Life Together: The Classic Exploration of Faith in Community

One key element of the Christian faith that Bonhoeffer explores in Chapter 3 is the practice of intercession. Intercession is the prayer of one Christian on behalf of another. In fact, Bonhoeffer argues that a Christian community cannot be considered a healthy community if intercessory prayer is not integrated into its very structure. He writes, “This brings us to a point at which we hear the pulsing heart of all Christian life in unison. A Christian fellowship lives and exists by the intercession of its members for one another, or it collapses” (86). 

However, while intercession is commanded of Christ’s followers, it requires a particular attitude—one that reflects The Relationship Between Humility, Confession, and Forgiveness. In order for a Christian to pray to God on behalf of another, they must first allow themselves to see the person as God sees them. Bonhoeffer writes that “[i]ntercession means no more than to bring our brother into the presence of God, to see him under the Cross of Jesus as a poor human being and sinner in need of grace” (86). The humility required to view the person this way is made possible through God, who helps the Christian let all disagreements or judgments fall away.

Like Christian community itself, Bonhoeffer writes that intercession is a gift from God and should be celebrated with joy and gratitude. He encourages Christians to make intercession part of their daily practice, saying, “This is not ‘legalism’; it is orderliness and fidelity” (87). It is important for all Christians, but most of all for pastors, who intercede not on behalf of just one individual but their entire congregation. By incorporating intercession into their daily practice, Bonhoeffer argues, Christians will be more prepared when God calls on them for something greater.