As a rule, the series of intentions is to be For the needs of the Church; For public authorities and the salvation

of the whole world; For those burdened by any kind of difficulty; For the local community. Nevertheless, in a particular celebration, such as Confirmation, Marriage, or a Funeral, the series of intentions may reflect more closely the particular occasion.

Various Structures of the Prayers of the Faithful

The prayers can be written in various forms.

This form states what is to be prayed for and then makes a request: For students returning to school, may they do well in their studies and make lasting friendships. Let us pray to the Lord. This prayer states the request with no frills: That those who are homeless be protected and fed through the charity of Gods people. We pray to the Lord. This forms makes a true statement and then makes a request: "Violent storms have flooded our city and left many people without power or services. May they quickly receive assistance and be kept safe from harm. Let us pray to the Lord." Some prayers simply state what is to be prayed for and allow the request to be implied: For world and local leaders and for all who make decisions affecting the lives of others. We pray to the Lord. Another prayer form combines related needs in to one prayer: "For elderly people who are in need of support; For all who give care to spouses, parents and grandparents; And for all who work to uphold the dignity of life. Let us pray to the Lord.

Introduction and Conclusion to the Intercessions

The introduction to the prayers of the faithful is spoken by the priest. It is addressed to the assembly as an invitation to prayer. It is written with sensitivity to the season and the readings of the day. One example is, "During this Advent season we hear John the Baptist cry 'Prepare the way of the Lord!' Let us pray and ask God to help us become a light in the darkness for all the world to see." The concluding prayer is addressed to God and is intended to simply conclude the prayers of the people (it can have a reference to the season but it is not intended to be its own literary art piece): "Loving God, hear the prayers we have offered here today. May our lives be ever in service to you. Amen."

Sources of Ideas and Inspiration

The first source of inspiration should be the readings of the day. If they are hard to understand, it is wise to read the scriptures immediately preceding or following the particular reading to help put them in context. The Workbook for Lectors by Liturgy Training Publications is an excellent resource that's often useful in helping individuals understand the Sunday scriptures and the liturgical seasons. The writer must also have a solid understanding of the Eucharistic liturgy. This may not seem important at first glance but without it, writing the Prayers of the Faithful is like trying to write a chapter of a book that one may not fully understand. The Catholic liturgy is rich in ritual and tradition and even priests and church leaders find that new and deeper meaning arise as they study. A resource is a book that many may find helpful is titled, "The Mass An Invitation to Enjoy It" written by Amy Florian and published by ACTA Publications. It is a quick 90-page read that eloquently reveals the rich meaning the Catholic Mass offers.

For our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI and our Archbishop, George Caridnal Pell, that Christ, our Good Shepherd, may strengthen them as they guide, tend and feed the sheep entrusted to them, let us pray to the Lord. For our elected officials, that the Holy Spirit may inspire them to govern our country with wisdom, prudence and justice, let us pray to the Lord. For those in our parish who are infirmed, that Christ, the Good Shepherd, may bind their wounds, stengthen their spirits and refresh their souls, let us pray to the Lord. For our young people preparing for World Youth Day, that they may use this time to open their minds and hearts to follow the voice of Christ, our Shepherd. Let us pray to the Lord. For all who have died, especially (mention the names of members of your parish who have recently died during the past week--or, if the intention fo the Mass is for the deceased), that Christ, our Shepherd may conduct them to verdent pastures of light, happiness and peace. Let us pray to the Lord.

For the Holy Catholic Church, for Benedict our pope, __________ our bishop, and for all bishops, priests, and deacons, we pray to the Lord: Lord Hear Our Prayer For the people of this land, and of all nations, that we may be guided in the ways of justice and peace; that we would honor one another and serve the common good, we pray to the Lord: Lord Hear Our Prayer For our Advent celebration, that it would be a time of reflection on the coming of Christ, and that it would be filled with prayer, repentance, and love for God and neighbor, we pray to the Lord: Lord Hear Our Prayer For all the sick and suffering, the homeless, the unemployed, those suffering from addictions, and anyone in any kind of distress, we pray to the Lord: Lord Hear Our Prayer For those whose lives are closely linked with ours, that we may serve Christ in them, and love one another as Christ loves us, we pray to the Lord: Lord Hear Our Prayer For all those who have died, especially _________________ , for whom this Mass is offered, we pray to the Lord: Lord Hear Our Prayer For our own needs and intentions, that we now recall in our hearts [6 second pause], we pray to the Lord: Lord Hear Our Prayer

For the Holy Catholic Church, for Benedict our pope, ___________ our bishop, and for all bishops, priests, and deacons, we pray to the Lord: Lord Hear Our Prayer For those in authority throughout the world, that they would promote life, peace, and justice, and work together for the common good, we pray to the Lord: Lord Hear Our Prayer For the needs of our community, that during this Christmas season we would bring the light of Christ to everyone, we pray to the Lord: Lord Hear Our Prayer For those who are sick, suffering, or homeless, and for the poor and unemployed, we pray to the Lord: Lord Hear Our Prayer For a Christ-filled new year; that we would have the courage to imitate our Lord and the Blessed Virgin Mary, we pray to the Lord: Lord Hear Our Prayer For all those who have died, especially _________________ , for whom this Mass is offered, we pray to the Lord: Lord Hear Our Prayer For our own needs and intentions, that we now recall in our hearts [6 second pause], we pray to the Lord: Lord Hear Our Prayer For the Holy Catholic Church throughout the world: for Benedict our pope, ___________ our bishop, and for all ministers of the gospel, we pray to the Lord: Lord Hear Our Prayer For all those in authority, that they would govern wisely and fairly, we pray to the Lord:: Lord Hear Our Prayer For our Easter celebration, that we would share the joy of Christ's resurrection with everyone, we pray to the Lord: Lord Hear Our Prayer For those who are sick, suffering, homeless, or struggling with any hardship, that they would find healing and comfort, we pray to the Lord: Lord Hear Our Prayer For our community, that we would proclaim the love of Christ in word and deed, we pray to the Lord: Lord Hear Our Prayer

For all those who have died, especially _________________ , for whom this Mass is offered, we pray to the Lord: Lord Hear Our Prayer For our own needs and intentions, that we now recall in our hearts [6 second pause], we pray to the Lord: Lord Hear Our Prayer For the Holy Catholic Church, for Benedict our pope, ___________ our bishop, and for all bishops, priests, and deacons, we pray to the Lord: Lord Hear Our Prayer For our president, for the leaders of the nations, and for all in authority, that they would govern wisely and justly, we pray to the Lord: Lord Hear Our Prayer For the conversion of our hearts and minds during this Lenten season, that we would srive to imitate our Lord and the blessed Virgin Mary, we pray to the Lord: Lord Hear Our Prayer For the poor, the persecuted, the sick, and the unemployed; for those suffering from depression or addiction, and for all those in any kind of danger, we pray to the Lord: Lord Hear Our Prayer For all those who have died, especially _________________ , for whom this Mass is offered, we pray to the Lord: Lord Hear Our Prayer For our own needs and intentions, that we now recall in our hearts [6 second pause], we pray to the Lord: Lord Hear Our Prayer

PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL For our Mother Church, may she be as gentle with the faithful as a mother with her babies, and may her leaders be compassionate, tolerant, and accepting servants of Gods children, Let Us Pray to the Lord; For all Christians, may we be humble stewards of the gifts given to us by God, and may we set an example of mercy and generosity by becoming involved in efforts to distribute the worlds wealth among all of those in need, Let Us Pray to the Lord; For all Americans during the upcoming Presidential election, may we honor our Catholic beliefs and make a heartfelt and conscientious effort to listen to the candidates, study their
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past performance, understand their platforms, judge their leadership, and ask God to help us make the right decision for our country, Let Us Pray to the Lord; For the poor, the homeless, the addicted, and those begging on the street, may we not turn away from them, no matter how distasteful and offensive their circumstances might be, and instead may we earnestly attempt to lighten their load by taking it upon ourselves, Let Us Pray to the Lord; For those who have died, may we remember that the pain and sorrow of this world has ended, and celebrate their joyful rebirth into eternal life, Let Us Pray to the Lord. PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL For the Holy Father, the Bishop of Rome and for his Cathedral, the Lateran Basilica in Rome, may this faraway place be a sign of unity among all who are Catholic, Let Us Pray to the Lord; For those who take care of our church building, may we appreciate their enormous contribution, and may they be blessed as they carry out this essential work, Let Us Pray to the Lord; For our faith family at ___________, may we work to end discrimination, by accepting all races, faiths, and lifestyles, refusing to be drawn into the judgmental condemnation which Christ despises, Let Us Pray to the Lord; For those tormented by disease, depression, addiction, abuse, and hopelessness, and for those who love and suffer with them, may they be comforted by Gods love and Gods promise of deliverance, Let Us Pray to the Lord; For our deceased who are brought to mind during this month of remembrance, may they rest in Gods embrace, and for those who cannot find peace and acceptance of their loss, may God grant them the patience to await the time when they will be reunited with their loved ones in eternal life, Let Us Pray to the Lord. PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL For the Holy Catholic Church and all Christian churches, may we trust in Christ and become one vigorous, fruitful community of faith, so that the world may see one King of Glory and one Kingdom of God, Let Us Pray to the Lord;

For all of the devoted pastors, dedicated deacons, faith-filled teachers, and enthusiastic musicians, choir, lectors, Eucharistic Ministers, welcomers, ushers, and altar servers, who serve their faith community, and make our celebration of mass moving, uplifting, and spiritfilled, Let Us Pray to the Lord; For the children of the world, may they be protected from hunger, abuse, illiteracy, disease, neglect, and violence, and allowed to enjoy lighthearted and carefree childhoods, gently molded by Gods laws and loving discipline, Let Us Pray to the Lord; For all who suffer: the diseased, the poor, those denied dignity, and those who live without hope, grant them the peace of knowing that Christ the King will never abandon them nor tire of tending to their needs; Let Us Pray to the Lord; For those who have died, may they receive the grace of redemption and join their King in paradise, Let Us Pray to the Lord. PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL For the Holy Catholic Church, as it continues to speak out against all that would destroy human dignity, human rights, and human life, we thank you Lord; Let Us Pray to the Lord; For our dedicated pastor, as he comforts the faithful, encourages the hopeless, and inspires those who have lost their relationship with God, we thank you Lord; Let Us Pray to the Lord; For this great country, where our voices do make a difference, where we have the freedom to live our lives in accordance with our beliefs, where our potential is not limited by our parentage, and where we have the opportunity to raise our families in comfort and abundance, we thank you Lord; Let Us Pray to the Lord; For our friends and family who love us, care for our needs, listen to us in our desperation, comfort us in our sorrow, advise us with caring concern, and, by their selflessness, bring us closer to God, we thank you Lord; Let Us Pray to the Lord; For those who provide loving and compassionate care to the ill, the infirm, the elderly, the addicted, the poor, the hopeless, and the abused, we thank you Lord; Let Us Pray to the Lord;

For the departed, who remain with us in our prayers and our memories, and for the promise of a joyful reunion, we thank you Lord; Let Us Pray to the Lord. PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL For the Holy Catholic Church and especially our diocese, may they preach the word of God with authority and without apology, shepherd their flocks with love and tolerance, and work toward uniting the scattered people of God, Let Us Pray to the Lord; For Christians everywhere, may we be courageous in the face of a world preoccupied with sex, materialism and self-indulgence, and meet these challenges with dignity and godliness, Let Us Pray to the Lord; For those who are facing the holidays with anxiety because of grief, divorce, estrangement, financial distress, and other personal tragedies, may they be protected from crippling fear and place their trust in the Lord, knowing that they are the clay and God is the potter, always working for their good, Let Us Pray to the Lord; For our faith family at ___________, may Gods blessings be showered upon our parish for our support of those in need through the black bag collection for the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Let Us Pray to the Lord; For those suffering from illness, depression, disability, addiction, disappointment, poverty, and hopelessness, may they trust that God will not abandon the work of His hands, but will abide with them, sharing their joy and their pain, Let Us Pray to the Lord; For those who have died, may they be cleansed of all guilt and sin, and receive Gods mercy, compassion, and the fullness of redemption, Let Us Pray to the Lord.
First Sunday of Advent, Cycle A That Christians may prepare for the Lord's coming by fostering a consistent respect for human life, born and unborn, we pray to the Lord Second Sunday of Advent, Cycle A That our nation may heed the Gospel call to reform our lives by ending the practices of abortion, euthanasia, and capital punishment, we pray to the Lord Third Sunday of Advent, Cycle A That the joy of the Lord's coming may strengthen all pregnant mothers to welcome and nurture the new life God has entrusted to them, we pray to the Lord Fourth Sunday of Advent, Cycle A That following St. Joseph's example, all fathers may be strengthened in love for their wives and for their children, born and unborn, we pray to the Lord

Christmas That the joy of Christians at the Birth of Christ may also be reflected in our willingness to welcome every child, even in difficult circumstances, we pray to the Lord. Feast of the Holy Family That the family may become ever more the sanctuary of life, where all are welcomed as a gift rather than a burden, we pray to the Lord. Epiphany That the Manifestation of the glory of Christ will enable all nations to also recognize the sanctity of each and every human life, we pray to the Lord Baptism of the Lord That the Christian community, made one by our common baptism, may always welcome the unborn, the stranger, and all who are vulnerable, we pray to the Lord Ash Wednesday That the grace of Lenten repentance may lead our society to reject all that devalues human life, such as abortion, euthanasia, and capital punishment, we pray to the Lord... First Sunday of Lent, Cycle A That all may reject the temptation to "be like gods" who have mastery over human life, and instead may accept and reverence life as a supreme gift of the Creator, we pray to the Lord... Second Sunday of Lent, Cycle A That Jesus, who "has robbed death of its power," may grant us a Culture of Life, free from the evils of abortion, euthanasia, and all forms of violence and oppression, we pray to the Lord... Third Sunday of Lent, Cycle A That those who thirst for the waters of life -- the unborn children, the terminally ill, the marginalized and oppressed -- may be set free and embraced in love, we pray to the Lord... Fourth Sunday of Lent, Cycle A That our society may be cured of spiritual blindness and rediscover the equal dignity of the unborn, the terminally ill, those on death row, and all who are oppressed, we pray to the Lord... Fifth Sunday of Lent, Cycle A That we who believe in Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life, may defend life and help bring an end to abortion and other forms of injustice, we pray to the Lord... Passion Sunday (Palm Sunday) That the saving death of Jesus may restore in us a deep reverence and respect for every human life, for which He sacrificed His own life, we pray to the Lord... Holy Thursday That our gratitude for the Gift of the Eucharist on this night may strengthen our solidarity with the poor in danger of starvation, the lonely in danger of despair, and the unborn in danger of abortion, we pray to the Lord... Easter Vigil That the light of the Risen Christ may shine upon the poor, the sick, the oppressed, and the unborn, we pray to the Lord... Easter Sunday That Jesus, who conquered the power of death, may give our society the strength to eliminate the evils of abortion, assisted suicide, and capital punishment, we pray to the Lord... Second Sunday of Easter, Cycle A That as the apostles shared all their goods, Christians may share their goods with those who feel they cannot carry their pregnancy to term, and assist them to choose life, we pray to the Lord...

Third Sunday of Easter, Cycle A That as we recognize Jesus in the breaking of the Bread, we may also see Him in the poor, the sick, the marginalized, and the unborn, we pray to the Lord... Fourth Sunday of Easter, Cycle A That as followers of Jesus, who came that all may have life, we may actively oppose abortion, euthanasia, capital punishment, and all assaults on human dignity, we pray to the Lord... Fifth Sunday of Easter, Cycle A That we, the People God claims as His own, may bear witness that He alone has the authority to give and take human life, we pray to the Lord... Sixth Sunday of Easter, Cycle A That the Spirit of Truth may enable all people to see that human life at every stage must be respected and protected, and that no person has the right to choose to kill another, we pray to the Lord... Feast of the Ascension That the Ascension may renew our understanding of the dignity of every born and unborn human person, all of whom are called to share the life of Christ in the glory of heaven, we pray to the Lord... Seventh Sunday of Easter, Cycle A That as Christ's disciples who live in a Culture of Death, we may effective witnesses to the Gospel of Life which has been entrusted to us, we pray to the Lord... Pentecost Sunday That we who have the Holy Spirit as our Advocate may in turn be advocates for the vulnerable, the forgotten, and the unborn, we pray to the Lord...

Sundays of the Year Second Sunday of the Year, Cycle A That we may respond to our call to be a holy people by protecting and respecting all human life, especially those who are most inconvenient and easy to ignore, we pray to the Lord Third Sunday of the Year, Cycle A That nations may heed the Gospel's call to reform their lives by eliminating abortion, euthanasia, and capital punishment, we pray to the Lord Fourth Sunday of the Year, Cycle A That God's people may "do justice" by working to save the poorest of the poor, the unborn children in danger of abortion, we pray to the Lord... Fifth Sunday of the Year, Cycle A That God, who calls us to remove all oppression, will enable our nation to restore equal protection to the lives of children still in their mother's womb, we pray to the Lord... Sixth Sunday of the Year, Cycle A That God, who commands us not to kill, may strengthen the efforts of all His people to end abortion, we pray to the Lord Seventh Sunday of the Year, Cycle A That God's grace may enable all people to see that even the smallest children, those yet unborn, are reflections of His glory and called to be temples of His Holy Spirit, we pray to the Lord Eighth Sunday of the Year, Cycle A That mothers who are tempted to abort the child of their womb may be freed from anxiety and strengthened in their special calling to nurture life, we pray to the Lord

Ninth Sunday of the Year, Cycle A That we may not only hear but also do the Lord's will by caring for the poor, the sick, the marginalized, and the unborn, we pray to the Lord Tenth Sunday of the Year, Cycle A That the People of God may exercise the love and mercy He desires us to show to the weakest members of our community, the sick and the unborn, we pray to the Lord Eleventh Sunday of the Year, Cycle A That the gift of life, which we have received, we may give as a gift by working to save those in danger of abortion, euthanasia, or other forms of violence, we pray to the Lord Twelfth Sunday of the Year, Cycle A That God, who rescues the life of the helpless, may enable us to rescue children from abortion, the sick from euthanasia, the criminal from capital punishment, and the poor from starvation, we pray to the Lord Thirteenth Sunday of the Year, Cycle A For the strength to welcome Christ as He comes to us in the stranger, the sick, the imprisoned, and the unborn child, we pray to the Lord Fourteenth Sunday of the Year, Cycle A For all who find life burdensome because of a pregnancy they feel they cannot handle, that they embrace Christ and know His strength, we pray to the Lord Fifteenth Sunday of the Year, Cycle A That God, the great Sower of the Gift of Life, may see that gift welcomed and celebrated by all His people, and never trampled underfoot, we pray to the Lord Sixteenth Sunday of the Year, Cycle A That we may fulfill our call to be just and kind by building a society that shows mercy to the criminal, welcome to the stranger, and protection to the unborn, we pray to the Lord Seventeenth Sunday of the Year, Cycle A That world leaders will have the wisdom to see that the greatest treasure is human life itself, and may work to protect and enhance that gift, we pray to the Lord Eighteenth Sunday of the Year, Cycle A For all who have had abortions, that St. Paul's message that nothing can separate us from Christ's love will give them strength to seek reconciliation in the Church, we pray to the Lord Nineteenth Sunday of the Year, Cycle A That all who are pregnant and feel they cannot carry their child will find new strength from the presence of Christ who says, "Do not be afraid," we pray to the Lord... Twentieth Sunday of the Year, Cycle A That we may do more to welcome, cherish, and protect the gift of life which, like all God's gifts, is irrevocable, we pray to the Lord... Twenty-First Sunday of the Year, Cycle A That the Church, against which the gates of death cannot prevail, will work with confidence to eradicate the injustices of abortion, infanticide, and euthanasia, we pray to the Lord... Twenty-Second Sunday of the Year, Cycle A That those who defend and promote abortion may be transformed by the renewal of their minds, and always defend the right of every person to life, we pray to the Lord... Twenty-Third Sunday of the Year, Cycle A That we who are called to instruct and admonish one another may never fail to dissuade those who are tempted to abort their children, we pray to the Lord...

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Twenty-Fourth Sunday of the Year, Cycle A That the Gospel's call to forgiveness may bring our society to reject the use of capital punishment, we pray to the Lord... Twenty-Fifth Sunday of the Year, Cycle A That we may look upon the poor, the vulnerable, the stranger, and the unborn with the unconditional love and welcome portrayed by the Gospel, we pray to the Lord... Twenty-Sixth Sunday of the Year, Cycle A That the Church's call to repentance and promise of mercy may reach and comfort all those who suffer because of a past abortion, we pray to the Lord... Twenty-Seventh Sunday of the Year, Cycle A That God, who looks for justice rather than bloodshed, may strengthen all nations to protect human life, especially at its most vulnerable stages, we pray to the Lord... Twenty-Eighth Sunday of the Year, Cycle A That we, the People of Life, may always proclaim and defend human life as a gift from God, who destroys death forever in Christ, we pray to the Lord... Twenty-Ninth Sunday of the Year, Cycle A That God's people may be active in carrying out their civic responsibilities, and may choose leaders who will build a society that respects all human life, we pray to the Lord... Thirtieth Sunday of the Year, Cycle A That God, who hears the cry of all who are injured and vulnerable, may open our ears to that same cry and enable us to build a Culture of Life, we pray to the Lord... Thirty-First Sunday of the Year, Cycle A That we, who all have one Father, may build a society that treats the unborn, the inconvenient, and the burdensome as brothers and sisters, we pray to the Lord... Thirty-Second Sunday of the Year, Cycle A That God's people, who proclaim that death has been conquered in Christ, may be active in defending His gift of life, we pray to the Lord... Thirty-Third Sunday of the Year, Cycle A That God's people may use their many talents to proclaim the sanctity of life in the arenas of business, media, the arts, and politics, we pray to the Lord... Thirty-Fourth or Last Sunday of the Year: Solemnity of Christ the King, Cycle A That in Christ, the King of Justice and Life, the evils of abortion, infanticide, and euthanasia may be eliminated from our midst, we pray to the Lord... Solemnities of the Lord During the Season of the Year Trinity Sunday, Cycle A That as the Life of the Trinity fills God's People, they may, as the People of Life, bring about a new respect and protection of every human being's right to life, we pray to the Lord... Corpus Christi, Cycle A For a new Culture of Life, that welcomes children with a self-sacrificing love that says, "This is my body, given for you," we pray to the Lord... Sacred Heart, Cycle A That the endless mercy of the Sacred Heart of Jesus may lift out of despair those who have participated in abortions, and make them defenders of life, we pray to the Lord...

General Intercessions for Vocations Awareness

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Below are several sample intercessions for vocations that can be used in daily or Sunday Prayers of the Faithful:
1.

2. 3.

4. 5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

For an increase in vocations to priesthood, diaconate and religious life in the Diocese of Greensburg, that more men and women will respond with generosity to the call to serve God in religious vocations, we pray to the Lord. That men and women may find joy in sacrificing personal gain for the service of others in church vocations, we pray to the Lord. That the Lord of the Harvest may open the hearts of our young people to the possibility of a life in priesthood, diaconate or religious life, we pray to the Lord. That parents, by their lives and example, may encourage church vocations among their children, we pray to the Lord. For all men and women who wish to follow Christ, that they may respond generously to Gods graces, trusting His leading them into His service as priests, deacons or religious, we pray to the Lord. For Christian families, the source of religious vocations, that they may be prompted to encourage young people to rejoice in doing Gods will, we pray to the Lord. That todays youth may show generosity to Jesus call and make wise decisions in choosing their vocation in life, we pray to the Lord. For all young men and women of our parish who are making lifetime choices at this time, that they will include service to the people of God as a diocesan priest among their other options, we pray to the Lord. For all parents of our parish, that they may instill a positive regard for the priesthood, diaconate or religious life as a wholesome lifetime career path their sons and daughters might consider, we pray to the Lord. For our young people, that they may find a joyful faith in their families, and encouragement to respond to a life of ministry and service, we pray to the Lord.

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