The Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us:
2634 Intercession is a prayer of petition which leads us to pray as Jesus did. He is the one intercessor with the Father on behalf of all men, especially sinners.112 He is "able for all time to save those who draw near to God through him since he always lives to make intercession for them.” The Holy Spirit "himself intercedes for us . . . and intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.”
2635 Since Abraham, intercession - asking on behalf of another has been characteristic of a heart attuned to God's mercy. In the age of the Church, Christian intercession participates in Christ's, as an expression of the communion of saints. In intercession, he who prays looks "not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others," even to the point of praying for those who do him harm.
2636 The first Christian communities lived this form of fellowship intensely. Thus the Apostle Paul gives them a share in his ministry of preaching the Gospel but also intercedes for them. The intercession of Christians recognizes no boundaries: "for all men, for kings and all who are in high positions," for persecutors, for the salvation of those who reject the Gospel.
Christ Life: Catholic Ministry for Evangelization gives us the following steps that we can use in order to prepare ourselves to make fruit intercessory prayer:
Since it is the prayer of the righteous that is powerful and effective, examine your conscience before you pray, and repent of any sin or harsh feelings you may have against other people.
Spend a few minutes in silence, to quiet your mind and come into God's presence.
During this time, ask the Lord to give you a sense of the things God wants you to pray for. Put aside your own agenda, concerns, and desires and unite yourself to Jesus' heart. You may want to write down the things that God places on your hearts.
Briefly reflect on what you wrote down. What do you think God is leading you to pray for?
Pray for the things on God's heart—for those who have no faith; for those who have fallen away from Jesus; for renewal and unity in all the Christian churches; for respect for all life; for all the lost, abandoned, or forgotten children of the world; for those under the power of addictions or bound by depression, anxiety, or bitterness; and for prisoners and service-men and -women. And, of course, pray for your own intentions and those of your loved ones.
As you pray, take confidence in God’s power to overcome any obstacle. Stand firm in faith, and wait to see God work in power.
In your prayer journal, keep a record of what you prayed for, and of the ways God answered those prayers. Thank him and praise him for all the ways he has worked through your prayer.
Join our Intercessory Prayer Group Flocknote by clicking the "join" button: below. Group messages will be sent on the first day of each month with the prayer intentions that were compiled from the previous month. If you decide to leave the group, follow the "join" link to Flocknote and opt yourself out of the group.
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