Intercession

Intercession is the act of intervening on behalf of another person or group. The word comes from the Latin intercessio, from inter “between” and cedere “to go.” In religious usage, intercession involves prayers, petitions, or actions intended to appeal to a higher power to aid someone in need.

In Christianity, intercessory prayer is common: believers ask God to help others, sometimes invoking Jesus as the mediator who pleads on behalf of humanity. Catholic and Orthodox traditions also regard certain figures, especially Mary and the saints, as intercessors who present the faithful’s prayers to God. Protestant groups vary in emphasis, with many teaching direct access to God through Christ without mediators beyond Jesus. In Islam, the concept of tawassul exists but is interpreted differently across schools; some permit invoking intermediaries with God’s permission, others caution against it. Judaism generally emphasizes direct supplication to God, though rabbinic literature discusses the intercession of prophets or righteous figures in the heavenly court. Overall, intercession in religious contexts centers on mediating power, advocacy, and the transmission of prayers or petitions.

In secular usage, intercession denotes mediation or intervention by a third party to resolve disputes or influence decisions. A mediator acts in this capacity, as do legal representatives who intervene on a client’s behalf, or diplomats who intercede to broker settlements. The concept emphasizes going between two or more parties to achieve a favorable outcome or relief for someone who cannot act directly.