Prayers of the Faithful for a Bishop: 7 Complete Sets

Here are seven complete sets of prayers of the faithful for a bishop. Use them when the bishop visits the parish or celebrates Confirmation, on the anniversary of his ordination as a bishop, at a Mass that welcomes a new bishop, when he is ill, or on any Sunday when the diocese prays for its shepherd. Each set prays for the Church, for the bishop by name, for the world, for people in need and for the parish.

The Catechism calls each bishop “the visible source and foundation of unity” in his own Church (CCC 886). That is why his name is said at every Mass, after the Pope’s, in the Eucharistic Prayer.

How to use these prayers

Choose one set and adapt it; you may swap in an intention from another set.
Keep it short. Four to six intentions are enough; the Church asks that intentions be “sober” and “succinct” (GIRM 71).
Fill in names where you see N. or (Names).
Give the reader a printed copy and agree on the response, usually “Lord, hear our prayer.”
Say his name. “Our Bishop N.” becomes “our Bishop John.” For an archbishop say “our Archbishop N.”; auxiliary bishops may be named after him.
When the bishop presides, he introduces and concludes the prayer himself. The intention for him can become “for our Bishop N., who is with us today.”
When the diocese has no bishop (after a bishop dies, retires or is transferred), pray instead “for the one who will be chosen as our bishop” and for the priest or bishop who administers the diocese in the meantime.

Option 1: For the Unity of the Church, Our Bishop and Those Who Govern

For the holy Church of God, that all believers may be one in heart and mind, let us pray to the Lord.
For our Bishop N., that the Lord may guide him in leading this local Church with wisdom and compassion, let us pray to the Lord.
For those who govern nations, that they may uphold justice and promote peace, let us pray to the Lord.
For the sick and suffering, that they may find strength in Christ’s passion and resurrection, let us pray to the Lord.
For this community of faith, that we may bear witness to the Gospel through lives of selfless love, let us pray to the Lord.

Option 2: For the Bishop’s Wisdom, an End to Violence and Our Parish Family

For the Church, the bride of Christ, that she may tirelessly proclaim the good news of salvation, let us pray to the Lord.
For our chief shepherd, Bishop N., that the Holy Spirit may enlighten his mind and heart to shepherd God’s people faithfully, let us pray to the Lord.
For an end to violence and conflict in the world, that the peace of Christ may reign in every land, let us pray to the Lord.
For those who doubt their self-worth, that they may discover the love God has for them, let us pray to the Lord.
For our parish family, that our love for one another may be a sign of Christ’s presence, let us pray to the Lord.

Option 3: For Courage in Leadership, Refugees and Those Fighting Addiction

For the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church, that she may be a beacon of truth and hope for all peoples, let us pray to the Lord.
For Bishop N., that he may lead this diocese with unwavering faith and courage in the face of challenges, let us pray to the Lord.
For refugees and migrants fleeing oppression, that they may find safe haven and be treated with dignity, let us pray to the Lord.
For those struggling with addictions, that they may experience God’s healing and find the path to recovery, let us pray to the Lord.
For our local community, that we may build a society of justice, love, and solidarity, let us pray to the Lord.

Option 4: For a Faithful Teacher, the Persecuted and the Protection of Life

For the Church, that she may be renewed in the fire of the Holy Spirit and burn brightly with love for God and neighbor, let us pray to the Lord.
For our Bishop N., that he may be a faithful steward of the mysteries of Christ and a wise teacher of the faith, let us pray to the Lord.
For those persecuted for their beliefs, that they may remain steadfast in their witness and find solace in God’s love, let us pray to the Lord.
For the protection of human life from conception to natural death, let us pray to the Lord.
For this worshipping community, that our celebration of the Eucharist may transform us to be Christ’s hands and feet in the world, let us pray to the Lord.

Option 5: For Compassion and Zeal, Nations in Conflict and Those Without Hope

For the Church throughout the world, that she may be united in faith, hope, and love, let us pray to the Lord.
For Bishop N., that he may lead with compassion, humility, and zeal for the Gospel, let us pray to the Lord.
For nations torn by conflict and strife, that dialogue and negotiation may replace violence and retribution, let us pray to the Lord.
For those who have lost hope, that they may discover the meaning and purpose God intends for their lives, let us pray to the Lord.
For our parish community, that our witness to the risen Christ may draw others to embrace the faith, let us pray to the Lord.

Option 6: For Strength in Ministry, Workers for Justice and the Homebound

For the Church, that she may always remain faithful to the teachings of Christ and the apostles, let us pray to the Lord.
For our Bishop N., that he may be strengthened to carry out his ministry with courage and conviction, let us pray to the Lord.
For those who work to promote human rights and social justice, that their efforts may bear abundant fruit, let us pray to the Lord.
For the lonely and homebound, that they may experience the comfort of Christ’s abiding presence, let us pray to the Lord.
For our community of believers, that we may be salt and light for the world around us, let us pray to the Lord.

Option 7: For Perseverance, Carers and Those in Poverty

For the Church, the people of God redeemed by Christ’s blood, that she may shine forth as a light to the nations, let us pray to the Lord.
For Bishop N., that the Lord may renew his zeal and grant him perseverance in guiding this local Church, let us pray to the Lord.
For those who care for the sick, elderly, and disabled, that they may be strengthened in their service, let us pray to the Lord.
For those enslaved by poverty, hunger, or oppression, that they may experience the liberating power of Christ, let us pray to the Lord.
For our parish community, that we may reach out to the lost and forgotten with the love of the Good Shepherd, let us pray to the Lord.

A sample introduction and closing prayer

The priest introduces and concludes the intentions (GIRM 71). These samples were written for this guide; the celebrant may use his own words.

Introduction:

Brothers and sisters, the Lord Jesus, the Good Shepherd, never leaves his flock untended. Let us pray for our bishop, for the Church and for the whole world.

Concluding prayer:

Lord God, shepherd of your people, bless N., our bishop, whom you have given to this Church. Give him wisdom, courage and a father’s heart, and hear the prayers of the people in his care. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Frequently asked questions

When should a parish pray for its bishop in the Prayer of the Faithful?

At a pastoral visit or a Confirmation; on the anniversary of his ordination as a bishop; when a new bishop is announced, ordained or installed; and when he is ill. The Roman Missal also has a Mass “For the Bishop,” intended especially for the anniversary of his ordination.

Isn’t the bishop already prayed for at every Mass?

Yes. The priest names the Pope and the diocesan bishop in every Eucharistic Prayer (GIRM 149). The Prayer of the Faithful adds the prayer of the whole assembly on a particular occasion.

What does a bishop do?

A bishop is a successor of the apostles. In communion with the Pope he teaches, sanctifies and governs the local Church entrusted to him (CCC 886, 888–896). In the Latin Church he is the ordinary minister of Confirmation, and only a bishop can ordain.

Who is the patron saint of bishops?

Saint Charles Borromeo (1538–1584), Archbishop of Milan, whose memorial is November 4.

Is there a Mass at which the whole diocese gathers around the bishop?

Yes: the Chrism Mass, celebrated on Holy Thursday morning or on another day near Easter. The bishop blesses the holy oils and the priests renew their promises.

Related prayers

Sources

General Instruction of the Roman Missal, 69–71.
Catechism of the Catholic Church, 886 and 888–896 (the bishops and their office).
General Instruction of the Roman Missal, 149 (the bishop is named in the Eucharistic Prayer).

Prayers of the Faithful for a Bishop: 7 Sets for a Visit, an Anniversary or a New Bishop