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

Monday, March 23, 2026

Monday in the 5th Week of Lent

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Liturgical Color: Violet

General Intercessions for Monday in the 5th Week of Lent

Option 1

1.For women in the Church who have been judged, shamed, or excluded — that the Church may learn from Christ who refused to condemn and extended mercy first, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That governing authorities may reform criminal justice to prioritise rehabilitation and human dignity, recognising that people can change, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For those who carry public shame — whose failures have been exposed or broadcast — and who find no way to escape judgment, that mercy may reach them, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That we may hear Christ's words 'Neither do I condemn you' addressed to us personally, and let them free us from self-condemnation as well, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.That our parish may be a community where those who have failed receive mercy before they receive judgment, 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, received by God's mercy, may now rejoice in His eternal forgiveness, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Option 2

1.For the Church, that the practice of Reconciliation this season may bring genuine freedom — the freedom that comes from hearing 'I do not condemn you; go and sin no more', let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That governing authorities may address the poverty, addiction, and social exclusion that drive people toward crime and despair, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For those on probation or parole who are rebuilding their lives, but find doors closed to them because of their past, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That we may approach the sacrament of Reconciliation this Lent with the trust of one who expects mercy, not condemnation, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.That our parish this Lenten season may be a community of second chances, refusing to hold past failures against those who seek to begin again, 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 speak to women in crisis pregnancies as Christ spoke to the woman in the Gospel — without condemnation, with mercy and with truth, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That lawmakers may address the poverty and social exclusion that make abortion feel unavoidable for women without support, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For women who feel condemned by their circumstances and see abortion as the only way to escape judgment or abandonment, that they may encounter real mercy and real help, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That we may examine whether we have added to the burden of women in difficult pregnancies by our judgment rather than our mercy, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.That our parish may be a place of genuine welcome for women in unexpected pregnancies, where mercy and practical help come before instruction, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Optional:For all who work in crisis pregnancy centres, offering help and hope to those in need.Lord, hear our prayer.

That N. and all innocent children lost to abortion may drink from the eternal springs of salvation in God's kingdom, 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"?