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.That the Church, inspired by St. John Damascene's defense of sacred images, may always cherish and promote Christian art as a path to God, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That world leaders may respect religious freedom and protect the cultural heritage of all peoples, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For all theologians and writers, that they may articulate the truths of faith with clarity and wisdom, like St. John Damascene, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That we may have a deep love for the traditions of the Church and be willing to defend them with courage and charity, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.That our local community may be a place where faith is expressed through beauty and where all are drawn to worship God in spirit and truth, 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 who defended the faith through their writings and art may rejoice with St. John Damascene 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 true doctors of the faith, like St. John Damascene, in expounding sacred doctrine, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That civil society may value artistic expression and protect the freedom of artists to create works that uplift the human spirit, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For those who struggle with doubts or are confused by false teachings, that St. John Damascene's clarity may bring them to the truth, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That our Advent preparation may include a deeper appreciation for the beauty of our faith as expressed in art, music, and liturgy, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.That our parish may be a community that fosters a love for sacred beauty and supports those who create it, 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 beauty and truth of God's eternal presence, 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 a vigilant people, always preparing for the Lord's coming with hearts full of faith and good works, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That world leaders may govern with justice and integrity, seeking the true good of their people and peace among nations, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For all who are living in darkness or spiritual blindness, that the light of Christ may dawn in their hearts this Advent, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That we may use this season of Advent to straighten the paths of our lives, repenting of sin and embracing God's mercy, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.That our local community may be a place of watchful prayer and active charity, eagerly awaiting the celebration of Christ's birth, 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 awaited the Lord's coming may now rejoice in the fullness of His presence, 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, preparing us for the Lord's advent, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That all peoples may recognize the signs of God's coming and open their hearts to receive Him as their Savior and King, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For those who are spiritually asleep or indifferent, that this Advent may be a time of awakening and renewed fervor, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That our Advent practices may help us to remove every obstacle to Christ's reign in our hearts and in the world, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.For our parish, that it may be a community that lives in joyful expectation, with our lamps burning brightly for the coming Bridegroom, 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 who have died may be found ready to meet the Lord and enter His eternal kingdom of light and peace, 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.