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 martyrdom of St. Januarius, may proclaim Christ without fear even under 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 governments may protect the right to religious freedom and ensure no person is penalized or imprisoned for their beliefs, 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 God may strengthen our faith until we are ready to entrust everything to Christ, 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 be tireless in sowing God's Word in every setting, trusting in His power to bring forth an abundant harvest, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That governments may ensure fair asylum processes and a humane reception for refugees and those fleeing violence, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For those whose hearts have been hardened by suffering or disillusionment, that God's grace may break through and allow the seed of faith to sprout and grow, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That we may receive God's Word with open and persevering hearts, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.That our local community may be a place where God's Word is cherished, watered by prayer, and allowed to grow into a harvest of love and 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 who received the Word with faith and bore its fruit may now rejoice in God's eternal harvest, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
Option 2
1.For Pope Leo XIV, that he may be a faithful sower of God's Word, scattering the seed of the Gospel without fear or favoritism, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That governments may invest in literacy and access to education for all who have been left behind by poverty or exclusion, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For those who began the journey of faith but were turned back by trials or the lure of riches, that they may find their way back to the path of patient perseverance, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That we may be honest with God about the anxieties and distractions that crowd out His Word in our hearts, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.For our parish, that it may be rich soil — a community of generous and good hearts that hold the Word firmly and produce a hundredfold harvest, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
Optional:For a more attentive and receptive spirit in hearing and living the Word of God.Lord, hear our prayer.
That N. and all who have died may be welcomed into the harvest of God's eternal joy, 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.