Prayer: Intercessory Prayer in the Reformed Tradition

John Calvin taught that intercessory prayer is not merely a personal devotion but a sacred duty owed to the body of Christ. In the Institutes he wrote: "We are not only permitted but commanded to pray for one another. By this means we both exercise love toward our brethren and participate in the common benefit which flows from it." Calvin saw intercession as a reflection of Christ's own intercessory work at the right hand of the Father.

Calvin further argued that prayer changes the one who prays: "It is not so much for His sake as for ours that prayer is required. He wills that His due be rendered to Him, namely, that we acknowledge all that is of benefit to us comes from Him, and declare this by prayer." Intercessory prayer thus trains the heart in dependence on God and love for neighbor.

Practical application: Keep a list of five people to pray for each day. Include their specific needs if known. Pray for each one by name, asking God to work in their circumstances. Rotate your list weekly so that over a month you have prayed for twenty or more people. Notice how regular intercession deepens your compassion for others.