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)

·Ferial

Liturgical Color: Violet

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

Option 1

1.For renewal in the Church's missionary zeal, that parishes may actively reach beyond their walls to those who have not encountered the Gospel, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That those who govern may invest in meaningful support for families with young children and ensure no parent is left without help, 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 bring our fears and burdens honestly before God, trusting that he will not turn us away, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.That our parish may be a place of safety and genuine care for those who have been hurt by others, 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 rest in the mercy and peace of God, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Option 2

1.For Pope Leo XIV, that he may shepherd the Church with genuine pastoral warmth and lead from a place of deep prayer, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That those in authority over social policy may protect children at risk and strengthen families in difficulty, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For those who cannot meet their basic needs and live in persistent poverty, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That God may give us the freedom of heart to receive him with simplicity this Advent, letting go of what distracts us, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.That our parish may be a genuine sanctuary of peace this Advent season for those who come carrying heavy burdens, 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 find in God the fullness of joy and peace, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Pro Life Option

1.That the Church may be a voice of compassion for women in difficult pregnancies, defending life with both conviction and mercy, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That those who make laws may protect unborn children from abortion and ensure that pregnant women receive comprehensive support, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For women who are pregnant and alone, without the support of a partner or family, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That we may grow in compassion for women facing crisis pregnancies and in generosity toward those who help them choose life, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.That our parish may be known as a community that walks with pregnant women and celebrates every new life, 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 rest in the mercy of God, 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"?