Prayers of the Faithful for Students: 8 Sets

Here are eight sets of prayers of the faithful for students. Use them at a school or college Mass, at the start of the academic year, before exams, at graduation, or on a Sunday when the parish prays for its young people. The first five sets pray almost entirely for students: those preparing for exams, those who struggle, those far from home, those choosing a path in life. Sets 6 to 8 are fuller Sunday sets that begin with the Church and the world and include students among the intentions.

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.”
Let students read. One reader for each intention works well at a school Mass; practice at the microphone beforehand.
Match the moment: Option 2 for exam time and graduation, Option 3 for the start of the year, Option 5 for a retreat or a confirmation group.
For a Sunday Mass, use Option 6, 7 or 8, which also pray for the Church, the world and the sick.

Option 1: For Students, Teachers, Parents and the School Community

Lector: “For all students around the world: that they may be inspired by their studies, find joy in learning, and achieve their educational goals. Let us pray to the Lord.” All: “Lord, hear our prayer.”
Lector: “For educators and administrators: that they may be guided by wisdom and compassion, providing a nurturing environment for all students. Let us pray to the Lord.” All: “Lord, hear our prayer.”
Lector: “For parents and guardians: that they may support their children’s educational journeys with patience and love. Let us pray to the Lord.” All: “Lord, hear our prayer.”
Lector: “For students facing challenges in their studies: that they may find the help and resources they need to succeed. Let us pray to the Lord.” All: “Lord, hear our prayer.”
Lector: “For the safety and well-being of students everywhere: that they may study in environments free from violence and fear. Let us pray to the Lord.” All: “Lord, hear our prayer.”
Lector: “For our school community: that it may be a place of growth, friendship, and shared faith. Let us pray to the Lord.” All: “Lord, hear our prayer.”

Option 2: For Exams, Mental Health, Graduates and International Students

Lector: “For students preparing for exams: that they may have calm hearts and clear minds to reflect their hard work and preparation. Let us pray to the Lord.” All: “Lord, hear our prayer.”
Lector: “For students struggling with mental health: that they may receive support and understanding from their communities. Let us pray to the Lord.” All: “Lord, hear our prayer.”
Lector: “For graduates facing the future: that they may step forward with hope and confidence, guided by God’s light. Let us pray to the Lord.” All: “Lord, hear our prayer.”
Lector: “For students experiencing bullying or isolation: that they may find strength and a welcoming community. Let us pray to the Lord.” All: “Lord, hear our prayer.”
Lector: “For teachers and mentors: that they may be examples of integrity and kindness in their work with students. Let us pray to the Lord.” All: “Lord, hear our prayer.”
Lector: “For international students away from home: that they may find a home away from home and succeed in their studies abroad. Let us pray to the Lord.” All: “Lord, hear our prayer.”

Option 3: For the Start of the Year, Sports and the Arts, and Students Choosing Their Path

Lector: “For students at the start of the academic year: that they may set goals that stretch and fulfill them. Let us pray to the Lord.” All: “Lord, hear our prayer.”
Lector: “For students participating in sports, arts, and other extracurricular activities: that they may develop their talents and enjoy a sense of community. Let us pray to the Lord.” All: “Lord, hear our prayer.”
Lector: “For students from diverse backgrounds: that they may celebrate their heritage and contribute to a culture of mutual respect and understanding. Let us pray to the Lord.” All: “Lord, hear our prayer.”
Lector: “For students making decisions about their future paths: that they may discern their vocations with clarity and joy. Let us pray to the Lord.” All: “Lord, hear our prayer.”
Lector: “For young people who have lost motivation or direction: that they may rediscover their purpose and the support of the community. Let us pray to the Lord.” All: “Lord, hear our prayer.”

Option 4: For Students in Financial Need, Students with Disabilities and Those Who Have Failed

Lector: “For students facing financial difficulties: that they may find the means to continue their education without undue hardship. Let us pray to the Lord.” All: “Lord, hear our prayer.”
Lector: “For students with disabilities: that they may receive full access to education and opportunities for success. Let us pray to the Lord.” All: “Lord, hear our prayer.”
Lector: “For all those who support students through tutoring and mentorship: that their dedication and effort may enrich the lives of students. Let us pray to the Lord.” All: “Lord, hear our prayer.”
Lector: “For students who are far from their families: that they may feel connected and supported even from afar. Let us pray to the Lord.” All: “Lord, hear our prayer.”
Lector: “For students who have experienced failure: that they may learn from their experiences and persevere with renewed resolve. Let us pray to the Lord.” All: “Lord, hear our prayer.”

Option 5: For Growth in Faith, Student Leaders and Those Discerning a Vocation

Lector: “For students to grow in their faith: that they may find strength and guidance in God’s word and the support of the Christian community. Let us pray to the Lord.” All: “Lord, hear our prayer.”
Lector: “For student leaders: that they may serve their peers with humility and wisdom. Let us pray to the Lord.” All: “Lord, hear our prayer.”
Lector: “For young people discerning a call to religious life or priesthood: that they may be open to the voice of God and respond with generosity. Let us pray to the Lord.” All: “Lord, hear our prayer.”
Lector: “For the healing of divisions within school communities: that there may be a spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation. Let us pray to the Lord.” All: “Lord, hear our prayer.”
Lector: “For the protection of all students from harm and danger: that they may study and live in safe environments. Let us pray to the Lord.” All: “Lord, hear our prayer.”

Option 6: For the Church, World Leaders, the Sick and a Safe Return to School

Lector: “For the Church around the world: that it may continue to provide wisdom and moral guidance in our ever-changing society. Let us pray to the Lord.” All: “Lord, hear our prayer.”
Lector: “For global leaders: that they may lead with justice and seek peace, particularly in regions torn by conflict and strife. Let us pray to the Lord.” All: “Lord, hear our prayer.”
Lector: “For students everywhere: that they may be guided in their studies and relationships by the light of Christ’s wisdom and love. Let us pray to the Lord.” All: “Lord, hear our prayer.”
Lector: “For all those suffering from illness or adversity: that they may find strength and healing in the compassionate care of their communities. Let us pray to the Lord.” All: “Lord, hear our prayer.”
Lector: “For our parish community: that we may support one another in faith and act as witnesses of the Gospel in our daily lives. Let us pray to the Lord.” All: “Lord, hear our prayer.”
Lector: “For the safety of students as they travel back to school: that they may be protected on their journey and arrive ready to learn and grow. Let us pray to the Lord.” All: “Lord, hear our prayer.”

Option 7: For Church Leaders, an End to Violence, the Unemployed and Students in Difficulty

Lector: “For the Church’s leaders: that their decisions may always reflect Christ’s teachings on love, mercy, and forgiveness. Let us pray to the Lord.” All: “Lord, hear our prayer.”
Lector: “For an end to violence in our communities and around the world: that peace may reign in every heart and nation. Let us pray to the Lord.” All: “Lord, hear our prayer.”
Lector: “For educators and mentors: that they may inspire their students to seek truth and act with integrity. Let us pray to the Lord.” All: “Lord, hear our prayer.”
Lector: “For those who are unemployed: that they may find meaningful work and receive just compensation for their labor. Let us pray to the Lord.” All: “Lord, hear our prayer.”
Lector: “For the sick, especially those who are without family support: that they may be comforted and cared for by their faith communities. Let us pray to the Lord.” All: “Lord, hear our prayer.”
Lector: “For students facing challenges or difficulties: that they find encouragement and support within the school community to overcome obstacles. Let us pray to the Lord.” All: “Lord, hear our prayer.”

Option 8: For Renewal of Faith, Those with Depression, the Elderly and Our Own Intentions

Lector: “For the renewal of faith throughout the world: that the Holy Spirit may rekindle the fire of God’s love in all hearts. Let us pray to the Lord.” All: “Lord, hear our prayer.”
Lector: “For those who suffer from depression and anxiety: that they may find hope and help in their struggles. Let us pray to the Lord.” All: “Lord, hear our prayer.”
Lector: “For young people discerning their paths in life: that they may recognize their talents and be guided to careers that bring fulfillment and serve others. Let us pray to the Lord.” All: “Lord, hear our prayer.”
Lector: “For the elderly and homebound: that they may experience the love and support of their families and communities. Let us pray to the Lord.” All: “Lord, hear our prayer.”
Lector: “For all victims of natural disasters: that they may receive the aid and comfort needed to rebuild their lives. Let us pray to the Lord.” All: “Lord, hear our prayer.”
Lector: “For our own personal intentions, which we now recall in our hearts. (Pause for silent prayer) 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, all wisdom comes from God. Let us pray to him for our students, for those who teach them and for the needs of the whole world.

Concluding prayer:

God of wisdom, you are the teacher of all who seek the truth. Hear our prayers for our students: give them understanding, perseverance and joy in learning, and keep them close to you. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Frequently asked questions

Who is the patron saint of students?

St. Thomas Aquinas, whose memorial is January 28. Students also ask the prayers of St. Joseph of Cupertino (September 18) before exams. See the patron saints of students.

Can students read the intentions?

Yes. Any of the lay faithful may announce them (GIRM 71). See how to read the Prayers of the Faithful.

Can students write their own?

Yes, with a teacher or chaplain. Keep the form “For…, that…, let us pray to the Lord.” See how to write Prayers of the Faithful.

Which set suits a graduation?

Option 2 here, or the sets for graduating students and for a baccalaureate Mass.

Related prayers

Sources

General Instruction of the Roman Missal, 69–71.