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

Saturday, August 9, 2025

Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, virgin and martyr

Optional Memorial
Liturgical Color: Red

General Intercessions for Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross

Option 1

1.That the Church, inspired by St. Teresa Benedicta's search for truth and her ultimate witness at Auschwitz, may always defend human dignity and oppose all forms of hatred, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That world leaders may work tirelessly to end prejudice, persecution, and genocide, promoting peace and reconciliation among all peoples, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For all who suffer from religious or racial persecution, especially Jewish people and Christians, that they may find strength in God and the support of believers, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That we may embrace the Cross with Christ, finding meaning in suffering and offering our lives for the salvation of others, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.That our local community may be a place where the dignity of every person is respected and where all are committed to building a civilization of love, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
Optional:For dialogue and understanding between Christians and Jews.Lord, hear our prayer.
That N. and all martyrs of hatred and intolerance may rejoice with St. Teresa Benedicta in the eternal peace of God's kingdom, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Option 2

1.For Pope Leo XIV and all pastors, that they may be courageous voices for truth and justice, like St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That civil society may learn from the horrors of the past and actively combat all ideologies that demean human life, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For scholars and philosophers, that their pursuit of truth may lead them to the ultimate Truth who is Christ, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That we may unite our sufferings with the sacrifice of Christ on the Cross, offering them for the conversion of sinners and peace in the world, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.That our parish may be a community that stands in solidarity with the suffering and works for a world where every life is sacred, 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 mercy and eternal life through the science of the Cross, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Variations if Optional Memorial is not celebrated

Option 1

1.That the Church may conclude this week with hearts full of gratitude for God's abundant mercy and prepare with devotion for the Lord's Day, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That civil leaders may find rest and reflect on how to serve their communities with greater justice and compassion, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For those who work on this day, that their labor may be offered to God and that they may also find time for spiritual nourishment and rest, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That we may use our weekend to deepen our relationship with God, to strengthen our family bonds, and to serve our neighbors in need with Christ-like charity, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.That our local community may gather with eager anticipation for the Sunday Eucharist, the heart of our Christian life and worship, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
Optional:For safe travels for all those journeying this weekend.Lord, hear our prayer.
That N. and all who have completed their earthly pilgrimage may enter into God's eternal Sabbath rest, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Option 2

1.For Pope Leo XIV, that he may be sustained by our prayers as he guides the universal Church in the path of Christ, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That all people may find moments of quiet reflection to encounter God's presence and listen to His gentle voice in their hearts this weekend, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For families, that they may cherish their time together, growing in love, forgiveness, and mutual support through Christ our Lord, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That we may approach the end of this week with thanksgiving for God's abundant blessings and a renewed desire to serve Him more faithfully in all we do, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.For our parish, that our Sunday worship may be a source of grace, unity, and renewed commitment for all its members, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
Optional:For those who are lonely or feel isolated within our community, that they may find companionship and the love of Christ.Lord, hear our prayer.
That N. and all our departed loved ones may rejoice in the perpetual light of God's presence and peace, 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.