Joshua Bennett
The Prayer of the Faithful, also known as the Universal Prayer, is a Catholic prayer that is usually led by a priest or member of the family. It takes place after the readings and homily, and it involves responding to the Word of God and offering prayers for various intentions. These intentions often include prayers for the Church, the world, the sick and grieving, the dying, those in need, and the salvation of all humanity. The Prayer of the Faithful is a way for Catholics to exercise their baptismal priesthood and petition God for the needs of the community and the world.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who leads the prayer | Usually, a member of the family or the priest |
| When it takes place | After the readings and homily |
| Who it is for | For the Church, the world, the entire human family, the sick, the grieving, the dying, those in power, graduates, etc. |
| Who it is by | The faithful |
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What You'll Learn
For the Church
The Prayer of the Faithful, also known as the Universal Prayer, is a prayer offered during Mass for the salvation of all. It is an opportunity for the faithful to respond to God's Word and offer petitions for various intentions, including the needs of the Church. Here are four to six paragraphs for "For the Church":
These prayers for the Church reflect the themes of hospitality, faith, discipleship, peace, justice, and service, which are all integral to the Catholic faith and the universal call to love and care for one another as children of God.
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For the world
The Prayer of the Faithful is a Catholic tradition where the community responds to the Word of God and offers prayers for the salvation of all. The prayers are usually offered for the Church, public authorities, the world, and those burdened by difficulties. Here are some examples of prayers for "the world":
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For the human family
The Prayer of the Faithful, or Universal Prayer, is a Catholic tradition where the community responds to the Word of God and offers prayers for the salvation of all. Here are some examples of prayers for "the human family":
Prayer for Strength and Unity
"God, Our Father, loving and merciful, bring together and keep all families in perfect unity of love and mutual support. Instill in each member the spirit of understanding and affection for each other. Keep quarrels and bitterness far from them, and for their occasional failures, instill forgiveness and peace."
Prayer for Guidance and Protection
"May our faith in our Church guide our world away from every form of selfishness that keeps us from becoming true disciples of Christ. May all who are in power over others understand their responsibility to serve and maintain the dignity of all people. We ask you to receive our prayer, O God."
Prayer for Peace and Flourishing
"We pray for peace on our planet and for a flourishing of love in every family, community, school, and workplace. We ask you to stir us with compassion for those who suffer. We ask you, Risen Lord, to hear our prayer."
Prayer for the Grieving
"For all those who are grieving, we offer our prayers. May they find comfort and peace in their sadness, and may the love and support of friends and family surround them. We pray to the Lord, and we ask him to hear our prayer."
These prayers reflect the Catholic tradition of offering supplications for the human family, seeking guidance, unity, peace, and comfort for all.
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For the sick and grieving
The Prayer of the Faithful, or Universal Prayer, is a time during Mass when the community responds to the Word of God by offering prayers for the salvation of all. The prayers are usually led by a priest, who begins with a brief introduction. The intentions announced should be expressive of the prayer of the entire community.
- "Go forth, Christian soul, from this world in the name of God the almighty Father, who created you, in the name of Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, who suffered for you, in the name of the Holy Spirit, who was poured out upon you, go forth, faithful Christian. May you live in peace this day, may your home be with God in Zion, with Mary, the Virgin Mother of God, with Joseph, and all the Angels and Saints. In your hands, O Lord, we humbly entrust our brothers and sisters. In this life, you embraced them with your tender love; deliver them now from every evil and bid them eternal rest. The old order has passed away: welcome them into paradise, where there will be no sorrow, no weeping or pain, but fullness of peace and joy with your Son and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. R/. Amen."
- "My brothers and sisters, Jesus says: 'Come to me, all you who labor and are overburdened, and I will give you rest. Shoulder my yoke and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Yes, my yoke is easy and my burden light.' The Lord God lives in his holy temple yet abides in our midst. Since, in Baptism, N. became God's temple and the Spirit of God lived in him/her, with reverence, we bless his/her mortal body. Our Father...Into your hands, O Lord, we humbly entrust our brother/sister N."
- "May God have mercy on him and may he be with God in heaven soon. Thank you, Our Lady and St. Joseph and all the angels and saints!"
- "Pray for my sweet uncle Henry, who is near death. I ask for a happy death. I love him. I want him to stay longer here, but I know God has great plans for him."
- "May the Most Just, Most High, Most Adorable Will of God be in all things done: As God pleases, as God wills; Blessed be God. May Our Lady of Sorrows be with you all at this time."
- "Hail, most glorious Saint Michael! Hail most merciful leader of the Heavenly host! Hail, honour and glory of the Angelic hierarchy!"
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For those who are troubled
The Prayer of the Faithful, also known as the Universal Prayer, is a time for the faithful to respond to the Word of God and offer prayers for the salvation of all. It is usually led by a priest, who begins with an introduction, calling upon the faithful to pray. The prayers are intended to be sober and composed of few words, expressing the prayers of the entire community.
Prayer for Guidance and Strength
"Lord, in every need, let me come to You with humble trust, saying, 'Jesus, help me.' In all my doubts, perplexities, and temptations; in hours of loneliness, weariness, and trials; in the failure of my plans and hopes; in disappointments, troubles, and sorrows, Jesus, help me. When I throw myself on Your tender love as a Father and Saviour, Jesus, help me. When my heart is cast down by failure, Jesus, help me. When I feel impatient and irritated, Jesus, help me."
A Prayer for Difficult Times
"Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, watch, or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for your love's sake. Amen. Jesus, our Redeemer, Good Shepherd of the sheep, you carry the lambs in your arms. I place myself in your loving care. Stop my pain, give me help and strength, and raise me up to a life of joy. Hear me, I pray, for your dear Name's sake. Amen."
A Prayer for Justice and Mercy
"God of Justice, as a city, nation, and world, we live outside your law: the law that precludes double standards and prospers second chances, the law that shelters the homeless poor and maintains inalienable rights for the stranger. Show us power, wonder, and signs. Not you, breaking the laws of nature, but us, breaking open the nature of our laws, so that the possibility of abundant life would unseal our covenant with death, through Jesus Christ, the Crucified and Risen One."
A Prayer for Hope in Troubled Times
"When evil darkens our world, give us light. When despair numbs our souls, give us hope. When we stumble and fall, lift us up. When doubts assail us, give us faith. When nothing seems sure, give us trust. When ideals fade, give us vision. When we lose our way, be our guide! That we may find serenity in Your presence and purpose in doing Your will."
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Frequently asked questions
The Prayer of the Faithful, also known as the Universal Prayer, is a prayer offered to God for the salvation of all. It is usually led by a member of the family or the priest.
The Prayer of the Faithful is a response to the Word of God, exercising the office of their baptismal priesthood. It is an opportunity to offer petitions for the needs of the Church, public authorities, those facing difficulties, the local community, and the salvation of the world.
The Prayer of the Faithful is typically led by a member of the family or the priest. The priest begins with an introduction, calling upon the faithful to pray, and concludes with an oration.
Petitions in the Prayer of the Faithful can vary depending on the specific needs and occasions of the community. Some examples include prayers for the sick, the dying, those who are grieving, the Church, the world, immigrants, children, and those in power.
