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 21, 2025

4th SUNDAY OF ADVENT

·Sunday

Liturgical Color: Violet

General Intercessions for the 4th SUNDAY OF ADVENT

Option 1

1.That the Church, like the Virgin Mary, may always say 'yes' to God's will, preparing a place for Christ to be born anew in the world, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That world leaders may be open to God's plan and govern with humility, seeking peace and justice for all peoples, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For all expectant mothers, that they may be filled with joy and trust in God's providence, as was Mary at the Annunciation, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That we may prepare our hearts for Christmas by lives of faith, obedience, and charity, making ourselves a worthy dwelling for the coming King, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.That our local community, in these final days of Advent, may be filled with joyful anticipation and fervent prayer for the birth of our Savior, 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 with faith may now behold His glory with Mary and the saints, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Option 2

1.For Pope Leo XIV and all pastors, that they may guide us with Mary's faith and Joseph's obedience as we prepare for Christmas, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That all humanity may recognize Emmanuel, God-with-us, in the child to be born, and welcome Him into their hearts and lives, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For those who feel unprepared for Christmas or who are burdened by worldly cares, that they may find peace in surrendering to God's will, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That our homes may be like Nazareth, places of prayer, love, and humble service, ready to receive the King of kings, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.For our parish, that it may be a community whose hearts are open wide to receive Christ, the Word made flesh, this Christmas, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Optional:For a deeper spirit of prayer and recollection as Christmas draws near.Lord, hear our prayer.

That N. and all who have died may, through Mary's intercession, be brought to the eternal joy of Christ's nativity, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Pro Life Option

1.That the Church, like Mary who bore Christ, may always cherish and defend every unborn child, a gift from God, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That lawmakers may say 'yes' to protecting every human life from conception, preparing a way for Christ to be born in every heart, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For a profound conversion of hearts, that all may recognize abortion as a rejection of God's will and embrace His plan for every life, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That expectant mothers may be filled with Mary's courage and faith, welcoming the new life within them as a sacred trust, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.That our local community may be a people who actively prepare for Christ's birth by defending every unborn child and supporting a culture of life, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Optional:For all who work to ensure that every child is welcomed with love, like the Christ Child.Lord, hear our prayer.

That N. and all innocent children lost to abortion may be held in the loving arms of Mary and her Son in heaven, 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"?