Chapter 5: Intercession

Of the fifth part of prayer, which is Intercession, or Address and Supplication to God for others.

Our Lord Jesus hath taught us to pray, not only with, but for others. And the apostle hath appointed us to make supplication for all saints ; and many of his prayers in his epistles are for his friends. And we must not think

that when we are in this part of prayer, we may let fall our fervency, and be more indifferent, because we ourselves are not immediately concerned in it, but rather let a holy fire of love, both to God and man here, make __ our devotions yet more warm and lively. Eph. | a vi.

The heads

• 1. We must pray for the whole world of mankind, the lost world; and thus we must all men, and according to our capacity good to all men. . .
• 2. For the propagating of the gospel in foreign parts, and the enlargement of the church by the bringing in of many to it.
• 3. For the conversion of the Jews.
• 4. For the eastern churches that are groaning under the yoke of Mahometan tyranny.
• 5. For the universal church wherever dispersed, and for all the interests of it.
• 6. For the conviction and conversion of atheists, deists and infidels, and of all that are of the way of truth and of profane scoffers, d those that disgrace Christianity by their vicious and immoral lives.
• 7. For the amending of everything that is amiss in the church, the reviving of primitive Christianity and the power of godliness, ; in order thereunto, the pouring out of the Spirit.
• 8. For the breaking of the power of all the enemies of the church, and the defeating of all their designs against her.
• 9. For the relief of suffering churches, and the support, comfort, and deliverance of all that are persecuted for righteousness sake.
• 10. For the nations of the world.
• 11. For our own land and nation, which we ought in a special manner to seek the welfare of, that in the peace thereof we may have peace.
• 1. We must be thankful to God for his mercies to our land.
• 2. We must be humbled before God for our national sins and provocations.
• 3. We must pray earnestly for national mercies.
• 1. For the favour of God to us, and the tokens of his presence among us, as that in which the happiness of our nation is bound up.
• 2. For the continuance of the gospel among us, and the means of grace, and a national profession of Christ’s holy religion.
• 3. For the continuance of our outward peace and tranquillity, our liberty and plenty, for the prosperity of our trade, and a blessing upon the fruits of the earth.
• 4. For the success of all endeavours for the reformation of manners, the suppression of vice and profaneness, and support of religion and virtue, and the bringing of them into reputation. 14% O let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end, but establish thou the just, O thou righteous God, that triest the hearts and reins. Spirit many to rise up for thee against the evil doers, and to stand up for thee against the workers of iniquity. ; .
• 5. For the healing of our unhappy divisions, and the making up of our breaches.
• 6. For victory and success against our enemies abroad, that seek our ruin.
• 7. For all that are employed in the conduct of public affairs.
• 8. For magistrates, judges, and justices of the peace.
• 9. For all the ministers of God’s holy word and sacraments.
• 10. For all the universities, schools, and nurseries of learning.
• 11. For the common people of the land.
• 12. For the several ages and conditions of men, as they stand in need of mercy and grace.
• 1. For those that are young and setting out in the world.
• 2. For those that are old, and of long standing in profession.
• 3. For those that are rich and prosperous in the world, some of whom perhaps need prayers as much as those that request them.
• 4. For those that are poor and in affliction, for such we have always with us.
• 5. For our enemies, and those that hate us.
• 6. For our friends and those that love us.

Henry’s text is in the public domain. Philadelphia: Presbyterian Board of Publication, No. 265 Chestnut Street. Undated, about 1840 to 1860. The preface is dated Chester, March 25, 1710. From the Internet Archive scan. The KJV text is in the public domain.