Intercession is a prayer of petition which leads us to pray as Jesus did. He is the one intercessor with the Father on behalf of all men, especially sinners. He is “able for all time to save those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.” The Holy Spirit “himself intercedes for us … and intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church 2634–2636)

Since Abraham, intercession—asking on behalf of another—has been characteristic of a heart attuned to God’s mercy. In the age of the Church, Christian intercession participates in Christ’s, as an expression of the communion of saints. In intercession, he who prays looks “not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others,” even to the point of praying for those who do him harm.

The first Christian communities lived this form of fellowship intensely. Thus the Apostle Paul gives them a share in his ministry of preaching the Gospel but also intercedes for them. The intercession of Christians recognizes no boundaries: “for all men, for kings and all who are in high positions,” for persecutors, for the salvation of those who reject the Gospel.

The Blessed Mother is also always interceding for those who ask. She loves when her children come to her.

Each of our parishes has an established intercessory prayer chain. If you have a need for prayer, please call the the North ACC office (Sauk) at 320-352-2196, South ACC office (BBE) at 320-254-8218, or the West ACC office (St. Alexius) at 320-352-2563 to get the contact person for your parish.