Prayers of the Faithful Today
August 20
Saint Bernard, abbot and doctor of the Church
✚Memorial
Liturgical Color: White
Prayers of the Faithful for Saint Bernard, abbot and doctor of the Church
Option 1
1.That the Church, inspired by St. Bernard's ardent love for Christ and his eloquent preaching, may always draw souls to the sweetness of God's love, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That world leaders may seek wisdom and govern with hearts full of charity and concern for their people, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For all monks, nuns, and those dedicated to contemplative prayer, that their lives may be a powerful witness to the primacy of God, like St. Bernard, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That we may have a deep personal love for Jesus and a tender devotion to His mother Mary, as St. Bernard taught, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.That our local community may be a place where the love of God is fervently sought and where all are encouraged to grow in holiness, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
Optional:For the Cistercian Order and all who follow the monastic way of life.Lord, hear our prayer.
That N. and all who loved God ardently in this life may now rejoice with St. Bernard in the eternal vision of His glory, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
Option 2
1.For Pope Leo XIV and all pastors, that they may be true "mellifluous doctors," like St. Bernard, feeding the flock with sound doctrine and sweet devotion, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That civil society may value spiritual wisdom and create an environment where faith and contemplation can flourish, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For those who are struggling with dryness in prayer or a lack of spiritual fervor, that St. Bernard's intercession may enkindle their hearts, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That we may learn from St. Bernard to meditate on the mysteries of Christ's life and to find in Him all our joy and consolation, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.That our parish may be a community that values both intellectual understanding of the faith and affective love for God, 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 into the perfect sweetness and light of God's eternal love, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
Variations if Memorial is not celebrated
Option 1
1.That the Church may always be faithful to the covenant God has made with His people, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That leaders of nations may govern with justice and integrity, always mindful of their responsibilities before God, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For those who feel their labor is in vain, that they may find encouragement in God's promise to reward every good deed, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That we may be diligent workers in the Lord's vineyard, trusting that He will give us our just wage, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.That our local community may be a place where all are valued for their contributions, no matter how small, 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 who labored for God's kingdom may now receive their eternal reward, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
Option 2
1.For Pope Leo XIV, that he may be a wise and generous master of God's household, the Church, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That all peoples may recognize God's infinite generosity and respond with grateful hearts, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For those who are envious of the blessings of others, that their hearts may be converted to gratitude and love, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That we may not grumble at God's providence, but trust in His goodness and His perfect timing for all things, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.For our parish, that it may be a community that rejoices in God's generosity and shares His blessings with all, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
Optional:For a greater spirit of gratitude for God's many gifts to us.Lord, hear our prayer.
That N. and all who have died may be called by the Master at the eleventh hour and welcomed into His eternal joy, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
How to Use These Prayers
- Choose your option: Select from the available prayer options based on your celebration.
- Customize if needed: Click "Edit" to adapt the prayers to your parish's specific needs.
- Download: Click "Download PDF" to get a printable version.
- Use during Mass: Have a lector read each intention, with the congregation responding "Lord, hear our prayer."
About Prayers of the Faithful
The Prayers of the Faithful, also known as bidding prayers or general intercessions, are an essential part of the Catholic Mass. These prayers allow the congregation to intercede for the needs of the Church, the world, those in authority, those oppressed by various needs, the local community, and the deceased.
Our daily prayers are carefully crafted according to the liturgical calendar, ensuring that each day's intercessions are appropriate for the specific celebration, whether it be a solemnity, feast, memorial, or ordinary day of the liturgical year.
Features:
- ✓ Updated daily according to the liturgical calendar
- ✓ Multiple options for each day
- ✓ Editable prayers to fit your parish needs
- ✓ PDF downloads for easy printing
- ✓ Liturgical colors and rankings displayed
- ✓ Free to use for all Catholic communities