The saints. Their witness. Our prayers.
Understanding intercession
Intercession is prayer offered on behalf of another person. It begins with care for someone beyond ourselves.
Praying for one another
Christians pray for their families, neighbors, communities, and the wider world. The Catechism describes this prayer as participation in Christ’s intercession.
A communion in Christ
Catholic teaching understands the Church as a communion united in Christ, including believers on earth and the saints in heaven. Within that communion, the saints continue to care and intercede for others.
Questions to begin with
Where does Jesus fit?
Jesus Christ is the one mediator between God and humanity. In Catholic understanding, the saints’ prayers depend on him and share in his work; they do not provide an independent source of salvation.
Is asking for intercession worship?
Catholic teaching distinguishes the honor given to saints from the worship owed to God. The saints are loved as disciples of Christ, and their example is intended to draw us closer to him.
How can I begin?
Speak to God in your own words. You may also ask a saint to pray for you and for others. The Catechism encourages asking the saints’ intercession for the whole world.
Take a quiet moment
God of mercy, help me to love you and serve my neighbor. Saint Joseph, pray for us. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
You must be logged in to post a comment.