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

Wednesday, August 13, 2025

Saint Pontian, pope, and Saint Hippolytus, priest, martyrs

Optional Memorial
Liturgical Color: Red

General Intercessions for Saint Pontian and Saint Hippolytus, martyrs

Option 1

1.That the Church, inspired by the reconciliation and martyrdom of Saints Pontian and Hippolytus, may always strive for unity and bear courageous witness to Christ, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That world leaders may promote forgiveness and understanding, working to heal divisions and protect religious freedom, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For all who have been estranged from the Church or from one another, that they may find paths to reconciliation and communion, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That we may be willing to forgive those who have wronged us, and to seek forgiveness for our own failings, for the sake of Christ's unity, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.That our local community may be a place where differences are overcome by love and where all are united in their witness to the Gospel, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
Optional:For those who suffer for their efforts to promote unity and truth within the Church.Lord, hear our prayer.
That N. and all martyrs who died for the faith, and those who worked for reconciliation, may rejoice together in God's eternal 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 instruments of unity and courageous defenders of the faith, like Saints Pontian and Hippolytus, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That civil society may be a place where truth is spoken with charity and where disagreements are resolved peacefully, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For those who are struggling with doctrinal disputes or divisions within the Church, that they may find common ground in Christ, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That we may have the humility to admit our errors and the generosity to forgive others, for the sake of building up Christ's Body, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.That our parish may be a community that values both truth and charity, always striving for deeper communion in Christ, 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 be brought into the perfect unity of the saints in heaven, 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 in her service to God, trusting in His promise of reward for those who persevere, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That leaders of nations may govern with justice and integrity, remembering that they too are accountable to a higher power, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For those who feel their efforts are unappreciated or their sacrifices unnoticed, that they may find encouragement in God's unfailing love, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That we may be diligent in our daily duties, offering our work for the glory of God and the good of others, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.That our local community may be a place where all are encouraged to be faithful servants of the Lord, 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 labored in the Lord's vineyard may now receive their just reward, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Option 2

1.For Pope Leo XIV, that he may be a wise and faithful steward of the mysteries of God, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That all peoples may recognize their call to serve God and one another with generous hearts, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For those who are tempted to complacency or spiritual sloth, that they may be renewed in their zeal for God's kingdom, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That we may be ever watchful and prepared for the Lord's coming, using our talents and gifts for His service, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.For our parish, that it may be a community of active disciples, always seeking to do the will of God with love, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
Optional:For a greater spirit of dedication and service among all Christians.Lord, hear our prayer.
That N. and all who have died may be found worthy to enter the joy of their Master's house, 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.