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, September 17, 2025
Saint Robert Bellarmine, bishop and doctor of the Church / Saint Hildegard of Bingen, virgin and doctor of the Church
○Optional Memorial
Liturgical Color: White
General Intercessions for Saint Robert Bellarmine
Option 1
1.That the Church, guided by the wisdom of St. Robert Bellarmine, may always articulate her teachings with clarity and defend the faith against error, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That world leaders may seek truth and govern with justice, upholding the principles of natural law, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For all theologians, catechists, and apologists, that they may be filled with the Holy Spirit and the wisdom of St. Robert in explaining the faith, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That we may have a deep love for the Church and her teachings, and be ready to give an account of the hope that is in us, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.That our local community may be a place where sound doctrine is cherished and where all are encouraged to grow in their understanding of the faith, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
Optional:For those who are struggling with doubts or confusion about Church teaching.Lord, hear our prayer.
That N. and all who faithfully taught and defended the Catholic faith may rejoice with St. Robert Bellarmine in heaven, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
Option 2
1.That the Church, inspired by St. Hildegard's diverse gifts as mystic, composer, and healer, may recognize and foster the many charisms of the Holy Spirit, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That world leaders may value holistic approaches to well-being, integrating spiritual, physical, and environmental health, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For all who use their creative talents to glorify God and uplift humanity, that they may be guided by the Spirit like St. Hildegard, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That we may be attentive to God's voice speaking to us in visions, dreams, and the beauty of creation, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.That our local community may be a place where the diverse gifts of all members are celebrated and used for the building up of God's kingdom, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
Optional:For artists, musicians, and those who care for the sick.Lord, hear our prayer.
That N. and all who lived with prophetic vision and creative holiness may rejoice with St. Hildegard in the eternal harmony of 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 a sower of God's Word, trusting that it will bear fruit in due time, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That leaders of nations may cultivate justice and peace, creating fertile ground for the Gospel to take root in society, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For those whose hearts are like hardened paths or rocky soil, that God's grace may break through and allow faith to grow, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That we may be good soil, receiving God's Word with open hearts and allowing it to produce an abundant harvest of good works in our lives, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.That our local community may be a place where the seed of faith is nurtured and where all are encouraged to bear fruit for God's kingdom, 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 received God's Word with faith may now enjoy its eternal fruitfulness in heaven, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
Option 2
1.For Pope Leo XIV, that he may be a wise sower of the Gospel, scattering its seeds of truth and love throughout the world, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That all peoples may be receptive to the Word of God, allowing it to transform their lives, their cultures, and their societies, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For those who are choked by the cares and riches of this world, that they may prioritize the things of God and seek His kingdom first, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That we may patiently persevere in faith, trusting that God will bring to completion the good work He has begun in us and in those around us, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.For our parish, that it may be a community that diligently sows the Word and joyfully reaps a harvest of holiness, service, and love, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
Optional:For a greater attentiveness to God's Word in our daily lives and a willingness to act on it.Lord, hear our prayer.
That N. and all who have died may be gathered like choice wheat into God's eternal granary, where they will rejoice forever, 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.