Let Us Pray to the Lord—The Prayer of the Faithful

In the Prayer of the Faithful, the last part of the Liturgy of the Word, the people participating at Holy Mass respond to the proclaimed Word of God, which they have received in faith, and exercise their baptismal priesthood by offering prayers to Almighty God for the salvation of all.

These intentions are offered for the following: 1) for the needs of the Church; 2) for public authorities and the salvation of the whole world; 3) for those burdened by any kind of difficulty; and 4) for the local community. They are called “The General Intercessions” because they should not be trite or overly specified, but, rather, should express an all-embracing care of those who are assembled at the Eucharistic Sacrifice to pray for people in the Universal Church and throughout the world.
           
This part of Mass has ancient origins and is found mentioned in the writings of St. Justin Martyr in about the year 155AD: “Then we all rise together and offer prayers for ourselves…and for all others, wherever they may be, so that we may be found righteous by our life and actions, and faithful to the commandments, so as to obtain eternal salvation.”
           
In his first letter to Timothy, St. Paul admonished that intercessory prayers should be offered by believers. “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 Savior, Who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1Tim 2:1-4).
           
The Prayer of the Faithful at Mass reminds us of some very important truths that we as Catholics hold dear and heartily believe. First, we believe that by virtue of our baptism we exercise a role in entering into and offering the Sacrifice of Jesus. We offer prayers for others, and our prayers possess efficacy. The prayers of the faithful teach us that the Sacred Liturgy of the Eucharistic Sacrifice is really the perfect prayer of Jesus, by which His Sacrifice of the Cross is made present. We are called to offer our prayers in union with Him.
           
Second, the Prayer of the Faithful shows us that intercessory prayer is “characteristic of a heart attuned to God’s mercy” (Catechism of the Catholic Church #2635). Our participation at Mass should lead us out of ourselves to see that we who received God’s mercy through the Sacrifice of Jesus should plead with God to shower His mercy upon all who need it.
           
Third, the Prayer of the Faithful leads us to the very Mercy Seat of God, to the Cross, which is the throne of the King who reigns to bring all people to salvation in His Kingdom.
           
When we come to Mass, let us offer the intercessions of the Prayer of the Faithful and all of the prayers for the living and the dead from the altar of our hearts, so that these supplications may be joined with the great and perfect prayer of Our Lord Jesus Christ, offered on the altar in the sanctuary of our churches.

Most Reverend William J. Waltersheid
Auxiliary Bishop of Pittsburgh