Petition and Intercession
From the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Simplified
Types of Petition (2629-2630)
The New Testament has a rich vocabulary, is rich in shades of meaning (ask, beseech, invoke, entreat, cry out). By petition, we admit that we do not have control of our lives. We are sinners who, by asking, turn back to God.
The New Testament lacks the prayers of lamentation (so frequent in the Old Testament) because the Church is buoyed with hope in Christ's Resurrection. Christian petition is a "groaning," a "labor pain" while we "await the redemption of our bodies" (Rom 8:22-24). Our prayer is in the Holy Spirit who "intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words" (Rom 8:26).
Three Kinds of Petition (2631-2633)
Our first petition must be for the forgiveness of sins. "God be merciful to me a sinner" (Lk 18:13). This petition brings us back into communion with God and one another.
Christian petition must center on the kingdom to come. We pray for the kingdom and whatever is necessary to cooperate with its coming. Paul showed a solitude for all the churches in his prayer.
Every need is an object of petition. Christ is glorified by what we ask for in his name (Jn 14:13). James and Paul tell us to pray always.
Interceding for Others (2634-2636)
We imitate Jesus who "always lives to make intercession." (Heb 7:25) The Spirit "himself intercedes for the saints according to God's will." (Rom 8:26-27)
Interceding for others (as Abraham did) shows a heart attuned to God's mercy. Christians participate in Christ's intercession by praying for the interests of others, even of enemies.
Paul asked the Ephesian community to "pray at every opportunity in the Spirit" and to make "supplications for all the holy ones" (Eph 6:18). He asked for intercession, "for all men, for kings, and all in high positions" (1 Tim 2:1).
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