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
Friday, September 19, 2025
Saint Januarius, bishop and martyr
○Optional Memorial
Liturgical Color: Red
General Intercessions for Saint Januarius, bishop and martyr
Option 1
1.That the Church, inspired by the unwavering faith of St. Januarius, may always bear courageous witness to Christ, even in the face of persecution, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That world leaders may uphold religious freedom and protect all who suffer for their beliefs, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For all Christians who are persecuted for their faith, that they may be strengthened by the example of St. Januarius and persevere in love, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That we may be willing to shed our blood, spiritually or physically, for the sake of the Gospel, trusting in God's power, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.That our local community may be a place where faith is lived with conviction and where all support those who suffer for righteousness, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
Optional:For the people of Naples and all who honor St. Januarius.Lord, hear our prayer.
That N. and all martyrs who gave their lives for Christ may rejoice with St. Januarius in the eternal kingdom, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
Option 2
1.For Pope Leo XIV and all bishops, that they may be fearless shepherds like St. Januarius, defending their flock from all harm, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That civil society may respect the dignity of every human person and protect the fundamental right to religious freedom for all, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For those who are tempted to compromise their faith due to fear or worldly pressure, that they may find strength in the intercession of the martyrs, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That our faith may be so strong that we are prepared to lose everything for Christ, trusting in His promise of eternal life, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.That our parish may be a community that cherishes the memory of the martyrs and strives to imitate their heroic fidelity to 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 who have died for their faith may receive the crown of righteousness and eternal life, 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 community of sinners who recognize their need for God's mercy and forgiveness, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That leaders of nations may govern with compassion and seek to uplift those who have fallen or are marginalized, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For those who are burdened by sin or shame, that they may experience the liberating power of Christ's forgiveness, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That we may not judge others, but rather extend mercy and understanding, recognizing our own sinfulness, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.That our local community may be a place where sinners are welcomed, where forgiveness is offered, and where all are called to holiness, 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 sought God's mercy may now rejoice in His eternal embrace, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
Option 2
1.For Pope Leo XIV, that he may be a true minister of God's mercy, calling all to repentance and new life, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That all peoples may turn from their sins and seek the forgiveness that Christ offers through His Church, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For those who feel they are beyond God's mercy, that they may be touched by His compassionate love and find hope, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That we may be quick to forgive those who have wronged us, just as our heavenly Father is quick to forgive us, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.For our parish, that it may be a true school of mercy, where all learn to love and forgive as Christ taught us, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
Optional:For a greater participation in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.Lord, hear our prayer.
That N. and all who have died may be cleansed of all their sins and welcomed into the eternal joy of God's kingdom, 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.