Prayers of the Faithful Today
December 29
Saint Thomas Becket, bishop and martyr
◦Optional Commemoration
Liturgical Color: Red
Prayers of the Faithful for Saint Thomas Becket, bishop and martyr
Option 1
1.That the Church, like Saint Thomas Becket, may hold firm to the freedom of the Gospel and speak with courage when called to do so, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That those in government may protect freedom of religion and ensure that no one faces discrimination for their faith, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For veterans and those traumatised by war or military service, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That God may give us the courage to stand by what we believe even when those around us take a different path, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.That our parish may be a place where the faith is lived with conviction and where difficult questions are welcomed rather than avoided, 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 may rest in the peace of God, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
Option 2
1.For Pope Leo XIV, that he may lead the Church with pastoral courage and not be deterred by opposition, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That those responsible for public health may invest in the care systems that support the elderly and those with complex needs, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For those who cannot meet their basic needs and live in persistent poverty, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That the joy of this Christmas may reach the places in us that remain closed and unwilling to receive it, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.That our parish may use this Christmas season to care more actively for those who are isolated from family and community, 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 rest in the mercy and love of God, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
Variations if Optional Commemoration is not celebrated
Option 1
1.For authentic catechesis, that the Church may hand on the faith clearly and without apology to every generation, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That those responsible for criminal justice may work for fair courts, genuine rehabilitation, and humane conditions for prisoners, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For those struggling with addiction to alcohol, drugs, or other dependencies, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That God may draw us to prayer even when we are too distracted or tired to seek it ourselves, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.That our parish may be genuinely welcoming to those who arrive not knowing what they are looking for, 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 may rest in the peace and mercy of God, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
Option 2
1.For deeper Eucharistic faith, that the mystery of the Word made flesh may deepen our reverence at every Mass, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
2.That those with authority over environmental policy may act with urgency to protect creation for future generations, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
3.For those struggling with loneliness and isolation, especially the elderly who are cut off from family, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
4.That the grace of this Christmas season may work quietly in us, changing us in ways we may not yet see, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.
5.That our parish may be known for reaching out to the isolated and lonely throughout this Christmas season, 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 rest in the joy and love of God, 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