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 22, 2026
Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children
·Day of Prayer
Liturgical Color: Violet
General Intercessions for the Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children
Option 1
1.That the Church may be a steadfast voice for every child who cannot yet speak for themselves, and a refuge for mothers facing pressure to end their pregnancies, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That lawmakers and judges may recognize the inherent dignity of every human life from conception and enact laws to protect the unborn, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For unborn children whose lives are not yet protected by law, that God may move hearts and governments toward their protection, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That women who feel they have no choice but to end their pregnancy may find practical help and genuine support before it is too late, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.That our parish may be a practical resource for pregnant women who are frightened or unsupported, offering real help and not only words, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
Optional:For all who dedicate their lives to defending the unborn and promoting the sanctity of human life.Lord, hear our prayer.
That N. and all children who have died before birth may rest in the loving embrace of God, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
Option 2
1.For Pope Leo XIV and all Church leaders, that they may tirelessly proclaim the Gospel of Life, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That those who make and apply the law may work to ensure that every unborn child is protected and that no woman is left without support, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For all expectant mothers, that they may be surrounded by love and support, and for the safe delivery of their children, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That men may embrace their responsibilities as fathers, protecting and providing for their children, born and unborn, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.That our parish community may be a sanctuary of life, offering practical help and spiritual guidance to families in need, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
Optional:For an outpouring of the Holy Spirit to renew respect for human life in our society.Lord, hear our prayer.
That N. and all who have suffered the loss of a child may find comfort in God's eternal love, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
Variations if Day of Prayer is not observed
Option 1
1.That the Church may faithfully carry out its mission of teaching, sanctifying, and governing God's people, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That civil leaders may be guided by wisdom and justice in their service to the community, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For those who are overwhelmed by the weight of caring for others, that they may find rest and help in their time of need, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That we may be attentive to the needs of our neighbors and respond with generosity and compassion, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.That our parish may be a place of genuine welcome where all who come may encounter Christ in word, sacrament, 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 the faithful departed may share in the eternal banquet of heaven, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
Option 2
1.For Pope Leo XIV, that he may be a sign of unity and a strong shepherd for the universal Church, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That those who hold governing authority may serve the common good with honesty and protect the vulnerable from harm, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For all who are unemployed or underemployed, that they may find meaningful work and financial stability, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That we may seek to do God's will in all our endeavors, offering our daily lives as a pleasing sacrifice, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.That our families may hand on the living faith to the next generation through daily prayer, example, and life shared together, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
Optional:For all who are involved in education and the formation of young people.Lord, hear our prayer.
That N. and all who have served the Lord faithfully may receive the crown of righteousness, 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.