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Prayers of the Faithful Today

December 26

SAINT STEPHEN, FIRST MARTYR

✤Feast
Liturgical Color: Red

Prayers of the Faithful for SAINT STEPHEN, FIRST MARTYR

Option 1

1.That the Church, inspired by St. Stephen's courageous witness and forgiveness, may always proclaim Christ crucified and risen, even in the face of persecution, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That world leaders may uphold justice and protect those who suffer for their faith or for speaking the truth, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For all who are persecuted for their Christian faith, that they may be filled with the Holy Spirit and the strength of St. Stephen, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That we may have the grace to forgive our enemies and pray for those who persecute us, following the example of Christ and St. Stephen, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.That our local community may be a place where faith is lived with conviction and where all are willing to bear witness to Christ, whatever the cost, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
Optional:For deacons and all who serve the Church in ministries of charity and witness.Lord, hear our prayer.
That N. and all martyrs who shed their blood for Christ may rejoice with St. Stephen in the eternal vision of God's 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 fearless preachers of the Gospel, like St. Stephen, even when it is unpopular, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That civil society may respect the freedom of conscience and protect the rights of all to worship God according to their beliefs, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For those who are tempted to hatred or vengeance, that St. Stephen's prayer for his persecutors may inspire them to forgive, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That our Christmas joy may not make us forget the cost of discipleship, but strengthen our resolve to follow Christ faithfully, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.That our parish may be a community that supports its members in living a courageous Christian life and in forgiving those who wrong us, 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, like St. Stephen, see the heavens opened and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Variations if Feast is not celebrated

Option 1

1.That the Church may continue to rejoice in the birth of our Savior, sharing His light and peace with all the world, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That leaders of nations may be inspired by the message of Christmas to work for peace and goodwill among all peoples, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For all who are celebrating this Christmas season, that their hearts may be filled with joy, hope, and the love of Christ, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That we may carry the spirit of Christmas in our hearts throughout the year, living as children of the light, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.That our local community may be a place where the joy of Christ's birth is shared and where all are welcomed into His love, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
Optional:For families gathered during this Christmas season, that their bonds of love may be strengthened.Lord, hear our prayer.
That N. and all the faithful departed may share in the eternal Christmas joy of heaven, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Option 2

1.For Pope Leo XIV, that he may guide the Church with the wisdom and peace of the newborn King, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That all humanity may receive the gift of Christ's salvation, born for us in Bethlehem, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For those who are lonely or sorrowful this Christmas, that they may experience the comfort and hope of Emmanuel, God-with-us, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That the humility of the manger may inspire us to live simple lives, detached from worldly vanities and focused on Christ, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.For our parish, that it may be a community that radiates the warmth and love of Christ's nativity to all, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
Optional:For a spirit of generosity and sharing, especially with those in need.Lord, hear our prayer.
That N. and all who have died may be brought by the angels into the eternal light of God's presence, 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