Intercessory prayer;
Achieving God’s purposes through delegation
By Sister Irene Hartman, O.P.
It is possible that one’s prayer has made it possible for God’s love and provision to reach others in need. Perhaps the one actually needing Divine assistance has given up on prayer and can only be helped by the prayer of another. This form of prayer for another is called intercessory prayer and is directed to the needs of the world. Through this form of prayer, God achieves God’s purposes by delegation. In this prayer, results are achieved when the pray-er offers him/herself as a channel through which God reaches those in need. The pray-er becomes a link between heaven and earth, and will feel energized by their part in bringing about the Kingdom.
One who has the charism of intercessory prayer feels the call to intercede for others, even if the others are not known to the one praying. The pray-er can pray for long periods of time, not telling God what to do in a specific situation, but beginning by spending some time in listening in one’s heart to the need, and then praying that God’s will be done. The pray-er may arise in the middle of the night, feel the call while driving to work, while mowing the lawn, or hoeing the garden, and be led to pray for the solution of a special need. Sometimes the intercessors see the results of their prayer; sometimes they do not, but they may be called to continue seeking God’s help.
At times those with the charism of intercessory prayer may gather in groups to pray for the most needy peoples of the world. Is it for world peace? Is it for interior peace? Is it for politicians and those in public office? Is it for more vocations to the priesthood and religious life? Is it for the solution of social issues that weigh heavily? Is it for the sick in the parish? Is it for the grieving families who have lost loved ones in battle? The needs are endless. Some in these prayer groups may have the charism of intercessory prayer, and some may not. "Where two or three are gathered in my Name, there am I in their midst."
To some it may seem that the ministry of prayer does not achieve results. To others, they know that praying for another is one of the most direct, effective, and practical things they can do.
Who are the models for this type of prayer in today’s world? Who are those who find that intercessory prayer is the only way they can further the Kingdom and make the world a better place? Is it those who are the shut-ins in the parishes? Those who have lost many of their faculties but can still pray the Rosary for the world? Are the models the retired priests, religious brothers, sisters, monks, and nuns who have "finished" their ministries and are awaiting their Master to call them HOME? Is it those who have been so busy making a living for so many years, with little time for prayer, and now want to further their own spiritual renewal and growth? Is it those who now want to make their contribution through intercessory prayer for a world in need?
Is it your call? Is it my call to offer intercessory prayer?