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

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, like Saint Thomas Becket, may hold firm to the freedom of the Gospel and speak with courage when called to do so, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That those in government may protect freedom of religion and ensure that no one faces discrimination for their faith, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For veterans and those traumatised by war or military service, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That God may give us the courage to stand by what we believe even when those around us take a different path, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.That our parish may be a place where the faith is lived with conviction and where difficult questions are welcomed rather than avoided, 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 lead the Church with pastoral courage and not be deterred by opposition, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That those responsible for public health may invest in the care systems that support the elderly and those with complex needs, 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 the joy of this Christmas may reach the places in us that remain closed and unwilling to receive it, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.That our parish may use this Christmas season to care more actively for those who are isolated from family and community, 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 Optional Commemoration is not celebrated

Option 1

1.For authentic catechesis, that the Church may hand on the faith clearly and without apology to every generation, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That those responsible for criminal justice may work for fair courts, genuine rehabilitation, and humane conditions for prisoners, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For those struggling with addiction to alcohol, drugs, or other dependencies, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That God may draw us to prayer even when we are too distracted or tired to seek it ourselves, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.That our parish may be genuinely welcoming to those who arrive not knowing what they are looking for, 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 and mercy 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 deepen our reverence at every Mass, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That those with authority over environmental policy may act with urgency to protect creation for future generations, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For those struggling with loneliness and isolation, especially the elderly who are cut off from family, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That the grace of this Christmas season may work quietly in us, changing us in ways we may not yet see, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.That our parish may be known for reaching out to the isolated and lonely throughout this Christmas season, 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"?