Prayers of the Faithful
Otherwise known as the Universal Prayer or General Intercessions, these prayers are introduced by the celebrating priest, then a deacon or another member of the congregation or the priest himself proposes a number of intentions to pray for, and the people respond with a short invocation such as “Lord, hear our prayer”. Finally, the priest says a concluding prayer.
General Instruction of the Roman Missal states:
In the General Intercessions or the Prayers of the Faithful, the people respond in a certain way to the word of God which they have welcomed in faith and, exercising the office of their baptismal priesthood, offer prayers to God for the salvation of all. It is fitting that such a prayer be included, as a rule, in Masses celebrated with a congregation, so that petitions will be offered for the holy Church, for civil authorities, for those weighed down by various needs, for all men and women, and for the salvation of the whole world.
The custom of offering such prayers is rooted in the scripture from 1 Timothy 2:1-6:
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all men, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life, godly and respectful in every way. This is good, and it is acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, the testimony to which was borne at the proper time.
Prayers of the Faithful Examples
(Priest or leader)
With all our heart and mind let us pray to the Lord. Let us lay our requests before Him, saying “Hear our prayer”.
(For the needs of the Church)
Inspire all those who lead and serve in this church. May they know your guidance and direction.
Lord in your mercy.
Hear our prayer.
Help us to be understanding and forgiving of all those we encounter.
Lord in your mercy.
Hear our prayer.
Show us how to serve one another, to offer love, care and support.
Lord in your mercy.
Hear our prayer.
(For the world)
Guide all those who are called to lead and advocate in the world, may they carry love with them always.
Lord in your mercy.
Hear our prayer.
Inspire our leaders, teachers, doctors, social workers and counsellors to be bringers of hope in all situations.
Lord in your mercy.
Hear our prayer.
Protect all those who carry peace to other nations. Bless the food, care and shelter they provide.
Lord in your mercy.
Hear our prayer.
(For those in need)
Comfort those who live with grief. Help them see the light of heaven.
Lord in your mercy.
Hear our prayer.
Come embrace those in pain and physical suffering. May they feel you close to them.
Lord in your mercy.
Hear our prayer.
Watch over all those who feel isolated and alone. Calm their fears and lead them into peace and freedom.
Lord in your mercy.
Hear our prayer.
(For the local community)
Strengthen and encourage all those who seek to serve and protect the vulnerable.
Lord in your mercy.
Hear our prayer.
Lead us to be generous with our time, possessions and money.
Lord in your mercy.
Hear our prayer.
For those who have lost loved ones recently, comfort them in their grief and heal the broken-hearted.
Lord in your mercy.
Hear our prayer.
Finally, we bring to mind any in our community that we know to be need. (pause for a few seconds) May love and goodness fill their lives.
Lord in your mercy.
Hear our prayer.
Video Explanation and Example
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