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

Thursday, January 8, 2026

Christmas Weekday

·Ferial

Liturgical Color: White

General Intercessions for Christmas Weekday

Option 1

1.That the Church may continue to proclaim the mystery of the Incarnation to all peoples, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That world leaders may govern with wisdom and justice, seeking the common good of all, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For those who are far from God, that they may be drawn to His light and find new life in Christ, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That we may joyfully embrace our calling as disciples of the newborn Savior, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.That our local community may radiate the joy of Christ's birth through acts of charity and kindness, 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 share in the eternal joy of Christ's kingdom, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Option 2

1.For Pope Leo XIV, that he may shepherd God's people with strength and compassion, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That all nations may live in peace and harmony, respecting the dignity of every person, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For those who are sick or suffering, that they may find comfort in the presence of Emmanuel, God-with-us, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That we may grow in holiness and reflect the light of Christ in our daily lives, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.For our parish, that we may be a community united in faith, hope, and love, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Optional:For all families, that they may experience the peace and joy of Christ's presence.Lord, hear our prayer.

That N. and all the faithful departed may be welcomed into the eternal light of God's glory, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Pro Life Option

1.That the Church may be a guiding star, leading all humanity to recognize the sacred gift of life in every person, from conception, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That legislators may be enlightened to enact laws that protect every human life, especially the most vulnerable unborn, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For a definitive end to abortion, and for a culture that cherishes every child as a sign of God's love, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That those who are elderly or terminally ill may be surrounded by loving care that respects their inherent dignity until natural death, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.That our local community may actively support ministries that offer alternatives to abortion and assist women in crisis pregnancies, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Optional:For doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers, that they may always be defenders of life.Lord, hear our prayer.

That N. and all innocent lives lost to violence or neglect may find eternal peace in God's embrace, 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"?