What is Intercessional Prayer?

Intercessional prayer is when we call upon spiritual beings to speak on our behalf—to the Creator, to the Universe, or to the powers that be. It is an act of humility and trust, where we ask for divine support, not just for ourselves, but for others too.

In Hoodoo, Rootwork, and African diasporic traditions, this might look like praying through the ancestors, asking saints or spirits to intercede in court cases, protection matters, healing, or deliverance.

When you engage in intercession, you are standing in the spiritual gap. You are calling forth justice, mercy, healing, or abundance from the spirit realm and channeling it into this one.

Who Can You Pray Through?

• Your ancestors (known or unknown)
• Spiritual guides or guardians
• Orisha, Loa, or other deities in African Traditional Religions
• Angels, Saints, or the Holy Spirit (if from a Christian background)

How to Perform Intercessory Prayer:

• Set a clear intention (who and what are you praying for?)
• Cleanse your space (burn herbs, light a candle, use spiritual water)
• Speak aloud or write your prayer, asking the spirit to intercede
• Offer gratitude—before and after the results
• Follow up with action (petition, spell work, or aligned behavior)

Ancestor Veneration

Ancestor veneration is not worship. It is honoring the spirits who came before you—the ones whose blood runs through your veins. This practice reconnects you with your lineage, restores spiritual balance, and opens the way for divine guidance in your life.

Your ancestors are your first line of spiritual defense. They know your pain, your patterns, your power. They walk with you—but you must call on them, feed them, and remember them.

Ways to Honor Your Ancestors:

• Set up an ancestor altar (with water, a candle, photos, or heirlooms)
• Pour libations and speak their names regularly
• Offer food, flowers, or personal items they enjoyed in life
• Sit in stillness and listen for their guidance
• Record their stories and share them with your children

Gentle Reminder:

All portions of ancestor veneration are not required. The most important part is the building of the spiritual connection. Your ancestors are here to help you—not to judge you. If you don’t offer rum, cigarettes, or full meals, that’s okay. What they cherish is your effort, your growth, and the trust you are forming.

So take your time. Build your relationship at your own pace. If honoring them means placing a glass of wine on your altar before bedtime or speaking their name in the mirror each morning—then so be it. What matters is the sincerity of your heart, not the grandness of your offering.

Be Mindful Who You Call Forth:

Not all ancestors lived in alignment with the light—and not all choose to do so in the spirit realm. Some may still operate in chaos, trickery, or low vibrations. And there may come a time when you need to call on those energies for protection or justified workings. However, if your intention is healing, clarity, or elevation, be intentional with your words. Say clearly:

This sacred boundary keeps your space pure and aligned with the work you are trying to do.

When to Connect with Ancestors:

• During major life transitions
• On anniversaries, birthdays, or cultural holidays
• When seeking clarity, protection, or wisdom
• During spiritual rituals or full/new moons