The Prayers of the Faithful, present at every mass and religious ceremony (baptism, wedding, funeral,...), is composed of several intentions to pray. These intentions are associated with the daily liturgy, as well as with the type or context of the celebration. Here are several examples of intentions to pray organized by theme : the Church, the suffering, the young, the family, the departed…
“Lord, we commend to you all those who suffer in their body, in their heart and in their soul. May they maintain faith and hope in Jesus Christ whose presence, through the mystery of the cross, appeases their pain. Let us pray to the Lord.”
“For the men, women and children going through the trial of being sick, Lord, grant them the strength and the patience to fight but also the hope and the faith to continue receiving the joys of life. Let us pray to the Lord.”
“May the world reflect the image of Christ and be full of love and tenderness towards the most fragile. May those with a handicap live, grow and thrive with the certainty that they are welcome, protected and encouraged. Let us pray to the Lord.”
“Lord, protect all those who suffer from a physical or mental handicap, may they receive all the love and assistance necessary to live a full and joyful life. Let us pray to the Lord.”
“May all those that suffer find the people capable of hearing them, caring for them and loving them. May your Spirit guide their words and their acts. Let us pray to the Lord.”
“For the medical personnel, the volunteers serving the sick and all those who help, Lord, grant them the strength, the patience, the perseverance and the tenderness in their delicate mission. Let us pray to the Lord.”
“Let us pray for young people all over the world. Lord, may your Spirit nourish their dreams and aspirations, may they be seekers of peace and may they have their hearts set on building a world where justice reigns. Let us pray to the Lord.”
“That our youth progress with desire and hope in life, that they have the courage and the enthusiasm to rise to the challenges of our times and that they learn to grow in the love of God. Let us pray to the Lord.”
“For young people who have lost hope, who see no future for them in today's world. May they perceive in their hearts the force of your love for them and your confidence in them. Let us pray to the Lord.”
“May each young person discover God’s will, may they discern their path, may they find the strength, the audacity and the confidence to answer your call. Let us pray to the Lord.”
“For all young seminarists, all those contemplating a commitment to religion, all those who have chosen to follow in the steps of Christ, may they be guided and enlightened in their ideas and in their choices. Let us pray to the Lord.”
“May all families be a reflection of the Church, may they teach love, respect, sharing and service, that all members of the family grow together in your Spirit. We pray to the Lord.”
“For families going through hard times with sickness, unemployment or death, may they keep the flame of hope burning in their hearts and may your love and the love that unites them give them the strength to push forward. We pray to the Lord.”
“For families suffering from separation, may they find the inspiration for dialogue and the appeasement necessary for forgiveness. We pray to the Lord.”
“May every family be a source through which your love appears and grows. May they welcome the children, be a warm refuge for the suffering and the lonely, be of service to their community, create and share beauty. We pray to the Lord.”
“For our dearly departed, may they be in peace at your side beholding your divine face. We pray to the Lord.”
“For those who have left us as well as for those who are left behind, strengthen our faith in the resurrection so that we wait in confidence for the day we are reunited for eternity. We pray to the Lord.”
“For those who have left this world and are waiting to be received in your light, by your son Jesus Christ, grant them your divine mercy and welcome them in your presence. We pray to the Lord.”
“Lord, may your church be vibrant, joyful and audacious! That we may always serve the most fragile, the most poor, and share the Good News with everyone. Let us pray to the Lord.”
“Your church is built with living stones, may each Christian understand how important each one of us is, may they find where they are best placed to participate in your mission. Let us pray to the Lord.”
“For Christians persecuted all over the world, may they not suffer in vain, instead, following in Christ’s footsteps, may they be the light on the path to your kingdom. Let us pray to the Lord.”
“For all the clergy and the consecrated laymen, may the Holy Spirit accompany them, may their hearts be humble, courageous and joyous throughout their mission. Let us pray to the Lord.”
“Lord, we entrust the Earth to you. May all Christians be conscious of their duty to protect and cherish your creation. May they praise you and give you thanks through each miracle of nature and may their actions always tend towards the preservation of the beauty of life. We pray to the Lord.”
“For “our home”, where each of us may live in dignity, having access to the resources offered by God. May each one of us remember that we all have a duty to serve our fellow human beings, each one giving what they can to lighten everyone’s loads. We pray to the Lord.”
For Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals, the Prayer of the Faithful has a specific structure, the following links will provide advice and examples: