Intercession is not easy work. It cost Jesus His life. It costs us all of ourselves. This is the third stage of the cross. The desire for personal salvation is basically self-centered.
Sanctification can also be selfish.
It may be a drive for power and status, a kind of spiritual ego trip. Intercession is different. It goes out from ourselves toward others. It is a way of pouring the resurrection life of Christ into the world. The intercessor is a channel for the blessing of the ascended Lord.