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

Monday, February 3, 2025

Saint Ansgar, bishop / Saint Blase, bishop and martyr

○Optional Memorial

Liturgical Color: Red

General Intercessions for Saint Blase, bishop and martyr

Option 1

1.That the Church, like Saint Blase, may be a courageous witness to Christ, even in the face of suffering and persecution, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That world leaders may uphold religious freedom and protect those who are vulnerable to illness or oppression, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For all who suffer from ailments of the throat or other sicknesses, that through the intercession of St. Blase, they may find healing and relief, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That we may have the strength to speak the truth in love and to defend our faith with gentleness and courage, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.That our local community may be a place of healing and spiritual health for all its members, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Optional:For doctors, nurses, and all who care for the sick.Lord, hear our prayer.

That N. and all martyrs who gave their lives for Christ may rejoice with St. Blase in the kingdom of heaven, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Option 2

1.That the Church, inspired by the missionary zeal of St. Ansgar, may tirelessly proclaim the Gospel to all nations, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That leaders of nations may foster environments where faith can flourish and be freely expressed, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For missionaries and evangelists, that they may be strengthened by the Holy Spirit, like St. Ansgar, in their efforts to spread God's word, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That we may be courageous in sharing our faith with others, even in challenging circumstances, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.That our local community may be fervent in prayer for the conversion of hearts and the spread of the Kingdom, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Optional:For the peoples of Scandinavia and Northern Europe, that the faith preached by St. Ansgar may continue to grow.Lord, hear our prayer.

That N. and all who dedicated their lives to missionary work may receive their eternal reward, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Variations if Optional Memorial is not celebrated

Option 1

1.That the Church may continue its mission of proclaiming the Gospel with zeal and dedication, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That all who hold public office may serve with integrity and strive for the common good, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For those who are beginning a new week of work or study, that they may find purpose and joy in their tasks, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That we may seek opportunities to grow in our faith and to share Christ's love with those around us, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.That our local community may be a place of welcome, support, and spiritual growth for all, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Optional:For those who are unemployed or facing financial challenges.Lord, hear our prayer.

That N. and all the faithful departed may rest in God's eternal peace, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Option 2

1.For Pope Leo XIV, that he may lead the Church with wisdom and pastoral care, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That all peoples may live in harmony, respecting one another's dignity and working for a more just world, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For those who are lonely or struggling with mental health, that they may find companionship and healing, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That we may be attentive to God's presence in the ordinary events of our lives, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.For our parish, that it may be a vibrant community of disciples, actively engaged in Christ's mission, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Optional:For all families in our community, that they may be strengthened in love and faith.Lord, hear our prayer.

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