“He bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.” Is 53:12.
Jesus said,” Everything you ask and pray for, believe you have it already and it will be yours.”
Mk 11:25.
“The Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words. And he who searches the heart knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.”
Rom 8:26-27.
“I urge you, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in the struggle by your prayers to God on my behalf,” Rom 15:30.
“Brethren pray for us,” 1 Thes 5:25.
“We always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and powerfully bring to fulfillment every good purpose and every effort of faith,” 1 Thes 1:11.
“Finally, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed on and triumph, as it did among you, and that we may be delivered from the wicked and evil.” 2 Thes 3:1.
“The Church has seen the fruits of your devotion to prayer in a deepened commitment to holiness of life and love fore the word of God.“ Pope John Paul II, May 7,1981.
“Imitate the example of Jesus himself in ensuring time for prayer alone with God.” Ibid.
“The joy of prayer is reborn: a prayer that is both personal and communal, praise and intercession, and which is drawn to contemplation and is the source of evangelization.” Pope John Paul II, Dec, 1982.
“There is coming a real contribution to the revival of prayer among the faithful, who have been helped to gain a clear idea of the Holy Spirit as he who inspires in hearts a profound yearning for holiness,” Pope John Paul II, Nov 1986.
“The Church has seen the fruits of your devotion to prayer in a deepened commitment to holiness of life and love for the word of God, “ John Paul II, May, 1987.
“Recent years have seen a growth in the number of people who, in even more widespread movements and groups, are giving first place to prayer and seeking in prayer a renewal of their spiritual life.” Pope John Paul II, Dec, 1991.
“Lifting up the mind toward God is an expression of our adoration of God: prayer of intercession consists in asking on behalf of another. It knows no boundaries and extends to one’s enemies.” CCC 2647.
“The Holy Spirit whose anointing permeates our whole being, is the interior Master of Christian prayer. He is the artisan of the living tradition of prayer. To be sure there are many paths of prayer as there are persons who pray, but it is the same Spirit acting in all and with all. It is in the communion of the Holy Spirit that Christian prayer is prayer in the Church. CCC 2672.
“Pray constantly always and for everything giving thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. This tireless fervor can come only from love.” CCC 2742.
“Transformation of the praying heart is the first response to our petition.” CCC 2739.
Intercessory Prayer
People who have the gift of intercessory prayer know how and what to pray for others. They have a rich spiritual life centered on individual and community prayers, from the Mass to the rosary. They understand the difference between people’s needs and their wants. They are able to put God’s will first and foremost. They are sensitive to what’s asked and they give a feeling of peace and understanding to all they pray with. The Bible is rich with requests and the results of intercessory prayer. Intercessors are in touch with Jesus and His Holy Spirit and are committed to praying daily for others. Sometimes there are intercessory prayer groups which focus on praying for others individually or collectively.
Questions to share
- Which passage touches you or burns in your heart the most? Why?
- How have you exercised this gift in the past?
- How are you now exercising this gift in ministry?
- Do you see new ways you can exercise this ministry in the future?