How to Pray

Session Five: Intercessory Prayer

The Rev’d. Dn. Steven L. McCarty+

 

Opening prayer for the Poor and the Neglected (BCP p. 826)

Almighty and merciful God, we remember before you all poor and neglected persons whom it would be easy for us to forget: the homeless and the destitute; the old and the sick, and all who have none to care for them. Help us to heal those who are broken in body or spirit, and to turn their sorrow into joy. Grant this, Father, for the love of your Son, who for our sake became poor, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (+)

Intercessory Prayer: The act of praying on behalf of others.

I. Intercessory Prayer in the Bible.

A. Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament)

• 1. Genesis 18:22-23 (Abraham)
• 2. Daniel 9:1-20
• 3. Job 42:8
• 4. Jeremiah 29:7
• 5. 1 Sam 12:23
• 6. Psalm 122:6 (Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem)

B. New Testament

• 1. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 (All in authority)
• 2. 1 Philippians 1:19 (Paul’s Letter from Prison, Quoting Job 13:16)
• 3. Romans 10:1 (Paul’s prayer for Israel)

• 4. James 5:14 (For the sick)

• 5. Matthew 5:44 (For those who persecute you)
• 6. Romans 8:34 (The Ultimate Intercessor!!)

II.  Intercessory Prayer in the Book of Common Prayer.

A. The Catechism. (p. 857)

Q. What is intercession and petition?

A. Intercession brings before God the needs of others;   in petition, we present our own needs, that God’s will may be done.

B. The Prayers of the People.

1. Intercessions are offered for whom? (BCP p.383)

• a. The Universal Church, its members, and its mission.
• b. The Nation and all in authority.
• c. The welfare of the world.
• d. The concerns of the local community.
• e. Those who suffer and those in any trouble.
• f. The departed (with commemoration of a saint).

2. Six forms of the Prayers of the People.

• a. Forms I, IV, and V should be lead by a Deacon.
• b. Forms II, III, and VI may be lead by a lay person.
• c. Form VI also leads into the confession. This is the only time lay persons may lead the congregation into the confession. All other times the Deacon or Celebrant of the Mass leads the congregation into the confession.

C. The Liturgy of Baptism.

• 1. BCP page 304.

Celebrant - Will you continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers?

People - I will, with God’s help.

• 2. BCP page 305 - 306

The Prayers for the Candidates.

III.           The Spoken Prayer.

A. Colloquy, a non-mental approach to prayer, speaking out.

• 1. Latin, colloquim (conference, conversation)
• a. con - together
• b. loqui - speak

B. Conversation with God in the liturgical setting.

• 1. The liturgical setting of the Episcopal Church lends itself to colloguy in the prayers. The congregation plays an active and audible approach to the prayers. This is evident in the previous examples given, Prayers of the People, Baptism.
• 2. Normally a list of names is printed in Church bulletins that are lifted up in audible prayer. These names include the sick, and suffering. Those celebrating events in their lives, and prayers for those in the Armed Forces.
• 3. Depending on the local tradition, some congregations will audibly add their own intercessory prayers that are not “pre-printed.”

C. Colloquy “Stage Fright”.

1. What do I pray for, what do I say?

• Remember that your prayers are a conversation, not a speech. Relax!!
•    Remember that your prayer may not be answered the way you wish, but have assurance that someone, that being God is listening to your prayer.