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

Saturday, January 17, 2026

Saint Anthony, abbot

●Memorial

Liturgical Color: White

General Intercessions for Saint Anthony, abbot

Option 1

1.That the Church, inspired by Saint Anthony's witness to radical discipleship, may call all her members to a deeper conversion of heart, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That world leaders may seek wisdom in solitude and be guided by a spirit of service rather than worldly ambition, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For those in the early stages of addiction who have not yet recognised it as such, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That we who live in the world may learn from Saint Anthony to combat temptation and to seek God above all things, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.That our local community may find strength in prayer and grow in detachment from worldly concerns, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Optional:For those struggling with spiritual battles or addictions, that they may find victory in Christ.Lord, hear our prayer.

That N. and all who sought God in the solitude of the desert may now enjoy His eternal presence, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Option 2

1.For Pope Leo XIV and all pastors, that they may lead the faithful in seeking first the Kingdom of God, as Saint Anthony did, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That those in positions of influence may resist the allure of power and dedicate themselves to humble service, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For those in the final months of a terminal illness, facing death with fear or uncertainty, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That we may find moments of genuine quiet in which to bring the things we carry to God, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.That our parish may be a place of genuine prayer and not merely religious routine, 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 departed monastics may be welcomed into the heavenly Jerusalem, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Variations if Memorial is not celebrated

Option 1

1.That the Church may be a credible sign of God's presence and care in the world, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That civil authorities may work for justice, peace, and the common good of all, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For those experiencing long-term unemployment and the loss of dignity and structure that work provides, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That we may be faithful to God even when we feel no particular consolation in doing so, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.That our local community may be united in faith and charity, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Optional:For the specific needs of our parish community.Lord, hear our prayer.

That N. and all who have died may share in the resurrection of Christ, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Option 2

1.For Pope Leo XIV, that he may lead the Church with fidelity and pastoral zeal, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That those who govern may strengthen the judicial and civic institutions that protect citizens from arbitrary power, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For those who have recently been diagnosed with a serious illness and are trying to make sense of what comes next, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That we may be generous in sharing our time, talents, and resources with those less fortunate, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.For our families, that they may be schools of love, prayer, and Christian virtue, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Optional:For those who are unemployed or facing financial difficulties.Lord, hear our prayer.

That N. and all our deceased relatives and friends may be granted eternal life, 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"?