Intercessory prayer is the act of praying on behalf of others. Rooted in Scripture and the life of the Church, it is a spiritual work of mercy and an expression of love, solidarity, and mission. Intercessors stand in the gap, lifting up the needs of individuals, communities, the nation, and the Church to God. Jesus Christ is the ultimate intercessor, and all Christian intercession participates in His ongoing prayer for the world.
What is the Association of Catholic Intercessors? (ACI)
The Association of Catholic Intercessors, or (ACI) was formed in 1993 and consecrated at a Mass with Bishop John Mends. It is a fraternity of Catholic /Christian intercessors, with members or partners who have committed themselves to build a ministry of united intercession for the Church, our nation and the world. We build networks of prayer across the archdiocese, work with other Christians to advance the work of intercession and coordinate activities to support ongoing spiritual development and formation for the ministry of intercession.
Vision
A body of intercessors who are dynamic faith-filled, Holy Spirit filled praying for the needs of others collaborating nationally and globally to bring about transformation of persons.
Goals
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To develop intercessory prayer units and pockets in the Body of Christ/Archdiocese of Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, and Tobago and in the region.
-
To host spirit-filled, dynamic prayer events, for example, Prayer Walks/Mercy March, Intercessory Prayer Conferences, monthly activities.
-
To coordinate Prayer at a national level in support of the needs of the archdiocese.
-
To collaborate with other intercessory organizations/bodies to spread the ACI in other parts of the world.
-
To provide training in Kingdom values and ongoing faith formation for the people of God.
Mission
To spread and advance the Word of God and the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ through the Ministry of Intercession to the people of God everywhere.
ACI Units
-
Prayer Partners – two (2) persons committed to intercession on a regular basis.
-
Intercessory Prayer Pockets – 3 to 5 persons committed to intercession on a regular basis.
-
Intercessory Prayer Clusters – ACI Prayer Pockets and ACI Partners within a specific location.
-
Intercessory Prayer Teams – Persons praying for specific needs for a specific person at appointed times
Membership in the ACI
Christians who understand and agree to the principles of the ACI can apply for membership. Once granted, they can form ACI Intercessory Prayer Pockets.
Individuals who already belong to an intercessory group within the Church, can join ACI as Intercessory Partners whilst maintaining their specific name and status.
Parish Intercessory Prayer
In every parish, intercessory prayer deepens the spiritual atmosphere and invites the Holy Spirit to act in powerful ways. It is not merely a devotional activity; it is a ministry of spiritual warfare, healing, discernment, and hope.
Every parish should consider forming a dedicated Intercessory Prayer Team, individuals committed to regularly praying for the needs of the parish community, its leaders, ministries, and mission. This team becomes a spiritual backbone, helping to sustain the life of the Church through ongoing prayer and discernment.
What About the Youth?
Intercessory prayer creates spiritual cover for young people as they face daily challenges, moral decisions, identity struggles, and vocational discernment. It is a concrete way for adults, parents, peers, and pastoral leaders to spiritually accompany youth and respond to their needs.
In a time of social instability, cultural shifts, and digital distraction, intercessory prayer is not an optional “add-on” in youth ministry but a vital pastoral practice. Just as we plan programs and formation content, we must also plan and prioritize prayer. Intercessory Prayer creates a spiritual ecology in which youth ministry can flourish.
This powerful introduction session experience is designed to:
-
Deepen personal prayer life
-
Teach the basics of intercessory prayer for children, youth and families
-
Strengthen individuals to serve as vessels of prayer in their parishes and ministries
Whether you’re looking to form a parish intercessory prayer team or strengthen your existing efforts, this retreat is a meaningful step toward building a strong spiritual foundation.
Parish youth ministries are especially encouraged to identify potential intercessors;
youth leaders, parents, prayer warriors or anyone within the parish who can provide
spiritual covering for young people and the ministry as a whole.
Intercessory prayer is the act of praying on behalf of others. Rooted in Scripture and the life of the Church, it is a spiritual work of mercy and an expression of love, solidarity, and mission. Intercessors stand in the gap, lifting up the needs of individuals, communities, the nation, and the Church to God. Jesus Christ is the ultimate intercessor and all Christian Intercession participates in His ongoing prayer for the world.
What is the Association of Catholic Intercessors? (ACI)
The Association of Catholic Intercessors, or (ACI) was formed in 1993 and consecrated at a Mass with Bishop John Mends. It is a fraternity of Catholic /Christian intercessors, with members or partners who have committed themselves to build a ministry of united intercession for the Church, our nation and the world. We build networks of prayer across the archdiocese, work with other Christians to advance the work of intercession and coordinate activities to support ongoing spiritual development and formation for the ministry of intercession.
Vision
A body of intercessors who are dynamic faith-filled, Holy Spirit filled praying for the needs of others collaborating nationally and globally to bring about transformation of persons.
Mission
To spread and advance the Word of God and the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ through the Ministry of Intercession to the people of God everywhere.
Goals
-
To develop intercessory prayer units and pockets in the Body of Christ/Archdiocese of Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, and Tobago and in the region.
-
To host spirit-filled, dynamic prayer events, for example, Prayer Walks/Mercy March, Intercessory Prayer Conferences, monthly activities.
-
To coordinate Prayer at a national level in support of the needs of the archdiocese.
-
To collaborate with other intercessory organizations/bodies to spread the ACI in other parts of the world.
-
To provide training in Kingdom values and ongoing faith formation for the people of God.
ACI Units
-
-
Prayer Partners – two (2) persons committed to intercession on a regular basis.
-
Intercessory Prayer Pockets – 3 to 5 persons committed to intercession on a regular basis.
-
Intercessory Prayer Clusters – ACI Prayer Pockets and ACI Partners within a specific location.
-
Intercessory Prayer Teams – Persons praying for specific needs for a specific person at appointed times
-
Membership in the ACI
Christians who understand and agree to the principles of the ACI can apply for membership. Once granted, they can form ACI Intercessory Prayer Pockets. Individuals who already belong to an intercessory group within the church can join ACI as Intercessory Partners whilst maintaining their specific name and status.
Parish Intercessory Prayer
In every parish, intercessory prayer deepens the spiritual atmosphere and invites the Holy Spirit to act in powerful ways. It is not merely a devotional activity; it is a ministry of spiritual warfare, healing, discernment, and hope.
Every parish should consider forming a dedicated Intercessory Prayer Team, individuals committed to regularly praying for the needs of the parish community, its leaders, ministries, and mission. This team becomes a spiritual backbone, helping to sustain the life of the Church through ongoing prayer and discernment.
What About the Youth?
Intercessory prayer creates spiritual cover for young people as they face daily challenges, moral decisions, identity struggles, and vocational discernment. It is a concrete way for adults, parents, peers, and pastoral leaders to spiritually accompany youth and respond to their needs.
In a time of social instability, cultural shifts, and digital distraction, intercessory prayer is not an optional “add-on” in youth ministry but a vital pastoral practice. Just as we plan programs and formation content, we must also plan and prioritize prayer. Intercessory Prayer creates a spiritual ecology in which youth ministry can flourish.
This powerful introduction session experience is designed to:
-
Deepen personal prayer life
-
Teach the basics of intercessory prayer for children, youth and families
-
Strengthen individuals to serve as vessels of prayer in their parishes and ministries