ASK FR BITAJU | KAIROS GLOBAL | NOVEMBER 2026

Author: Fr Bitaju Mathew

Audio

Q. If God has an ideal plan for our good, then why is intercession necessary?

We can best understand why intercession is necessary by exploring God’s nature, human free will, and the role of prayer. 

Understanding God’s Plan: The Catholic Church teaches that God has a divine plan for each person and the whole of creation, which is ultimately oriented toward good (Jeremiah 29:11; Catechism of the Catholic Church, #1). This plan is characterised by God’s love, wisdom, and providence.   However, God’s plan does not negate human freedom or the necessity of human cooperation with divine grace.  

The Role of Intercession: Intercessory prayer refers to the act of praying on behalf of others. The Church teaches that intercessory prayer is a vital part of Christian life, and it is a participation in God’s work of salvation and a means of fostering community among believers (CCC, 2634).  Human cooperation is significant in God’s plan. While God is all-powerful and can accomplish His will without human assistance, He chooses to work through people. Intercessory prayer is a way for believers to engage actively with God’s plan, expressing love and concern for others. 

The Nature of God’s Will and Human Freedom: God’s will encompasses both His sovereign will (what He desires to happen) and His permissive will (allowing certain things to occur). God respects human freedom, which means that individuals can choose to accept or reject His grace.  Intercession acknowledges this dynamic, as it invites God to act in ways that align with His loving plan while respecting human freedom. In this context, it is important that we clarify what is meant by the ‘Mystery of Divine Providence’. The interplay between God’s providence and human actions is a mystery. While God has an ideal plan, the reality of sin, suffering, and human choices complicates the unfolding of that plan.  Intercessory prayer can be seen as a means of inviting God’s grace into situations where human choices have led to suffering or where individuals need assistance. 

Theological Foundations: Intercession is rooted in the belief in the communion of saints, where the faithful, both living and deceased, can pray for one another. This communal aspect of faith emphasises that believers are part of a larger body, and intercessory prayer strengthens the bond of love and charity within that body (CCC 946). The ultimate model of intercession is Jesus Christ, who intercedes for humanity before the Father (John 17, Romans 8:34). His role as the mediator highlights the importance of intercession in God’s plan. Believers are called to participate in this intercessory role, following the example of Christ. 

In conclusion, intercession is necessary not because God needs our help, but because it allows us to cooperate with His will and express our concern for others. It also deepens our relationship with God and strengthens our community. By praying for others, we acknowledge that we are all part of the Body of Christ, and we support one another in our spiritual journeys (CCC 2730). 

YOU CAT 299

What is meant by a ‘virtue’?

A virtue is an interior disposition, a positive habit, a passion that has been placed at the service of the good. [CCC 1803, 1833]

‘You, therefore, must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect’ (Matthew 5:48). That means that we must change on our way to God. By our human abilities we can do that only in fits and starts. With his grace God supports the human virtues and gives us, above and beyond that, the so-called supernatural virtues, which help us to come closer to God and live more securely in his light. 

Fr Bitaju Mathew O.SS.T. belongs to the Order of the Most Holy Trinity andof the Captives (The Trinitarians). He serves as the Associate Pastor at thePastorate of St Lawrence Martyr Parish, Hanover, and Resurrection of OurLord Parish, Laurel, Maryland, USA. He is a member of the Jesus YouthInternational Formation Team.