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
Thursday, April 2, 2026
HOLY THURSDAY OF THE LORD'S SUPPER
·Holy Thursday
Liturgical Color: White
General Intercessions for HOLY THURSDAY OF THE LORD'S SUPPER
Option 1
1.For the Church, that on this most sacred night she may draw near to the Table of the Lord with wonder and gratitude, giving thanks for the gift of the Eucharist that unites her across every age and nation, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That leaders of nations may govern with the spirit of one who serves — as Christ knelt before His disciples — placing the good of those entrusted to them above their own prestige, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For priests throughout the world, that on this night when the priesthood was instituted they may be renewed in their love for Christ and their devotion to His people, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That we may receive the Eucharist this night with the faith of one who knows: this is the Body broken and the Blood poured out, for me, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.That our parish community may leave this night bound more tightly to one another in the love Christ commanded — to love as He has loved us, 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.
Option 2
1.For the Church, that the gesture of Christ washing feet may continually reshape her identity as a servant Church, humble before those she is sent to serve, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That governments may enact policies that serve the most marginalised, inspired by the God who knelt before His creatures in an act of love beyond all reckoning, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For those who have never experienced being tenderly cared for, who have no memory of being washed clean, that they may encounter this night the God who stoops to serve, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That we may ask Christ to wash not only our feet but our whole selves — and that we may have the humility to allow Him to, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.That our parish may carry the basin and towel of Holy Thursday beyond these walls, into our neighbourhood and families, all the year long, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
Optional:For a renewed spirit of servant leadership in our parish and community.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 on this night she may contemplate the Passover fulfilled — the Lamb slain for our freedom — and praise God who delivers His people from every kind of bondage, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That civil authorities may work to liberate those still enslaved by poverty, addiction, trafficking, or oppression, as Moses once led Israel from darkness to freedom, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For those who feel unloved and unworthy of a place at any table, that they may hear Christ say to them tonight: I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That we may receive this night what the Church offers — the Body and Blood of Christ — and be genuinely transformed by what we receive, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.That our parish's keeping of the Triduum may be a true entry into the paschal mystery, drawing us together from death to new life, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
Optional:For those preparing for full initiation at the Easter Vigil, that these sacred days may seal their faith.Lord, hear our prayer.
For N. and all the faithful departed, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
Option 2
1.For the Church, that the new commandment — love one another as I have loved you — may be the heartbeat of her life and mission, not merely a sentiment but a lived reality, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That leaders in every nation may see in service not weakness but the highest form of power, inspired by the Lord of lords who knelt to wash the feet of those He loved, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For all who are lonely and isolated, who would have no one to share a Passover supper with, that they may find a place at the table of this Christian community, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That we may this night watch one hour with Christ in the garden, remaining awake in prayer as the disciples could not, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.That our parish, having kept this feast, may be a Eucharistic community through all the days of the year — broken open and poured out in love for the world, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
Optional:For our priests and deacons, that Holy Thursday may renew in them the joy of their vocation.Lord, hear our prayer.
For N. and all the faithful departed, 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.