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, March 20, 2026

Friday in the 4th Week of Lent

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Liturgical Color: Violet

General Intercessions for Friday in the 4th Week of Lent

Option 1

1.For those who carry wounds from within the Church — through abuse, betrayal, or profound disappointment — that healing may come and the long journey of trust may begin, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That governing authorities may address the trafficking of human beings with the full force of law and genuine support for those rescued from exploitation, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For prisoners serving long sentences who have lost hope of a future beyond their cell, that the mercy of God may break through the walls of despair, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That we may allow this Friday's penance to be genuine — offered freely and honestly, not performed for show, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.That our parish may be a safe space where those wounded by the Church can begin, at their own pace, the long journey back, 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 infinite mercy and love, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Option 2

1.For the Church, that the call to conversion this season may reach not only individuals but the structures and culture of the institution itself, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That governing authorities may extend genuine compassion to asylum seekers and refugees, and not sacrifice human dignity for political convenience, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For migrants who are stateless — documented nowhere, belonging nowhere — living in legal and human limbo, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That we may not waste this Lent on superficial disciplines, but bring something real and costly before God, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.That our parish this Lenten season may grow in the habit of intercession — praying for the world beyond its own immediate concerns, 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 give voice to the unborn on every Friday — the day of Christ's death — honouring those whose lives were ended before they could begin, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That lawmakers may close the loopholes that allow selective abortion on the basis of disability, upholding the equal dignity of every human being from conception, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For women in later stages of pregnancy who are under pressure to terminate following a prenatal diagnosis, that honest support may give them the freedom to choose life, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That our Friday penance may include prayer for the unborn — a discipline that costs us time and real attention, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.That our parish may be known as a community that prays faithfully for the unborn and for mothers under pressure, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Optional:For all who participate in peaceful prayer vigils and offer sacrifices for the unborn.Lord, hear our prayer.

That N. and all innocent children lost to abortion may be enfolded in God's infinite mercy and 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"?