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

Sunday, December 14, 2025

3rd SUNDAY OF ADVENT (GAUDETE)

·Sunday

Liturgical Color: Rose or Violet

General Intercessions for the 3rd SUNDAY OF ADVENT (GAUDETE)

Option 1

1.That the Church, on this Gaudete Sunday, may always rejoice in the Lord's closeness and be a messenger of His joy to a waiting world, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That world leaders may govern with justice and promote policies that bring true joy and peace to their people, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For all who are sorrowful, anxious, or burdened, that the nearness of the Lord's coming may fill their hearts with hope and gladness, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That we may live with joyful expectation, preparing our hearts for Christ's birth by lives of prayer, charity, and repentance, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.That our local community may be a place where the joy of the Gospel is tangible and where all are encouraged to rejoice in the Lord always, 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 rejoiced in the Lord's coming may now share in His eternal joy and peace, 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 heralds of joy, proclaiming that the Lord is near, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That all humanity may hear the good news of salvation and prepare their hearts to receive Christ, the source of all true joy, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For those who have lost their joy or who struggle to find meaning in life, that this Advent season may renew their spirits, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That our Advent penances may be offered with a joyful heart, knowing that they prepare us for the greater joy of Christmas, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.For our parish, that it may be a community overflowing with Gaudete joy, witnessing to the Lord's presence among us, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Optional:For a deeper spirit of Christian joy in our lives, even amidst trials.Lord, hear our prayer.

That N. and all who have died may enter into the joy of their Master and rejoice with the saints in heaven, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Pro Life Option

1.That the Church may rejoice in proclaiming the good news that every unborn child is a precious gift, heralding God's love, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That lawmakers may prepare a way for every child to be born by protecting them from abortion, bringing joy to our land, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For a profound conversion of hearts, that all may turn from the sorrow of abortion and embrace the joy of God's gift of life, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That expectant mothers may be filled with Gaudete joy, cherishing the new life within them as a sign of God's closeness, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.That our local community may be a people who rejoice in every human life, actively working to end abortion and to welcome every child with love, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Optional:For all who bring joy and support to pregnant women, helping them to choose life.Lord, hear our prayer.

That N. and all innocent children lost to abortion may know the fullness of joy in God's eternal 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.

BiddingPrayers.com

Understanding General Intercessions for Daily Mass

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