Intercessory prayer is an act of communion with Christ, for Jesus pleads for the sons of men.

This quote suggests that intercessory prayer, or praying on behalf of others, is a way to connect deeply with Jesus Christ. This is because Jesus himself is portrayed as an intercessor who pleads for humanity. So when we engage in intercessory prayer, we are essentially aligning ourselves with Christ’s mission and his compassionate nature.

The phrase “Jesus pleads for the sons of men” refers to the Christian belief that Jesus acts as a mediator between God and humans, advocating on our behalf. In this context, “the sons of men” symbolizes all of humanity. Therefore, when we pray for others (intercede), we are participating in the same loving action that Jesus exemplifies.

Applying this idea in today’s world could look like actively seeking out opportunities to pray for others—be it friends or family members going through tough times or even strangers who are suffering globally. It encourages empathy and compassion as you place yourself in someone else’s shoes and bring their needs before God.

In terms of personal development, practicing intercessory prayer can foster a sense of connectedness—to both Christ and fellow human beings—and cultivate unconditional love and kindness. It can help shift focus from self-centered concerns to the well-being of others which contributes towards emotional growth and spiritual maturity.

Moreover, it might also lead one towards social action since consistent intercession often makes us more aware about issues faced by people around us thereby inspiring us to act practically alongside praying—which might mean volunteering at a local charity or standing up against social injustices thus leading towards societal betterment along with personal growth.