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 25, 2026

Wednesday in the 1st Week of Lent

·Ferial

Liturgical Color: Violet

General Intercessions for Wednesday in the 1st Week of Lent

Option 1

1.For authentic catechesis, that the Church may teach what she believes with clarity and without apology, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That heads of government may expand access to affordable housing for the poorest families, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For those in long-term unemployment who have given up applying for work and no longer believe they have anything to offer, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That we may forgive those who have hurt us, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.That our parish may be genuinely welcoming to those who arrive for the first time, drawn by a quiet but real hunger for something more, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Optional:For our sick, bereaved, and all who carry hidden burdens.Lord, hear our prayer.

That N. and all the faithful departed may find God's mercy wider than their sins, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Option 2

1.For young adults drifting from the faith, that the Church may find ways to keep the conversation open with them rather than letting them go in silence, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That civil authorities may reform prison conditions, ensuring that those who are incarcerated are treated with basic dignity and not subjected to degrading treatment, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For children in the care system with no stable family to return to, moving from home to home and belonging nowhere, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That we may recognise Christ in those we find most difficult to love this week and not look away, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.That our community may invest in its young people, giving them genuine responsibility and a real sense of belonging, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Optional:For a spirit of reconciliation and forgiveness to pervade our Lenten observance.Lord, hear our prayer.

That N. and all who have died may be granted the pardon and peace that Christ won for them on the Cross, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Pro Life Option

1.That the Church may be unafraid to speak of abortion as a grave wrong while demonstrating genuine love for every woman in a crisis pregnancy, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That lawmakers may ensure that public funds support mothers and children rather than pay for the taking of unborn lives through abortion, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For unborn children in multiple pregnancies whose parents have been advised by doctors to consider selective reduction, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That we may recognise the quiet desperation of mothers facing crisis pregnancies and reach out before they make a choice they cannot undo, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.That our parish may actively support local pro-life organisations with both prayer and practical resources, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Optional:For all who volunteer at pregnancy resource centres and post-abortion support ministries.Lord, hear our prayer.

That N. and all children lost to abortion may rest in the light of God's eternal 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"?