Intercessory Prayer Difficulties

[Penstemon_Dean]

I hope someone can help me with my question about praying for others–

When I was brought into the church I was taught that I must pray for other people, for God’s mercy and goodness to be brought forth in their lives, but I was not taught exactly how to do this. I pray daily for all the people whose lives touch mine, and also for those encountered whom I do not necessarily know personally.

Is it commonplace for people who intercede to experience “flak” from the evil ones because we are praying for others? It seems to me sometimes that somehow I am getting bombarded by all kinds of harassment that might not really belong to me. :banghead:

I don’t want to be misunderstood here—I do not consider my own self immune to harassment because of my own doings: I try hard not to commit sins, but I am prone to it anyway just like anybody else and I could very well be receiving the harassment all on my own. I really don’t know, and that’s why I’m asking. I pray the Divine Mercy chaplet every day and it is through the Divine Mercy that I pray for others.

I would appreciate help with this: I know that many of you pray for others and surely must have a wealth of experience.

Thanks, and blessings to you,

Penstemon Dean

 

[Belle10]

As far as the “how” to pray for others, sounds like you’re doing great! Praying the chaplet of Divine Mercy for others is wonderful – I do that too.

I pray lots of little prayers throughout the day too for people – like “please help J with the difficulties he’s having” or “thank you for M, she’s quite a blessing!” Praying for others can be formal (chaplet, Rosary, etc.) or informal – the important thing is that you’re praying for them.

Is it commonplace for people who intercede to experience “flak” from the evil ones because we are praying for others? It seems to me sometimes that somehow I am getting bombarded by all kinds of harassment that might not really belong to me. :banghead:

Yup. If you look at the lives of many of the saints, they were attacked spiritually and/or physically by the evil one because of their faith in God. I know it’s tough sometimes, but stay strong. Ask St. Michael to be your defender, and keep praying!

 

[Penstemon_Dean]

Thanks a million, Belle! I’ve been much in need of moral support and your reply has really helped me out.

 

[Belle10]

Thanks a million, Belle! I’ve been much in need of moral support and your reply has really helped me out.

Honored to help. I’ll remember you in my Rosary and chaplet of Divine Mercy today. God bless you friend!

 

[Joe_Kelley]

My son, if you come forward to serve the Lord, prepare yourself for temptation. * 2 Set your heart right and be steadfast, and do not be hasty in time of calamity. 3 Cleave to him and do not depart, that you may be honored at the end of your life. 4 Accept whatever is brought upon you, and in changes that humble you be patient. 5 For gold is tested in the fire, and acceptable men in the furnace of humiliation. 6 Trust in him, and he will help you; make your ways straight, and hope in him. 7 You who fear the Lord, wait for his mercy; and turn not aside, lest you fall. 8 You who fear the Lord, trust in him, and your reward will not fail; 9 you who fear the Lord, hope for good things, for everlasting joy and mercy. 10 Consider the ancient generations and see: who ever trusted in the Lord* and was put to shame? Or who ever persevered in the fear of the Lord and was forsaken? Or who ever called upon him and was overlooked? 11 For the Lord is compassionate and merciful; he forgives sins and saves in time of affliction. 12 Woe to timid hearts and to slack hands, and to the sinner who walks along two ways! 13 Woe to the faint heart, for it has no trust! Therefore it will not be sheltered. 14 Woe to you who have lost your endurance! What will you do when the Lord punishes you? 15 Those who fear the Lord will not disobey his words, and those who love him will keep his ways. 16 Those who fear the Lord will seek his approval, and those who love him will be filled with the law. 17 Those who fear the Lord will prepare their hearts, and will humble themselves before him. 18 Let us fall* into the hands of the Lord, but not into the hands of men; for as his majesty is, so also is his mercy.

Sirach 2

You never run into the devil when you are going his direction.