Prayers of the Faithful for Christ the King: 5 Sets for Mass

The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, closes the Church’s year: the last Sunday before Advent. Below are five complete sets of Prayers of the Faithful for Christ the King Sunday (November 22, 2026), one for each year of the Sunday cycle, one for the diocesan World Youth Day that is now kept on this Sunday, and one for children. Each set follows the order the Church gives for the Universal Prayer and echoes the day’s readings: Christ the Shepherd-King, the King on the Cross, and the King who will judge us on our love.

Response: Lord, hear our prayer. (Or: Christ our King, hear our prayer.)

How to use these intercessions

The priest introduces the Universal Prayer and concludes it; a deacon, cantor or reader announces the intentions; the people respond (GIRM 69–71). The usual order is: the needs of the Church, public authorities and the salvation of the world, those burdened by any kind of difficulty, and the local community.

2026 is Year A (Gospel: Matthew 25:31–46, the Last Judgment). Use Set 1.
2027 is Year B (Gospel: John 18:33–37, Jesus before Pilate). Use Set 2 on November 21, 2027.
Year C (Gospel: Luke 23:35–43, the good thief) comes in 2028. Use Set 3.
Keep each intention to one breath, and add local needs, such as the sick of the parish or those who died this week.

Set 1: Year A, the King who judges by love (2026)

Priest: Brothers and sisters, Christ our King came not to be served but to serve. Let us bring to him the needs of his people and of the whole world.

For the Church, that she may serve Christ the King in the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the sick and the prisoner, let us pray to the Lord.
For all who hold power in nations and communities, that they may rule with justice and care for the least of their people, let us pray to the Lord.
For the hungry, the homeless, refugees and prisoners, in whom Christ waits to be recognized, that they may find help and dignity, let us pray to the Lord.
For the sick and the lonely, that our parish may visit them and bring them the comfort of Christ, let us pray to the Lord.
For our community, that as the Church’s year ends and Advent draws near, we may examine our lives by the measure of love, let us pray to the Lord.
For all who have died, that Christ the Shepherd-King may say to them, “Come, ye blessed of my Father,” let us pray to the Lord.

Priest: Lord Jesus, King of the universe, you will come in glory to judge the living and the dead. Hear our prayers, and make us faithful servants of your kingdom of love. You live and reign for ever and ever. Amen.

Set 2: Year B, a kingdom not of this world (2027)

Priest: Jesus told Pilate, “My kingdom is not of this world.” Let us pray to the King who came to bear witness to the truth.

For the Pope, our bishop and all who preach the Gospel, that they may bear witness to the truth with courage and love, let us pray to the Lord.
For leaders of nations, that they may seek truth, defend the innocent and work for peace, let us pray to the Lord.
For Christians who are persecuted for their faith, that Christ the King may give them strength and freedom, let us pray to the Lord.
For all who are searching for truth and meaning, that they may hear the voice of Christ and follow him, let us pray to the Lord.
For our parish, that we may live as citizens of Christ’s kingdom of justice, love and peace, let us pray to the Lord.
For our beloved dead, that they may share in the everlasting reign of Christ, let us pray to the Lord.

Priest: Almighty Father, you have given your Son a kingdom that will never be destroyed. Hear the prayers we make in his name, and gather all people under his gentle rule. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Set 3: Year C, the King on the Cross

Priest: Our King reigns from the Cross and promises paradise to a repentant thief. With confidence, let us bring him our prayers.

For the Church, that she may proclaim the mercy of the crucified King to every sinner, let us pray to the Lord.
For those in authority, that they may use their power to reconcile and to heal, not to divide, let us pray to the Lord.
For prisoners and those condemned to death, and for the victims of crime and their families, that they may know the mercy and justice of God, let us pray to the Lord.
For the dying, that like the good thief they may turn to Jesus and hear him say, “This day thou shalt be with me in paradise,” let us pray to the Lord.
For all of us gathered here, that we may give Christ the throne of our hearts, let us pray to the Lord.
For the faithful departed, that they may be with Christ in paradise, let us pray to the Lord.

Priest: Lord Jesus, remember us when you come into your kingdom. Hear our prayers, and bring us with all the saints to the joy of your presence. You live and reign for ever and ever. Amen.

Set 4: Diocesan World Youth Day

Since 2021, the dioceses of the world keep World Youth Day on the Solemnity of Christ the King. This set can be read by young people.

Priest: Christ is the King who calls young people to follow him. Let us pray for them and with them.

For the Church, that she may listen to young people and help them meet Jesus, let us pray to the Lord.
For young people in places of war, poverty and violence, that they may find safety, hope and a future, let us pray to the Lord.
For young people who are struggling with loneliness, anxiety or addiction, that they may find friends and help, let us pray to the Lord.
For young people discerning their vocation, that they may answer generously whether God calls them to marriage, the priesthood or religious life, let us pray to the Lord.
For the young people of our parish and our schools, that they may make Christ the King of their lives, let us pray to the Lord.
For young people who have died, and for their families, that they may know the peace of Christ, let us pray to the Lord.

Priest: Lord Jesus, you look at every young person with love. Hear our prayers, and make them bold witnesses to your kingdom. You live and reign for ever and ever. Amen.

Set 5: Children’s Mass

Short intentions that children can read.

Priest: Jesus is our King, and he loves each one of us. Let us ask him for what we need.

For the Pope and all priests, that they may help everyone to know Jesus, let us pray to the Lord.
For presidents, kings and leaders, that they may be kind and fair like Jesus, let us pray to the Lord.
For children who are hungry, sick or alone, that people will help them, let us pray to the Lord.
For our families, that Jesus may be the King of our homes, let us pray to the Lord.
For us, that we may help others, because whatever we do for others we do for Jesus, let us pray to the Lord.
For people who have died, that they may be happy with Jesus in heaven, let us pray to the Lord.

Priest: Jesus, our King, thank you for loving us. Help us to love you and everyone we meet. You live and reign for ever and ever. Amen.

Frequently asked questions

When is Christ the King Sunday in 2026?

Sunday, November 22, 2026. In 2027 it is November 21. It is always the last Sunday before the First Sunday of Advent.

What is the response for the Prayers of the Faithful on Christ the King?

“Lord, hear our prayer” is the most common. Some parishes use “Christ our King, hear our prayer” or “Your kingdom come.”

Can I use these intercessions at a Saturday vigil Mass?

Yes. The vigil Mass on Saturday evening celebrates the same solemnity with the same readings.

More for Christ the King and Advent

Sources

General Instruction of the Roman Missal, 69–71 (the Universal Prayer).
Lectionary for Mass, Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, Years A, B and C.
Scripture quoted: Matthew 25:34; John 18:36; Luke 23:43, Douay-Rheims Bible (Challoner), public domain.
The intercessions and concluding prayers were written for this page.