Skip to content

Prayers of the Faithful Today

December 4

Saint John Damascene, priest and doctor of the Church

Optional Memorial
Liturgical Color: White

Prayers of the Faithful for Saint John Damascene

Option 1

1.That the Church, inspired by St. John Damascene's defense of sacred images, may always cherish and promote Christian art as a path to God, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That world leaders may respect religious freedom and protect the cultural heritage of all peoples, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For all theologians and writers, that they may articulate the truths of faith with clarity and wisdom, like St. John Damascene, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That we may have a deep love for the traditions of the Church and be willing to defend them with courage and charity, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.That our local community may be a place where faith is expressed through beauty and where all are drawn to worship God in spirit and truth, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
Optional:For artists and all who use their talents to create sacred art.Lord, hear our prayer.
That N. and all who defended the faith through their writings and art may rejoice with St. John Damascene in God's eternal kingdom, 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 doctors of the faith, like St. John Damascene, in expounding sacred doctrine, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That civil society may value artistic expression and protect the freedom of artists to create works that uplift the human spirit, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For those who struggle with doubts or are confused by false teachings, that St. John Damascene's clarity may bring them to the truth, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That our Advent preparation may include a deeper appreciation for the beauty of our faith as expressed in art, music, and liturgy, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.That our parish may be a community that fosters a love for sacred beauty and supports those who create it, 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 beauty and truth of God's eternal presence, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Variations if Optional Memorial is not celebrated

Option 1

1.That the Church may be a vigilant people, always preparing for the Lord's coming with hearts full of faith and good works, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That world leaders may govern with justice and integrity, seeking the true good of their people and peace among nations, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For all who are living in darkness or spiritual blindness, that the light of Christ may dawn in their hearts this Advent, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That we may use this season of Advent to straighten the paths of our lives, repenting of sin and embracing God's mercy, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.That our local community may be a place of watchful prayer and active charity, eagerly awaiting the celebration of Christ's birth, 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 awaited the Lord's coming may now rejoice in the fullness of His presence, 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 hope, preparing us for the Lord's advent, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That all peoples may recognize the signs of God's coming and open their hearts to receive Him as their Savior and King, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For those who are spiritually asleep or indifferent, that this Advent may be a time of awakening and renewed fervor, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That our Advent practices may help us to remove every obstacle to Christ's reign in our hearts and in the world, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.For our parish, that it may be a community that lives in joyful expectation, with our lamps burning brightly for the coming Bridegroom, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
Optional:For a deeper spirit of prayer and conversion during this holy season of Advent.Lord, hear our prayer.
That N. and all who have died may be found ready to meet the Lord and enter His eternal kingdom of light and peace, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

How to Use These Prayers

  1. Choose your option: Select from the available prayer options based on your celebration.
  2. Customize if needed: Click "Edit" to adapt the prayers to your parish's specific needs.
  3. Download: Click "Download PDF" to get a printable version.
  4. 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