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, May 1, 2025

Saint Joseph the Worker

Optional Memorial
Liturgical Color: White

General Intercessions for Saint Joseph the Worker

Option 1

1.That the Church, honoring St. Joseph the Worker, may always uphold the dignity of human labor and the rights of all workers, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That world leaders may promote just economic systems that provide dignified work and fair wages for everyone, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For all who are unemployed, underemployed, or struggling in their work, that through the intercession of St. Joseph, they may find relief and meaningful employment, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That we may offer our daily work, whatever it may be, as a participation in God's creation and a service to our brothers and sisters, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.That our local community may be a place where the dignity of work is respected and where all support one another in their vocations, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
Optional:For those who are retired, that they may find joy and purpose in their new stage of life.Lord, hear our prayer.
That N. and all who labored faithfully on earth may now rest from their work in God's eternal peace, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Option 2

1.For Pope Leo XIV and all Church leaders, that they may champion the cause of workers and promote social justice, inspired by St. Joseph, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That civil society may ensure safe working conditions and just treatment for all laborers, especially migrants and the vulnerable, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For those who find their work burdensome or unfulfilling, that they may find strength in Christ and offer their labors for His glory, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That we may approach our work with diligence, integrity, and a spirit of service, imitating the example of St. Joseph, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.That our parish may be a community that supports those seeking employment and values the contribution of every worker, 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 have died may receive the reward of their labors and enter into the joy of the Lord, 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 to proclaim the joy of Christ's resurrection with unwavering faith, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That leaders of nations may be guided by the light of the risen Lord to build a world of peace and justice, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For all who have been renewed by the Easter sacraments, that they may live as faithful witnesses to Christ's victory, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That we may always live as an Easter people, filled with hope and sharing the good news of salvation with all, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.That our local community may be a beacon of Easter light, radiating Christ's love and peace to everyone, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
Optional:For those who are struggling with illness or hardship, that they may find strength in the risen Christ.Lord, hear our prayer.
That N. and all the faithful departed may share in the eternal glory of Christ's resurrection, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Option 2

1.For Pope Leo XIV, that he may lead the Church with the joyful confidence of the Easter season, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That all humanity may hear the Easter message of hope and be drawn to the new life offered by our risen Savior, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For those who are searching for meaning or feel lost in darkness, that the light of the risen Christ may guide their path, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That our lives may be a constant Alleluia, reflecting the transformative power of Christ's love and victory, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.For our parish, that this Eastertide may be a time of profound spiritual growth and renewed commitment to living the Gospel, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
Optional:For a deeper appreciation of our baptismal call to share in Christ's risen life and mission.Lord, hear our prayer.
That N. and all who have died in Christ may rejoice with Him in the eternal celebration of Easter, 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.