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 25, 2025

The Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church

●Memorial

Liturgical Color: White

General Intercessions for The Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church

Option 1

1.For the Church, whom Christ entrusted to his mother from the cross — 'Woman, behold your son' — that she may always receive Mary's motherly intercession and guidance, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.For world leaders, that they may look to Mary, who stood faithful at the foot of the cross when others fled, and govern with steadfast courage in the face of difficulty, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For all the faithful who feel alone in their suffering, that they may hear Christ's words — 'Behold your mother' — and know that Mary accompanies them in every trial, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That we may take Mary into our own homes and hearts, as the beloved disciple did, and be shaped by her faith, humility, and love for her Son, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.For the faithful departed, that Mary, Mother of the Church, may intercede for all her children and bring them safely to her Son in eternal glory, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Optional:For those who have lost their mothers, that they may find consolation in Mary, the mother of all the living.Lord, hear our prayer.

That N. and all who have died may rest in the arms of Mary, Mother of the Church, until the resurrection of the dead, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Option 2

1.For Pope Leo XIV and all bishops, heirs of the apostle John who received Mary as his own mother, that they may lead the Church with filial love for Our Lady, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That all nations and peoples may look to Mary as their mother and find in her the path to her Son, the Prince of Peace, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For those who are grieving or suffering, that standing beneath the cross with Mary they may discover that suffering united to Christ becomes redemptive, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That we may look upon the pierced side of Christ from which flowed blood and water — the fountain of the sacraments — and be renewed in our love for the Eucharist and Baptism, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.For our parish, that under the motherhood of Mary we may be drawn into deeper unity, as Jesus prayed, so that the world may believe, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Optional:For all who promote devotion to Mary, that their witness may draw souls to Christ through his Mother.Lord, hear our prayer.

That N. and all the faithful departed may be welcomed by Mary, their mother, into the eternal home prepared by her Son, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Pro Life Option

1.For the Church, that she may follow Mary's example and stand faithfully beside every mother who faces an unplanned pregnancy, offering courage, love, and concrete help, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That legislators may honor Mary's 'yes' to God by protecting in law the lives of unborn children and supporting their mothers with just policies, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For women who feel alone and afraid in pregnancy, that they may hear Christ say 'Behold your mother' and find in Mary and in the Church a support that never abandons them, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.For all who work in pregnancy resource centers and maternity homes, that Our Lady, Mother of the Church, may bless and multiply their ministry of life, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.For children lost to abortion and for their grieving mothers, that Mary, who stood at the foot of the cross, may intercede for their healing and for the mercy of God, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Optional:For mothers who sacrificed greatly for their children, that Mary may obtain for them the grace and joy they deserve.Lord, hear our prayer.

That N. and all the faithful departed, including the unborn, may be received by Mary, Mother of the Church, into the joy of her Son'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"?