“Pray for one another,”  said St. James, the apostle, (James 5:16) and so we should.

Want to Make a Difference? Start by Praying for Someone.
Intercessory prayer is a powerful act of love that connects us more deeply to God and each other. Whether it's a quiet moment of prayer or a traditional devotion, you can lift someone up right now.

What Is Intercessory Prayer?
Intercessory prayer is praying on behalf of others.  As Catholics, we imitate Christ—who prayed for others and continues to intercede for us in heaven.

Why We Pray for Others
 To pray for someone is to love them.

• Grow in compassion, broaden our hearts, and shift our focus from ourselves to others.
• Unites us in the Body of Christ
• Opens our hearts to others' struggles
• Builds hope, gratitude, and faith
• Transforms both the person praying and the one being prayed for

Simple Prayers You Can Say in the Moment - 
Don’t wait— offer a prayer in that moment. Even the quietest one counts.

• “Holy Spirit, strengthen [Name] to face this burden.”
• “Mary, our Mother, stay close to [Name].”
• A simple prayer like the Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, or a heartfelt phrase: “Jesus, stay with us.”
• St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle…

No perfect words needed—just a willing heart.

Traditional Catholic Practices

• Rosary – Offer a full rosary, a decade, or even one Hail Mary.
• Divine Mercy Chaplet – Pray for the intentions of others
• Novenas– Pray through saints for specific needs such as St. Peregrine (cancer) or St. Gerard Majella (pregnancy and childbirth)
  • Here is a list of Saints and their patronage:         
  • Pray More Novenas:  choose a novena and pray a short prayer each day.
• Mass Intentions – Carry someone’s needs to the altar; light a candle for someone
• Daily Offering – Unite your work and challenges to someone else’s burden.
• Fasting- Offer sacrifice as prayer.
• Holy Hour – pray for the intentions of others during a Holy Hour (Adoration on Wednesdays)

Ways to Intercede 

• Pray during chores or errands
• Use prayer apps like Echo Prayer to track intentions.  You can make prayer lists and categorize them.  Receive reminders to pray throughout the day.  
   

• St. Alphonsus Prayer Network – You can send prayer requests and/or join in praying for others.

The Communion of Saints
“No one lives for oneself alone.” (Romans 14:7)– St. Paul tells us. 
We are spiritually united. Our prayers and sacrifices uplift the whole Church—living and dead. If one suffers, we all share the burden.
 
Start With the People Closest to You (Family, Friends, Loved Ones)
Love them by lifting them up in prayer.  Call to mind your loved ones each day.
Pray:

• For their health, safety, and happiness
• That they grow in faith and stay close to Jesus
• That they persevere in the journey to heaven

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