Prayers of the Faithful

When you bring your needs and the needs of the world to prayer, you join your voice to the ancient and ongoing prayer of the Church. These prayers of the faithful are how the community, gathered in worship, asks for God’s mercy and help for all people.

A Prayer for the Church and the World

For the Church

Lord, we pray for your holy Church throughout the world. Guide its leaders with wisdom, strengthen its members in faith, and unite all Christians in love and truth. May it be a witness to your mercy and a light to the nations.

For Civil Authorities

Heavenly Father, we pray for those who govern and hold authority in our nations. Grant them the wisdom to seek the common good, the courage to act with justice, and the humility to serve with integrity. May their work promote peace and dignity for all.

For Those in Need

God of compassion, we remember before you all who are in any need or distress: the sick, the lonely, the oppressed, and the forgotten. Comfort them, strengthen them, and relieve their suffering according to your merciful will.

Short Prayers for Intercession

• Lord, hear our prayer.
• We pray for the Church and its mission in the world.
• Remember, O Lord, those who suffer and those who care for them.
• Grant peace to our world and justice to all peoples.
• Bless our families and keep them in your love.
• Guide those who lead us, that they may serve with humility.

Prayers for the Faithful in Particular Situations

In Time of Natural Disaster

Merciful God, we lift up to you all those affected by disaster and upheaval. Grant them safety, provide for their needs, and strengthen those who bring aid. Help us to be generous in our support and constant in our prayers.

For the Unemployed and Anxious about Livelihood

Lord, you care for the sparrow and clothe the lily. We ask your provision for those without work or who worry for their daily bread. Open doors of opportunity, calm anxious hearts, and help us to support one another in solidarity.

For the Sanctity of Life

Heavenly Father, giver of all life, we pray for a greater respect for human dignity from conception to natural death. Change hearts that disregard life, support mothers in need, and help our society cherish and protect every person.

When Hope Seems Distant

God of all consolation, sometimes the needs of the world feel too great, and our own strength too small. We bring before you the burdens that weigh on our hearts and the problems that seem beyond solution. Do not let our hope fail, but help us trust that you hear every prayer and that your mercy is at work even when we cannot see it. Unite our prayers with the suffering of Christ and the hope of his resurrection.

What Scripture Says

Pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. — James 5:16

Our intercession for others is powerful and effective in God’s design.

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. — 1 Timothy 2:1-2

We are explicitly called to pray for everyone, including our leaders.

Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. — Galatians 6:2

Prayer is a primary way we carry each other’s struggles.

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. — Colossians 4:2

Our prayer for others should be persistent and faithful.

If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. — 1 Corinthians 12:26

We are connected in the Body of Christ, sharing in each other's joys and sorrows through prayer.

Questions People Ask

What are the prayers of the faithful? The prayers of the faithful, also called universal prayer or general intercessions, are a series of petitions offered by the assembly during the liturgy for the needs of the Church, the world, and all people.

When do we pray the prayers of the faithful? In the Mass, they are prayed after the Creed and before the presentation of the gifts, following the homily. They can also be used in other liturgical settings and personal prayer.

Who writes the prayers of the faithful? Typically, they are prepared by the priest or a liturgy committee to reflect current needs, but individuals are always free to add their own intentions silently or in personal prayer.

Can I add my own intention? Yes, you can always unite your personal intentions to the public prayers, holding them in your heart during that part of the Mass or offering them privately.

Why do we pray for others? We pray for others out of love and solidarity, obeying Christ's command to love our neighbor and trusting that God hears and answers prayer for the good of all.

Related Prayers

• /prayer-library/prayers-for-peace
• /prayer-library/prayers-for-the-sick
• /prayer-library/prayers-for-family
• /prayer-library/prayers-for-strength

Through Holy Cards of St. Peter's, your written prayer can be carried into St. Peter's Basilica, joining the perpetual prayer of the Church in that holy place.