Intercession Prayers For This Sunday
Intercessory prayer is one of the most powerful and selfless things we can do. It is an expression of love, a sign of compassion, and a deep spiritual responsibility. When we intercede, we stand in the gap between heaven and earth, lifting others before the throne of grace. We cry out to God on their behalf, asking Him to move in ways only He can. Whether it’s for a family member in pain, a friend who feels lost, a stranger battling sickness, or a nation on its knees—intercession bridges the need with the power of God.
On this holy day of rest and reflection, Sunday becomes more than a personal spiritual experience. It becomes an opportunity to plead for healing, restoration, peace, salvation, and transformation for others. The church is not just a building; it’s a body—and when one part suffers, we all feel it. As you go through these heartfelt intercessions, let your heart be moved with compassion and your mouth filled with faith. You may not know what others are going through, but God does, and He responds when we pray.
1. For those in hospitals today
There are many spending this Sunday in hospital beds, fighting for their lives or waiting for answers.
“And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up.”
—James 5:15 (NIV)
Lord, I lift up every man, woman, and child lying in a hospital bed today. Their bodies may be weak, but You are strong. Send healing to every room. Guide the doctors and nurses. Bring peace to their minds and hope to their hearts. Let their healing be a testimony to Your mercy.
2. For those battling depression and anxiety
Some are sitting in church pews smiling on the outside but weeping within.
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
—Psalm 34:18 (NIV)
Heavenly Father, comfort every heart that feels lost in sadness today. Wrap them in Your arms and whisper peace to their minds. Where anxiety is heavy, bring stillness. Where depression is deep, bring light. Remind them that they are not forgotten or alone.
3. For single mothers and fathers
Many parents are trying to raise their children with little or no help.
“A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.”
—Psalm 68:5 (NIV)
God, give strength to every single parent trying to carry the load alone. Provide for their needs. Strengthen their hands. Encourage their hearts. Let them feel seen and supported. Surround them with help, kindness, and resources that ease the burden.
4. For children in abusive situations
There are young ones living in fear, afraid to speak or cry for help.
“Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.”
—Psalm 82:4 (NIV)
Lord, You see every child hurting in silence. Be their defender. Break through every abusive situation. Raise up voices to speak on their behalf. Bring justice, safety, and healing. Let them know they are not to blame and not alone.
5. For those struggling with addiction
Many are trapped in silent battles, trying to break free but failing again and again.
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
—John 8:36 (NIV)
Jesus, bring deliverance to those chained by addiction. Whether it’s drugs, alcohol, gambling, or anything else, break every stronghold. Let today mark a new beginning. Send people to walk with them. Give them courage to ask for help and power to stay free.
6. For the elderly feeling forgotten
There are seniors in nursing homes and houses who haven’t received a visit or phone call in weeks.
“Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you.”
—Isaiah 46:4 (NIV)
Lord, visit those who feel forgotten. Let them sense Your presence beside them. Stir hearts to reach out. Let no elder feel discarded or useless. Fill their days with dignity, warmth, and peace. Let them know they still matter greatly.
7. For pastors and spiritual leaders
Many leaders are carrying hidden burdens while feeding others.
“And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.”
—Jeremiah 3:15 (ESV)
Father, refresh every shepherd of Your flock today. Strengthen those who are weary. Protect their minds, hearts, and families. Let them preach with power, lead with humility, and walk with integrity. Provide the support they need when no one else sees.
8. For those battling cancer
Some are hearing the word “chemo” while others are counting the months or days.
“But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,” declares the Lord.
—Jeremiah 30:17 (NIV)
Lord, we ask You to fight against every cancer cell. Comfort those going through treatments. Strengthen their bodies, and uplift their spirits. Let them see progress and not just pain. Surround them with faith-filled people and hope-filled news.
9. For believers who are persecuted
There are those who risk their lives today just to gather and pray.
“Remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison.”
—Hebrews 13:3 (NIV)
God, protect Your children in nations where faith costs freedom or life. Strengthen their courage. Provide for their safety. Let their testimony shake the nations. Surround them with angels and cause even their enemies to see the light.
SEE ALSO: Prayer For Exam
10. For the unemployed and underemployed
Some are wondering how they’ll pay rent or feed their children.
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
—Philippians 4:19 (NIV)
Father, open doors for those looking for jobs. Provide not just any job but the right one. Give clarity in decision-making and peace in waiting. Send help from unexpected places and remind them that You are their provider, not just people.
11. For marriages in crisis
Couples may sit together in church but feel miles apart in their hearts.
“What God has joined together, let no one separate.”
—Mark 10:9 (NIV)
Lord, bring healing to broken homes. Restore love where it has grown cold. Soften hardened hearts and remove bitterness. Let forgiveness flow and communication be renewed. Let what began in love be restored by grace.
12. For the lonely and isolated
Even in a crowd, many feel invisible and unvalued.
“God sets the lonely in families.”
—Psalm 68:6 (NIV)
Jesus, be near to those who feel alone. Let them know they are deeply loved by You. Send friendships their way. Let church communities open their arms and homes. Heal wounds from rejection and birth new beginnings in connection.
13. For communities facing violence and unrest
Some neighborhoods are marked by fear and silence.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.”
—John 14:27 (NIV)
God of peace, walk through every violent street. Silence gunfire. Replace chaos with calm. Let hearts be changed and evil lose its grip. Raise up leaders, churches, and workers of peace. Let light invade every dark corner.
14. For prodigal sons and daughters
There are parents praying endlessly for their children to come home.
“He was lost and is found.”
—Luke 15:24 (NIV)
Father, draw home every wandering heart. Remind them of who they are and where they belong. Break lies spoken over them. Let Your love lead them back, not shame. Let restoration begin before the next sunrise.
15. For those struggling with infertility
Behind smiles, many couples are aching for the child they’ve prayed for.
“He gives the childless woman a family, making her a happy mother.”
—Psalm 113:9 (NLT)
Lord, You see their tears and know their longing. Open the womb and bless the waiting. Comfort them in the meantime. Remove shame, speak peace over stress, and surprise them with joy in unexpected ways.
16. For spiritual revival in the church
Many churches have lost their passion and fire, turning to routine instead of true worship.
“Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?”
—Psalm 85:6 (NIV)
Lord, awaken Your church. Stir every congregation from spiritual slumber. Let the fire of the Holy Spirit burn again in every heart. Remove lukewarmness and bring deep hunger for Your presence. Let this Sunday be a turning point for revival to begin.
17. For those trapped in domestic abuse
Behind closed doors, some are living in fear and silence, crying for help without words.
“He will rescue them from oppression and violence, for precious is their blood in his sight.”
—Psalm 72:14 (NIV)
God of rescue, stretch out Your hand and lift the oppressed. Deliver every woman, man, or child in a home that feels like a prison. Make a way of escape. Send someone to help. Break cycles of violence and replace it with safety and peace.
18. For those burdened with guilt and shame
Some carry heavy secrets, believing they are unworthy of love or forgiveness.
“There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
—Romans 8:1 (NIV)
Father, wash over every soul drowning in shame. Remind them that Your love is deeper than their sin. Let them experience the power of Your forgiveness. Bring healing to their memories, peace to their minds, and confidence in Your grace.
19. For wisdom in decision-making
Some are facing big life choices—about jobs, relationships, or calling—and need divine direction.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault.”
—James 1:5 (NIV)
Lord, give clarity where there is confusion. Speak clearly to those at a crossroads. Close wrong doors and open the right ones. Let Your peace guide decisions. Give boldness to obey even when the road is unfamiliar.
20. For those in prison
There are people behind bars who feel forgotten, judged, or too far gone.
“The Lord hears the needy and does not despise his captive people.”
—Psalm 69:33 (NIV)
Merciful God, enter into every prison cell today. Let Your Word reach hearts and Your light shine in dark places. Bring comfort to those who repent and hope to those who feel broken. Let healing and transformation begin behind bars.
21. For those hurt by church or religion
Some are absent from worship today not because they don’t believe, but because they were wounded by believers.
“Bear with each other and forgive one another… forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
—Colossians 3:13 (NIV)
Lord, heal every heart wounded by spiritual abuse, rejection, or judgment. Bring truth where there was manipulation, grace where there was shame. Restore their trust in You. Lead them to safe, Spirit-filled communities of love and honesty.
22. For caregivers and nurses
Many are serving quietly behind the scenes, offering love and strength to the weak and aging.
“Serve one another humbly in love.”
—Galatians 5:13 (NIV)
God, bless the hands that serve others daily. Give energy to the tired and compassion to the overwhelmed. Let them feel appreciated. Strengthen them as they pour out their time and hearts for others. Let Your joy be their reward.
23. For those waiting on answered prayers
Some have been praying for years without seeing results, wondering if God is listening.
“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”
—Psalm 27:14 (NIV)
Lord, for every person holding on in silence, strengthen their faith. Remind them that You are never late and never forgetful. Let them see signs of Your nearness today. Encourage their hearts and remind them You are working behind the scenes.
24. For protection from temptation
Many are on the edge of giving in to something they know could harm them.
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind… he will also provide a way out.”
—1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)
Father, rescue those who are tempted to fall today. Give them strength to say no, the courage to walk away, and the wisdom to choose life over regret. Surround them with support and remind them that they are stronger with You.
25. For unity among believers
Divisions over doctrine, race, culture, or opinions have weakened the witness of the church.
“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
—Ephesians 4:3 (NIV)
God, break down every wall of division among Your people. Help us to love one another despite our differences. Let unity be our witness. Help us focus more on what unites us in Christ than what separates us in opinion.
26. For peace in the hearts of parents
Many are raising children in a world filled with fear, uncertainty, and pressure.
“All your children will be taught by the Lord, and great will be their peace.”
—Isaiah 54:13 (NIV)
Lord, calm the fears of parents everywhere. Give them wisdom to guide their children, and faith to trust You with their future. Remind them that You are a better protector and teacher than they could ever be. Cover every child in grace and peace.
27. For the lonely widows and widowers
The grief of losing a spouse can feel heavier on quiet Sunday mornings.
“Do not throw me away when I am old; do not abandon me when my strength is failing.”
—Psalm 71:9 (NLT)
Father, comfort every widow and widower today. Let them feel Your nearness in their silence. Send companionship, community, and joy back into their lives. Remind them they are not alone and their story is not finished.
28. For missionaries in foreign lands
There are many serving in difficult places, away from family and comfort.
“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.”
—Mark 16:15 (NIV)
God of the nations, strengthen every missionary today. Provide for their needs, protect them from danger, and bless the work of their hands. Let them see fruit in hard places. Fill them with Your joy, and let them know they are remembered.
29. For healing from church burnout
Some are tired from serving and pouring out without rest or replenishment.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
—Matthew 11:28 (NIV)
Jesus, refresh the tired leaders, volunteers, and servants in Your house. Help them not to confuse their identity with their activity. Let them find rest in You. Refill their hearts so they can serve again from a place of strength, not emptiness.
30. For a fresh hunger for God
Many have grown spiritually dry and distant, just going through the motions.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.”
—Matthew 5:6 (NKJV)
Lord, stir up a hunger in every heart this Sunday. Let us not be satisfied with routine. Awaken our souls to chase after You again. Fill our spirits with fresh fire. Let Your presence be our greatest desire.
CONCLUSION
Intercession is not about perfect words or long prayers—it’s about love that refuses to stay silent. It’s the act of taking someone else’s burden and lifting it up to the God who can carry all things. As we have prayed today, heaven has heard. The same God who listened to Abraham, Moses, Hannah, and Jesus still listens now.
Never underestimate the power of standing in the gap. Whether whispered from a pew or cried from your bedroom floor, every prayer sent on behalf of someone else moves the heart of God. Keep praying. Keep interceding. Miracles begin where faith meets compassion. And today, through these words, heaven has drawn near.
