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, June 1, 2025

ASCENSION OF THE LORD

✚Solemnity

Liturgical Color: White

General Intercessions for ASCENSION OF THE LORD

Option 1

1.That the Church, gazing heavenward with the Apostles, may be filled with hope and zeal to continue Christ's mission on earth, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That world leaders may seek the wisdom that comes from above and govern their peoples with justice and peace, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For all who feel abandoned or lost, that they may know the abiding presence of the risen Lord, who promised to be with us always, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That we who await Christ's return in glory may live as faithful witnesses, preparing a place for Him in our hearts and in the world, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.That our local community, celebrating Christ's exaltation, may be a people of joyful hope and fervent prayer for the coming of the Holy Spirit, 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 the faithful departed, having ascended with Christ in hope, may now share in His eternal glory, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Option 2

1.For Pope Leo XIV and all pastors, that they may lead us with heavenly vision, guiding us to our true homeland with Christ, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That all humanity may look to Christ, ascended into glory, and find in Him the fulfillment of their deepest aspirations, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For those who are burdened by earthly cares, that the hope of heaven may lift their spirits and renew their strength, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That our hearts may ascend with Christ, detaching from worldly vanities and seeking the things that are above, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.For our parish, that it may be a community whose citizenship is in heaven, eagerly awaiting the Lord's return, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Optional:For an increase in faith, hope, and love as we await the Holy Spirit.Lord, hear our prayer.

That N. and all who have died may be raised with Christ to the right hand of the Father, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Variations if Solemnity is not celebrated

Option 1

1.That the Church may always be united in prayer, awaiting the gift of the Holy Spirit, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That leaders of nations may be guided by wisdom and seek to build a world of peace and justice, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For all who are preparing for Confirmation or seeking a deeper outpouring of the Spirit, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That we may live in joyful hope, confident in Christ's promises and eager to serve Him, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.That our local community may be a place where faith is strong and where all are open to the Spirit's guidance, 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 the faithful departed may rejoice in the eternal presence of God, 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 strength and peace of the risen Christ, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That all humanity may come to know the love of God revealed in Jesus and be drawn into His Church, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For those who are struggling with doubt or fear, that the promise of the Holy Spirit may fill them with courage, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That our lives may be a constant prayer, offered in union with Christ for the salvation of the world, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.For our parish, that this time of waiting may be a period of intense spiritual preparation and growth, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Optional:For a deeper desire for the gifts of the Holy Spirit.Lord, hear our prayer.

That N. and all who have died in Christ may be filled with the light and peace of heaven, 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"?