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

Wednesday, December 31, 2025

Saint Sylvester I, pope

Optional Commemoration
Liturgical Color: White

General Intercessions for Saint Sylvester I, pope

Option 1

1.That the Church, under the guidance of her pastors like St. Sylvester, may always be a faithful guardian of truth and a beacon of Christ's peace in the world, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That world leaders, as this year draws to a close, may seek wisdom and strive for peace and justice in the new year, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For Pope Leo XIV and all bishops, that they may lead the Church with holiness and courage, following the example of Pope St. Sylvester, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That we may end this year with hearts full of gratitude for God's blessings, and begin the new year with renewed commitment to His service, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.That our local community may be a place where faith is strong, where peace is cherished, and where all are dedicated to living the Gospel, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
Optional:For thanksgiving for the blessings of the past year and for God's guidance in the year to come.Lord, hear our prayer.
That N. and all who served the Church faithfully in their lives may now rejoice with St. Sylvester in God's eternal kingdom, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Option 2

1.For the universal Church, that it may enter the new year with renewed zeal for evangelization and a deeper commitment to Christian unity, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That civil authorities may work for the common good, protecting the rights of all citizens and fostering a society of peace and concord, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For those who are facing the new year with anxiety or uncertainty, that they may find hope and strength in God's unfailing providence, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That we may use the gift of time wisely, dedicating ourselves to prayer, good works, and growth in holiness in the coming year, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.That our parish may be a community of faith, hope, and love, always striving to build up Christ's kingdom on earth, 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 this past year may be brought by Christ into the eternal new year of heaven, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Variations if Optional Commemoration is not celebrated

Option 1

1.That the Church may conclude this Christmas Octave with hearts full of praise for the Word made flesh, Jesus Christ our Lord, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That leaders of nations may be inspired by the peace of Christ to work for harmony and goodwill among all peoples as this year ends, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For all who have celebrated Christ's birth, that the joy of this season may continue to radiate in their lives throughout the coming year, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That we may always treasure the gift of Emmanuel, God-with-us, and strive to make His presence known in our world, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.That our local community may be a people of enduring Christmas joy, always reflecting the light and love of the newborn King, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
Optional:For thanksgiving for all the graces and blessings received during this Christmas season.Lord, hear our prayer.
That N. and all the faithful departed may share in the eternal joy and peace 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 that comes from adoring the Word made flesh, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That all humanity may welcome Jesus into their hearts and lives, recognizing Him as the true light that enlightens every person, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For those who are poor, lonely, or suffering as this year closes, 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 humility and simplicity of the manger may inspire us to detach from worldly vanities and to seek the true riches found in 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 abiding joy of Christ's presence, always ready to adore Him and to serve Him in others, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
Optional:For a spirit of continued thanksgiving for the gift of God's Son and for His many blessings in the past year.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 as this year ends, 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.