Intercessory prayer is a powerful tool that Catholics can use to help others. In this blog post, we’ll explore what intercessory prayer is, what the Catholic Church teaches about it, and some of the biblical verses that support it. We’ll also look at some examples of people who interceded for others in the Bible.
What is intercessory prayer
What is intercessory prayer?
Intercessory prayer is a term used in Christianity to describe the act of praying on behalf of others.
Intercessory prayer can be directed towards anyone, including friends, family members, church leaders, or even those who are not yet believers. It is a way of showing our care and concern for others, and it is an act of faith, believing that God can and will answer our prayers.
Catholic doctrine and teaching on intercessory prayer
The Catholic Church has a rich tradition of intercessory prayer, which is prayer offered on behalf of others. The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines intercessory prayer as “a pressing plea or petition” (CCC, 2634). Catholics believe that when we pray for others, we are participating in God’s work of salvation.
There are many examples of intercessory prayer in Scripture. In the Old Testament, Abraham pleads with God on behalf of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 18:23-33). In the New Testament, Jesus prays for his disciples (John 17:9-19) and Paul prays for the Philippians (Philippians 1:3-11). The early Christians prayed for one another regularly (see Acts 12:5, 12; 16:25; Romans 15:30-32; Colossians 4:3; Ephesians 6:18-20; 1 Timothy 2:1-8).
The Catechism teaches that we are to pray for others “with confidence in the power of God’s grace” (CCC, 2635). When we pray for others, we are asking God to work in their lives in ways that we cannot see or understand. We trust that God knows what is best for them and that our prayers can make a difference.
Intercessory prayer is a way for us to participate in God’s work of salvation. When we pray for others, we are joining our voices with theirs and with all those who are praying throughout history and around the world. We are affirming our belief that all people are loved by God and that nothing is impossible with Him.
One of the most well-known forms of intercessory prayer in Catholicism is the Rosary, a repetitive prayer that asks Mary, the mother of Jesus, to intercede on behalf of those who are in need. The Rosary is a powerful form of meditation that encourages the faithful to focus on the life of Jesus and the role of Mary in his ministry.
Another important aspect of Catholic intercession is the practice of asking saints to intercede on behalf of individuals. The Catholic Church recognizes the intercession of saints as a powerful way to draw close to God and receive his blessings. This is based on the belief that the saints are in heaven and are in a close relationship with God, making them well-placed to intercede on behalf of those who are still on earth.
In addition to these traditional forms of intercession, the Catholic Church also encourages its members to engage in personal intercession. This can involve praying for friends and family members, as well as for those who are struggling with challenges such as illness, poverty, or injustice. Personal intercession is seen as an important way to demonstrate love and compassion for others, and to help create a more just and equitable world.
Bible verse that supports intercessory prayer
A key Bible verse that supports intercessory prayer is Matthew 18:19-20, which says, “Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”
This verse shows that when we pray for others, we are joining our voices with theirs and God is present with us. We can have confidence that our prayers can make a difference because we are participating in God’s work of salvation.
Another key Bible verse is James 5:16, which says, “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”
This verse reminds us that when we pray for others, we are joining our prayers with their own efforts to seek God’s healing. We can have confidence that our prayers can make a difference because we are praying with the power of the Holy Spirit.
People that interceded for others in the new and old Testament in the Bible
One of the most well-known examples of intercessory prayer in the Bible is when Jesus prays for his disciples in John 17. In this passage, Jesus asks that his disciples be protected from the evil one and that they may be unified. He also prays that they may experience joy and be sanctified by the truth. This powerful example of intercessory prayer shows us that even Jesus, who was without sin, felt the need to pray for others.
Another example of intercessory prayer can be found in the book of James. In James 5:16, we are told to “pray for one another, that you may be healed.” This verse reminds us that when we pray for others, we are joining our prayers with theirs and God can use our prayers to work healing in their lives.
There are many other examples of intercessory prayer throughout Scripture. In Genesis 18, Abraham pleads with God on behalf of Sodom and Gomorrah. Moses prays for the Israelites after they have sinned against God (Numbers 14:13-19). Esther pleads with God on behalf of her people (Esther 4:14-17). And Paul regularly prays for the churches he is writing to (see 1 Timothy 2:1-8; Ephesians 1:15-23; Colossians 1:9-14).
These examples show us that intercessory prayer is a biblical practice that has been used by God’s people throughout history. When we pray for others, we are joining our voices with theirs and with all those who are praying throughout history and around the world.
