Prayers of the Faithful for Lent 2027: 7 Complete Sets

Here are seven complete sets of prayers of the faithful for Lent. Use them on Ash Wednesday, on the Sundays of Lent, at weekday Masses and at Lenten penance services. Each set prays for the Church, for those who govern, for people who suffer and for the parish, with intentions about prayer, fasting and almsgiving, about conversion, and for those preparing for baptism at Easter. In 2027 Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 10, and Easter Sunday is March 28. For a set drawn from the readings of a particular day, use the table below.

Lent 2027 at a glance

Date	Day	Gospel	Set from the readings
February 10	Ash Wednesday	Matthew 6:1–6, 16–18	Intentions for February 10
February 14	First Sunday of Lent	Mark 1:12–15	Intentions for February 14
February 21	Second Sunday of Lent	Mark 9:2–10	Intentions for February 21
February 28	Third Sunday of Lent	John 2:13–25	Intentions for February 28
March 7	Fourth Sunday of Lent (Laetare)	John 3:14–21	Intentions for March 7
March 14	Fifth Sunday of Lent	John 12:20–33	Intentions for March 14
March 21	Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord	Mark 14:1—15:47	Intentions for March 21

The Gospels are those of Year B. Where the scrutinies are celebrated on the Third, Fourth and Fifth Sundays, the Year A Gospels are read instead (John 4, John 9 and John 11).

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.”
Pray for the elect. From the First Sunday of Lent, those who will be baptized at Easter are called the elect. Options 2, 4 and 5 have an intention for them. On the Third, Fourth and Fifth Sundays, a parish with elect celebrates the scrutinies, which have their own intercessions.
Keep Lent’s three practices in view: prayer, fasting and almsgiving (Options 2, 3, 6 and 7).
Let the prayer be sober. Fewer words, and a moment of silence after each intention, suit the season.

Option 1: For Spiritual Awakening, Victims of War, the Lonely and the Dead

Lector: For the global Church: that this Lent may be a time of spiritual awakening and recommitment to the Gospel. Let us pray to the Lord: All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Lector: For all those in authority: that God may grant them the fortitude to govern with equity and integrity, protecting the poor and the vulnerable. Let us pray to the Lord: All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Lector: For the victims of war and violence: that they may be protected and soon find paths to peace and reconstruction. Let us pray to the Lord: All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Lector: For our community during this Lenten season: that we may be inspired to give generously of our time, talent, and treasure. Let us pray to the Lord: All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Lector: For all those suffering from loneliness or anxiety: that they may find comfort in God’s presence and in our community. Let us pray to the Lord: All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Lector: For all who have passed away, especially those we hold dear in our hearts: that they may be welcomed into the everlasting joy of heaven. Let us pray to the Lord: All: Lord, hear our prayer.

Option 2: For Those Preparing for Baptism, the Sick, the Protection of Life and Our Lenten Practices

Lector: “For the Church: that we may be a light in the darkness and offer a place of welcome and growth in faith, drawing ever closer to the loving heart of Christ during this Lenten season. Let us pray to the Lord.” All: “Lord, hear our prayer.”
Lector: “For leaders around the world: that they may work together to promote peace and justice, safeguarding the dignity and rights of every person, especially the most vulnerable. Let us pray to the Lord.” All: “Lord, hear our prayer.”
Lector: “For those preparing to enter the Church at Easter: that they may be strengthened by God’s grace and supported by our community as they continue their journey of faith this Lent. Let us pray to the Lord.” All: “Lord, hear our prayer.”
Lector: “For all who suffer due to illness, loneliness, or grief: that they find healing, comfort, and companionship through our support and the mercy of God. Let us pray to the Lord.” All: “Lord, hear our prayer.”
Lector: “For our local community: that we may embrace practices of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving to grow in holiness and extend our hands in service to others. Let us pray to the Lord.” All: “Lord, hear our prayer.”
Lector: “For the protection of all life, from conception to natural death, that we may witness to its sanctity through our words and actions. Let us pray to the Lord.” All: “Lord, hear our prayer.”
Lector: “For all of us gathered here: that this Lent we may renew our commitment to God and deepen our spiritual lives, drawing inspiration from the sacrifices and teachings of Jesus. Let us pray to the Lord.” All: “Lord, hear our prayer.”

Option 3: For Hope and Renewal, Those Burdened by Hardship and Grace to Resist Temptation

Lector: For the Church around the world: that during this Lenten season, it may be a beacon of hope and renewal to all those seeking truth and transformation. Let us pray to the Lord: All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Lector: For world leaders: that the spirit of Lent may inspire them to promote justice, peace, and the dignity of all life. Let us pray to the Lord: All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Lector: For those burdened by hardship, illness, or despair: that they may find relief and support from this community of faith. Let us pray to the Lord: All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Lector: For our local community: that we may embrace a spirit of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving throughout this holy season. Let us pray to the Lord: All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Lector: For the grace to overcome sin and to resist temptations: that we may reflect more perfectly the holiness of God. Let us pray to the Lord: All: Lord, hear our prayer.

Option 4: For the Pope and Clergy, Peace, the Elect and Those Who Suffer from Addiction

Lector: For the Pope and all bishops and priests: that their leadership may be strengthened by the humility and sacrifice we are called to in Lent. Let us pray to the Lord: All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Lector: For peace in all the world: that conflicts may cease and all people live in harmony as God intends. Let us pray to the Lord: All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Lector: For those preparing to enter the Church at Easter: that their journey of faith may be fruitful and their hearts open to God’s grace. Let us pray to the Lord: All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Lector: For all who suffer from addiction: that they may be supported in their struggles and find strength in community and prayer. Let us pray to the Lord: All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Lector: For all of us here: that our Lenten sacrifices may purify our hearts and renew our spirits. Let us pray to the Lord: All: Lord, hear our prayer.

Option 5: For the Oppressed, the Sick, Catechumens and the Grace to Forgive

Lector: For the universal Church: that we may be a sign of hope to the oppressed and a light to those in darkness. Let us pray to the Lord: All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Lector: For those in positions of power: that they may govern wisely and compassionately, working for the common good. Let us pray to the Lord: All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Lector: For the sick and suffering in our parish: that they may know Christ’s healing and peace. Let us pray to the Lord: All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Lector: For our catechumens and candidates: that this Lent may be a time of profound spiritual growth and enlightenment. Let us pray to the Lord: All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Lector: For the grace this Lent to forgive others as we have been forgiven by God. Let us pray to the Lord: All: Lord, hear our prayer.

Option 6: For an End to Hunger, Those Who Feel Abandoned, Families and the Dead

Lector: For renewal in our commitment to Christ: that we may live more fully the Gospel we profess. Let us pray to the Lord: All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Lector: For an end to poverty and hunger in our world: that the Lenten practices of fasting and almsgiving may inspire a greater generosity towards those in need. Let us pray to the Lord: All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Lector: For those who feel abandoned or alone: that they may experience the presence of God through the support of the Christian community. Let us pray to the Lord: All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Lector: For all families: that they may grow in love and unity, reflecting the domestic Church. Let us pray to the Lord: All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Lector: For all who have died: that they may be welcomed into the eternal banquet of the Lord. Let us pray to the Lord: All: Lord, hear our prayer.

Option 7: For Victims of Disasters, Defenders of Life and Our Unspoken Intentions

Lector: For the Church: that our fasting and prayers during this Lent may draw us closer to Christ and to one another. Let us pray to the Lord: All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Lector: For government leaders: that their decisions may respect the rights and dignity of the least among us. Let us pray to the Lord: All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Lector: For those affected by natural disasters and calamities: that they may find safe shelter and quick recovery. Let us pray to the Lord: All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Lector: For those who work to defend human life in all its stages: that the Lord may strengthen their resolve and make fruitful their efforts. Let us pray to the Lord: All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Lector: For our personal intentions and for those unspoken prayers we hold within our hearts. Let us pray to the Lord: All: Lord, hear our prayer.

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, in these forty days the Lord calls us to return to him with all our heart. Let us pray for the Church, for the world and for all who need his mercy.

Concluding prayer:

Merciful Father, hear the prayers of your people as we journey toward Easter. Turn our hearts to you, and give us what we need to do your will. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Frequently asked questions

When does Lent begin and end in 2027?

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 10, 2027, and ends before the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday, March 25. Easter Sunday is March 28.

Are there prayers of the faithful on Ash Wednesday?

Yes. After the homily the ashes are blessed and given, and the rite ends with the prayers of the faithful. The Creed is not said. See the sets for Ash Wednesday.

What response is used in Lent?

“Lord, hear our prayer” as usual. Some parishes use “Lord, have mercy” during Lent. See the responses.

Are there prayers of the faithful on Good Friday?

Not in the usual form. The Church prays the ten Solemn Intercessions, which are fixed texts.

Can one set be used on every Sunday of Lent?

Yes. It is better, though, to change one intention each week to echo the Gospel; the dated sets linked in the table above are written from each day’s readings.

Related prayers

Sources

General Instruction of the Roman Missal, 69–71.
Roman Missal, Ash Wednesday and the Sundays of Lent.

Prayers of the Faithful for Lent: 7 Sets for Ash Wednesday, the Sundays of Lent and Weekdays