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, July 24, 2025

Saint Sharbel Makhlūf, priest

Optional Memorial
Liturgical Color: White

General Intercessions for Saint Sharbel Makhlūf, priest

Option 1

1.That the Church, inspired by St. Sharbel's life of profound prayer and penance, may always foster a deep contemplative spirit among her children, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That world leaders may seek wisdom and guidance through prayer, governing with justice and a concern for spiritual values, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For all who live a life of solitude, prayer, and asceticism, that their hidden sacrifices may bear abundant fruit for the Church and the world, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That we may learn from St. Sharbel to detach from worldly concerns and to seek God alone with an undivided heart, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.That our local community may be a place where the contemplative dimension of faith is valued and where all are encouraged to seek God in silence and prayer, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
Optional:For the Maronite Church and all Eastern Christians who honor St. Sharbel.Lord, hear our prayer.
That N. and all who sought God in profound prayer and penance may rejoice with St. Sharbel in God's eternal presence, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Option 2

1.For Pope Leo XIV and all pastors, that they may lead the faithful into the depths of Christian prayer and mysticism, like St. Sharbel, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That civil society may respect the value of silence, contemplation, and the spiritual dimension of human life, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For those who are struggling with worldly distractions or find it difficult to pray, that St. Sharbel's example may inspire them to seek God, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That our prayer may not be merely a recitation of words, but a true encounter with the living God who dwells in the silence of our hearts, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.That our parish may be a community that supports its members in developing a rich interior life and a deep love for contemplative prayer, 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 find eternal rest and peace in the silent and loving presence of God, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Variations if Optional Memorial is not celebrated

Option 1

1.That the Church may always be faithful to the command of Christ, to seek and save the lost, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That leaders of nations may govern with justice and compassion, always mindful of the needs of the poor and vulnerable, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For those who have strayed from the path of righteousness, that they may hear the Shepherd's voice and return to His fold, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That we may have a shepherd's heart, caring for those entrusted to us and seeking out those who are lost or in need, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.That our local community may be a place of welcome and reconciliation for all who seek God's mercy, 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 who were sought by the Good Shepherd may now rest in His eternal peace, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Option 2

1.For Pope Leo XIV, that he may be a wise and loving shepherd, guiding the Church in the ways of Christ, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That all peoples may recognize their need for a savior and turn to Christ, who came to seek and save what was lost, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For those who feel unworthy of God's love, that they may experience the joy of being found by the Good Shepherd, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That we may be instruments of God's mercy, reaching out to those who are lost and bringing them the hope of the Gospel, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.For our parish, that it may be a community that actively seeks the lost and rejoices in every sinner who repents, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
Optional:For a greater spirit of evangelization and outreach to those who are far from the Church.Lord, hear our prayer.
That N. and all who have died may be gathered into the one flock of Christ, the eternal 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.