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

Saturday, December 6, 2025

Saint Nicholas, bishop

○Optional Memorial

Liturgical Color: White

General Intercessions for Saint Nicholas, bishop

Option 1

1.For our bishops, that they may follow the example of Saint Nicholas in pastoral generosity and care for the poor, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That those responsible for education may ensure quality schooling for every child, especially in under-resourced communities, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For those in prison and their families, and for those recently released with no support network, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That we may give without counting the cost and serve without seeking credit, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.That our parish may be known for care of children and families facing hardship in our community, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Optional:For those who are struggling financially, that they may receive unexpected help.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 unity amid ideological divisions within the Church, that disagreement may not harden into hostility, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That those responsible for criminal justice may pursue rehabilitation and ensure fair treatment for all under the law, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For young people overwhelmed by anxiety about the future or climate change, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That we may bring our honest fears to God rather than presenting him only with what we think he wants to hear, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.That our parish may invest in its young people and give them real responsibility in the life of the community, 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 Catholics who feel unwelcome or marginalized, that the Church may be a place where all know they belong, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That those responsible for setting wages and working conditions may ensure workers can live with dignity and security, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For migrants, refugees, and those fleeing violence, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That we may bring our doubt and confusion honestly before God, trusting that he can bear it, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.That our parish may reach those who have stopped coming, with patience and without judgment, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Optional:For safe travels for all those journeying this weekend.Lord, hear our prayer.

That N. and all the faithful departed may share in the mercy of God, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Option 2

1.For deeper Eucharistic faith, that the Church may receive Christ in the Eucharist with reverence and joy, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That heads of government may invest in affordable housing and ensure no family is left without shelter, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For families broken by divorce or estrangement, and for children caught between separated parents, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That God may slow us down this Advent and draw us to times of genuine silence and waiting, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.That our parish may practise genuine Advent almsgiving, reaching out to those who will be alone through this season, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Optional:For those who are lonely or feel isolated within our community, that they may find companionship and the love of Christ this 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"?