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30 Important Bible Verses About Intercession (With Commentary)

Intercession, the act of praying on behalf of others, holds a special place in many faith traditions. In this blog post, we will delve into the Bible verses that highlight the significance of intercession, its impact on our spiritual lives, and how it allows us to embody Christ-like love for one another.

Bible Verses About Intercession

1 Timothy 2:1

“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people.”

This verse highlights the importance of intercession in our prayers. It encourages us to pray not only for ourselves but also for others. Intercession involves standing in the gap and pleading with God on behalf of someone else. It is an act of selflessness, as we put aside our own needs and lift up the needs of others before the Lord. Through intercession, we can participate in God’s work and have a direct impact on the lives of others.

“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”

This verse emphasizes the power of intercessory prayer. It encourages us to not only seek forgiveness for our sins but also to pray for others who are in need of healing. When we approach God with a repentant heart and intercede for others, our prayers become powerful and effective. Interceding for one another is an act of love and compassion, as we lift up each other’s burdens before God and seek His intervention in their lives.

Galatians 6:2

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

This verse reminds us of our responsibility to carry the burdens of others. Intercession involves empathizing with others and coming alongside them in their struggles. By interceding for one another, we fulfill the law of Christ, which is to love one another as He loved us. Intercession is an opportunity to demonstrate Christ’s love by offering support, encouragement, and prayer for those who are going through difficult times.

1 Samuel 12:23

“As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right.”

Samuel’s statement in this verse reflects the heart of an intercessor. He recognizes the importance of praying for others and considers it a sin to neglect this responsibility. Intercession is not only about lifting up our own needs but also about seeking the well-being and spiritual growth of others. As intercessors, we should also be willing to teach and guide others in their journey with God, leading them in the way that is good and right.

Romans 8:34

“Who then is the one who condemns? No one. 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.”

This verse reminds us that Jesus Himself intercedes for us before the Father. As believers, we can take comfort in the fact that we have an advocate in heaven who intercedes on our behalf. Jesus understands our weaknesses and is constantly presenting our needs before God. This should encourage us to also intercede for others, knowing that through our prayers, we can partner with Jesus in His intercession and bring about God’s will on earth.

Colossians 1:3-4

“We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people.”

This verse highlights the connection between intercession and thanksgiving. The apostle Paul expresses his gratitude to God for the believers in Colossae and mentions that he uplifts them in his prayers. Intercession goes hand in hand with thanksgiving, as we recognize and appreciate the work of God in the lives of others. When we intercede for others, we can also thank God for the faith they exhibit and the love they have for fellow believers.

Ephesians 6:18

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”

This verse encourages us to be vigilant in our intercessory prayers. It reminds us to pray in the Spirit, being open to the leading and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Intercession should not be limited to specific situations or individuals but should encompass all the Lord’s people. By continuously praying for others, we demonstrate our commitment to their well-being and spiritual growth.

Matthew 5:44

“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”

Intercession is not limited to praying for those we love or those who are like-minded. This verse challenges us to go beyond our comfort zones and intercede even for our enemies and those who persecute us. Through intercessory prayer, we can demonstrate the love and grace of God to those who may not know Him or who may oppose us. Intercession can soften hearts and bring about transformation in both the intercessor and the one who is prayed for.

Psalm 122:6

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: ‘May those who love you be secure.'”

This verse highlights one specific area of intercession – praying for the peace of a city or a nation. Interceding for the well-being and security of a place reflects our concern for the welfare of its inhabitants. It shows the love and compassion we have for others, even those whom we may not personally know. By interceding for the peace of a city or a nation, we can play a part in bringing about positive change and transformation in the lives of those who reside there.

“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”

This verse emphasizes the power of faith in intercession. When we approach God in prayer, we should believe that He is able to answer our prayers and grant our requests. Intercession requires trust and confidence in God’s ability to work in the lives of others. By exercising faith in our intercession, we position ourselves to see the manifestation of God’s power and provision in the lives of those we pray for.

1 Thessalonians 5:17

“Pray continually.”

Intercessory prayer should not be limited to specific times or occasions. This verse encourages us to have a lifestyle of prayer, where we are constantly in communion with God and lifting up the needs of others before Him. By ensuring that prayer becomes a continual part of our lives, we cultivate a heart of intercession and deepen our relationship with God. Continual prayer keeps us connected to the needs of others and reminds us of the privilege we have to intercede on their behalf.

1 John 5:14

“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.”

Our confidence in intercession comes from knowing that our prayers align with God’s will. When we intercede, we are not trying to manipulate God or impose our own desires, but rather we seek to align ourselves with His purposes. This verse assures us that when our prayers are according to God’s will, He hears and responds to them. Interceding in alignment with God’s will brings about His perfect plans and purposes in the lives of those we pray for.

Philippians 4:6

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Intercession provides an opportunity to bring our concerns and anxieties before the Lord. Instead of becoming anxious about the needs of others, this verse encourages us to present our requests to God through prayer and petition. We can intercede with a heart of thanksgiving, knowing that God is able to address and meet the needs of those we pray for. Interceding with a posture of trust and gratitude helps us to overcome anxiety and find peace in God’s sovereignty.

Luke 22:31-32

“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”

This passage highlights the power of intercession in the face of spiritual warfare. Jesus tells Simon Peter that He has prayed for him, interceding on his behalf to withstand the attacks of the enemy. Through His intercession, Jesus ensures that Peter’s faith remains steadfast. Intercession not only impacts the individual being prayed for but also has a ripple effect in the lives of others. Peter is instructed to strengthen his brothers, emphasizing the role of intercession in supporting and encouraging fellow believers.

2 Thessalonians 1:11

“With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith.”

Intercession involves praying for the spiritual growth and fulfillment of God’s calling in the lives of others. This verse exemplifies Paul’s intercession for the Thessalonians. Intercessory prayer has the power to align individuals with God’s purposes, enabling them to live out their faith and participate in the work of the Kingdom. By fervently praying for others, we can partner with God in bringing about His plans and purposes in their lives.

Romans 12:12

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”

This verse encourages us to cultivate a spirit of persistence in intercessory prayer. It reminds us to be faithful and consistent in lifting up the needs of others, even in the face of challenges and trials. Intercessory prayer requires patience and perseverance, as we continue to pray and believe for God’s intervention, regardless of the circumstances. By remaining steadfast in prayer, we demonstrate our trust in God’s faithfulness and His ability to work in the lives of those we intercede for.

John 17:9-10

“I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them.”

This passage records Jesus’s intercession for His disciples. It reveals His heart and concern for their well-being. Intercession involves intimately knowing and interceding for specific individuals or groups whom God has placed in our lives. Just as Jesus prayed specifically for His disciples, we are called to intercede for those entrusted to us. Through our intercession, we can bring glory to God as we see His work and transformation unfold in the lives of those we pray for.

2 Corinthians 1:11

“As you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.”

This verse emphasizes the power of united intercession. It highlights the interconnectedness of believers and the impact that their prayers have on one another. By praying for others, we can partner with them in their journey and witness the answered prayers and the gracious favor of God at work. Through united intercession, we can join in thanksgiving, celebrating God’s faithfulness and His provision in response to the prayers of many.

1 Corinthians 1:4

“I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus.”

Intercession should be marked by a spirit of gratitude. This verse reflects Paul’s thankfulness to God for the believers in Corinth and the grace that has been poured out upon them. Intercessory prayer should not only focus on the needs and struggles of others but also celebrate the work of God in their lives. By giving thanks for the grace that God has bestowed upon others, we cultivate a heart of gratitude and acknowledge His goodness and faithfulness.

Isaiah 62:6-7

“I have posted watchmen on your walls, Jerusalem; they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the Lord, give yourselves no rest, and give him no rest till he establishes Jerusalem and makes her the praise of the earth.”

This passage depicts a call to persistent intercession. The watchmen in Jerusalem were vigilant in their role of interceding on behalf of the city. Similarly, we are encouraged to give ourselves no rest and to persistently intercede until God’s purposes are established. Intercession involves partnering with God in bringing about His will on earth and proclaiming His praise. Through persistent intercession, we can see cities, nations, and individuals transformed by the power of God.

Proverbs 15:8

“The Lord detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but the prayer of the upright pleases him.”

This verse highlights the importance of interceding with a pure heart. God desires that our prayers flow from a place of righteousness and sincerity. Intercession should not be mere religious duty or empty words, but a genuine expression of our love and concern for others. When we intercede with an upright heart, our prayers find favor before God, and He delights in fulfilling them according to His will.

Jeremiah 29:7

“Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.”

This verse emphasizes the importance of interceding for the well-being and prosperity of the places where we reside. Interceding for our communities, cities, and nations is an act of obedience and demonstrates our love for the people around us. When we pray for the peace and prosperity of the places God has placed us, we also position ourselves to experience blessings and favor. Intercession has the power to bring about positive change and align our lives with God’s purposes in our surroundings.

Psalm 32:6-7

“Therefore let all the faithful pray to you while you may be found; surely the rising of the mighty waters will not reach them. You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.”

This passage portrays intercession as a means of finding refuge and protection in God. As we pray for others, we can also find solace and safety in His presence. Intercession brings about the assurance that God’s mighty waters of trouble will not overwhelm us. By interceding for others, we align ourselves with God’s deliverance and experience His faithfulness and protection in our own lives.

Psalm 35:13-14

“Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth and humbled myself with fasting. When my prayers returned to me unanswered, I went about mourning as though for my friend or brother. I bowed my head in grief as though weeping for my mother.”

Intercession should involve a deep sense of empathy and compassion for those we pray for. In this passage, the psalmist expresses his response to the illness of others. He humbles himself, fasts, and mourns on their behalf. Intercession allows us to bear the burdens of others and identify with their pain and struggles. By interceding with empathy and compassion, we mirror the heart of God and participate in His work of healing and restoration in the lives of those we lift up in prayer.

Proverbs 21:13

“Whoever shuts their ears to the cry of the poor will also cry out and not be answered.”

Intercessory prayer extends to those who are marginalized and in need. This verse highlights the significance of interceding for the poor and marginalized. When we close our hearts and refuse to hear their cries, we hinder our own prayers from being answered. Intercession should not only focus on our immediate circle but also include those who are often overlooked or forgotten. By interceding for the plight of the poor, we align ourselves with God’s heart for justice and compassion.

“So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.”

This verse showcases the power of corporate intercession. When Peter was imprisoned, the church gathered together and fervently prayed for his release. Corporate intercession involves uniting with other believers, joining our faith and prayers together. Through corporate intercession, we can witness the miraculous intervention of God. As we come together in unity, our prayers carry greater weight as we petition God for His divine intervention and breakthrough.

Matthew 18:19-20

“Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

Intercession is not limited to an individual’s efforts but can be magnified through agreement with others. When believers come together and unite their prayers, their petitions carry greater weight. This passage assures us of God’s presence and involvement when His people gather in His name. Through the power of agreement, intercession becomes a collaborative effort that opens the door for God’s supernatural intervention and answers to prayer.

Also Read: Bible Verses About Slander

What does the Bible say About Intercession?

Intercession, as described in the Bible, is the act of praying on behalf of someone else. It involves standing in the gap and seeking God’s intervention, mercy, or guidance for others. Throughout the Bible, there are several instances and teachings that emphasize the importance of intercession in the life of believers.

One of the key aspects of intercession is the idea of standing in the gap, which means to intercede for others when they are in need or facing challenges. In Ezekiel 22:30, it says, “I looked for someone among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found no one.” This verse highlights the importance of intercession as a way to prevent judgment and destruction.

Intercession is also seen as a form of love and service to others. In 1 Timothy 2:1-2, it is written, “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.” Here, we are encouraged to pray for everyone, including those in authority, as a way to promote peace and godliness in society.

Additionally, intercession is portrayed as an act of faith and obedience to God’s commandments. In James 5:16, it says, “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” This verse underscores the power of intercessory prayer and the importance of praying for one another.

In summary, the Bible teaches us that intercession is a vital part of the Christian life. It involves praying for others, standing in the gap, and seeking God’s intervention and mercy on their behalf. Intercession is an act of love, faith, and obedience, and it has the potential to bring about healing, peace, and positive change in the lives of those we pray for.

The Intercession of the Saints: A Guide to Asking for Their Help

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Do you ever feel like you need a little extra help in your prayers? Perhaps you’re struggling with a difficult decision, or facing a challenging situation. You may have heard of the concept of intercession – asking for the help and guidance of saints who have gone before us.

This practice has been part of Christian tradition for centuries, and can be a powerful way to connect with those who have lived holy lives and can offer assistance from heaven. In this article, we’ll explore the idea of intercession and how it works within the context of faith.

We’ll look at the role that saints play in this process, and how to choose the right saint for your particular needs. We’ll also offer tips on how to pray for intercession effectively, as well as examples of miraculous interventions that have been attributed to the power of this practice.

Whether you’re new to intercession or an experienced practitioner, this guide will provide valuable insights into how it can deepen your connection to God and strengthen your faith journey.

Understanding the Concept of Intercession

If you want to understand how others can plead on your behalf, keep reading. The concept of intercession has been present in Christianity since the early days of the Church.

It refers to asking saints or holy figures to pray for us and intercede on our behalf with God. The history of intercession is rich and varied, with different customs and practices emerging over time.

Some Christians believe that we should only pray directly to God, while others see nothing wrong with asking saints for their help. Controversies surrounding intercession have also arisen throughout history, with some people accusing those who practice it of idolatry or superstition.

However, for many believers, asking for the intercession of the saints is an important part of their spiritual life and a way to deepen their relationship with God.

The Role of Saints in Intercession

You’re probably wondering how those who have gone before us can play a role in your spiritual life, and it’s important to understand the unique ways in which they can offer guidance and support.

In Catholic traditions, the saints are believed to be in heaven with God, and therefore have a special connection to Him. This connection allows them to intercede on our behalf, meaning they can pray for us and ask God for His help.

Each saint is associated with certain aspects of life, such as St. Francis of Assisi being the patron saint of animals or St. Joseph being the patron saint of workers. These saints are called upon by individuals seeking their specific aid or guidance in these areas.

By asking for their intercession, we are not worshiping them but rather recognizing their closeness to God and asking for their help in reaching Him. So don’t hesitate to seek out your patron saint when you need assistance – they are waiting to help guide you on your spiritual journey.

Choosing the Right Saint for Your Needs

Finding the perfect saint to assist you in your spiritual journey is all about understanding their unique areas of expertise and calling upon them for guidance. It begins with a personal connection – a feeling that draws you towards a particular saint.

It could be inspired by their life story, their patronage, or simply their name. Once you have that personal connection, it’s time to do some research.

Start by identifying what type of help you need. Are you struggling with a specific issue such as addiction or illness? Do you need guidance in your career or relationships? Look for saints who are known for assisting in those areas.

Read about their lives and how they became associated with certain causes or issues. Choose someone whose story resonates with you and whom you feel comfortable turning to for guidance and intercession.

Remember, the most important thing is that you feel connected to the saint and believe in their ability to bring about positive change in your life.

Praying for Intercession: Tips and Techniques

Now you can learn some great tips and techniques for praying in a way that feels authentic and meaningful to you.

When praying for intercession, it’s important to have clear prayer intentions. What do you want the saint’s help with? Be specific in your request so that the saint can better understand how they can assist you.

Additionally, building a relationship with the saints through prayer is important. Just like any other relationship, it takes time and effort. Make sure to consistently pray to the same saint, as this will allow for a deeper connection to form.

Lastly, don’t forget to express gratitude when your prayers are answered or when you feel their presence in your life. This will strengthen your bond with them and show appreciation for all that they do on your behalf.

Examples of Intercession Miracles and Testimonials

Have you ever heard of intercession stories? These are personal experiences of people who asked for the help of saints and received miraculous answers to their prayers. These stories often involve healing, protection, guidance, and deliverance from difficult situations. They testify to the power of faith, hope, and love that connect us to the divine realm through the communion of saints.

For example, there are many stories about St. Jude Thaddeus, the patron saint of desperate cases and lost causes. People pray to him when they feel hopeless or helpless in their struggles with illness, addiction, financial crisis, relationship problems, legal issues, or other challenges. Many claim that their prayers have been answered by unexpected blessings or solutions that they attribute to St. Jude’s intercession.

Some even report seeing visions or receiving dreams that confirm his presence and assistance in their lives. Such intercession miracles inspire us to trust in God’s mercy and compassion as manifested through the intercession of his holy ones who have gone before us into eternal life but remain present to us as our spiritual companions on earth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any saints who are more powerful or effective in interceding for certain needs or situations.

When it comes to the power of saints and their effectiveness in intercession, there is a common belief that some are more powerful than others for certain needs or situations. This is why many people have a devotion to specific saints, as they believe these saints have a special connection with God and can intercede on their behalf more effectively.

However, it’s important to remember that all saints have the ability to intercede for us in general, regardless of our specific needs. The key is to develop a strong relationship with them through prayer and devotion.

Ultimately, it’s up to God to decide how he will answer our prayers, but having the support and guidance of the saints can be a powerful source of comfort and belonging in our spiritual journey.

Can non-Catholics or non-Christians ask for intercession from saints?

Intercession from Saints: Can Non-Christians Ask?

The act of intercessory prayer is practiced by many cultures and religions around the world. While it may be most commonly associated with Catholicism, asking for intercession from saints is not limited to just those who practice the faith.

Many non-Catholics and non-Christians also recognize the power of these holy figures and seek their help in times of need. Cultural differences may affect how one approaches this practice, but ultimately anyone can ask for intercession from a saint regardless of their religious background.

Is it necessary to pray to a specific saint, or can multiple saints be prayed to for the same intention?

When it comes to praying for intercession from the saints, you might wonder if it’s necessary to pray to a specific saint or if multiple saints can be prayed to for the same intention.

The truth is, there is no hard and fast rule when it comes to invoking the help of the saints. While some people prefer to direct their prayers towards a specific patron saint who is associated with their particular need, others choose to call upon several different saints at once in order to increase their chances of having their prayers answered.

There are benefits to both approaches – praying to a specific saint can create a personal connection and foster a sense of intimacy with that particular intercessor, while invoking multiple saints can provide a broader network of support and allow for more diverse perspectives on your situation.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to pray specifically or generally is up to you – but remember that regardless of how you approach it, asking for the intercession of the saints is always an act of faith and trust in God’s power and love.

How do we know if a miracle or answered prayer is the result of intercession from a saint?

Have you ever experienced a sudden change in circumstances that seemed too coincidental to be explained by chance alone? Sometimes, these moments can feel like small miracles.

When it comes to discerning whether or not a miracle is the result of intercession from a saint, there are a few things to consider. First, it’s important to differentiate between coincidence and intercession. While coincidences do happen, intercessory miracles involve a specific request made through prayer and answered in an unexpected way.

Additionally, understanding the role of faith in recognizing intercession is key. It requires openness to the possibility of divine intervention and trust that our prayers are being heard. Ultimately, while we may never know for certain if a miracle was the result of intercession from a saint, having faith and remaining open to the possibility can bring us closer to feeling connected with something greater than ourselves.

Can we ask for intercession for material or worldly needs, or is it primarily for spiritual needs?

When asking for intercession from the saints, it’s important to consider the appropriateness of your requests. While it’s common to ask for spiritual guidance or healing, some may wonder if it’s appropriate to ask for material or worldly needs.

Ultimately, the decision is up to you and your personal beliefs. However, keep in mind that the saints are not magical beings who can simply grant any wish. Rather, they act as mediators between us and God.

So when making a request, consider if it aligns with God’s will and if it truly serves a higher purpose. Whether your need is spiritual or material, remember that the saints are there to guide and support you on your journey towards salvation.

Congratulations! You’ve now learned about the intercession of the saints and how they can help you in times of need. By understanding this concept, you can choose the right saint for your specific needs and pray for their intercession using effective techniques.

Remember, the saints are not to be worshipped but revered as powerful allies who can guide us towards a deeper connection with God. Through their intercession, countless miracles have been reported by those who believe in their power.

So go ahead, ask for their help whenever you need it. Trust in their divine guidance and let them lead you towards a more fulfilling spiritual journey.

May the intercession of the saints bring blessings upon your life always!

Pedro is an active member of his local Military Community Parish. When not worshipping God and spreading his good word, you can find him spending quality time with his family.

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INTERCESSION: AN ESSENTIAL ASPECT OF THE CHRISTIAN FAITH

Fr. Joseph Sergott, O.P., Director – July-August 2018, Vol 71, No 4 – A Publication of the Western Dominican Province

by Fr. Joseph Sergott, OP

Intercession is a part of everyday Christian life—but do we fully understand it? What does it mean to intercede on another’s behalf and who is capable of such intercession?

Merriam-Webster defines “intercede” as “to intervene between parties with a view to reconciling differences.” In the secular world this happens all the time. Diplomats act as mediators between nations in conflict with each other. Court-appointed attorneys will sometimes meet with opposing parties to hammer out an agreed-upon resolution. Health advocates speak on behalf of infirm patients who cannot speak for themselves. Parents act on behalf of their children. Intercession in society is commonplace and actually keeps the structures of society intact.

In regard to Jews and Christians, intercession works in a similar way. God’s people have often needed intercessors to speak on their behalf in instances where they could not help themselves or save themselves; or, God himself has chosen to use mediators between himself and his people.

Recall some of the great leaders of the Jewish faith, e.g., Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses and the prophets. All of them—chosen by God—were mediators between God and his people. At times God spoke directly to these leaders with the intent that they would deliver his message to the people. They in turn spoke to God to intercede on behalf of the people. One can recall the intercession or mediation of Moses during the Exodus, as he led the Israelites through the desert, when he told the Lord of the complaints of the people who were hungry and thirsty. God heard Moses’ pleas on their behalf and provided food and water for them.

For Christians, there is one unique intercessor that stands alone, Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten Son. Perhaps we don’t see Jesus in the role of intercessor. But think about it for a moment: when Adam and Eve had betrayed the Lord and sinned, there was as a result, a great chasm created between God and man. So, God, in the fullness of time sent his Son to save us. Jesus’ death on the cross was the greatest act of intercession in human history. Recall the words of St. Paul, “there is also one mediator between God and the human race, Christ Jesus, himself human, who gave himself as ransom for all.” (1 Tim 2:5-6)

When we pray the Sorrowful Mysteries, we meditate on that sacrifice of Jesus and how he reconciled all of humanity with God through his passion and death. Ever since Jesus’ death, the Christian people have looked to our Savior as Mediator to intercede on our behalf.

As Christians we believe that Jesus Christ actively continues to be our Savior. We pray in the penitential rite of the Mass, “You are seated at the right hand of the Father to intercede for us: Lord, have mercy,” as inspired by the words of St. Paul, “It is Christ [Jesus] who died, rather, was raised, who also is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us.” (Rom 8:34) As Our Lord himself says, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (Jn 14:6)

Many of our Protestant brothers and sisters challenge the Catholic belief of intercessory prayer, questioning that if Jesus is all we need, then why do we look to anyone else? They ask, “Isn’t it saint-worship to ask a saint to pray for us?” But, let’s refer again to the Old Testament: couldn’t we ask: “Why didn’t God just speak to the Israelites directly, why did he use Abraham, Moses or the prophets?” Moreover, in the Christian life it is natural to ask someone else to pray for you. I hope that every Jewish, Protestant and Catholic congregation has intercessory prayer as a part of their worship. It is clear that God answers the prayers of diligent, faithful people—why would he not listen to the pleas of the saints who are already with him in heaven? Consequently, we should seek the prayers of those people who are closest to the Lord, whether they are on earth or in heaven.

Perhaps the key point here is that when people make petitions to God, the Lord responds in the way he chooses, whether it is directly or through an “ambassador” who represents him and acts on his behalf. No matter how the Lord responds, it is his grace that is the active agent. Thus, when we say that a saint “has worked a miracle,” what we are really saying is that God has answered a particular prayer through a saint’s intercession. There is no saint in heaven that would want us to think that he or she answers our prayers independent of God. They would have us recognize that any prayer directed to God through any mediator will be answered by God through his grace.

Along with the Our Father, the Hail Mary is the most well-known intercessory prayer in the world, which includes, “pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.” I wonder how many people have prayed the Hail Mary in desperation when a loved one was dying—even if they had not said the prayer before The Blessed Virgin Mary has a preeminent role as intercessor. As Mother of the Church she prays on our behalf. As one who is “full of grace,” she listens to the prayers of all who come to her. However, she would be the first one to tell you that it is Jesus’ grace that flows through her and that it is his will that she as Mother of the Church intercedes on our behalf. Lumen Gentium states, “Mary’s function as mother in no way obscures or diminishes this unique mediation of Christ, but rather shows its power. [Her] salutary influence on men originates not in any inner necessity, but from the divine pleasure. It flows forth from the superabundance of the merits of Christ, rests on his mediation, depends entirely on it, and draws all power from it.” (LG #60; CCC #970)

St. Louis De Montfort says, “Let us implore without fear the help and intercession of Mary, our Mother. She is kind, she is tender, and there is nothing harsh or forbidding about her, nothing too sublime or too brilliant. When we see her, we see our own human nature at its purest. She is not the sun, dazzling our weak sight by the brightness of its rays. Rather, she is fair and gentle as the moon, which receives its light from the sun and softens it and adapts it to our limited perception. She is so full of love that no one who asks for her intercession is rejected, no matter how sinful he may be.” (True Devotion, #85)

In the Third Glorious Mystery, we find Mary in the upper room with the disciples, no doubt seeking communion with God and praying for the nascent Church. Ever since then intercessory prayer has been a common practice in the Church. It is always part of the Eucharistic Prayer in the Mass in various forms. In addition, following the creed or the homily, the community together makes petitions to God for various needs in the Church or the world (Cf. CCC #1349). Normally, we call these the “prayers of the faithful,” following the inspiration of St. Paul, “I ask that supplications, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings be offered for everyone, for kings and for all in authority, that we may lead a quiet and tranquil life in all devotion and dignity.” (1 Tim 2:1-2)

Finally, don’t forget that each one of us can pray for anyone. Even when we are infirm and bed-ridden, we can offer up our sufferings for those who are in need, including for the faithful departed. So, let us be reminded of the power of intercessory prayer, let us call upon the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary and seek the Lord’s grace that flows freely toward those who ask for help.

Blessings & Petitions Corner

Please pray for the complete and Divine healing of my brother, Tahsin,who had hip-bone surgery recently. Pray also for me and my father, Mehmet, and for all my brothers and sisters, and for the soul of my mother, Nedime, and for all my departed family members. God Bless you for all you do for us. Cecilia

Please pray for my grand-nephew, Nicolas, as he is being treated for serious illness. Also, please pray for his mother and grandmother that they become true instruments of healing in this young man’s life. Billie, Portland, Oregon

I have two grandsons with Cystic Fibrosis (CF). Your prayers have helped them, even averting a surgery, for which I am extremely grateful. I ask for prayers for all who suffer from this illness. Calvin, Oregon

Theology for the laity: The Holy Names of Jesus and Mary

What would the Blessed Virgin say about the Name of Jesus?

by Fr. Augustine Hilander, O.P.

The Name of Jesus was first spoken by the angel Gabriel to the Blessed Virgin Mary. His Name came down from heaven along with the promise that Jesus would be “great, the Son of the Most High, sitting on the throne of David and ruling over the house of Jacob in an eternal Kingdom.” (cf. Lk. 1:32-33)

Mary was the first one given the exact name of the Son of God. All other names about Jesus were descriptive: “Emmanuel (God-with-us), Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father forever, Prince of Peace.” (Is. 7:14; 9:5) The Name “Jesus” means “Savior.” “Jesus” is the Latin form of the Greek Name, “Iesous” which transliterated the Hebrew name Joshua or Jeshua.

The first person to be named Joshua in the Bible is Joshua, the son of Nun, who himself received the name from Moses. (Num. 13:16). In the Book of Numbers, Moses renames Heshua, Joshua. “Heshua” means “Salvation” while “Joshua” means “God saves.” Moses added the divine prefix to his name. Joshua, coming from the promised land, describes the land that the Israelites are to take as “a good land, a land which flows with milk and honey.” (Num. 14:7, 8) Joshua is also the one to lead the Israelite people into the promised land across the Jordan River and to say to the Israelite people: “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Jos. 24:15)

The name “Jesus” is also a family name for the Blessed Virgin Mary. In the genealogy of Jesus according to Luke, one of Jesus’ ancestors is “Joshua, son of Eliezer.” (Lk. 3:29) Elizabeth was asked about the name John, because it was not a family name. Mary does not have to ask the question that was asked of Elizabeth, because Jesus was a family name. The plan of salvation comes through a woman, and was started long ago. The very name of Jesus was given at the beginning with Joshua, son of Nun, continues in the line of the Blessed Virgin Mary with Joshua, son of Eliezer, and finds its completion with the Name pronounced first from heaven by the angel Gabriel, Jesus, the son of Joseph. (Lk. 3:23) The Blessed Virgin Mary knows that this Jesus, her son, is the new Joshua, who comes from our heavenly home and so can tell us of it. He receives the name “God saves,” a family name. He leads his people across the new Jordan by baptism to enter into the promised inheritance of the Son of God.

At the name of Jesus every knee should bend.

Philippians 2:10

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Interceding with Faith: 7 Bible Verses about Praying for Others

Prayer is powerful. Amen?

Prayer not only connects us with God but also allows us to intercede on behalf of others. The Bible provides profound guidance on the importance of praying for others. In this post, we’ll go through 7 inspiring verses to help us in praying for others.

Often when we face sickness, financial problems, or uncomfortable situations, we will send up an SOS prayer to God, hoping for him to intervene. But if the storm persists, we stop praying and give up . Don’t pray like this, click here to see what Jesus had to say about prayer .

1 Timothy 2:1

“I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them.”

This verse encourages believers to make intercessory prayer a priority, seeking God’s help for others and expressing gratitude for their presence in our lives.

“Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.”

Praying for others fosters a sense of community and healing , emphasizing the powerful impact of righteous, earnest prayers.

Colossians 1:9

“So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding.”

Persistent prayer for others, as seen in this verse, seeks God’s guidance for them, desiring spiritual growth and wisdom in understanding His will .

Ephesians 6:18

“Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.”

The call to pray in the Spirit and persistently intercede for all believers emphasizes the importance of a continuous and vigilant prayer life.

Philippians 1:3-4

“Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy.”

Expressing gratitude and joy in prayer for others fosters a positive and uplifting atmosphere, creating a sense of unity and love within the community.

2 Thessalonians 3:1

“Finally, dear brothers and sisters, we ask you to pray for us. Pray that the Lord’s message will spread rapidly and be honored wherever it goes, just as when it came to you.”

This verse highlights the reciprocal nature of prayer, encouraging believers to pray for one another and for the spread of God’s message .

Matthew 5:44

“But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!”

Jesus’s teaching urges us to go beyond our comfort zones, extending our prayers even to those who may oppose us , promoting love and understanding.

Heavenly Father, we come before you with grateful hearts, seeking your guidance and blessings for all those around us. May our prayers be filled with love, compassion, and a genuine desire for the well-being of others. Strengthen our faith as we intercede on behalf of our brothers and sisters. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

As we dive into these verses, we are reminded of the profound impact our prayers can have on the lives of those we intercede for. I pray that these verses will inspire you to make prayer for others a regular part of your life, fostering a community of love, support, and shared faith.

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WHY WE ASK SAINTS FOR THEIR INTERCESSION

“I  want to spend my heaven in doing good on earth,” said St. Therese of Lisieux, as noted in “The Final Conversations.”  

And so she has, with at least four church-approved miracles involving physical healing attributed to her intercession, miracles that paved the way to sainthood for the beloved Carmelite nun.  

In October, seven more men and women will be added to the canon of saints: Pope Paul VI, Archbishop Oscar Romero, Father Francesco Spinelli, Father Vincenzo Romano, Mother Catherine Kasper, Nazaria Ignacia March Mesa and Nunzio Sulprizio. All have mirrored St. Therese’s example of “doing good on earth” from their place in heaven.  

In the case of Pope Paul, both miracles attributed to his intercession involved the healing of unborn children amid complicated, life-threatening pregnancies — a poignant link to his papal encyclical “Humanae Vitae,” promulgated a half-century ago.  

But such intercession is about much more than seeking and receiving miraculous healing and joy in the face of earthly pain and despair. Praying to the saints and blesseds — or, for that matter, to anyone in heaven — to intercede on our behalf with God connects us to a core belief of our Catholic faith: our communion with the living and the dead.  

Coincidentally, it was Pope Paul VI himself who drove home that very point in his apostolic letter, “Solemni Hac Liturgia” (“Credo of the People of God”), issued in June 1968 (just a month before “Humanae Vitae”). Addressing the profession of faith Catholics make during each Sunday Mass, Pope Paul wrote:  

“We believe in the communion of all the faithful of Christ, those who are pilgrims on earth, the dead who are attaining their purification, and the blessed in heaven, all together forming one church. And we believe that in this communion the merciful love of God and his saints is ever listening to our prayers” (No. 30).  

In other words, the saints who have gone before us listen to us. Such was the point made a few years prior to “Solemni Hac Liturgia,” when the Second Vatican Council addressed the value of and justification for intercessory prayer in “Lumen Gentium,” the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church.  

“For by reason of the fact that those in heaven are more closely united with Christ, they establish the whole church more firmly in holiness,” noted the constitution (No. 49). “They do not cease to intercede with the Father for us, showing forth the merits which they won on earth through the one mediator between God and man. … Thus by their brotherly interest our weakness is greatly strengthened.”  

And both documents are cited in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which links intercession to communion:  

“By this devotion to the exercise of fraternal charity, the union of the whole church in the Spirit may be strengthened. Exactly as Christian communion among our fellow pilgrims brings us closer to Christ, so our communion with the saints joins us to Christ, from whom as from its fountain and head issues all grace, and the life of the people of God itself” (No. 957).  

Moreover, from its earliest days, the church “has honored with great respect the memory of the dead,” says the catechism. “Our prayer for them is capable not only of helping them, but also of making their intercession for us effective” (No. 958).  

It was St. Dominic, the catechism notes, who on his deathbed told his followers, “Do not weep, for I shall be more useful to you after my death and I shall help you then more effectively than during my life” (No. 956).   

Catholic journalist Mike Nelson writes from Southern California.  

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INTERCESSORY PRAYER:

A practical guide to praying for others, by: mighty pursuit team, if it wasn’t already clear enough, the social media age has revealed on mass scale that we simply don’t know what to do (or say) when someone else is going through a challenge.   we scroll down our facebook feeds, past the trivial cat memes and the uber-personalized ad and then we finally see it.   a close friend has cancer.   or maybe their mom died.   or in 2020, perhaps their entire family came down with covid.   as we contemplate our next move, we simply write... praying for our nonspiritual friends, this may simply come in the form of sending good vibes.   but in reality, many of us don’t actually follow that up with a prayer. these sentiments are usually just pleasantries that we express to others in the midst of their pain.   sunken with uncomfortable feelings of powerlessness, it’s easier to continue distracting ourselves with cat memes than truly dwell on their hardship. we can’t change their situation. and deep down, we don’t truly believe that speaking audibly to the sky or whispering something in our thoughts is going to alter their circumstances.   we don’t live in the wizarding world and we’re not harry potter. we can’t simply utter repairfors to heal someone’s paralytic condition, brackium emendo to fix broken bones or rennervate  to resurrect our friend’s mom from the dead. not on our own, at least.   that all sounds a bit more appropriate for hollywood, not real life --- unless there is truly a divine presence on the other side and an active spiritual realm that is bending the course of history.   this sounds a bit crazy, until you realize that the sales of healing crystals have skyrocketed in the past few years. we may be disillusioned with christianity and the institutional church, but our culture at-large continues to believe in a so-called spiritual realm.   by now, you’ve probably caught on that we’re of the mind that prayer changes things. we even wrote a whole blog about it , to which you should probably read if you haven’t exactly bought into that idea in the midst of this conversation. today we’re talking about the topic of intercessory prayer, which is a fancy word that describes praying for others..

GOD WANTS US TO... PARTNER WITH HIM?

Okay. okay.   so maybe you’re on-board with the idea that god exists and there is a spiritual realm. yet even with this backdrop, our minds naturally keep spinning with questions.   why would god, the creator of the universe, need us to "advocate" or ask for things on behalf of other people   isn’t he omnipotent doesn’t he control all things   this conversation starts all the way back at the beginning of time in the opening pages of genesis with adam and eve.   but before we dive into the story, it’s important to not get lost in the raging debate about the big bang, the age of the universe, homo-sapiens and the existence of adam and eve .   for this blog, we want to specifically highlight that god gave authority to the earliest humans in the garden of eden. it says he gave us dominion over the entire earth.   it’s also noteworthy that god also gave us free will to choose our path in life. his intent was to partner with us in shaping the course of history and tending to his beautiful world. hence, intercessory prayer.   the last thing we want to extract from genesis is that god also created a spiritual realm, which is a theme throughout the rest of scripture.   the ultimate thing we learn from all of this is that god’s intention upon the creation of the world was to co-author life with us . "co-author what does that mean isn't god the author of the universe"   this goes back to god appointing adam and eve to be caretakers of the land, and to rule as vice-regents with him. imagine a king delegating his rule and authority to important members of his family. in a similar way, this is about the stewardship of the creation authored by god, which he has given to us to care for.   if you’re familiar with the biblical story, you know what happens next.   humans rebelled, sin entered the world and the original perfection and peace was replaced with conflict, tension, and humanity seeking to do things their own way.   yet even in the midst of a clearly broken world, our prayers still change things .   that doesn’t mean that god requires or needs our prayers to operate. he's not waiting for the correct tally of prayers to move. that’s not the picture that scripture paints. instead out of love god created rational, free-thinking beings to participate in writing the story of humanity with him.   this goes to say, our prayers matter. you may feel powerless as you scroll through tragic news on your facebook feed, but you are not. you can engage in intercessory prayer.   your prayers , which pierce into the spiritual realm, could make the difference for someone else.   writer skye jethani says it best here:   "we are not merely passive set pieces in a prearranged cosmic drama, but we are active participants with god in the writing, directing, design, and action that unfolds. prayer, therefore, is much more than asking god for this or that outcome. it is drawing into communion with him and there taking up our privileged role as his people. in prayer, we are invited to join him in directing the course of his world.".

CHANGING GOD'S MIND

At this point, you may be thinking how does this all work   can intercessory prayer actually change god’s mind and if we’re the ones shaping history, is god being caught by surprise how could he possibly be all-knowing in that case   to find answers to these seemingly complex questions, let’s review an example from scripture.   in exodus, we see a narrative play out where israel turned its back on god and moses, their leader, pleaded on their behalf to spare israel. exodus 32 says that "the lord relented from the disaster that he had spoken of bringing on his people."   many interpret this to mean that moses was more compassionate or merciful than god, when really moses was simply appealing to the compassion and character of god.   this doesn’t mean that god is fickle or acts on a whim. in fact, god's character remained consistent from the beginning, and moses knew that in praying this prayer.   "all of moses’ prayer depends upon god being reliable, being consistent with the way that he acts," says theologian dr. ligon duncan.   from a semantics standpoint, we see words like "relented," or "changed his mind" across the chapters of the bible.   and in the new testament, the greek word metanoia is used, connoting a way of quite literally thinking of something again, or in a different way.   regardless of the word translation or the interpretation of what it means to "change god's mind," the key takeaway is that because of the confidence in god's character and the relationship he had with him, moses put himself in the place of pleading for change, and that plea was honored.   and god's knowing of that plea happening doesn't diminish the efficacy of it, as we pray for things to change all the time with the underlying recognition that god already knows the future.   in the end, intercessory prayer is a way of pursuing the same heart that god has for the world. it's a practice not done for show or for selfish gain, but as an extension of love.   "intercessory prayer is spiritual defiance of what is in the way of what god has promised. intercession visualizes an alternative future to the one apparently fated by the momentum of current forces," says theologian walter wink.   can you visualize an alternate future in which your friend is healed of cancer intercede for her.   "even a small number of people, firmly committed to the new inevitability on which they have fixed their imaginations, can decisively affect the shape the future takes. these shapers of the future are the intercessors, who call out of the future the longed-for new present."   notice the language used by wink. "a defiance of the way of what god has promised."   as we will get to in the next section, free will simultaneously enables great beauty and also great opposition to the will of god.   intercessory prayer is a firm plea that appeals to the heart of god and, as the famed german theologian dietrich bonhoeffer once said when comparing his church community to the atrocities done by the nazi regime: "this must be stronger than that."   it is not the persuasion or coercing of an indecisive creator, but rather a deep connection to the heart of god, who cares deeply about our pain and wants to reveal his glory in us.   ultimately, scripture says that it is a mystery as to how our free will and god’s authority over all work together.   it is a truth we recognize from genesis to revelation, but we approach this topic acknowledging that we will never fully understand how it all works during this life., some may deem that answer as a copout, but in reality it makes perfect sense. how could we, as mere humans, understand everything about a universe that an all-powerful creator made he has a 30,000 foot view, we don't. he created the cosmos, we just study them. for all the complexity that exists in the realm of physics, why is it so hard to believe that two seemingly contradictory things could seamlessly co-exist.

A BATTLE OF WILLS

When we pray for others and engage in intercessory prayer, it's important to note that our wills are not the only ones at play.   that may sound strange. you may ask, who would be trying to "stop" my prayer   the original goal in the garden of eden was for humanity to rule alongside god in a harmonious, relational capacity, but the freedom to choose the way not of god has led to a world that's anything but harmonious.   if every human being has a choice and ability to exercise their free will, it follows that there will be both unity and contradiction at play. as author john mark comer puts it:   "some wills are bent in the direction of god the father, and towards all that is good and beautiful and true. other of those wills are bent in flat out rebellion against god, and towards death and mayhem and destruction."   comer was deriving his thought from the renowned theologian augustine in his work "city of god," which was later popularized by martin luther, who said that "man turned in on himself."   think of it this way: if some people are inflating a mattress and others are jabbing holes in it, the mattress isn't going to fully inflate. that's not to say that good cannot overcome evil or that it's always a "numbers game", but rather that there are competing forces at play when we engage in intercessory prayer.   there's god's will, human will, nature's will, spiritual beings' wills, and beyond. ultimately god's hands are not tied, and he is the ultimate authority over humans, angels, demons, and spiritual beings. however, as discussed earlier, he allows for other wills to be at play. with free will comes the ability to appeal for both good and evil. some may hunger for righteousness, while others hunger for violence and personal gain.   as famed theologian c.s. lewis once said: "why, then, did god give [us] free will because free will, though it makes evil possible, is also the only thing that makes possible any love or goodness or joy worth having. a world of automata--of creatures that worked like machines--would hardly be worth creating."   we see the necessity of our free will allowing us to make choices that can lead to good and evil, and how that choice enables a relationship that isn't "scripted," automatic, or robotic.   it's important to note that in heaven, god's will is done all the time. but on earth, there are times in which human choices lead to destruction and devastation. think of the flint, michigan water crisis, in which neglect from the government led to suffering and sickness from tainted water. convenience was prioritized over safety, and negative consequences were the result.   but it's not always a direct byproduct of observable, human mistakes.   in addition to our free will, there are other forces and spiritual beings at play as well. while this isn't intended to be an in-depth exploration into the spiritual realm, it's important to have a baseline understanding of spiritual warfare when we engage in intercessory prayer.   the apostle paul describes the spiritual "battle" this way in his letter to the church at ephesus:   "for our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (eph. 6:12)   like with any practice or study, it's important to see if there's a biblical precedent. do we see examples of oppositional spirits jamming up the works in scripture   in the book of daniel, it says that the angel coming to help daniel was "blocked" for 21 days, and needed assistance from another angel, michael, in order to break through.   before jesus starts his public ministry, he is tempted by the devil, who tries and fails to derail him off-course. we later see encounters where jesus drives out demons, and also warns his disciples (when they decry not being able to drive one out) that certain kinds only come out through prayer and fasting.   point being, even jesus himself encountered both human and spiritual forces that sought to bring down his ministry. as you deepen your knowledge of the spiritual realm, you'll begin to see the litany of other variables at play that have the possibility to disrupt intercessory prayers intended for good and human flourishing., practicing intercessory prayer, because the new testament was originally written in greek, we get a few variations on when intercession is invoked in scripture. in romans 8:34, for instance, is the greek word "ἐντυγχάνω," which refers to jesus interceding on our behalf.   but in timothy, we see the word ἔντευξις, entailing intercession and petition. 1 timothy 2 says: "i urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people."   regardless, the goal behind intercession is to pray on the behalf of others. we see plenty of examples of that playing out, like when peter was thrown in jail and subsequently released because of the consistent prayers from the church.   "so peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to god for him." (acts 12:5)   now that we've unpacked the value, precedent, and ultimate goal of intercessory prayer, how do we actually put it in practice, 1) use prayer cards, when people come to mind to pray for, write their names down and specific areas where you want to see god move in their lives. for instance, if your friend has cancer, praying for your friend might also include praying for their medical team, their family, and everyone involved in supporting them. it might mean specifically praying for the cells in their body to be healed, or for the pain they're feeling from chemo recovery to go away.   you don't have to write these requests down in order for them to be heard. god knows you and hears you regardless, so this is more of a practical way to spell things out and keep track of who you're praying for when your brain gets cluttered and overwhelmed., 2) communal intercession, we talked about how moses contended alone for the people of israel, but there are also plenty of exhortations in scripture that call for us to bear one another's burdens in love and pray together. both spiritually and practically, there's immense value in joining hands with others and "standing in the gap" for our community around us. speaking of moses, there's also an account in scripture where moses is interceding for the israelites to win a battle, but every time he lowers his hands, they start losing. his brother and companion, aaron and hur, came alongside him to lift up his arms, and the israelites began winning again.   in a similar way, when we grow weary or confused with our intercessory prayers, it's helpful to have people who come alongside us and support us. not only can others provide encouragement, but they can sometimes help confirm things you've heard from god if they've heard it too. moreover, they may have certain spiritual gifts that you do not, such as prophecy or discernment., 3) stay persistent, this is arguably the hardest part, as it becomes harder to retain hope when the results you desire don't come. perhaps you've been engaging in intercessory prayer for years. you've been praying for your friend to recover from a drug addiction, yet you continually see relapse. maybe you've watched your parent's cancer condition worsen despite fearlessly praying for them daily. we first want to acknowledge that this whole process can be emotionally exhausting, and it's okay to feel discouraged.   unfortunately, many in christian circles adopt a "no pain, no gain mindset" and try to keep it together, thinking that the more they "endure," the more faithful they are. yet when we read through the bible, we see countless faithful individuals like david, job, thomas, hannah, sarah, and beyond pour out their frustration, disappointment, and desire to take matters into their own hands.   being " persistent in prayer " shouldn't and doesn't have to be an aggravating, "white-knuckle it" process. ask god to help increase your faith, patience, and endurance. close in a prayer of gratitude and in your own time, journal about the process. what did it feel like what was challenging about it what did you learn, 4) make space to listen, this is arguably the hardest part, as it becomes harder to retain hope when the results you desire don't come. perhaps you've been praying for years for your friend to recover from a drug addiction, yet you continually see relapse. maybe you've watched your parent's cancer condition worsen despite fearlessly praying for them daily. we first want to acknowledge that this whole process can be emotionally exhausting, and it's okay to feel discouraged.   unfortunately, many people adopt a "no pain, no gain mindset" and try to keep it together, thinking that the more they "endure," the more faithful they are. yet when we read through the bible, we see countless faithful individuals like david, job, thomas, hannah, sarah, and beyond pour out their frustration, disappointment, and desire to take matters into their own hands.   being "persistent in prayer" shouldn't and doesn't have to be an aggravating, "white-knuckle it" process. ask the holy spirit to help increase your faith, patience, and endurance. close in a prayer of gratitude and in your own time, journal about the process. what did it feel like what was challenging about it what did you learn, 5) even if he doesn't, going off that last point, a painful, difficult question to answer is: " what if things don't change " there's a reality in which the outcome we so desperately pray for isn't seen -- or at least isn't lived out in the way we prayed for or expected.   it's easy to wonder... why how do we understand verses like "if you ask me anything in my name, i will do it," (john 14:14 esv)   before we answer that question, it's important to sit in the tension of hurt, loss, and hope deferred. as a society, we often don't grieve well. we make quick fixes or move onto the next best thing without sitting in and processing the pain or trauma we just went through.   and as for the last question, invoking something in jesus' name is not like the aforementioned harry potter spell. it is living into that authority and relationship that we spoke of earlier, and being confident of god's character and care for us. it's not a blank check, as some have misinterpreted it to be, but rather an ask according to his character and his will.   here's how the disciple and author john sums it up: "this is the confidence we have in approaching god: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us" (1 john 5:14 niv).   in the meantime, we hope our resources on unanswered prayers  can help you wrap your head around questions that may be swimming around your mind. but first, it's still important to give yourself the space and grace to fully experience the weight of your situation.   linking back to where we started in this blog, we must remember that the world's brokenness will not last forever, but still exists at this current moment. because of that, we will witness both miraculous breakthroughs and heartache.   perhaps there is a deeper purpose and mystery in all of this. perhaps our vantage point is so limited that we cannot see the deeper purpose in the moment. jesus' disciples likely felt the same way seeing their teacher and savior nailed to a cross, yet that was the agony jesus had to pass through in order to bring about deeper salvation.   that's not to say it's always so cut & dry or black & white. sometimes freak accidents happen with seemingly no rhyme or reason. it's okay to admit that we don't know the why behind life's biggest questions. it's okay to struggle and not understand or agree with the way god seemingly answers ( or doesn't ) answer your prayers. if anything, that's where the heart behind intercession and contending starts in the first place. god wants our raw emotions and longs to know our honest thoughts.   to sum it up: intercessory prayer does not guarantee our desired outcome or result, but it does 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Intercession of Mary

Orthodox Christians from the beginnings of the early church until this day ask for not only the intercessions of Mary, but of all the saints. We have a special regard for the intercession of Mary because not only is Mary the Mother of God, she is the Queen of Heaven.

Based on the customs of Jewish people, Mary is seen as Queen of Heaven because Jesus is King of Heaven. One of the main duties of a Davidic Queen was to intercede to the King on behalf of his people. An example of this can be seen in the Old Testament scriptures,

1 Kings 2:19-20: So Bathsheba went to King Solomon to speak to him on behalf of Adonijah. And the king rose to meet her and bowed down to her. Then he sat on his throne and had a seat brought for the king’s mother, and she sat on his right. Then she said, “I have one small request to make of you; do not refuse me.” And the king said to her, “Make your request, my mother, for I will not refuse you.”

Here we see that Adonijah has a request for the King, so he asked the Queen Bathsheba to intercede for him. The Queen takes the request before the King and intercedes on Adonijah’s behalf. Because of her special status with the King, her request is heard, and the King makes the remarkable statement, “Make your request, my mother, for I will not refuse you.”

It is because of Mary’s special role with our King that we ask her to intercede on our behalf.

A common objection goes something like this, “But I can pray directly to God. I do not need anyone to intercede for me.” And this is true. Orthodox can and do pray directly to God. But the scriptures are full of examples of intercessory prayer, specifically in Matthew,

Matthew 18:20″ For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”

We pray directly to God and we ask for the intercession of His mother and all the saints, fulfilling Matthew 18:20, and knowing that He is in our midst.

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The Powerful Intercession of Mary and the Saints

Posted by Deacon Michael Bickerstaff | Nov 1, 2022 | Knowing , Put Out Into the Deep |

The Solemnity of All Saints

Today is the Solemnity of All Saints, a celebration of those who have died and attained Heaven. We will remember those who are undergoing purgation tomorrow on All Souls Day.

Today, I would like to look at the Catholic practice of asking the Blessed Virgin Mary and the saints in heaven to intercede for us.

I overheard a conversation after a morning bible study at my parish a few years ago about praying to Mary and the Saints.  It went something like this (names changed)…

“Thanks so much for inviting me, Beth. You have a wonderful group here. I have a question, though. I hope it doesn’t offend you, but being non-Catholic, I just don’t understand this praying to Mary. Do Catholics really do that?”

Beth smiled at Sarah and explained, “No, of course Catholics don’t pray TO Mary, we pray WITH Mary; asking her to intercede—or pray—for us.”

You have probably heard this answer before. It sounds right. Indeed, many of you might have given this answer before.

But is it the right answer?

No, not precisely…

Catholics do Pray to Mary and the Saints

Yes, Catholics do ask Mary and the other saints to pray for us; to be intercessors for us. We ask the saints by their powerful intercession to obtain for us God’s favors and graces.  Together with them, we appeal to God. We similarly ask the angels for aid and protection, be it an archangel or our own guardian angel. But what is all this speaking to Mary and the saints if not prayer? Anyone who asks this question can see this and might be put off by Beth’s imprecise answer.

So the correct answer is, “Yes, of course Catholics pray to Mary and the other saints, you should too! Would you like to learn why we do this and why it is permitted by God?”

The purpose of this article is to help you understand why we are able to pray to the saints. I will attempt to answer these questions:

• Why do Catholics pray to Mary and the saints in heaven? Do we think they are gods? Does this mean that we worship them?
• Aren’t Mary and the Saints dead and doesn’t the bible teach us not to attempt to communicate with the dead?
• Isn’t Jesus the one mediator between God and man?
• Doesn’t Catholic prayer to the saints take away from Christ, especially as the one mediator between God and man?

Mary and the Saints are God’s Creatures—They are not Divine

Catholics do not worship Mary or the other saints in heaven. We love Mary as our mother. We love the saints as our elder brothers and sisters in the faith. When we love someone, we want to talk to them and when we speak to Mary or the saints, that is one aspect of prayer. That we speak to them does not imply that we worship them as if they were gods. Such prayer is simply a sign that we love them as creatures. We show them honor. Mary and the saints could not hear our prayers unless God allowed it. Mary’s conversation with the Archangel Gabriel recorded in Luke’s Gospel demonstrates this reality. No one concludes from this that Mary worshiped Gabriel. Nor should anyone conclude that our speaking to Mary and the saints implies that we worship them or hold them up as equals to God. To better grasp this, we need to explore this further as we seek answers from the Church to the above questions.

The Communion of Saints Defined

What do we mean when we refer to the Communion of Saints? The “Communion of Saints,” is at its most essential meaning, the sharing of (or communicating of) the grace of Jesus Christ with and among His family members, the Church. Let’s look at some references to this from both the bible and the catechism.

CCC 948 – The term “communion of saints” therefore has two closely linked meanings: “communion in holy things (sancta)” and “among holy persons (sancti).” Sancta sanctis! (“God’s holy gifts for God’s holy people”) is proclaimed by the celebrant in most Eastern liturgies during the elevation of the holy Gifts before the distribution of communion. The faithful (sancti) are fed by Christ’s holy body and blood (sancta) to grow in the communion of the Holy Spirit (koinonia) and to communicate it to the world.

This communion of saints is, therefore, the Church. St. Paul refers to this “Mystical Body of Christ” in Colossians 1:24 where he equates Christ’s “body” with His “church.”

Colossians 1:24-26 (RSV-CE) Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I complete what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church, of which I became a minister according to the divine office which was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now made manifest to his saints.

St. Paul has some very interesting things to say about this Mystical Body of Christ in the twelfth chapter of 1 Corinthians that will further help us.

• The body is one, even though it is made up of many members.
• The weaker members of the body are indispensible.
• Those members that appear to be less honorable are given the greatest honor.
• There can be no discord in the body, all members must care for one another.
• If one member suffers, all the members suffer; and, if one member is honored, all rejoice together.
• We have been baptized into one body and we are all individually members of that body.

1 Corinthians 12:12-27 (RSV-CE)  For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. For the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? But as it is, God arranged the organs in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single organ, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” On the contrary, the parts of the body which seem to be weaker are indispensable, and those parts of the body which we think less honorable we invest with the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving the greater honor to the inferior part, that there may be no discord in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.

In Colossians, St. Paul refers to Christ as the “head of the body, the church.” Just as the human body is so ordered as to be able to provide for its nourishment, so too does Christ provide for us. We, who are baptized into this one body, whose head is Christ, resemble Christ because He communicates His divine life and grace to us through the sacraments He instituted and so provides for our nourishment.

Colossians 1:18 (RSV-CE) He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the first-born from the dead, that in everything he might be pre-eminent. CCC 947 “Since all the faithful form one body, the good of each is communicated to the others. . . . We must therefore believe that there exists a communion of goods in the Church. But the most important member is Christ, since he is the head. . . . Therefore, the riches of Christ are communicated to all the members, through the sacraments.” “As this Church is governed by one and the same Spirit, all the goods she has received necessarily become a common fund.”

“But what about those who have died? Okay, I might agree with this as it relates to believing, baptized Christians who have not died. But what about those who have died?”

Well, Jesus died… and He rose from the dead. And He has promised that we too who die in His grace, have life beyond the grave. Indeed, those who have died are closer to Christ than are we who remain alive on this earth. When we die, we continue to exist as living human beings, our souls and bodies temporarily separated, to be reunited on the last day at the resurrection of the body. We enter heaven, either immediately or after being purged of any remaining imperfections and temporal punishments due to sin, when we die in a state of grace. We do not cease to be members of the Mystical Body of Christ at our deaths. The Body of Christ, according to Church teaching, is comprised of three categories of the Communion of Saints:

• The Church Militant—saints who are alive on earth.
• The Church Suffering—saints who are alive and being perfected in purgatory.
• The Church Triumphant—saints who are alive “in heaven” participating in the Beatific Vision… seeing God as He is, face to Face.

Those who have departed this life are alive. Mary and all the saints in heaven are alive and are members of His one body… they continue to share in all ways as St. Paul taught, except their suffering is over and they see God more clearly than do we on earth who see only partially. And in particular, they remain intercessors on behalf of the Church not yet in Glory, doing as St. Paul urged all of us to do, to make supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for all men and women, that they may live a godly and peaceable life. [see 1 Timothy 2:1-2 (RSV-CE)] The bible teaches that we are to ask (pray to) those in heaven to both pray with us and for us.

Psalm 103:20-22 (RSV-CE) Bless the LORD, O you his angels, you mighty ones who do his word, hearkening to the voice of his word! Bless the LORD, all his hosts, his ministers that do his will! Bless the LORD, all his works, in all places of his dominion. Bless the LORD, O my soul! Psalm 148:1-2 (RSV-CE) Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD from the heavens, praise him in the heights! Praise him, all his angels, praise him, all his host!

Those in heaven, assist the Lamb as He intercedes for us, bringing before the Throne of God our prayers.

Revelation 5:6-8 (RSV-CE) And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders, I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth; and he went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who was seated on the throne. And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and with golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints;

And the angels, too, carry our prayers to God’s Throne…

Revelation 8:3-4 (RSV-CE) And another angel came and stood at the altar with a golden censer; and he was given much incense to mingle with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar before the throne; and the smoke of the incense rose with the prayers of the saints from the hand of the angel before God.

“But isn’t Christ the one Mediator? Doesn’t this idea of having others intercede or pray for us take away from Christ as the one mediator between God and man? Why should I bother with asking others to pray for me, why don’t I just go directly to God?”

Of course Jesus Christ is the one mediator, but asking others for their help does not take anything away from Christ. Remember that St. Paul urged us to pray for one another (see 1 Timothy 2:1-2). Don’t you ask people on earth to pray for you? Don’t you likewise pray for others? Asking a saint who is in heaven to pray for us does not take away from Christ’s mediation any more than asking someone you know on earth to pray for you. This is not an either/or, it is both/and. Surely you want others to pray for you, especially the righteous, whose prayers avail us much and are of great power in their effect! (see James 5:16)

“But isn’t attention to Mary and the saints a distraction? If I am giving attention to Mary, I am neglecting the Lord, right? I mean that if I am thinking about her, I am not thinking about Him and that can’t be good, right?”

Absolutely not. When you give honor and attention to Mary, you give honor to Jesus. Remember that she is also a member of the Body of Christ and St. Paul says we care for one another. If Jesus is both your King and your friend… and your brother, how do you think He feels when His subjects, His friends, His brothers and sisters neglect and ignore His mother… the very same mother He gave to us all from the Cross (cf. John 19:26-27 and CCC 967-970), your mother.

John 19:26-27 (RSV-CE) When Jesus saw his mother, and the disciple whom he loved standing near, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” CCC 970 “Mary’s function as mother of men in no way obscures or diminishes this unique mediation of Christ, but rather shows its power. But the Blessed Virgin’s salutary influence on men . . . flows forth from the superabundance of the merits of Christ, rests on his mediation, depends entirely on it, and draws all its power from it.” ”No creature could ever be counted along with the Incarnate Word and Redeemer; but just as the priesthood of Christ is shared in various ways both by his ministers and the faithful, and as the one goodness of God is radiated in different ways among his creatures, so also the unique mediation of the Redeemer does not exclude but rather gives rise to a manifold cooperation which is but a sharing in this one source.”

Likewise, neither is our attention to the saints whether on earth, in purgatory or in heaven a distraction. After all, we are a family, the Family of God, and we care for one another. The Lord has asked us to care for one another. The saints in heaven are alive.  They care for us.  They listen to us. They intercede for us.  We are a family. That is what a family does… that is what love does.

Into the deep…

Image credit: “The Virgin in Prayer” (detail) | Giovanni Battista Salvi da Sassoferrato , Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

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Deacon Michael Bickerstaff

Deacon Michael Bickerstaff is the Editor in chief and co-founder of the The Integrated Catholic Life.™ and the President of Virtue@Work. A Catholic Deacon of the Roman Rite for the Archdiocese of Atlanta, Deacon Bickerstaff is assigned to St. Peter Chanel Catholic Church where he is the Director of Discipleship. NB: The views I express on this site are my own. I am not an official spokesman for either my parish or diocese.

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100 Bible Verses about Christ Intercedes

1 john 2:1 esv / 9 helpful votes helpful not helpful.

My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.

Hebrews 7:25 ESV / 9 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.

Romans 8:34 ESV / 6 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.

Romans 8:27 ESV / 6 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

Romans 8:26 ESV / 6 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.

Romans 8:1-39 ESV / 6 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. ...

1 Timothy 2:1 ESV / 5 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people,

John 17:1-26 ESV / 5 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed. ...

1 John 4:1 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.

Hebrews 4:15 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.

1 Corinthians 13:1-13 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; ...

Ephesians 6:18 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,

Romans 8:26-27 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

Acts 2:1-47 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. ...

John 14:26 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.

John 14:16 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever,

Psalm 139:1 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. O Lord , you have searched me and known me!

Revelation 22:1-21 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever. ...

Revelation 20:11-15 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done. And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

Revelation 19:1-21 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

After this I heard what seemed to be the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, crying out, “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, for his judgments are true and just; for he has judged the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her immorality, and has avenged on her the blood of his servants.” Once more they cried out, “Hallelujah! The smoke from her goes up forever and ever.” And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who was seated on the throne, saying, “Amen. Hallelujah!” And from the throne came a voice saying, “Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, small and great.” ...

Revelation 13:1-18 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

And I saw a beast rising out of the sea, with ten horns and seven heads, with ten diadems on its horns and blasphemous names on its heads. And the beast that I saw was like a leopard; its feet were like a bear's, and its mouth was like a lion's mouth. And to it the dragon gave his power and his throne and great authority. One of its heads seemed to have a mortal wound, but its mortal wound was healed, and the whole earth marveled as they followed the beast. And they worshiped the dragon, for he had given his authority to the beast, and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast, and who can fight against it?” And the beast was given a mouth uttering haughty and blasphemous words, and it was allowed to exercise authority for forty-two months. ...

Revelation 5:1-14 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Then I saw in the right hand of him who was seated on the throne a scroll written within and on the back, sealed with seven seals. And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?” And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it, and I began to weep loudly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it. And one of the elders said to me, “Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.” ...

Jude 1:1-25 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James, To those who are called, beloved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ: May mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you. Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ. Now I want to remind you, although you once fully knew it, that Jesus, who saved a people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe. ...

3 John 1:1-15 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth. Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul. For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truth, as indeed you are walking in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. Beloved, it is a faithful thing you do in all your efforts for these brothers, strangers as they are, ...

2 John 1:1-13 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

The elder to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all who know the truth, because of the truth that abides in us and will be with us forever: Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father's Son, in truth and love. I rejoiced greatly to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as we were commanded by the Father. And now I ask you, dear lady—not as though I were writing you a new commandment, but the one we have had from the beginning—that we love one another. ...

1 John 4:7 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.

1 John 4:1-21 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already. Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. They are from the world; therefore they speak from the world, and the world listens to them. ...

1 John 2:1-29 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: ...

1 John 1:9 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1 Peter 2:1-25 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good. As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. ...

James 5:16 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

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.

James 4:7 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Hebrews 11:1-40 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible. By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks. By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God. ...

Hebrews 10:21 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

And since we have a great priest over the house of God,

Hebrews 9:27 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment,

Hebrews 9:1-28 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Now even the first covenant had regulations for worship and an earthly place of holiness. For a tent was prepared, the first section, in which were the lampstand and the table and the bread of the Presence. It is called the Holy Place. Behind the second curtain was a second section called the Most Holy Place, having the golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant covered on all sides with gold, in which was a golden urn holding the manna, and Aaron's staff that budded, and the tablets of the covenant. Above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat. Of these things we cannot now speak in detail. ...

Hebrews 4:16 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Hebrews 4:13 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

Hebrews 4:1-16 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Therefore, while the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us fear lest any of you should seem to have failed to reach it. For good news came to us just as to them, but the message they heard did not benefit them, because they were not united by faith with those who listened. For we who have believed enter that rest, as he has said, “As I swore in my wrath, ‘They shall not enter my rest,’” although his works were finished from the foundation of the world. For he has somewhere spoken of the seventh day in this way: “And God rested on the seventh day from all his works.” And again in this passage he said, “They shall not enter my rest.” ...

Hebrews 2:1-18 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard, while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will. For it was not to angels that God subjected the world to come, of which we are speaking. ...

1 Timothy 2:5-6 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.

1 Timothy 2:5 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,

1 Timothy 2:1-15 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, ...

2 Thessalonians 2:1-17 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Now concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to him, we ask you, brothers, not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed, either by a spirit or a spoken word, or a letter seeming to be from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God. Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things? ...

2 Thessalonians 1:1-12 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing. Therefore we ourselves boast about you in the churches of God for your steadfastness and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions that you are enduring. This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering— ...

1 Thessalonians 5:23 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Pray without ceasing,

1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace. We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. ...

Colossians 2:1-23 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ. ...

Colossians 1:1-29 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father. We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, ...

Philippians 2:1-30 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, ...

Ephesians 3:1-21 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles— assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God's grace that was given to me for you, how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. ...

2 Corinthians 5:21 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

2 Corinthians 1:1-24 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the church of God that is at Corinth, with all the saints who are in the whole of Achaia: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. ...

1 Corinthians 15:1-58 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. ...

1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

1 Corinthians 2:1-16 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. ...

1 Corinthians 1:1-31 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Paul, called by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and our brother Sosthenes, To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge— ...

Romans 15:1-33 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.” For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, ...

Romans 11:2 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew. Do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he appeals to God against Israel?

Romans 11:1-36 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means! For I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew. Do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he appeals to God against Israel? “Lord, they have killed your prophets, they have demolished your altars, and I alone am left, and they seek my life.” But what is God's reply to him? “I have kept for myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace. ...

Romans 7:1-25 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Or do you not know, brothers—for I am speaking to those who know the law—that the law is binding on a person only as long as he lives? For a married woman is bound by law to her husband while he lives, but if her husband dies she is released from the law of marriage. Accordingly, she will be called an adulteress if she lives with another man while her husband is alive. But if her husband dies, she is free from that law, and if she marries another man she is not an adulteress. Likewise, my brothers, you also have died to the law through the body of Christ, so that you may belong to another, to him who has been raised from the dead, in order that we may bear fruit for God. For while we were living in the flesh, our sinful passions, aroused by the law, were at work in our members to bear fruit for death. ...

Romans 5:10 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.

Acts 10:1-48 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of what was known as the Italian Cohort, a devout man who feared God with all his household, gave alms generously to the people, and prayed continually to God. About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God come in and say to him, “Cornelius.” And he stared at him in terror and said, “What is it, Lord?” And he said to him, “Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God. And now send men to Joppa and bring one Simon who is called Peter. ...

Acts 7:1-60 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

And the high priest said, “Are these things so?” And Stephen said: “Brothers and fathers, hear me. The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran, and said to him, ‘Go out from your land and from your kindred and go into the land that I will show you.’ Then he went out from the land of the Chaldeans and lived in Haran. And after his father died, God removed him from there into this land in which you are now living. Yet he gave him no inheritance in it, not even a foot's length, but promised to give it to him as a possession and to his offspring after him, though he had no child. ...

Acts 4:1-37 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

And as they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them, greatly annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. And they arrested them and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening. But many of those who had heard the word believed, and the number of the men came to about five thousand. On the next day their rulers and elders and scribes gathered together in Jerusalem, ...

Acts 1:9 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.

John 21:1-25 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

After this Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, and he revealed himself in this way. Simon Peter, Thomas (called the Twin), Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together. Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, “Children, do you have any fish?” They answered him, “No.” ...

John 15:7 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

John 14:12 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.

John 6:1-71 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

After this Jesus went away to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tiberias. And a large crowd was following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing on the sick. Jesus went up on the mountain, and there he sat down with his disciples. Now the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was at hand. Lifting up his eyes, then, and seeing that a large crowd was coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?” ...

John 3:16-17 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

John 3:1-36 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. ...

Luke 18:1 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.

Luke 16:19-31 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

“There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man's table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores. The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried, and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. ...

Luke 2:1-52 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. ...

Mark 6:1-56 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

He went away from there and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. And on the Sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things? What is the wisdom given to him? How are such mighty works done by his hands? Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. And Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his hometown and among his relatives and in his own household.” And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them. ...

Matthew 6:7 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

“And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words.

Matthew 6:1-34 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

“Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. “And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. ...

Matthew 4:1-25 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple ...

Jeremiah 32:1-44 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord in the tenth year of Zedekiah king of Judah, which was the eighteenth year of Nebuchadnezzar. At that time the army of the king of Babylon was besieging Jerusalem, and Jeremiah the prophet was shut up in the court of the guard that was in the palace of the king of Judah. For Zedekiah king of Judah had imprisoned him, saying, “Why do you prophesy and say, ‘Thus says the Lord : Behold, I am giving this city into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall capture it; Zedekiah king of Judah shall not escape out of the hand of the Chaldeans, but shall surely be given into the hand of the king of Babylon, and shall speak with him face to face and see him eye to eye. And he shall take Zedekiah to Babylon, and there he shall remain until I visit him, declares the Lord . Though you fight against the Chaldeans, you shall not succeed’?” ...

Jeremiah 29:11 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord , plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Jeremiah 17:1-27 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

“The sin of Judah is written with a pen of iron; with a point of diamond it is engraved on the tablet of their heart, and on the horns of their altars, while their children remember their altars and their Asherim, beside every green tree and on the high hills, on the mountains in the open country. Your wealth and all your treasures I will give for spoil as the price of your high places for sin throughout all your territory. You shall loosen your hand from your heritage that I gave to you, and I will make you serve your enemies in a land that you do not know, for in my anger a fire is kindled that shall burn forever.” Thus says the Lord : “Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the Lord . ...

Isaiah 53:12 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong, because he poured out his soul to death and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors.

Song of Solomon 2:1-17 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valleys. As a lily among brambles, so is my love among the young women. As an apple tree among the trees of the forest, so is my beloved among the young men. With great delight I sat in his shadow, and his fruit was sweet to my taste. He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love. Sustain me with raisins; refresh me with apples, for I am sick with love. ...

Proverbs 18:1-24 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment. A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion. When wickedness comes, contempt comes also, and with dishonor comes disgrace. The words of a man's mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook. It is not good to be partial to the wicked or to deprive the righteous of justice. ...

Psalm 66:1-20 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

To the choirmaster. A Song. A Psalm. Shout for joy to God, all the earth; sing the glory of his name; give to him glorious praise! Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your enemies come cringing to you. All the earth worships you and sings praises to you; they sing praises to your name.” Selah Come and see what God has done: he is awesome in his deeds toward the children of man. ...

Psalm 54:1-7 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments. A Maskil of David, when the Ziphites went and told Saul, “Is not David hiding among us?” O God, save me by your name, and vindicate me by your might. O God, hear my prayer; give ear to the words of my mouth. For strangers have risen against me; ruthless men seek my life; they do not set God before themselves. Selah Behold, God is my helper; the Lord is the upholder of my life. He will return the evil to my enemies; in your faithfulness put an end to them. ...

Psalm 23:1-6 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

A Psalm of David. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. ...

Psalm 7:1-17 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

A Shiggaion of David, which he sang to the Lord concerning the words of Cush, a Benjaminite. O Lord my God, in you do I take refuge; save me from all my pursuers and deliver me, lest like a lion they tear my soul apart, rending it in pieces, with none to deliver. O Lord my God, if I have done this, if there is wrong in my hands, if I have repaid my friend with evil or plundered my enemy without cause, let the enemy pursue my soul and overtake it, and let him trample my life to the ground and lay my glory in the dust. Selah ...

Psalm 5:1-12 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

To the choirmaster: for the flutes. A Psalm of David. Give ear to my words, O Lord ; consider my groaning. Give attention to the sound of my cry, my King and my God, for to you do I pray. O Lord , in the morning you hear my voice; in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch. For you are not a God who delights in wickedness; evil may not dwell with you. The boastful shall not stand before your eyes; you hate all evildoers. ...

Psalm 2:1-12 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against his Anointed, saying, “Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us.” He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision. Then he will speak to them in his wrath, and terrify them in his fury, saying, ...

Esther 3:1-15 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

After these things King Ahasuerus promoted Haman the Agagite, the son of Hammedatha, and advanced him and set his throne above all the officials who were with him. And all the king's servants who were at the king's gate bowed down and paid homage to Haman, for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai did not bow down or pay homage. Then the king's servants who were at the king's gate said to Mordecai, “Why do you transgress the king's command?” And when they spoke to him day after day and he would not listen to them, they told Haman, in order to see whether Mordecai's words would stand, for he had told them that he was a Jew. And when Haman saw that Mordecai did not bow down or pay homage to him, Haman was filled with fury. ...

1 Chronicles 28:9 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

“And you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve him with a whole heart and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches all hearts and understands every plan and thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will cast you off forever.

1 Chronicles 2:1-55 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

These are the sons of Israel: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, Dan, Joseph, Benjamin, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher. The sons of Judah: Er, Onan and Shelah; these three Bath-shua the Canaanite bore to him. Now Er, Judah's firstborn, was evil in the sight of the Lord , and he put him to death. His daughter-in-law Tamar also bore him Perez and Zerah. Judah had five sons in all. The sons of Perez: Hezron and Hamul. ...

2 Kings 1:1-18 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

After the death of Ahab, Moab rebelled against Israel. Now Ahaziah fell through the lattice in his upper chamber in Samaria, and lay sick; so he sent messengers, telling them, “Go, inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron, whether I shall recover from this sickness.” But the angel of the Lord said to Elijah the Tishbite, “Arise, go up to meet the messengers of the king of Samaria, and say to them, ‘Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are going to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron? Now therefore thus says the Lord , You shall not come down from the bed to which you have gone up, but you shall surely die.’” So Elijah went. The messengers returned to the king, and he said to them, “Why have you returned?” ...

1 Kings 21:1-29 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Now Naboth the Jezreelite had a vineyard in Jezreel, beside the palace of Ahab king of Samaria. And after this Ahab said to Naboth, “Give me your vineyard, that I may have it for a vegetable garden, because it is near my house, and I will give you a better vineyard for it; or, if it seems good to you, I will give you its value in money.” But Naboth said to Ahab, “The Lord forbid that I should give you the inheritance of my fathers.” And Ahab went into his house vexed and sullen because of what Naboth the Jezreelite had said to him, for he had said, “I will not give you the inheritance of my fathers.” And he lay down on his bed and turned away his face and would eat no food. But Jezebel his wife came to him and said to him, “Why is your spirit so vexed that you eat no food?” ...

1 Kings 19:1-21 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “So may the gods do to me and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by this time tomorrow.” Then he was afraid, and he arose and ran for his life and came to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there. But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he asked that he might die, saying, “It is enough; now, O Lord , take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers.” And he lay down and slept under a broom tree. And behold, an angel touched him and said to him, “Arise and eat.” ...

2 Samuel 1:1-27 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

After the death of Saul, when David had returned from striking down the Amalekites, David remained two days in Ziklag. And on the third day, behold, a man came from Saul's camp, with his clothes torn and dirt on his head. And when he came to David, he fell to the ground and paid homage. David said to him, “Where do you come from?” And he said to him, “I have escaped from the camp of Israel.” And David said to him, “How did it go? Tell me.” And he answered, “The people fled from the battle, and also many of the people have fallen and are dead, and Saul and his son Jonathan are also dead.” Then David said to the young man who told him, “How do you know that Saul and his son Jonathan are dead?” ...

Ruth 1:1-22 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

In the days when the judges ruled there was a famine in the land, and a man of Bethlehem in Judah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he and his wife and his two sons. The name of the man was Elimelech and the name of his wife Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Chilion. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem in Judah. They went into the country of Moab and remained there. But Elimelech, the husband of Naomi, died, and she was left with her two sons. These took Moabite wives; the name of the one was Orpah and the name of the other Ruth. They lived there about ten years, and both Mahlon and Chilion died, so that the woman was left without her two sons and her husband. ...

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Unless otherwise indicated, all content is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License . All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles , a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Contact me: openbibleinfo (at) gmail.com.