We have an obligation to love God and love others. One of the powerful ways of loving others is to pray for them. During Mass, in the Universal Prayer or Prayer of the Faithful, the people respond in a certain way to the word of God, which they have welcomed in faith… offer prayers to God for the salvation of all (General Instruction of the Roman Missal, 2011, #69).

The word of God also encourages us to pray of one another, “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all men” (1 Timothy 2:1). Jesus Christ set an example for us to follow. He prayed for us.

Why is praying for others vital for spiritual growth? Regularly praying for others, helps us overcome selfishness. When we pray for others, we become mediators, pleading to God on behalf of others. Intercessory prayer is a sacrificial prayer, and it is pleasing to God. When we pray for others, it moves the heart of God so greatly, that when we are in need, God helps us instantly, sometimes, even without us asking Him for help. The Lord restored the fortunes of Job when he had prayed for his friends. And the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before (Job 42:10).

Let us be generous in our prayers, offering prayers for all people, especially, those who are in need. Pray for the conversion of sinners, for the souls in purgatory, for those grieving a loss, and those who have asked us to pray for them.  

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