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

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Saint Agnes, virgin and martyr

●Memorial

Liturgical Color: Red

General Intercessions for Saint Agnes, virgin and martyr

Option 1

1.That the Church, inspired by the purity and courage of Saint Agnes, may always uphold the sanctity of chastity and the dignity of every person, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That world leaders may protect the innocent and defend the vulnerable from exploitation and violence, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For young people, that they may be inspired by Saint Agnes to live lives of virtue and heroic love for Christ, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That we may have the strength to resist temptation and to remain faithful to our Christian commitments, even in the face of adversity, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.That our local community may foster a culture of respect, purity, and reverence for the gift of human sexuality, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Optional:For all victims of abuse and violence, that they may find healing and justice.Lord, hear our prayer.

That N. and all virgin martyrs who gave their lives for Christ may rejoice with Saint Agnes in the heavenly kingdom, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Option 2

1.For Pope Leo XIV and all pastors, that they may guide the faithful, especially the young, in the path of holiness and purity of heart, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That civil society may promote an environment where chastity and virtue are valued and protected, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For all who are persecuted for their commitment to Christian morality, that they may find courage in the example of Saint Agnes, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That we may cherish our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit and honor God through lives of self-control and love, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.That our parish may be a community where young people are supported in their journey of faith and their commitment to virtuous living, 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 who died in innocence may be welcomed into the embrace of the Good Shepherd, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Variations if Memorial is not celebrated

Option 1

1.That the Church may faithfully proclaim the message of salvation to all corners of the world, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That those in authority may govern with justice and promote the well-being of all, especially the poor and needy, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For those who are sick or suffering, that they may experience the healing touch of Christ and the support of our community, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That we may grow in our love for God and neighbor, living out our faith in concrete acts of service, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.That our local community may be a sign of God's kingdom, where peace, justice, and love reign, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Optional:For an increase in charitable giving and volunteerism.Lord, hear our prayer.

That N. and all the faithful departed may rest in the peace of Christ, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Option 2

1.For Pope Leo XIV, that his leadership may strengthen the Church in unity and mission, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That all peoples may live in harmony, respecting cultural diversity and working for mutual understanding, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For those who are searching for truth, that they may be guided by the Holy Spirit to encounter Jesus Christ, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That we may be good stewards of the gifts God has given us, using them for His glory and the good of others, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.For our parish, that it may be a welcoming family of faith, where all are nourished by Word and Sacrament, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Optional:For those who are traveling or away from home.Lord, hear our prayer.

That N. and all who have died may be brought into the fullness of God's eternal life, 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"?