I exhort therefore, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and givings of thanks, be made for all men:
intercessions: This term implies praying for others, requesting that God will aid, assist, and show mercy upon them in whatever way the law of divine justice will allow. For example, one might pray that the sinner’s life be spared until he hears the gospel and has a chance to obey or for political dignitaries in their decisions (as in the case of Abraham interceding for Lot and those with him in Sodom, Genesis 18:24-32). When Peter was in prison, "prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him" (Acts 12:5).