What are general intercessions for daily Mass?

General intercessions, also known as prayers of the faithful or universal prayers, are prayers offered during Catholic Mass where the congregation prays for the needs of the Church, the world, the suffering, and the local community. They are called "general" because they address universal concerns rather than specific individual requests.

How are general intercessions different from prayers of the faithful?

General intercessions and prayers of the faithful are actually the same thing. "General intercessions" emphasizes their universal nature, while "prayers of the faithful" emphasizes who offers them - the baptized faithful. Both terms refer to the same liturgical element of the Mass.

When are general intercessions prayed during Mass?

General intercessions are prayed during the Liturgy of the Word, after the homily and Creed (if said). They conclude the Liturgy of the Word before the Liturgy of the Eucharist begins with the Preparation of the Gifts.

Who writes the general intercessions for daily Mass?

Our general intercessions are written by Giuseppe Njualem, a seminarian at St. Peter's Seminary in London, Ontario, following the guidelines of the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) and with input from theology students and experienced clergy.

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

Thursday, December 4, 2025

Saint John Damascene, priest and doctor of the Church

○Optional Memorial

Liturgical Color: White

General Intercessions for Saint John Damascene

Option 1

1.For authentic catechesis, that the Church may teach the faith with the clarity and conviction of Saint John Damascene, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That those in authority may protect the freedom of religious communities to worship, teach, and serve without interference, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For those struggling with loneliness and isolation, especially the elderly living far from family, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That God may draw us to prayer even when we feel too dry or distracted to seek him, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.That our parish may be known for its care of the elderly and those who are most isolated in our community, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Optional:For artists and all who use their talents to create sacred art.Lord, hear our prayer.

That N. and all the faithful departed may rest in the peace of Christ, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Option 2

1.For Pope Leo XIV and all the bishops, that they may teach the faith with courage and clarity, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That heads of government may establish fair and humane processes for those seeking asylum and refuge, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For victims of domestic violence and abuse, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That we may forgive those who have hurt us, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.That our parish may reach out to those who have drifted away and make them genuinely welcome when they return, 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 may share in the life God has promised, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Variations if Optional Memorial is not celebrated

Option 1

1.For renewal in parish life and missionary zeal, that the Church may reach those on the edges of faith with patience and genuine welcome, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That those responsible for economic policy may give priority to those who cannot meet their basic needs, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For those suffering from anxiety or severe depression, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That we may recognise Christ in those we find difficult to love, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.That our community may support families going through difficulty, 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 may share in the peace of Christ's risen life, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Option 2

1.For Pope Leo XIV, that he may lead the Church with wisdom and hope this Advent, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That heads of government may take decisive action to protect creation and safeguard the earth for future generations, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For veterans and those traumatised by war or military service, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That God may stir in us a genuine longing for his presence this Advent, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.That our parish may extend practical generosity to those in need throughout this holy season, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Optional:For a deeper spirit of prayer and conversion during this holy season of Advent.Lord, hear our prayer.

That N. and all the faithful departed may share in the life God has prepared for those who love him, 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.

BiddingPrayers.com

Understanding General Intercessions for Daily Mass

Why "General Intercessions" vs "Prayers of the Faithful"?