This weekend, we continue our look at the different forms of prayer by looking at prayers of intercession. My guess that this is one of the most familiar prayers that many of us pray. The Catechism of the Catholic Church says that, “Intercession is a prayer of petition which leads us to pray as Jesus did,” (2634). Praying for the living and the dead is also a spiritual work of mercy. We offer prayers of intercession every day and every week at Mass. 

Quite simply, prayers of intercession are when we pray, or intercede, for others. How many of us have had someone come up to us, these days maybe even text us, with the question, “Can you pray for me?” I know that many of you have asked me that, whether that was for yourself or for someone you know. Every day when I pray I remember all of you, especially those who’ve asked for my prayers. I’ll be honest, I don’t always remember each person’s name or particular intercession, especially as time goes on, but I always pray for those who have asked for my prayers. 

Asking for the prayers and the support of others is a rather natural human reaction. We all need help at different times for various reasons and, as people of faith, one of the greatest ways that we can help one another is by praying and interceding before God for one another. That doesn’t mean that we don’t act, though, especially if we can physically do something for the other person or we can do some- thing to help work to bring about a change. 

Some of the various ways that we can offer prayers of intercession for others are praying an intentional Rosary by dedicating a particular bead or decade for others needs, keeping a prayer journal (maybe I should actually start writing down all those prayers that you ask me for), we could even stop right then and there, if we are able, to say a prayer with the person at the moment they ask for our prayers. 

Next week, we’ll look at prayers of petition. Have a blessed week, and please let me know if and how I can pray for you!