Grace Thompson
Bidding prayers are an important part of Catholic liturgy, and while there are some set prayers, there is also room for creativity. Bidding prayers are an exhortation to prayer, where the minister tells the congregation what to pray for. They are an informal intercessory prayer, covering a range of concerns, from the church and the state to the living and the dead. When writing bidding prayers, it's important to select a few subjects for petitions and express each petition briefly and simply. The prayers should be invitations to the congregation to join in prayer, rather than direct addresses to God. They can be adapted to reflect current events and the concerns of the parish community.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of subjects for petitions | No more than six |
| Language | Brief and simple |
| Structure | Invitation to pray for a stated subject with a stated outcome, or with an obvious outcome, or an invitation to pray for related subjects |
| Sources of material | First and second readings, the psalm and the gospel acclamation for the Mass, current news, forthcoming events, cycle of intentions for each season, parish newsletter |
| Call to congregation | "Lord, hear us", "Lord, graciously hear us", "Lord, in your mercy", "Hear our prayer" |
| Timing | Draft bidding prayers to be emailed by the preceding Monday |
| Address | The congregation, not God |
| Focus | Petition, not praise, thanksgiving or repentance |
| Order of concerns | Larger to smaller (e.g. world, church, leaders, local community, the poor) |
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What You'll Learn
- Bidding prayers should be written as invitations to the congregation, not commands to God
- Each prayer should be a petition, not praise, thanksgiving or repentance
- Prayers should begin with broader concerns, like the church, and move to local concerns
- Each petition should be followed by a call to action for the congregation to respond
- Sources of inspiration include news, events involving church leaders, and seasonal intentions
Bidding prayers should be written as invitations to the congregation, not commands to God
When writing Catholic bidding prayers, it is important to remember that each prayer should be structured as an invitation to the congregation to join in prayer, rather than as a command to God. This is achieved by using phrases such as "let us pray for" or "we pray that". Every prayer should be a petition to the Lord, focusing on concerns and requests, rather than praise, thanksgiving, or repentance.
The structure of bidding prayers typically includes an invitation to pray for a specific subject or intention, followed by a statement of the desired outcome. For example, "Let us pray for world peace, that all conflicts may cease and harmony may prevail". Here, "let us pray for" serves as the invitation, and "that all conflicts may cease and harmony may prevail" expresses the desired outcome. This structure guides the congregation towards a shared intention while leaving room for individual interpretation and personal petitions.
When composing bidding prayers, it is recommended to select a small number of subjects, usually no more than six, to ensure a focused and concise prayer. These subjects can include a range of concerns, from global issues to local matters. For instance, prayers may address current international news about people in need, impending dangers, or difficult political decisions. They can also focus on more immediate concerns within the local community, such as the poor, the sick, or specific parish events and appeals.
Each petition in the bidding prayers should be followed by a call to the congregation to respond. Phrases such as "Lord, hear us" or "Hear our prayer" encourage the congregation to actively participate in the prayer and affirm their agreement with the intention. At the conclusion of the public petitions, it is customary to invite the congregation to silently add their own personal petitions. This allows for a moment of individual reflection and ensures that each member of the congregation feels included and able to pray for matters close to their heart.
In summary, when crafting Catholic bidding prayers, it is essential to frame them as invitations that guide and unite the congregation in prayer, rather than as directives to God. This approach fosters a sense of communal prayer while allowing for individual variation and personal intentions. By following this structure and considering relevant themes and concerns, bidding prayer composers can effectively engage and lead the congregation in their spiritual journey.
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Each prayer should be a petition, not praise, thanksgiving or repentance
When writing Catholic bidding prayers, it's important to remember that each prayer should be a petition, not praise, thanksgiving, or repentance. Here are some guidelines to help you structure your prayers effectively:
Structure and Format
Each bidding prayer should begin with an invitation to the congregation to pray for a specific subject or concern. This can be done using phrases such as "let us pray for" or "we pray that". It's important to note that the prayer should not directly address God but should be directed to the congregation. The prayers should also follow a specific "flow". Start with broader, more general concerns, such as the world, the Church, and its leaders, and then move on to more local and specific concerns, such as the parish, the local community, the poor and needy, and those who are sick.
Number of Petitions
It is recommended to select no more than six subjects for your petitions. Each petition should be expressed briefly and simply, with a clear focus on what you are seeking for the stated subject. You can either explicitly state the desired outcome or leave it unstated if it is obvious. For example, you can invite the congregation to pray for a number of related subjects, such as different categories of the sick or the needy.
Call to the Congregation
After each petition, include a call to the congregation to respond. You can use phrases such as "Lord, hear us", "Lord, graciously hear us", or "Hear our prayer". At the end of the public petitions, encourage the congregation to add their own silent petitions before adding the same call to respond. Finally, invite the congregation to join in reciting a common prayer, such as the "Hail Mary".
Sources of Inspiration
When composing your bidding prayers, you can draw inspiration from various sources. Consider the readings, the psalm, and the gospel acclamation for the Mass. Reflect on how the themes and key phrases from these texts can be incorporated into your prayers. Stay informed about current national and international news, especially regarding people in need, impending dangers, and important political decisions. Keep in mind any forthcoming events involving church leaders and the cycle of intentions for each season. Parish newsletters and special appeals or collections can also provide ideas for your prayers.
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Prayers should begin with broader concerns, like the church, and move to local concerns
When writing Catholic bidding prayers, it's important to structure them in a way that begins with broader concerns and gradually narrows down to local or specific concerns. Here are some guidelines to help you craft effective bidding prayers that follow this structure:
Beginning with Broader Concerns: The Church and Beyond
Start your bidding prayers by addressing the broader community and the universal Church. This is an opportunity to pray for the well-being and unity of the global Catholic Church and all its members. You can include prayers for the Pope, bishops, and other church leaders, seeking guidance and strength for their ministry. This section can also encompass prayers for the world at large, including current events, social issues, and people in need around the globe. For example, you might pray for peace in regions experiencing conflict, for relief efforts in areas affected by natural disasters, or for global initiatives aimed at addressing poverty, injustice, or environmental concerns.
Transitioning to Local Concerns: The Parish and Community
As you move closer to home, shift your focus to your local parish and community. Pray for the priests, deacons, and other ministers serving in your parish. You can also include prayers for the members of your parish community, their spiritual growth, and any specific needs or challenges they may be facing. This is a time to lift up the people in your immediate surroundings, such as the sick, poor, needy, or those facing difficulties.
Specific Petitions: Addressing Individual Needs
While maintaining a sense of community, you can now narrow your prayers to address individual needs and concerns. This may include prayers for healing, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. Lift up those who are struggling with illness, grief, or personal challenges. You can also include prayers for families, seeking harmony, protection, and guidance for parents and children. Additionally, you might offer prayers for vocations, asking for blessings and discernment for those considering a specific calling.
Finally, bring your bidding prayers to a close by uniting the congregation in a common response. Encourage the congregation to add their own personal petitions in a moment of silent reflection. You can then invite everyone to join in reciting a familiar prayer, such as the "Hail Mary," uniting their voices as a community of faith. Remember that each petition should be an invitation to the congregation to pray together, often using phrases like "let us pray for" or "we pray that." This structure helps guide the congregation's thoughts and intentions throughout the bidding prayers, creating a sense of unity and shared purpose.
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Each petition should be followed by a call to action for the congregation to respond
When writing Catholic bidding prayers, it's important to structure them with a clear call to action for the congregation to respond. Here are some examples of how this can be effectively done:
Example 1:
Petition: "We pray for world leaders: that they may make wise decisions for the good of all the members of our global family."
Call to Action: "Lord, hear us."
Petition: "We give thanks for all the food God has provided. May all leaders work together so everyone has enough to eat."
Call to Action: "Lord, graciously hear us."
Example 2:
Petition: "We pray for our communities, families, and friends. May we care for each other as Jesus taught us and change our lives for the better."
Call to Action: "Lord, in your mercy."
Petition: "Holy Spirit, fill us with thanksgiving and love for all your creation. Help us to be kind in our daily choices, remembering that they impact others worldwide."
Call to Action: "Hear our prayer."
Example 3:
Petition: "We pray for our Church and its members, that they may be strengthened in service as they follow Christ's calling to be servants."
Call to Action: "We pray to the Lord."
Petition: "We join with Pope Francis in his prayer intention for the cry of the earth. May we undertake to personally care for Your creation, giving thanks for Your bounty."
Call to Action: "Graciously hear us, O Lord."
It's important to maintain a consistent structure with a clear call to action for each petition, ensuring that the prayers are concise, direct, and focused on inviting the congregation to participate in the prayers.
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Sources of inspiration include news, events involving church leaders, and seasonal intentions
When writing Catholic bidding prayers, it is important to consider current events and news, especially those involving church leaders and seasonal intentions. Here are some ideas and examples to inspire your bidding prayers:
News and Current Events
Stay informed about current national and international news, particularly stories about people in need, impending dangers, and difficult political decisions. For example, you can pray for refugees fleeing to Europe and the church organisations aiding them:
> As politicians and leaders across Europe discuss the numbers of refugees fleeing to our continent, we remember those in need who risk everything to make the journey. We pray for church organisations, including the Jesuit Refugee Service, working tirelessly with refugees. Lord, hear us.
Events Involving Church Leaders
Keep updated on forthcoming events involving church leaders, both nationally and internationally. For instance, you can pray for Pope Francis' intention for a specific month:
> That we join with the Holy Father, Pope Francis, in his prayer intention for September, the cry of the earth, and undertake to personally care for God’s creation. While we give thanks in this season of harvest for God’s bounty. Lord, hear us.
Seasonal Intentions
Consider the cycle of intentions for each season. For example, during the harvest season, you can give thanks for God's bounty and pray for the earth:
> We pray for the cry of the earth and commit to caring for God's creation. We also give thanks for the abundance of the harvest season. Lord, hear us.
Parish Newsletter Items
Refer to the parish newsletter for any special appeals, collections, forthcoming events, or particular requests for prayer. For instance, you can pray for the sick in your parish community:
> We pray for those in our parish community who are sick, especially [insert names]. Lord, hear us.
When writing bidding prayers, remember that each intention should invite the congregation to join in prayer, using phrases such as “let us pray for” or “we pray that." These prayers should be petitions to the Lord rather than praise, thanksgiving, or repentance.
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Frequently asked questions
A bidding prayer is a formula of prayer or an exhortation to prayer, said during worship. It is an informal intercessory prayer that covers a wide variety of concerns such as the church, the state, the living and the dead, and public and private necessities.
A bidding prayer is an opportunity for the congregation to offer their own petitions and to join in reciting a common prayer, such as the "Hail Mary".
A bidding prayer is typically said during the liturgy of the word, following the sermon. It can also be offered at the beginning of special services or festivals, such as the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at King's College, Cambridge University, on Christmas Eve.
Anyone can write bidding prayers, but it is common for churches to have a team of composers who take turns creating them. These individuals should be gifted writers who can create special prayers that are relevant to the parish community.
A bidding prayer should include an invitation to the congregation to pray for a particular intention or concern. The intentions can vary but often include larger concerns such as the world, the church, and its leaders, as well as more local concerns like the parish, the community, the poor and needy, and those who are sick. Current news and events can also be a source of inspiration for bidding prayers.
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