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

Sunday, May 11, 2025

4th SUNDAY OF EASTER

·Sunday

Liturgical Color: White

General Intercessions for the 4th SUNDAY OF EASTER

Option 1

1.That the Church may always listen to Christ, the Good Shepherd, and faithfully guide His flock to the pastures of eternal life, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That world leaders may govern with a shepherd's care, protecting the vulnerable and seeking the good of all, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For all young men and women discerning a vocation to the priesthood or consecrated life, that they may generously respond to the Good Shepherd's call, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That we may be attentive sheep of Christ's flock, recognizing His voice in Scripture and the Church, and following Him with trust, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.That our local community, under the care of our pastors, may be a place where vocations are nurtured and all are led to deeper holiness, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Optional:For our sick, bereaved, etc., special projects or events, on this Good Shepherd Sunday.Lord, hear our prayer.

That N. and all the faithful departed who followed Christ, the Good Shepherd, may now rest safely in His eternal fold, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Option 2

1.For Pope Leo XIV, our chief shepherd, that he may lead the universal Church with the love and courage of Christ, the Good Shepherd, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That all humanity may hear the voice of the one true Shepherd and be gathered into His single flock, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For those who have strayed from the Church or feel lost, that the Good Shepherd may seek them out and bring them back to His loving care, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That we may support our priests and all who minister in the Church, praying for them as they shepherd us in Christ's name, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.For our parish, that it may be a community where every member feels known, loved, and guided by the Good Shepherd, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Optional:For an increase in vocations to the priesthood, diaconate, and religious life from our parish.Lord, hear our prayer.

That N. and all who have died may be led by the Good Shepherd to the verdant pastures of heaven, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Pro Life Option

1.That the Church, like the Good Shepherd, may tirelessly defend every unborn lamb from the dangers of abortion, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That lawmakers may hear the voice of conscience and protect the most vulnerable sheep, especially children in the womb, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For a profound conversion of hearts, that all may turn from the culture of death and follow Christ, who gives abundant life to His flock, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That expectant mothers may find in the Church a safe and loving fold, receiving the support they need to choose life for their children, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.That our local community may be a flock that actively protects every unborn child, following the example of Jesus, our Good Shepherd, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Optional:For all who work to shepherd and protect women and their unborn children from the harm of abortion.Lord, hear our prayer.

That N. and all innocent children lost to abortion may be safely gathered into the eternal sheepfold of the Good Shepherd, 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"?