Intercessory Prayer (10/18/2024)

This past week, I had the privilege of leading a group of teens and parents in prayer at our parish. It is a new part of our program, teaching our young different forms and methods of prayer as well as practicing prayer together. This week I chose intercessory prayer as our focus. I introduced it by telling the story of Mary at the Wedding at Cana (John 2), reminding the students of Mary’s intercession for the wedding family who had run out of wine. Jesus told his mother that it wasn’t his time to work miracles yet, but she persisted. And we know how that turned out.

But then I also reminded them of Mary’s words to the servants who were present. She looked at them and commanded them, “Do whatever He tells you.” I told the youth and their parents that part of intercessory prayer is bringing the need of others to the LORD. But a second part is listening to the LORD because at times the answer involves us.

Those present that night then helped me to identify several things intercessions that we could and should lift up to the LORD: world peace, help for the hurricane victims in the southeast, comfort for those grieving, safety of others, healing and comfort for those suffering from illness, help for those preparing for Confirmation and 1st Communion. For each of these we offered a prayer; for each I hope we heard the LORD’s call to us for how we can join with Him in meeting these needs. As members of the living Body of Christ, we do have a role in bringing the LORD’s loving power and presence to others.

As we journey in faith, buoyed by the hope of the LORD’s promise, and fueled by love, let us be people of prayer, people who lift up the needs of others to our LORD daily. Intercessory prayer is powerful. But let us also be people who listen to the LORD’s prompts to us who are called to be His instruments in this world. We may not be able to heal, but we are capable of comforting and companioning. We may not be the source of grace, but we can be a helping hand, a strong shoulder upon which another can lean. We may not be able to physically accompany those reeling from disasters, but we can send not only our prayers but real, tangible help. And while we aren’t in power to sign treaties and end wars, we are capable of being people who work for peace daily in our families, community, and world.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.