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, March 18, 2026
Saint Cyril of Jerusalem, bishop and doctor of the Church
◐Optional Commemoration
Liturgical Color: White
General Intercessions for Saint Cyril of Jerusalem
Option 1
1.For the Church, that the example of Saint Cyril may inspire a renewal of catechesis — teaching the faith with clarity, depth, and love for those who seek God, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That governing authorities may protect freedom of religious education, so that the faith may be freely taught to every generation, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For those preparing to receive the sacraments of initiation at Easter, that these final weeks may deepen their longing for Christ, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That we may approach the Eucharist with the wonder and reverence that Cyril inspired in those he prepared for baptism, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.That our parish may invest in catechesis at every age, so that the faith is not merely received but understood and lived, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
Optional:For all catechists and those who teach the faith, that they may be renewed in their vocation.Lord, hear our prayer.
That N. and all who faithfully taught the Christian mysteries may rejoice with Saint Cyril in heavenly wisdom, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
Option 2
1.For the Church, that she may recover the art of leading the faithful more deeply into the mysteries they already celebrate, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That governing authorities may support the education of children in truth, conscience, and human dignity, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For those who have never been properly catechised and carry doubt or confusion about the faith, that patient teaching and friendship may reach them, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That this Lent may deepen our appreciation of baptism — the grace we received and are called each day to live more fully, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.That our parish this Lenten season may surround its catechumens with prayer and genuine hospitality as they approach their Easter initiation, 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 the Church, that she may speak the truth of the Gospel clearly and persuasively to a world that struggles to find meaning, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That governing authorities may promote access to quality education for children in the most disadvantaged communities, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For those living with depression who find it hard to hope, that small moments of light may begin to break through their darkness, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That we may use this week to examine our conscience honestly, preparing for the grace of the sacrament of Reconciliation, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.That our parish may be a school of charity, where practical service flows naturally from what we profess in faith, 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 the peace and light of God, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
Option 2
1.For the Church, that fasting in this season may sharpen her hearing of the poor's cry and deepen her response with genuine generosity, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That governing authorities may address housing insecurity and protect families from the threat of eviction and homelessness, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For those in temporary accommodation or sleeping rough who have no stable place to call home, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That we may approach the remaining days of Lent not with anxiety but with quiet confidence in God's mercy, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.That our parish this Lenten season may make a deliberate effort to draw back those who have drifted away from the community of faith, 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 proclaim with clarity and love that every human life, from the first moment of conception, is worthy of protection and welcome, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That lawmakers may protect unborn children from selective abortion on grounds of sex, disability, or circumstance, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For women in abusive or coercive relationships who feel that abortion is their only escape, that safe help and genuine alternatives may reach them, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That we may pray this week with urgency for an end to abortion, letting intercession cost us something, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.That our parish may bring the practical love of Christ to mothers facing impossible pressures, so that no woman feels she has nowhere to turn, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
Optional:For all who work to help mothers and fathers choose life for their children.Lord, hear our prayer.
That N. and all innocent children lost to abortion may be cleansed by Christ's mercy and welcomed into eternal life, 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.