The Audacity of Intercession—Mercy, Baptism, and Unceasing Prayer

Gen 18:20-32; Psalm: 137; Col 2:12-14; Lk 11:1-13

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, today, we will reflect on the audacity of intercession and how mercy, baptism, and unceasing prayer intertwine to shape our lives and the lives of those around us. Let us begin with the story of Abraham in Genesis chapter 18. Here, we witness a remarkable display of courage as Abraham boldly bargains with God on behalf of the people of Sodom. He stands as a beacon of hope, pleading for mercy in a culture that often leans towards condemnation. This is intercession as charity, my friends. When we intercede for others, we embody the love and compassion that God extends to us. Think for a moment about the people in your life who are struggling or suffering. When you intercede for them, you are not only lifting them in prayer but you are also engaging in a divine dialogue, one that reflects God’s mercy. You are saying to God, “Please, remember them. Please, show them your grace.” Abraham’s audacity in bargaining with God is an invitation for us to approach the throne of grace with confidence. It teaches us that our prayers matter and that we can make a difference in the lives of others.

Now, I want to remind you of the incredible mercy of God. In Colossians 2, we read about the debt we had owed, a record of debt that was nailed to the cross. Through our baptism, we experience a profound transformation—baptism, in a sense, represents our death to sin and our new life in Christ. When we rise from the waters of baptism, we are not just emerging wet; we are emerging renewed. We are released from the shackles of our past. The record of our sins is wiped clean. This is the mercy of God manifested in our lives, a mercy that calls us to extend the same to others. In a world rife with addiction, shame, and despair, we are called to be conduits of mercy.

We see in Luke 11 that Jesus teaches us how to pray. The Lord’s Prayer is not merely a sequence of words; it is a blueprint for intercession. When we pray, “Your kingdom come, your will be done,” we are not only inviting God into our lives, but we are also standing in the gap for those who cannot pray for themselves. In a culture that often condemns, we must respond like Abraham. We must plead for mercy. We must hold fast to the hope that even the most broken and lost among us can find redemption. And when we feel overwhelmed by the weight of the world, when our prayers seem unanswered and our faith is wavering, we must remember the lesson Abraham teaches us about bold persistence. We must not give up. Jesus assures us that the Father will answer. Do you believe that today? Let me share a practical approach to our prayer lives. I encourage you to start a “Holy Pestering” list. Write down the names of those you are interceding for. Pray for them regularly. Lift them to the Lord, asking for His mercy and grace to touch their lives. And when you pray the Lord’s Prayer, do so slowly. Let each phrase sink into your heart. Let it remind you of the power of intercession and the mercy that God has given you.

As we consider the role of persistent prayer, remember that it is not just about asking. It is about believing, hoping, and trusting in God’s character. We can ask the Holy Spirit to empower our prayers, guide our hearts, and inspire our actions. As we embrace this audacity of intercession, we become “Mercy Bridges”. We are called to be a bridge to those who are despairing, to those who are angry, and to those who feel lost. When we stand in the gap for others, we reflect the heart of God. We become instruments of His mercy.

In conclusion, Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, I urge you to embrace the audacity of intercession. Let us be courageous in our prayers, merciful in our hearts, and persistent in our pursuit of God’s presence. Let us remember that our prayers can change lives. Let us intercede for one another, for our communities, and for the world around us. Together, through mercy, baptism, and unceasing prayer, we can be vessels of God’s love and grace. May God bless each of you as you boldly step into the calling of intercession, and may His mercy flow through you like a river, touching every life you encounter. Amen.

St. Monica (who prayed 30 years for Augustine): “God’s delays are not His denials. Pray with tears—your child’s soul is worth the wait.”

St. Pio of Pietrelcina: “Pray as if everything depends on God; work as if everything depends on you. Mercy bridges both.”

Pope St. John Paul II: “The Lord’s Prayer is the compendium of the Gospel—it contains every cry of the human heart and God’s answer.”

St. Thérèse of Lisieux on intercession:

*”Like Abraham, I bargain with Jesus for sinners. I say: ‘Look at the little ones! Spare the world for our sake!’”

Pope Francis on persistent prayer (Lk 11:9):

“Prayer is the breath of faith. Knock at God’s heart: for refugees, for the sick, for impossible situations” (Angelus, 2021).