Types of Prayers for Intercessions
Intercessory prayer is a request made to God on behalf of another or others. In this form of praying, the petitioner intercedes --- acts as a go between or mediator --- for someone to the Higher Power. Many believe that intercessory prayer brings healing or comfort to the sick, troubled or injured, as well as healing to dysfunctional situations. These are the two types of intercessory prayer.
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Praying for Others
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Christians believe that Jesus is the great intercessor. He prayed to the Father to "forgive them, for they know not what they do." Some believe that intercessory prayer is a completely Christian form of prayer; however, the belief in praying for others is universal. All Abrahamic religions utilize prayers of intercession. Moses prayed to the Most High to "Pardon your people." Ancient peoples prayed to their deities to aid and bless their family members, tribal members and their chiefs.
Prayer for All Beings
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Around the world, there are those who pray constantly for the well-being of others. They pay for people they do not know nor will ever meet. Monasteries, cloistered convents and hermitages perform this type of intercessory prayer daily. The monks, nuns and hermits dedicate their entire lives to praying for the people of the world. Buddhist monks chant a prayer in which they state, "May all sentient beings be free of suffering and the roots of all suffering."
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Intercession and Laying-on of Hands
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Whenever a person prays for another person, it is intercessory. In many religions, this form of prayer occurs with the laying-on of hands by the clergy or layperson. The clergy or layperson act as a conduit for the Almighty's healing power. Catholics receive this form of prayer during the Sacrament of the Sick. Protestants use intercessory prayer at healing services. In other religions, the priest, shaman, or medicine person prays, chants, sings and/or uses other means such as drums, rattles, incense, or sage to intercede on behalf of the sick person.
Global Intercession
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With modern technology uniting the world, people across faiths and belief systems unite online and off to offer prayers of intercession. During times of great trauma such as war, or natural disasters like earthquakes and floods, people around the globe unite in prayer for the intercession of those suffering from adversity. Interfaith prayer groups bring people together for the common purpose of praying for their fellow beings, believing in the connection of all to the Divine.
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