What does intercession mean?
Intercession is the act of speaking or acting on behalf of someone else, particularly when that action consists of prayer or a plea to God. In religious settings, an intercession asks divine mercy, guidance, or protection for a person, community, or situation. The word can also describe advocacy in a secular context, such as an influential person interceding with an authority on another person's behalf. Its tone is formal and often carries connotations of care, mediation, and moral responsibility. Intercession differs from simple assistance because it normally involves acting as an advocate or intermediary rather than merely providing support. It is also distinct from intervention in that it usually focuses on personal advocacy on behalf of a particular person or group. The word remains useful in religious, literary, historical, and institutional discussions where the idea of appealing for or acting on behalf of another is central.
nounThe act of intervening or appealing on behalf of another person, especially by making a prayer or plea to God. It can also refer more generally to advocacy that helps someone in a difficult situation.
- A prayer or appeal made to God on behalf of another person or group.
- An act of personal advocacy or intervention intended to help someone else.
"The minister offered an intercession for those affected by the storm."
"The congregation joined in prayer, asking for intercession on behalf of the bereaved family."
"Through the prisoner's intercession with the king, the sentence was eventually commuted."
The plural is used for multiple acts of intercession or multiple instances of advocacy on behalf of others.
"Her repeated intercessions on behalf of prisoners brought her public recognition."
Intercession literally means “going between”: its Latin roots describe stepping in on someone else’s behalf.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does intercession come from?
The English word entered Middle English from Latin intercessio, a noun derived from intercedere, meaning “to intervene” or “intercede.” Latin intercedere was formed from inter-, meaning “between,” and cedere, meaning “to go” or “to yield.” Its development reflects the original idea of stepping between parties or presenting a plea on behalf of someone else.
How intercession is actually used
The word is formal in style and is especially common in religious contexts. In secular use, it can suggest personal advocacy or appeal rather than direct participation in an issue.
Easily confused with intercession
Intercession usually means advocacy or prayer on another person's behalf, whereas intervention more broadly denotes action taken to change events or circumstances.