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

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

ASH WEDNESDAY

·Ash Wednesday

Liturgical Color: Violet

General Intercessions for ASH WEDNESDAY

Option 1

1.That the Church, as she begins this holy season of Lent, may be renewed in spirit and lead all her children to sincere repentance, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That world leaders may be humbled before God and seek His wisdom in guiding their nations towards justice and peace, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For those carrying hidden burdens of shame and guilt, that the mercy of God may reach them this Lenten season, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That God may use our Lenten prayer, fasting, and almsgiving to do in us what we could never do ourselves, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.That our local community may be a place of fervent prayer and genuine mutual support throughout this season of Lent, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Optional:For catechumens preparing for baptism, that this Lent may be a time of deep spiritual growth.Lord, hear our prayer.

That N. and all the faithful departed, remembered in this Lenten season, may be purified and welcomed into God's eternal light, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Option 2

1.For Pope Leo XIV and all pastors, that they may guide us fruitfully through this season of repentance and renewal, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That governing authorities may be moved this season to show mercy in their justice systems, extending clemency and rehabilitation rather than only punishment, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For those imprisoned by addiction who have tried everything and found no lasting freedom, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That our Lenten fasting may lead us to genuine solidarity with those who go hungry not by choice but by poverty, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.For our parish, that we may embrace the disciplines of Lent with generous hearts, seeking to die to ourselves and live for Christ, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Optional:For our sick, bereaved, etc., special projects or events during Lent.Lord, hear our prayer.

That N. and all who have died may find mercy and forgiveness through the merits of Christ's passion and death, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Pro Life Option

1.That the Church, in this penitential season, may intensify her prayers and sacrifices for an end to the sin of abortion, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That lawmakers, reflecting on our human frailty, may enact laws that protect every human life, from conception to natural death, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For women who feel pressured by their partner or family to end their pregnancy against their own wishes, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That we may open our eyes this Lenten season to the unborn who are unwanted and without advocate, and ask ourselves what we will do for them, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.That our local community may embrace Lenten disciplines of prayer and fasting for the protection of the unborn and the vulnerable, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Optional:For all who work in crisis pregnancy centers, offering life-affirming support and hope.Lord, hear our prayer.

That N. and all innocent children lost to abortion may be held in the eternal embrace of our merciful God, 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"?