the 24 elders sing to Jesus as the scroll is about to be opened – This is the 3rd and final “worthy song” in the New Testament. (Note 7 themes in their praise.)

...many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand...saying with a loud voice: “WORTHY IS THE LAMB who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing!” (Rev. 5:11-12)

6. The Song of all creation before the Throne as the scroll is opened. Note the only 3 times that ALL the saints worship together before the Throne. (Rev. 5:11-14; 7:9-12; 19:1-7)

And EVERY CREATURE which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying: “Blessing and honor and glory and power be to Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever!” (Rev. 5:13)

7. Worship from all nations as result of the Great Harvest at the end of the age.

...a great multitude...of all nations...standing before the throne...saying, “SALVATION BELONGS TO OUR GOD WHO SITS ON THE THRONE, AND TO THE LAMB!” (Rev. 7:9-10)

8. The angelic host responds seeing people from all nations worship God. (Note 7 themes in their praise.)

All the angels...and the elders and the four living creatures...worshiped God, saying: “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom, thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our God forever and ever. Amen.” (Rev. 7:11-12)

9. The tribulation saints worship in context to the end time judgments.

I saw...a sea of glass mingled with fire...standing...having harps of God they sing the song of Moses and the song of the Lamb, saying, “Great and marvelous are Your works, LORD GOD ALMIGHTY! Just and true are Your ways, O KING OF SAINTS! Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? FOR YOU ALONE ARE HOLY. For all nations shall come and worship before You, for Your judgments have been manifested.” (Rev. 15:2-4).

10. God's righteousness is declared in light of His end time judgments.

...the angel of the waters saying: “YOU ARE RIGHTEOUS, O LORD, the One who is and who was and who is to be, BECAUSE YOU HAVE JUDGED THESE THINGS. For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and You have given them blood to drink. For it is their just due.” (Rev. 16:4-5)

11. A voice from God’s altar of incense before the Throne.

I heard another from the altar saying, “Even SO, LORD GOD ALMIGHTY, TRUE AND RIGHTEOUS ARE YOUR JUDGMENTS.” (Rev. 16:7)

12. The Bride worships God in light of the end time judgments. Note 4 themes in their praise.

...a loud voice of a great multitude...saying, “Alleluia! Salvation and glory and honor and power belong to the Lord our God! FOR TRUE AND RIGHTEOUS ARE HIS JUDGMENTS, BECAUSE HE HAS JUDGED THE GREAT HARLOT who corrupted the earth with her fornication; and He has avenged on her the blood of His servants shed by her.” (Rev. 19:1-2)

13. The Bride worships God at the wedding supper of the Lamb.

...the voice of a great multitude...saying, “Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns! Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.” (Rev. 19:5-6)

NEW TESTAMENT DOXOLOGIES

1. Worship prayers to God by Paul in 1 Timothy.

Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. (1Tim. 1:17)

He who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see, to whom be honor and everlasting power. Amen. (1Tim. 6:15-16)

2. A worship prayer esteeming God's power in creation.

And: "You, Lord, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands. They will perish, but You remain; and they will all grow old like a garment; Like a cloak You will fold them up, and they will be changed. But You are the same, and Your years will not fail." (Heb. 1:10-12)

3. Worshipping God for the joy of salvation

Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, (Jude 24)

4. Proclamation of our blessing in the heavenly realm.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, (Eph. 1:3).

PRAYERS FOR MORE PERSONAL REVELATION OF GOD

1. An apostolic intercessory benediction to be established with insight into the mystery.

Now to Him who is able TO ESTABLISH YOU according to my gospel...according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began but now has been made manifest, and by the prophetic Scriptures has been made known to all nations, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, for obedience to the faith-- to God, alone wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. (Rom. 16:25-27)

2. Prayers to grow in grace and knowledge of God

GRACE AND PEACE BE MULTIPLIED TO YOU IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, (2 Peter 1:2,3)

...grow in the grace and KNOWLEDGE OF OUR LORD and Savior Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 3:18)

3. The Bride's prayer for Jesus' Coming.

And the Spirit and the bride say, "Come!"...He who testifies to these things says, "Surely I am coming quickly. Amen. EVEN SO, COME, LORD JESUS! (Rev. 22:17, 20)

THE CENTRAL ROLE OF SINGING PRAYERS IN THE NEW TESTAMENT

1. The vital place of making melody and singing from the heart in Spirit filled living

...be filled with the Spirit, (by) speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and SPIRITUAL SONGS, SINGING AND MAKING MELODY IN YOUR HEART to the Lord...(Eph. 5:18-19)

2. The necessity of singing the Word in our spiritual songs.

Let the WORD OF CHRIST dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and SPIRITUAL SONGS, SINGING WITH GRACE IN YOUR HEARTS to the Lord. (Col. 3:16)

3. The central role of singing with our spirit (singing in the Spirit)- note it's value and importance in the apostle Paul’s life.

For if I pray in a tongue, MY SPIRIT PRAYS, but my understanding is unfruitful. I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I WILL SING WITH THE SPIRIT, and I will also sing with the understanding(1 Cor. 14:14-16).

I thank my God I speak with tongues MORE THAN YOU ALL; (1 Cor. 14:18)

4. The necessity of praying in the Spirit with all perseverance

praying ALWAYS with ALL PRAYER and supplication IN THE SPIRIT, being watchful to this end with ALL PERSEVERANCE and supplication FOR ALL the saints-- (Eph 6:18)

5. The central role of singing the Word in the spiritual songs in the Tabernacle of David in the Old Testament.

King Hezekiah and the leaders commanded the Levites to sing praise to the lord WITH THE WORDS OF DAVID AND OF ASAPH the seer. So they sang praises with gladness...(2 Chr. 29:30)

FIVE BENEFITS OF SINGING OR PRAYING WITH OUR SPIRIT

1. We speak mysteries – in other words, speaking inspired ideas to God and receiving inspired ideas from God in our prayers.

For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; HOWEVER, IN THE SPIRIT HE SPEAKS MYSTERIES. (1 Cor. 14:2)

2. We bless (worship) God through singing in the spirit

I WILL SING WITH THE SPIRIT...you BLESS WITH THE SPIRIT...(1 Cor. 14:15-16).

3. We give thanks (worship) toward God through singing in the spirit

What is the conclusion then?...I WILL SING WITH THE SPIRIT, and I will also sing with the understanding...you BLESS WITH THE SPIRIT...FOR YOU INDEED GIVE THANKS WELL...(1 Cor. 14:15-17).

For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Then Peter answered...(Acts 10:46)

4. We build up our faith by praying in the Spirit (this includes praying with our spirit or in tongues)

But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, (by) praying in the Holy Spirit...(Jude1:20)

5. To edify our human spirit by praying with our spirit or in tongues)

He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself...(1 Cor. 14:4)