Which term best describes praying for others' needs?

• A. Intercession
• B. Contrition
• C. Mediation
• D. Patron Saint

Answer: (A)

Praying for the needs of others is called intercession. It means lifting someone else’s situation up in prayer and asking God to help, heal, guide, or provide for them. This is a common practice you’ll hear about in many faith communities—saying prayers for sick friends, family going through hard times, or others who need support.

Contrition is about sorrow for one’s own sins, not about praying for others. Mediation refers to acting as a go-between, which can relate to theology in terms of Jesus being the mediator between God and humanity, but the act of praying for someone else is specifically intercession. A patron saint is a saint chosen to protect or aid a particular person or group, not the act of praying for others.

So intercession is the best fit for praying for others’ needs.