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 24, 2026

Saint Francis de Sales, bishop and doctor of the Church

●Memorial

Liturgical Color: White

General Intercessions for Saint Francis de Sales

Option 1

1.That the Church, inspired by St. Francis de Sales' gentle pastoral approach, may effectively communicate the truths of faith with love and patience, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That world leaders may seek to govern with kindness and understanding, promoting dialogue and reconciliation, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For those who have been wounded by harsh or unkind words and carry that hurt with them, that they may receive healing and know that they are valued, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That God may draw each of us to seek holiness in the ordinary circumstances of our lives, as Saint Francis de Sales taught, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.That our parish may be a place where devotion to God in prayer finds its fruit in generous service to one another, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Optional:For those involved in spiritual direction and pastoral counseling.Lord, hear our prayer.

That N. and all who taught the path to holiness with gentle wisdom may rejoice with St. Francis in heaven, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Option 2

1.For Pope Leo XIV and all bishops, that they may be true spiritual fathers, guiding the faithful with the patience and wisdom of St. Francis de Sales, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That those in positions of authority may exercise their power with humility and a spirit of service, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For those whose relationships have been damaged by harsh words or persistent conflict, that they may be given the grace of reconciliation, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That God may deepen our trust in his goodness even when we are burdened by uncertainty or discouragement, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.That our parish may be a community where the call to holiness is lived out in the ordinary circumstances of daily life, 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 may experience the gentle mercy of God, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Variations if Memorial is not celebrated

Option 1

1.That the Church may always be a source of light and hope to a world in need of God's love, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That civil leaders may work tirelessly for peace and justice among all peoples, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For those living in poverty, that they may receive the help they need and be treated with the dignity they deserve, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That we may embrace the call to discipleship with renewed commitment and serve Christ in our brothers and sisters, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.That our local community may be a true reflection of God's family, united in faith and good works, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Optional:For those who are suffering from chronic illness.Lord, hear our prayer.

That N. and all the faithful departed may be admitted to the eternal vision of God, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Option 2

1.For Pope Leo XIV, that he may guide the Church with wisdom and lead us in the paths of righteousness, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That those who govern may defend the human rights of every person under their authority, especially the most vulnerable, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For those who are troubled by doubt or feel distant from God, that they may find rest in his mercy, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That we may be instruments of God's mercy and forgiveness in our interactions with others, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.For our parish, that it may be a place where all feel welcomed, loved, and supported in their life with God, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Optional:For an end to violence and hatred in our world.Lord, hear our prayer.

That N. and all who have died may rest in the peace of Christ, 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"?