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

Tuesday, March 17, 2026

Saint Patrick, bishop

Optional Commemoration
Liturgical Color: White

General Intercessions for Saint Patrick, bishop

Option 1

1.For the Church, that the boldness of Saint Patrick may inspire her to proclaim the Gospel with fresh courage to every generation, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That governing authorities in Ireland and wherever the Irish diaspora lives may be shaped by a tradition that values human dignity, hospitality, and care for the poor, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For those of Irish heritage who have lost connection with the faith of their ancestors, that an encounter with the living God may renew them, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That we may share the courage of Patrick, who returned in love to the very people who had enslaved him, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.That our parish may be a community of missionary joy, eager to share the faith with those around us, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
Optional:For all missionaries and evangelists, that they may be strengthened in their ministry.Lord, hear our prayer.
That N. and all who spread the Christian faith may rejoice with Saint Patrick in the eternal kingdom, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Option 2

1.For the Church, that the example of Patrick's deep life of prayer may inspire her to recover a contemplative heart in this season, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That governments may honour those on the margins — Patrick himself knew powerlessness and captivity — by ensuring just treatment of migrants and refugees, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For those who are enslaved in trafficking or forced labour, whose suffering echoes Patrick's own captivity, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That this Lent may be for us, as it was for Patrick, a time of turning to God with our whole heart in prayer and trust, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.That our parish community may be renewed this Lenten season by the missionary fire that drove Patrick to cross the sea for love of God and souls, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
Optional:For our sick, bereaved, and all who have asked for our prayers.Lord, hear our prayer.
For N. and all the faithful departed, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Variations if Optional Commemoration is not celebrated

Option 1

1.For bishops and priests, that they may lead their communities with clarity of vision and genuine servant hearts, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That governing authorities may uphold the rights of working people and protect the dignity of labour, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For those struggling with addiction who feel trapped and see no way out, that the mercy of God and practical support may reach them, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That we may turn this week with renewed intention toward the God who is always waiting for us, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.That our parish may be attentive to families where a parent is absent through illness, work, or imprisonment, surrounding their children with care, 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 rest in God's eternal peace, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Option 2

1.For the Church, that almsgiving in this season may lead to genuine encounter with those living in poverty, not merely occasional gestures, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That governing authorities may tackle debt and financial exploitation that trap families in cycles of poverty, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For single parents raising children without support, carrying a hidden exhaustion that few around them see, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That we may practice this Lent the discipline of silence, making space for God to speak in the quiet of our hearts, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.That our parish this Lenten season may be marked by acts of concrete almsgiving that go beyond token gestures, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
Optional:For our sick, bereaved, and all who have asked for our prayers.Lord, hear our prayer.
For N. and all the faithful departed, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Pro Life Option

1.That the Church may accompany with pastoral care every woman in a crisis pregnancy, walking with her through fear without ever adding to her pressure, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That lawmakers may ensure robust legal protections for the unborn and increase practical support for mothers who choose life, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For young mothers facing pressure from family or a partner to abort, that they may find the strength to choose life and the support to sustain that choice, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That we may speak of every unborn life with reverence and gratitude, as a gift entrusted to our community's care, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.That our parish may be ready to offer concrete personal support to any mother facing an unplanned pregnancy, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
Optional:For all who work in ministries that offer healing and support to those affected by abortion.Lord, hear our prayer.
That N. and all innocent children lost to abortion may find eternal healing in the loving embrace of the Trinity, 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.