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, January 5, 2026

USA: Saint John Neumann, Bishop

●Memorial

Liturgical Color: White

General Intercessions for Saint John Neumann, Bishop

Option 1

1.That the Church, inspired by St. John Neumann's zeal for souls, may continue to proclaim the Gospel with missionary fervor, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That leaders in education may recognize the importance of forming young people in both knowledge and virtue, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For immigrants and refugees, that like St. John Neumann who came to America to serve, they may find welcome and support in our communities, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That we may have the same dedication to the Blessed Sacrament that St. John Neumann had, making Eucharistic adoration a priority in our lives, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.That our local community may be enriched by Catholic schools and catechetical programs that form disciples of Christ, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Optional:For all Catholic schools, teachers, and students in our diocese.Lord, hear our prayer.

That N. and all bishops who have served the Church faithfully may receive the crown of eternal life, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Option 2

1.For Pope Leo XIV and all bishops, that they may shepherd their flocks with the pastoral charity of St. John Neumann, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That civil authorities may protect religious freedom and support the important work of faith-based education, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For all who work with immigrants and marginalized communities, that they may serve with the compassion of St. John Neumann, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That we may grow in our love for the Eucharist and frequent the sacraments with devotion, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.That our parish may be a place where all feel welcome and are formed in the Catholic faith, 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 dedicated their lives to Catholic education may rejoice in God's presence, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Variations if Memorial is not celebrated

Option 1

1.That the Church, still radiant with the light of Epiphany, may bring Christ's salvation to the ends of the earth, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That leaders of nations may be guided by the star of truth and work for peace among all peoples, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For those who are journeying in faith, that they may be strengthened by the grace of this holy season, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That we may offer our gifts and talents in service to Christ and His kingdom, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.That our local community may be a manifestation of God's love and mercy to all, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Optional:For those beginning new endeavors or studies.Lord, hear our prayer.

That N. and all who have completed their earthly pilgrimage may behold the face 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 wisdom as it navigates the complexities of the modern world, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That all governments may respect religious freedom and the rights of conscience, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For those who feel distant from God, that the light of Christ may shine in their hearts and draw them to faith, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That we may be attentive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit in our daily lives, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.For our parish, that it may be a community of fervent prayer and active charity, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Optional:For the unity of all Christians.Lord, hear our prayer.

That N. and all our departed brothers and sisters may be enlightened by the eternal Word, 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"?