Uplifting Prayers of the Faithful: 7 Sets of Joy and Hope

Here are seven sets of uplifting prayers of the faithful: intentions of joy, hope and thanksgiving. They pray for new beginnings (graduates, new parents, couples preparing for marriage), for people who are recovering, forgiving or finding faith again, for artists and musicians who lift hearts, and for communities that have come through hard times. Use a set in the Easter season, at a Mass of thanksgiving, on a parish feast or anniversary, or whenever the prayers have been heavy for many weeks. Every set ends with two optional intentions, for local needs and for the dead.

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How to use these prayers

Choose one set and adapt it; you may swap in an intention from another set.
Keep it short. Four to six intentions are enough; the Church asks that intentions be “sober” and “succinct” (GIRM 71).
Fill in names where you see N. or (Names).
Give the reader a printed copy and agree on the response, usually “Lord, hear our prayer.”
Thank as well as ask. An intention may begin with thanks: “In thanksgiving for …, and that …”
Do not leave out those who suffer. Joy that forgets them rings false; add one intention for the sick or the grieving.
Name the good news of the parish: a baptism, an engagement, a recovery, a jubilee.

Option 1: For Leaders Who Build Peace, Those Finding Their Purpose, and Artists and Musicians

That the Church may always proclaim the hope of resurrection, let us pray to the Lord.
For world leaders, that they may be inspired to create paths of peace and unity, let us pray to the Lord.
For those discovering their purpose, that they may recognize God’s loving plan, let us pray to the Lord.
For artists and musicians, that they may continue to uplift hearts through their gifts, let us pray to the Lord.

I. For volunteers bringing joy to our community, let us pray to the Lord.
II. For our departed loved ones, especially N., that they may rejoice in eternal light, let us pray to the Lord.

Option 2: For Teachers Who Inspire, Those Recovering from Illness, New Beginnings and Milestones

That the holy Church may radiate Christ’s joy to all people, let us pray to the Lord.
For those who teach and inspire others, that they may kindle hope in young hearts, let us pray to the Lord.
For those recovering from illness, that they may find strength in God’s presence, let us pray to the Lord.
For families celebrating new beginnings, let us pray to the Lord.
For those achieving personal milestones, let us pray to the Lord.

I. For local initiatives bringing positive change, let us pray to the Lord.
II. For the faithful departed, especially N., that they may celebrate in heaven, let us pray to the Lord.

Option 3: For Reconciliation, Graduates and Freedom from Addiction

For the Church’s ministry of encouragement and healing, let us pray to the Lord.
For those working toward reconciliation, that their efforts may bear fruit, let us pray to the Lord.
For graduates beginning new chapters in life, let us pray to the Lord.
For those finding strength to overcome addiction, let us pray to the Lord.

I. For those spreading kindness in our neighborhood, let us pray to the Lord.
II. For our deceased relatives, especially N., that they may dwell in eternal joy, let us pray to the Lord.

Option 4: For Recovery and Renewal, Engaged Couples, Children Growing in Faith and Courage to Begin Again

For the Church’s preparation for Christ’s return in glory, let us pray to the Lord.
For those celebrating recovery and renewal, let us pray to the Lord.
For couples preparing for marriage, that their love may deepen, let us pray to the Lord.
For children discovering the wonders of faith, let us pray to the Lord.
For those finding courage to begin anew, let us pray to the Lord.

I. For those sharing their talents in community service, let us pray to the Lord.
II. For those who have died, especially N., that they may rejoice forever, let us pray to the Lord.

Option 5: For Victories over Adversity, New Parents and Faith Found After Doubt

For the Church’s witness to God’s transforming love, let us pray to the Lord.
For those celebrating victories over adversity, let us pray to the Lord.
For new parents embracing the gift of life, let us pray to the Lord.
For those finding faith after doubt, let us pray to the Lord.

I. For those bringing hope to the discouraged, let us pray to the Lord.
II. For our departed friends, especially N., that they may sing God’s praise eternally, let us pray to the Lord.

Option 6: For Spiritual Gifts, Stronger Communities, Students and Families Reunited

That the Church may inspire hearts to seek God’s glory, let us pray to the Lord.
For those discovering their spiritual gifts, let us pray to the Lord.
For communities growing stronger through challenges, let us pray to the Lord.
For those celebrating academic achievements, let us pray to the Lord.
For families reuniting after separation, let us pray to the Lord.

I. For those fostering unity in our community, let us pray to the Lord.
II. For the deceased, especially N., that they may experience eternal joy, let us pray to the Lord.

Option 7: For Mentors, the Strength to Forgive and Young People Discovering Their Vocation

For the Church’s mission of spreading joy and peace, let us pray to the Lord.
For those mentoring others in faith and life, let us pray to the Lord.
For those finding strength to forgive, let us pray to the Lord.
For young people discovering their vocations, let us pray to the Lord.

I. For those bringing light to others’ darkness, let us pray to the Lord.
II. For our beloved dead, especially N., that they may rejoice in God’s presence, let us pray to the Lord.

A sample introduction and closing prayer

The priest introduces and concludes the intentions (GIRM 71). These samples were written for this guide; the celebrant may use his own words.

Introduction:

Brothers and sisters, the joy of the Lord is our strength. With thankful hearts let us bring to the Father the needs of the Church and the world, and the hopes of all his children.

Concluding prayer:

God of all consolation, you turn our mourning into dancing. Accept our thanks for every blessing, hear the prayers we make with joy, and fill the world with the hope that does not disappoint. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Frequently asked questions

When are joyful intentions most fitting?

In the Easter and Christmas seasons, on solemnities, at Masses of thanksgiving, jubilees, graduations and anniversaries, and on Gaudete and Laetare Sundays, when the liturgy itself turns to joy.

Can the prayer of the faithful give thanks?

It is a prayer of petition, so each intention should ask for something; but it may begin with thanks. The great thanksgiving of the Mass is the Eucharistic Prayer that follows.

Are there sets for particular joyful occasions?

Yes: see the sets for a thanksgiving Mass, a graduation Mass, an anniversary Mass and for hope.

Related prayers

Sources

General Instruction of the Roman Missal, 69–71.
Nehemiah 8:10; Psalm 30:11; Romans 5:5.

Uplifting Prayers of the Faithful: 7 Sets of Joy, Hope and Thanksgiving