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, December 13, 2026

Saint Lucy, virgin and martyr

●Memorial

Liturgical Color: Red

General Intercessions for Saint Lucy, virgin and martyr

Option 1

1.That the Church may proclaim the Gospel with the courage and fidelity of Saint Lucy, unflinching before opposition, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That those who govern may protect freedom of religion and defend those persecuted for their beliefs, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For men struggling with fatherhood and women balancing work and motherhood, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That we may recognize Christ in those we find most difficult to love, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.That our parish may genuinely support families going through difficulty, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Optional:For those who are persecuted for their chastity or their Christian beliefs.Lord, hear our prayer.

That N. and all who have died may share in the light of God's love, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Option 2

1.For seminarians and those discerning vocations, that they may hear God's call with courage and clarity, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That those with responsibility for asylum systems may ensure fair processes and humane reception for all who flee violence, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For migrants and refugees who are far from home and family, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That God may draw us to honest prayer about the doubts and fears we do not often share, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.That our parish may be genuinely welcoming to all who arrive for the first time, 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 who have died may be brought from darkness into God's wonderful and eternal light, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Variations if Memorial is not celebrated

Option 1

1.For greater transparency and accountability in the Church, that those in leadership may be held responsible and those hurt by failures may find justice, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That those responsible for public safety may invest in communities most affected by gang violence and deprivation, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For young people living in gang-affected communities, who face danger and few pathways out, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That we may bring our burdens honestly before God and not try to manage them alone, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.That our parish may make clear to struggling families that they are not alone, 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 of God, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Option 2

1.For Catholics who feel unwelcome or marginalized within the Church, that they may find communities of genuine belonging, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That those in authority may take concrete steps to protect the natural environment and meet their obligations to future generations, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For those who suffer from anxiety or severe depression, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That God may give us a genuine Advent hunger for him and help us name honestly what we are waiting for, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.That our parish may be a community of active welcome this Advent, so that no newcomer feels they have arrived at the wrong door, 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 who have died may come to the fullness of joy in the presence of God, 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"?