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

Sunday, March 22, 2026

5th SUNDAY OF LENT

·Sunday

Liturgical Color: Violet

General Intercessions for the 5th SUNDAY OF LENT

Option 1

1.For the Church, that she may be a community of Easter hope even in the heart of Lent — proclaiming life where the world sees only death, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That world leaders may work to free those trapped in cycles of violence and injustice, restoring them to the dignity and freedom that is their right, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For those facing terminal illness who are afraid of death, that the words of Christ — I am the resurrection and the life — may reach them as a personal promise, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That we may bring to Christ, as Martha and Mary did, whoever and whatever we grieve, trusting that nothing is beyond His power to restore, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.That our parish may be a place where faith in the resurrection is not merely professed but lived — present to those who grieve and to those who face death, 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 who have fallen asleep in Christ may be awakened to eternal life and glory, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Option 2

1.For the Church, that in proclaiming the Resurrection she may speak hope to those who have lost all reason to live, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That governing authorities may ensure dignified healthcare and compassionate care for the dying, so that no one faces the end of life without support, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For those who have lost a spouse or life partner and are navigating grief alone, that community may hold them through the long seasons of bereavement, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That as Lent reaches its final weeks, we may bring to God our deepest griefs and most persistent sins, trusting in His power to unbind and free us, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.That our parish this Lenten season may reach out to those who grieve alone, being the presence of the risen Christ to those who mourn, 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 that every unborn child, however brief their time in the womb, is called by name by the God who is the Resurrection and the Life, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That lawmakers may enact protections for unborn children at every stage of pregnancy, recognising that no human life is expendable, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For unborn children at risk because of poverty, instability, or abandonment — and for their parents who need support to say yes to life, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That we may grieve with honesty the children lost to abortion — not with anger but with the sorrow of those who know what has been lost, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.That our parish may be a resurrection community — a place where mothers and children are welcomed with joy and where every life is treated as precious, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Optional:For all who work to bring hope and support to those facing difficult pregnancies.Lord, hear our prayer.

That N. and all innocent children lost to abortion may be raised by Christ to the glory of 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.

BiddingPrayers.com

Understanding General Intercessions for Daily Mass

Why "General Intercessions" vs "Prayers of the Faithful"?