J. Oswald Sanders
Petition and Intercession
Petitions, prayers, intercessions … for all men (1 Tim 2:1, NEB)
In our fourth lesson, we turn from the Godward to the manward aspect of prayer — petition, when we are concerned about our own needs; and intercession, when we are concerned with the needs of others.
There are no fewer than twelve Hebrew words in the Old Testament and five Greek words in the New Testament that are translated “prayer.” We are concerned with three of these New Testament words that are used by Paul in 1 Timothy 2:1 (NEB). “First of all, then, I urge that petitions prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be offered for all men” — petitions, prayers, intercessions. Let us examine them more closely.
PETITIONS
This word petition is derived from the Greek word meaning “to beg, to lack.” It can be and is used of both God and man. It refers here to petition for one’s personal needs. The picture behind the word is that of a beggar sitting at the side of the road, begging the help of the kings as he passes by. It expresses destitution and inadequacy; inability to meet one’s own needs, and total dependence on another. It is need expressed in a cry.
When we come to God with our petitions, we come humbly and expectantly to the throne of grace, deserving nothing, but hoping in God’s mercy. We respond to the gracious invitation: “Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace in time of need” (Heb 4:16).
So petition are pleas for the supply of a definite need keenly felt. It always has specific situations in view.
PRAYERS
The English word prayers in 1 Timothy 2:1 does not accurately or adequately reflect the meaning of the Greek equivalent. It is a more general term than petitions, and is used of God alone.
The Greek word is a combination of pros, “by the side of,” and euchomai, “to wish.” As used here, then, the word prayers means prayer-wishes that are expressed in the presence and by the side of another. The Other is, of course, our heavenly Father.
One good suggestion concerning the application of prayers is that the word refers to needs that are always present, in contrast to petitions, which have specific situations in view. For example, we offer prayer for the forgiveness only He can impart, or for the strength only He can give. The word is very wide in its meaning.
The word prayers, then, expresses the Spirit-begotten instinct to turn to God in every hour of need, and breathe out our prayer-wishes to Him, just as John’s disciples did to Jesus (see Matt 14:12).
INTERCESSIONS
In petitions and prayers, we are concerned for ourselves and our own needs. In intercession, we are concerned for the needs and interests of others. Intercession is the unselfish and altruistic aspect of prayer.
The idea behind the Greek word is: “to fall in with a person, to draw near so as to converse freely, and hence to have freedom of access.” It is the word used to describe a child who goes to its father in behalf of another, or a person who enters a king’s presence to submit a petition.
In intercession, the believer is acting as an intermediary between God and man. He forgets himself and his own needs in his identification with the needs of the one for whom he prays. The prayers of Abraham for the people of Sodom (Gen 18:23-33) and of Moses for Israel (Ex 32:1-14) are classic examples of intercession.
In intercession there are reflex benefits to the one who prays, as well as direct benefits to the one for whom intercession is made. Henry Martyn observed that at times of inward dryness and depression he had often found a delightful revival in the act of praying for others’ conversion or sanctification or prosperity in the work of the Lord. His dealings with God for them about these gifts and blessings were for himself a means of grace and blessing.
As we engage in this ministry, the thought of the intercession of our great High Priest is a source of comfort and stimulus. Lilias Trotter of North Africa told how the through of Christ’s intercession took on a new preciousness for her. She was reading of one to whom God had given a wonderful gift of prayer. The thought came to her, O that we had someone among us who could pray like that! And then, almost with the vividness of an audible voice, came the further thought, Is not Jesus enough?
In a later lesson this aspect of prayer is treated more fully.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
In order that God’s glory may be secured and the reader’s prayer life enriched, it is suggested that he review his daily prayers, and so arrange them that each element — worship, thanksgiving, confession, petition, and intercession — finds a place. In the morning, perhaps, worship, petition, and intercession will have prominence; in the evening, confession, thanksgiving and intercession.
PRAYER
We beseech Thee, Lord and Master, to be our help and succor. Save those among us who are in tribulation; have mercy on the lowly; lift up the fallen: show Thyself to the needy; heal the ungodly; convert the wanderers of Thy people; feed the hungry; raise up the weak; comfort the faint-hearted. Let all the people know that Thou art God alone, and Jesus Christ Thy Son, and we Thy people and the sheep of thy pasture. CLEMENT OF ROME
QUESTIONS
- God knows our needs before we ask Him. Why does He sometimes require us to keep on asking?
- Does our intercession cause God to change His mind?
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