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

Friday, February 20, 2026

Friday after Ash Wednesday

·Ferial

Liturgical Color: Violet

General Intercessions for Friday after Ash Wednesday

Option 1

1.That the Church may hold out this Lenten season as a genuine invitation to encounter God's mercy rather than merely a season of self-improvement, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That leaders of nations may be guided by a spirit of justice and work to alleviate the suffering of the poor and oppressed, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For those who carry the weight of a secret they have never told anyone, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That our Lenten sacrifices may be offered with love, uniting us more closely to the Passion of Christ, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.That our local community may be a place of fervent prayer, fasting, and almsgiving throughout this holy season, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Optional:For those undertaking special Lenten devotions or retreats.Lord, hear our prayer.

That N. and all the faithful departed may be purified by God's mercy and share in Christ's resurrection, 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 inspire us to a holy observance of Lent, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That heads of state may be moved to pursue diplomatic solutions rather than escalating military action, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For those in prison who are genuinely remorseful and seeking a second chance, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That our Lenten practices may lead to a concrete and generous gift to those who are hungry or without shelter, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.For our parish, that we may support one another in our Lenten resolutions and not let each other give up too easily, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Optional:For a spirit of self-denial and detachment from worldly things.Lord, hear our prayer.

That N. and all who have died may be cleansed by the blood of Christ and welcomed into His eternal kingdom, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Pro Life Option

1.That the Church may offer Lenten prayers and fasts for an end to abortion and for a renewed respect for all human life, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That leaders may be moved to enact just laws protecting the unborn and supporting mothers in difficult circumstances, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For unborn children whose parents have been told they have a severe disability or will not survive, that they may be welcomed and cherished for whatever time they are given, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That our Lenten sacrifices may be united with Christ's suffering for the protection of innocent life, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.That our local community may embrace a culture of life and offer tangible help to mothers and families in need, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Optional:For all who work in pregnancy centers and pro-life advocacy.Lord, hear our prayer.

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