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, February 19, 2026

Thursday after Ash Wednesday

·Ferial

Liturgical Color: Violet

General Intercessions for Thursday after Ash Wednesday

Option 1

1.That the Church may be a steadfast guide for all who embark on the Lenten journey of repentance and renewal, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That leaders of nations may seek paths of peace and justice, turning away from violence and oppression, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For those who are beginning their Lenten observance, that they may persevere in prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That we may embrace the sacrifices of Lent with generous hearts, seeking to grow in love for God and neighbor, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.That our local community may be a place of mutual encouragement and spiritual growth throughout this holy season, 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 benefit from our Lenten prayers and sacrifices, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Option 2

1.For Pope Leo XIV, that he may lead the Church with wisdom and inspire us to a fruitful Lenten observance, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That all peoples may turn their hearts to God, seeking His forgiveness and mercy, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For those who struggle with the disciplines of Lent, that they may find strength in God's grace and the support of our community, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That our Lenten fasting may lead to a greater hunger for justice and solidarity with the poor, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.For our parish, that it may be a community of sincere repentance, fervent prayer, and active charity this Lent, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Optional:For a spirit of humility and penance to pervade our Lenten practices.Lord, hear our prayer.

That N. and all who have died may be purified by God's mercy and enter into His eternal joy, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Pro Life Option

1.That the Church may offer Lenten prayers and sacrifices for the protection of all human life, especially the unborn, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That leaders may be moved by the Spirit of God to enact laws that honor the sacredness of every person from conception to natural death, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For expectant mothers facing difficult circumstances, that they may find the support and courage to choose life for their children, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That our Lenten fasting may unite us more deeply with the voiceless unborn and inspire acts of charity toward mothers in need, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.That our local community may embrace Lenten disciplines in reparation for the sin of abortion and in support of the culture of life, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Optional:For all who work in pregnancy resource centers, offering hope and practical assistance.Lord, hear our prayer.

That N. and all children whose lives were taken before birth may be held in God's merciful love, 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"?