What are general intercessions for daily Mass?

General intercessions, also known as prayers of the faithful or universal prayers, are prayers offered during Catholic Mass where the congregation prays for the needs of the Church, the world, the suffering, and the local community. They are called "general" because they address universal concerns rather than specific individual requests.

How are general intercessions different from prayers of the faithful?

General intercessions and prayers of the faithful are actually the same thing. "General intercessions" emphasizes their universal nature, while "prayers of the faithful" emphasizes who offers them - the baptized faithful. Both terms refer to the same liturgical element of the Mass.

When are general intercessions prayed during Mass?

General intercessions are prayed during the Liturgy of the Word, after the homily and Creed (if said). They conclude the Liturgy of the Word before the Liturgy of the Eucharist begins with the Preparation of the Gifts.

Who writes the general intercessions for daily Mass?

Our general intercessions are written by Giuseppe Njualem, a seminarian at St. Peter's Seminary in London, Ontario, following the guidelines of the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) and with input from theology students and experienced clergy.

Understanding General Intercessions for Daily Mass

General intercessions, also known as the "Prayer of the Faithful" or "Universal Prayer," are an essential part of the Catholic Mass where the congregation joins together to pray for the needs of the Church and the world. These intercessions are called "general" because they address universal concerns that affect all Catholics and humanity as a whole.

📖 How to Use These General Intercessions

1. Choose Your Option: Browse the available intercession options for today's Mass.

2. Download PDF: Click "Download PDF" to get a formatted copy for your lector or liturgy coordinator.

3. Edit if Needed: Use "Edit" to customize intercessions for your parish's specific needs.

4. Browse Other Dates: Use the calendar to access intercessions for any date throughout the year.

General Intercessions for Daily Mass

Thursday, January 2, 2025

Saint Basil the Great and Saint Gregory Nazianzen, bishops and doctors of the Church

●Memorial

Liturgical Color: White

General Intercessions for Saint Basil the Great and Saint Gregory Nazianzen

Option 1

1.That the Church, inspired by the wisdom of Saints Basil and Gregory, may steadfastly teach the orthodox faith, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That leaders in society may value and promote education and the pursuit of truth, as did these great doctors of the Church, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.That those dedicated to theological study and teaching may be enlightened by the Holy Spirit, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That we may learn from Saints Basil and Gregory to balance contemplation with charitable action, especially towards the poor, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.That our local community may be enriched by a deeper understanding and love of our Catholic tradition, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Optional:For our sick, bereaved, etc., special projects or events.Lord, hear our prayer.

That N. and all departed scholars and teachers of the faith may share in the eternal Wisdom, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Option 2

1.For Pope Leo XIV and all bishops, that they may be courageous defenders of the faith like Saints Basil and Gregory, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That civil leaders may govern with justice and seek the common good, upholding the dignity of every person, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For all who suffer for their faith, that they may find strength in the example of these holy bishops, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That Christian friendship, like that between Basil and Gregory, may support us in our journey of faith, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.That our parish may be a community where faith is lived, understood, and shared with joy, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Optional:For those in our community discerning a vocation to service in the Church.Lord, hear our prayer.

That N. and all who served the Church as pastors and teachers may receive their eternal reward, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Variations if Memorial is not celebrated

Option 1

1.That the Church may continue to radiate the joy of Christ's birth to all people, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That peace may dawn on nations still in darkness, and goodwill may flourish among all, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.That families experiencing hardship during this season may find support and comfort, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That the spirit of Christmas giving may extend throughout the year in acts of kindness and generosity, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.That our local community may be a place where the light of Christ shines brightly, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Optional:For our sick, bereaved, etc., special projects or events.Lord, hear our prayer.

That N. and all the faithful departed may behold the glory of the newborn King, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Option 2

1.For Pope Leo XIV, that he may lead us in the path of holiness and truth during this Christmas season, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That all government leaders may work to protect the vulnerable and promote the well-being of their citizens, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For those who are lonely or forgotten, that they may experience the warmth of Christian fellowship, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That we may carry the wonder of Christmas in our hearts, recognizing Christ's presence in our daily lives, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.For the unity of our parish family, that we may support one another in faith and love, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Optional:For a spirit of gratitude for the gift of God's Son.Lord, hear our prayer.

That N. and all who have died may enter the eternal joy of God's kingdom, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

About Our General Intercessions for Daily Mass

Our general intercessions are carefully written by Giuseppe Njualem, a seminarian at St. Peter's Seminary in London, Ontario. Each set of intercessions follows the guidelines established by the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) and is crafted with input from theology students and experienced clergy.

📅 Liturgically Accurate

Every intercession is crafted to reflect the specific liturgical season, rank, and saint of the day, ensuring theological accuracy and seasonal appropriateness.

🌍 Universally Focused

Our general intercessions address the four traditional categories: Church needs, world concerns, those in distress, and local community intentions.

📝 Ready to Use

Each option is formatted for immediate use by lectors and can be downloaded as a professional PDF for easy printing and reading during Mass.

✏️ Customizable

Edit any intercession to address your parish's specific needs while maintaining the theological structure and universal focus of general intercessions.

BiddingPrayers.com

Understanding General Intercessions for Daily Mass

Why "General Intercessions" vs "Prayers of the Faithful"?