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

Friday, December 26, 2025

SAINT STEPHEN, FIRST MARTYR

✦Feast

Liturgical Color: Red

General Intercessions for SAINT STEPHEN, FIRST MARTYR

Option 1

1.That the Church, like Saint Stephen, may proclaim Christ with courage and without fear, even when it brings opposition, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That those in government may protect the rights of religious minorities and defend freedom of conscience, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For those persecuted for their faith, imprisoned, silenced, or exiled for their religious beliefs, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That we may find the grace to forgive those who have wronged us, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.That our parish may be a community where faith is lived honestly and where members support one another through difficulty, 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 peace of God, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Option 2

1.For Pope Leo XIV, that he may proclaim the Gospel with the fearless simplicity of Saint Stephen, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That those responsible for education may invest in quality schooling for the most disadvantaged communities, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For the grieving, bereaved after sudden or traumatic loss, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That God may draw us to genuine prayer, especially when the joy of this season sits uneasily beside our grief or struggle, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.That our community may accompany those who carry sorrow into this season and make sure they do not carry it alone, 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 rest in the mercy and love of God, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Variations if Feast is not celebrated

Option 1

1.For healing in the Church after scandals, that trust may be genuinely rebuilt and those harmed may be heard and accompanied, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That those who set economic policy may act to protect the poor and ensure that basic needs are met for every family, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For the chronically ill and those living with disability or persistent pain, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That God may give us honest hearts that bring our real selves to prayer, not only our best selves, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.That our parish may be known for genuine care of those who are isolated and elderly, 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 peace of God, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Option 2

1.For deeper Eucharistic faith, that the mystery of the Word made flesh may draw us into deeper reverence for Christ's presence among us, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That those responsible for asylum and migration may ensure just processes and the humane reception of those displaced by conflict, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For the homeless and those without shelter, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That we may carry the light of this Christmas into the ordinary days ahead, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.That our parish may be a place of genuine warmth and welcome throughout this Christmas season for all who come through our doors, 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 rest in the joy and love 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"?