How to Start a Bidding Prayer

At a Roman Rite Mass, the priest begins the bidding prayers, also called the Prayers of the Faithful or Universal Prayer, with a short invitation. The deacon or another appointed minister then announces the intentions. If you are the reader, begin your first intention after the priest’s introduction; you do not take over his opening or concluding prayer.

A simple opening with the roles marked

The following is an original example for preparation, not a prescribed text from the Roman Missal. Use the wording agreed for your parish’s celebration.

Priest’s introduction: Trusting in God’s mercy, let us bring before him the needs of the Church and of the whole world.

Reader’s first intention: For the Church, that it may continue to be a source of hope and guidance for all people, let us pray to the Lord.

People’s response: Lord, hear our prayer.

What comes after the first intention?

The appointed minister continues with the remaining intentions, allowing the assembly to respond without rushing. Keep the response consistent with the prepared text. The priest concludes the Universal Prayer after the final intention.

Example of the priest’s concluding prayer: Merciful Father, receive the prayers we offer and help us to serve one another with generous hearts. Through Christ our Lord.

People: Amen.

Preparing to read

• Check who is reading the intentions and which text has been approved for the celebration.
• Rehearse names and unfamiliar words before Mass.
• Read clearly, leave room for the response, and let the priest give the concluding prayer.

For the next step, use our guide to reading the Prayers of the Faithful or choose from complete prayer examples. See also where they fall in the order of Mass.

Official Reference

USCCB: GIRM 138 explains the priest’s introduction and conclusion and the announcement of the intentions by the deacon, cantor, reader or another lay minister.