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
Monday, December 29, 2025
Saint Thomas Becket, bishop and martyr
◐Optional Commemoration
Liturgical Color: Red
General Intercessions for Saint Thomas Becket, bishop and martyr
Option 1
1.That the Church, inspired by St. Thomas Becket's courageous defense of her liberties, may always uphold the rights of God against worldly powers, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That world leaders may respect the freedom of the Church and govern with justice, recognizing the ultimate authority of God, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For all bishops and pastors, that they may be fearless shepherds like St. Thomas, willing to suffer for the sake of their flock and the truth, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That we may have the courage to stand for our Christian principles, even when it means facing opposition or persecution from the world, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.That our local community may be a place where faith is lived with conviction and where all are committed to defending the Church's freedom, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
Optional:For those who suffer for upholding the rights and liberties of the Church.Lord, hear our prayer.
That N. and all martyrs who died defending the Church may rejoice with St. Thomas Becket in God's eternal kingdom, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
Option 2
1.For Pope Leo XIV, that he may be a strong defender of the Church's rights and a courageous witness to Christ, like St. Thomas Becket, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That civil authorities may always recognize the distinction between Church and State, and ensure religious freedom for all, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For those who are tempted to compromise their faith for worldly favor, that St. Thomas's example may inspire them to fidelity, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That our Christmas joy may not lead to complacency, but strengthen our resolve to live as faithful children of God in all circumstances, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.That our parish may be a community that values its freedom in Christ and supports its leaders in their sacred duties, 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 receive the crown of righteousness and eternal life with Christ, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
Variations if Optional Commemoration is not celebrated
Option 1
1.That the Church may continue to radiate the joy and peace of Christ's birth to all corners of the world, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That leaders of nations may be inspired by the humility of the manger to serve their people with selfless love, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For all who are celebrating this Christmas Octave, that their hearts may be filled with wonder at God's love for us, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That we may carry the light of Christ, born for us, into our daily lives, transforming our world with His grace, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.That our local community may be a place where the true spirit of Christmas endures, and where all are welcomed in Christ's name, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
Optional:For families, that they may be strengthened by the example of the Holy Family of Nazareth.Lord, hear our prayer.
That N. and all the faithful departed may share in the eternal joy of Christ's nativity in heaven, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
Option 2
1.For Pope Leo XIV, that he may guide the Church with the wisdom and peace of the newborn King of kings, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That all humanity may welcome Jesus into their hearts, recognizing Him as Emmanuel, God-with-us, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For those who are poor, lonely, or suffering this Christmas season, that they may experience the comfort and hope brought by the Christ Child, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That the simplicity and poverty of Bethlehem may inspire us to detach from worldly vanities and seek the true riches of God's kingdom, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.For our parish, that it may be a community that lives in the joy of Christ's presence, always ready to adore Him and serve Him in others, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
Optional:For a spirit of continued thanksgiving and praise for the gift of God's Son.Lord, hear our prayer.
That N. and all who have died may be brought by the angels to adore the newborn King in the eternal courts of 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.