General Intercessions for Sunday Mass - Advance Preparation
Prepare for this Sunday's Mass with our carefully crafted general intercessions. These universal prayers, also known as prayers of the faithful, are designed specifically for Sunday liturgy and provided in advance for optimal liturgy coordination and lector preparation.
π How to Use These Sunday Intercessions
1. Advanced Planning: Access intercessions for upcoming Sundays to prepare in advance.
2. Browse All Sundays: Use the calendar to view intercessions for any Sunday throughout the year.
3. Download & Edit: Get PDF versions or customize intercessions for your parish's specific needs.
4. Lector Ready: Print formatted versions perfect for proclamation during Sunday Mass.
General Intercessions for Sunday Mass
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5 days until this Sunday Mass
Sunday, February 23, 2025
Monday in the 1st Week of Lent [Saint Polycarp, bishop and martyr]
βMemorial
Liturgical Color: Red
General Intercessions for Sunday Mass for Saint Polycarp, bishop and martyr
Option 1
1.That the Church, like Saint Polycarp, may remain faithful to the apostolic Tradition and courageously witness to Christ, even unto death, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That world leaders may protect religious freedom and defend those who are persecuted for their faith, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For all who suffer persecution, imprisonment, or martyrdom for the sake of Christ, that they may be strengthened by St. Polycarp's example, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That we may have the courage to profess our faith openly and to remain steadfast in the face of opposition or ridicule, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.That our local community may honor the witness of the martyrs and be inspired to live our faith with conviction and joy, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
Optional:For Christians who face persecution in our world today.Lord, hear our prayer.
That N. and all martyrs who gave their lives for Christ may rejoice with St. Polycarp in the presence of God, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
Option 2
1.For Pope Leo XIV and all bishops, that like St. Polycarp, they may be faithful shepherds, guarding the deposit of faith entrusted to them, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That civil authorities may respect the dignity and freedom of the Church to proclaim the Gospel without fear, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For those who are wavering in their faith or tempted to deny Christ, that St. Polycarp's witness may strengthen their resolve, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That we may be willing to sacrifice comfort and security for the sake of following Christ and living according to His teachings, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.For our parish, that it may be a community of faithful witnesses, ready to defend the truth and live courageously for Christ, 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 in communion with Christ may be crowned with the glory of the martyrs, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
Variations if Memorial is not celebrated
Option 1
1.That the Church may be a compassionate mother, guiding all her children in the Lenten practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That leaders of nations may seek justice for the poor and oppressed, and work to alleviate suffering in the world, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For those who are hungry, thirsty, or in any need, that our Lenten charity may bring them relief and hope, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That we may embrace the call to judge not, and to forgive others as God has forgiven us, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.That our local community may grow in holiness and mutual love during this sacred season, 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 benefit from our Lenten prayers and find eternal rest, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
Option 2
1.For Pope Leo XIV, that he may lead the Church with wisdom and inspire us to a fruitful Lenten journey, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That all peoples may turn their hearts to God, seeking His mercy and striving to live according to His will, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For those who find Lenten disciplines difficult, that they may find strength in God's grace and the support of our community, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That our fasting may lead to a greater awareness of our dependence on God and our almsgiving may be a true act of love, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.For our parish, that it may be a community of sincere repentance, fervent prayer, and active charity this Lent, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
Optional:For a spirit of generosity and self-denial to pervade our Lenten observance.Lord, hear our prayer.
That N. and all who have died may be purified by God's mercy and enter into His eternal joy and peace, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
Pro Life Option
1.That the Church, through its Lenten disciplines, may offer powerful intercession for the protection of every unborn child, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That lawmakers may have a conversion of heart, turning from laws that permit abortion and embracing the sanctity of all human life, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For an end to the sin of abortion, and for a societal commitment to cherishing and defending all human life from conception, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That those who have been involved in abortion may find healing and reconciliation through God's infinite mercy this Lenten season, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.That our local community may intensify its efforts to support pregnant women in need and promote life-affirming alternatives to abortion, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
Optional:For all who fast and pray for an end to abortion and for the unborn.Lord, hear our prayer.
That N. and all innocent children lost to abortion may be gathered into the loving arms of our Father, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
About Our Sunday Mass Intercessions
Our general intercessions for Sunday Mass are specially crafted by Giuseppe Njualem, a seminarian at St. Peter's Seminary in London, Ontario. Each set of Sunday intercessions reflects the solemnity and universal scope appropriate for the principal weekly celebration of the Catholic Church.
ποΈ Advance Preparation
Access next Sunday's intercessions from Monday onward, providing ample time for liturgy coordination, lector preparation, and parish customization.
βͺ Sunday-Focused
Crafted specifically for the principal weekly liturgy, reflecting the greater solemnity and broader congregation of Sunday Mass celebrations.
π Liturgically Sound
Each intercession follows the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) guidelines and addresses the four traditional categories of universal prayer.
π― Parish-Ready
Formatted for immediate use by lectors and easily customizable for specific parish needs and local concerns while maintaining liturgical integrity.