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 20, 2025

Advent Weekday (December 20 - O Key of David)

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Liturgical Color: Violet

General Intercessions for Advent Weekday (December 20 - O Key of David)

Option 1

1.That the Church may always proclaim Christ, the Key of David, who opens the gates of heaven and sets captives free, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That world leaders may govern with justice, working to free their people from all forms of oppression and darkness, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For all who are imprisoned, physically or spiritually, that Christ, the Key of David, may come to open their doors and lead them to freedom, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That we may prepare for the coming of our Redeemer by turning away from sin and embracing the freedom He offers, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.That our local community may eagerly await the Lord who comes to set us free, ready to welcome Him with open hearts, 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 longed for freedom may now be unlocked by Christ into His eternal kingdom, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Option 2

1.For Pope Leo XIV, that he may be a faithful steward of the keys of the kingdom, opening the way to salvation for all, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That all nations may be freed from the shadow of death and brought into the light of Christ's truth and love, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For those who feel trapped by sin or despair, that Christ, the Key of David, may break their chains and lead them to hope, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That our Advent preparations may unlock our hearts to receive the Lord more fully at Christmas, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.For our parish, that it may be a community that proclaims liberty to captives and joyfully awaits the coming of our King, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Optional:For a deeper understanding of Christ's power to set us free from sin.Lord, hear our prayer.

That N. and all who have died may have the gates of paradise opened to them by Christ, the Key of David, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Pro Life Option

1.That the Church may use the Key of David to unlock hearts to the truth that every unborn child has a right to life, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That lawmakers may be given the key of wisdom to open the door to protection for every child in the womb from abortion, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For a profound conversion of hearts, that all may turn from the prison of the culture of death and seek freedom in Christ, the Key of David, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That expectant mothers may find in Christ the key to courage, opening their hearts to welcome the gift of life, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.That our local community may tirelessly work to set free every unborn child from the darkness of abortion, leading them to the light of life, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Optional:For all who work to unlock the chains of indifference that lead to abortion.Lord, hear our prayer.

That N. and all innocent children lost to abortion may be freed by Christ, the Key of David, into His 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"?