Prayers of the Faithful, General Intercessions, Petitions
Prayers of the Faithful, General Intercessions, Petitions
Prayers of the Faithful, General Intercessions, Petitions
December 21, 2025
December 21, 2025
4th Sunday of Advent (A)
The Church
We pray for Pope Leo and all who preach the good news, that like the apostle Paul they will tirelessly proclaim the saving name of Jesus across the face of the earth. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
SOURCE: Australian Catholics
For the Church: that we, like Joseph, may wholeheartedly live our faith traditions and yet remain open to the mystery of God’s unconventional work in our lives and the world around us
For openness of heart: that, like Mary and Joseph, we may enter into the mystery of God’s loving actions and co-operative with the work of God even when we don not understand how to proceed
For a deepening of faith: that through the mystery of Jesus becoming human, we may open ourselves to a fuller sharing in the divine life
SOURCE: Sunday Website
The Church
4th Sunday of Advent (A)
TEN5SIX5 (5:00) – The Vatican Christmas tree tradition began in 1982 with Pope John Paul II when he received a Christmas tree as a gift from a Polish farmer, who had brought it all the way to Rome. Since then, the offering of the Christmas Tree to the Pope has become an honour, and each year the Vatican accepts a tree donated by a different European country or region.
May music and art flourish in the Church: That music may truly serve as a “dwelling place for the soul,” an inner space where our hearts can speak. We pray that the melodies of the season accompany our journeys, memories, and efforts, drawing our humanity ever closer to God’s love. We pray to the Lord…
You are called to belong to Jesus Christ;
to all the beloved of God in Rome, called to be holy.
Grace to you and peace from God our Father
and the Lord Jesus Christ.
SECOND READING
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PEOPLE OF GOD
FIRST READING
For the Ministry of Pope Leo XIV
We pray for Pope Leo XIV, shepherd of the House of David, that he may possess the courage to ask for signs deep as the nether world or high as the sky. May he lead the Church to never weary her God, but to trust fully in the promise of the Virgin who bears a Son. We pray to the Lord.
For the Steadfastness of Bishops
We pray for all bishops, that they may recognize the Lord speaking to them in the silence of their hearts. May they guide the flock to see that the Lord himself will give them a sign, and remain firm in the faith that Emmanuel, God is with us, in every diocese and community. We pray to the Lord.
For Priests and Deacons as Heralds
We pray for priests and deacons, that they may proclaim the coming of the one named Emmanuel with unwavering conviction. As they minister to the faithful, let them be living reminders that God is truly with us, encouraging the weary not to tire the patience of the Lord but to embrace his providence. We pray to the Lord.
For those in Religious and Consecrated Life
We pray for all brothers and sisters in consecrated life, that like the young woman who conceived and bore a son, they may be fruitful signs of God’s presence. May their vows be a testament to the world that the ancient prophecies are fulfilled and that God abides intimately with his people. We pray to the Lord.
For the Laity in the Workplace
We pray for the laity in their daily labor, that they may perceive the sign of Emmanuel amidst their tasks and duties. Let them not be weary in their work but find strength in the knowledge that God is with us, transforming every office and factory into a place where his glory dwells. We pray to the Lord.
SECOND READING
For the Apostleship of Pope Leo XIV
We pray for Pope Leo XIV, a servant of Christ Jesus called to be an apostle. May he be empowered by the grace of apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles, proclaiming the Gospel of God promised through the holy prophets for the sake of his name. We pray to the Lord.
For Bishops Set Apart for the Gospel
We pray for our bishops, who are set apart for the gospel of God regarding his Son. May they lead with the authority of those descended from David according to the flesh, yet established with power according to the Spirit of holiness, guiding the beloved of God to grace and peace. We pray to the Lord.
For Priests and Deacons in the Spirit of Holiness
We pray for priests and deacons, that through the Spirit of holiness and the power of the resurrection, they may minister grace to the faithful. May their service reflect the call to belong to Jesus Christ, bringing the peace of God our Father to all who hear the Word. We pray to the Lord.
For those in Religious and Consecrated Life
We pray for those in religious life, who are called to be holy and set apart. May their lives be a vibrant testimony to the resurrection of the dead, demonstrating to the world that they belong entirely to Jesus Christ and are instruments of his grace and apostleship in every community. We pray to the Lord.
For the Laity Witnessing in their Careers
We pray for the laity, called to be holy ones in the secular world. May they exhibit the obedience of faith in their professional lives, knowing they are beloved of God. Let them be conduits of grace and peace from God our Father as they serve Christ in the marketplace. We pray to the Lord.
GOSPEL
For the Discernment of Pope Leo XIV
We pray for Pope Leo XIV, that like Joseph, son of David, he may banish fear and embrace the will of God for the universal Church. May he listen attentively to the angel of the Lord, welcoming the work of the Holy Spirit to conceive new life within the Body of Christ. We pray to the Lord.
For Bishops as Righteous Men
We pray for all bishops, that they may be righteous men, unwilling to expose the vulnerable to shame but acting with justice and mercy. When they face difficult decisions, may they trust the angelic message and recognize that the Church’s mission is conceived through the Holy Spirit to save people from their sins. We pray to the Lord.
For Priests and Deacons Saving People from Sin
We pray for priests and deacons, that they may faithfully administer the sacraments to save his people from their sins. May they be like Joseph, who did as the angel of the Lord commanded, bringing the presence of Jesus into the homes and lives of those they serve without hesitation or fear. We pray to the Lord.
For those in Religious and Consecrated Life
We pray for those in consecrated life, that they may mirror the receptivity of Mary and the obedience of Joseph. May they awake from sleep each day ready to do God’s will, bearing witness to the fulfillment of the prophecy that a virgin shall bear a son named Emmanuel. We pray to the Lord.
For the Laity and their Vocations
We pray for the laity, that they may not be afraid to take their faith into their homes and workplaces. When they awake from sleep, may they do as the Lord commands, understanding that their daily work contributes to the mission of Jesus, who comes to save his people and dwell among them. We pray to the Lord.
Governing Authorities and the Salvation of the World
We pray for our war-torn world, that in every place of injustice, hate and bloodshed the grace of God will open pathways to peace. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for all who wield political, economic or technological power in the world, that they will not be blindly seduced by its appeal but use it for the common good. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
SOURCE: Australian Catholics
For peace: that the coming of the Prince of Peace may bring healing and safety to those impacted by domestic violence, civil disturbance, and warfare
For all government officials: that the Spirit will guide their work, help them to be open them to new ways of addressing the issues of immigration, poverty, and violence
SOURCE: Sunday Website
The World
4th Sunday of Advent (A)
FAITH STRONG MEDIA (2:27) – Experience the magic of Christmas around the world as the video travels through more than twenty countries, celebrating the beauty, culture, and traditions of the holiday season.
That during this holy season, the angels messages of “Do not be afraid” and “peace on earth” may resound in every troubled corner of our world. May the noise of war be silenced, old divisions healed, and leaders of nations be inspired to recognize God’s presence in the shared human story of their neighbors. We pray to the Lord…
The LORD’s are the earth and its fullness;
the world and those who dwell in it.
For he founded it upon the seas
and established it upon the rivers.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
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POLITICS
FIRST READING
For Patience in Political Dialogue
For all political leaders and party members, that they may not weary the patience of the people or of God with endless division. May they instead seek the sign of Immanuel in their opponents, trusting that God is with us when we choose the hard work of unity over the ease of conflict. We pray to the Lord…
For the Courage to Ask for Unity
For those who govern, that they may not be afraid to ask for signs of hope deep as the netherworld or high as the sky. May they reject the false piety that refuses to seek common ground, realizing that true faith requires the courage to invite God into the center of our political life. We pray to the Lord…
For Recognizing God’s Presence
For all citizens and voters, that we may recognize the virgin’s son as the true ruler of history. May this sign of God-with-us humble our partisan pride, reminding us that no political victory is final and that our ultimate allegiance belongs to the Prince of Peace who dwells among us. We pray to the Lord…
SECOND READING
For Grace and Peace in Discourse
For all who engage in political debate, that they may extend grace and peace to those with whom they disagree. May they remember they are called to be holy and set apart not for division, but for the gospel of God, offering the obedience of faith through respectful and constructive words. We pray to the Lord…
For Belonging to Christ Above Party
For members of all political parties, that they may recognize they are called to belong to Jesus Christ first and foremost. May this primary identity soften their hearts toward one another, allowing the Spirit of holiness to rise above earthly affiliations and establish a community rooted in mutual love. We pray to the Lord…
For the Obedience of Faith in Governance
For legislators and public servants, that they may bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations. May they serve as true apostles of justice, working together to ensure that the gospel’s promise of dignity and peace is realized for every citizen. We pray to the Lord…
GOSPEL
For Righteousness Without Shame
For politicians tempted to destroy the reputation of their opponents, that they may learn from the righteousness of Joseph. May they be unwilling to expose others to shame or public disgrace, choosing instead the quiet strength of character that seeks to protect the dignity of even those they find difficult to understand. We pray to the Lord…
For Overcoming Fear of Collaboration
For leaders paralyzed by the fear of their own party’s judgment, that they may hear the angel’s command to not be afraid. May they welcome new alliances and unexpected cooperation into their homes and halls of power, trusting that the Holy Spirit can conceive great things through unity. We pray to the Lord…
For Obedience to the Common Good
For all who hold public office, that they may awake from the sleep of polarization and do as the angel of the Lord commands. May they take the welfare of the entire nation as their spouse, caring for the common good with the same devotion Joseph showed to Mary and the child. We pray to the Lord…
THE POPE VIDEO (02:19) – In the last prayer intention for 2025, the Pope asks us to pray “that Christians living in areas of war or conflict, especially in the Middle East, might be seeds of peace, reconciliation and hope.”
WORLD PEACE
FIRST READING
For Peace in War-Torn Lands
For the people of the Middle East and Eastern Europe, that their leaders may cease to weary God and their citizens with the exhausting burden of war. May they ask for a sign of peace deep as the netherworld or high as the sky, trusting that Immanuel is with us to transform ancient hostilities into security. We pray to the Lord…
For Wisdom in Asian Trade Relations
For the resolution of trade tensions with China and Asia, that nations may not rely on fear but believe that God is with us in our economic life. May leaders stand firm in their faith to ensure stability, seeking signs of cooperation rather than conflict so that the prosperity of all peoples may be established. We pray to the Lord…
SECOND READING
For Grace and Peace in Conflict Zones
For the nations of Eastern Europe and the Middle East, beloved of God and called to be holy. May grace and peace from God our Father replace the spirit of war, bringing about the obedience of faith so that the gospel of God may flourish amidst the ruins and bring healing to the suffering. We pray to the Lord…
For Integrity in Global Commerce
For a spirit of holiness to guide trade negotiations with China, that all dealings may be conducted by servants of truth. May the nations recognize they are set apart for a higher purpose than mere profit, fostering an apostleship of fairness that respects the dignity of workers and the well-being of all the nations. We pray to the Lord…
GOSPEL
For the Protection of the Vulnerable
For the innocent victims of violence in the Middle East and Eastern Europe, that leaders may act as righteous men unwilling to expose them to further shame or destruction. May they hear the angel of the Lord and choose to save their people from the sins of bloodshed, welcoming the Prince of Peace into their borders. We pray to the Lord…
For Righteousness in Economic Agreements
For those navigating the trade war with China, that they may do as the angel of the Lord commands and cast aside fear. May they act with the righteousness of Joseph, ensuring that every agreement is conceived in justice and bears the fruit of Emmanuel, God with us, in the marketplace. We pray to the Lord…
For Those Facing Adversities
We pray for believers who have lost faith in God, that they will still be guided by their hearts’ wisdom and lead lives of generous love. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for those at greater risk of committing domestic violence at this festive time, that they will take positive steps to manage their impulse and keep everyone safe.
SOURCE: Australian Catholics
For all who are having an unplanned pregnancy: that they may honor the gift of life entrusted to them and draw strength from God to love and nurture their child
For all who are caught by consumerism: that God will free their minds and hearts so that they may hear God’s call and choose the greater good in their use of their time and resources
For all who are burdened by poverty and for those who seek to assist them: that God will open new ways to meet their needs and bring them hope and courage
SOURCE: Sunday Website
Special Needs
4th Sunday of Advent (A)
DARREN WINFIELD (3:55) – “Joseph’s Dream” is a contemplative and spiritually rich track from the album The Unveiled Messiah. Inspired by the account of Joseph’s response to the angelic message (Matthew 1:18-25), this piece reflects on his inner struggle, obedient faith, and the quiet strength he displayed in embracing God’s plan.
For all who struggle in the quiet of the night, where confusion fills the troubled mind and questions linger deep inside. May they find that though trust feels like a trial, faith replaces doubt, allowing them to awaken with peace restored and a path clear to see God’s design. We pray to the Lord…
Do not be afraid
to take Mary your wife into your home.
For it is through the Holy Spirit
that this child has been conceived in her.
She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus…
GOSPEL
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PRIESTS FOR LIFE (2:11)
RESPECT FOR LIFE
FIRST READING
Prayer for Life: The Sign of Immanuel
For the unborn and their mothers, that we may recognize the fruit of the womb as the sign the Lord has given us. May we never weary God by refusing to see Immanuel, God with us, in the smallest child, but defend life from the height of the sky to the depths of the earth. We pray to the Lord…
Prayer for the Dying: Trusting God’s Presence
For the elderly and those nearing the end of their earthly journey, that they may know God is with us even in the shadow of death. May we reject the culture that sees them as burdens, asking instead for the grace to serve them as living signs of the Lord’s enduring faithfulness deep as the netherworld. We pray to the Lord…
SECOND READING
Prayer for Prisoners: Beloved of God
For those on death row and those rejected by society, that we may see them as beloved of God, called to be holy. May the grace and peace of Christ remind us that every human being is a descendant of the one human family, set apart for the gospel of life and not destruction. We pray to the Lord…
Prayer for Purity: The Spirit of Holiness
For a restoration of respect for the human body, that the Spirit of holiness may drive out the plague of pornography. May we offer the obedience of faith in our relationships, honoring others as temples set apart for the gospel of God rather than objects to be used and discarded. We pray to the Lord…
GOSPEL
Prayer for Parents: Overcoming Fear
For parents facing unexpected pregnancies, that they may hear the angel say, do not be afraid to take this child into your home. May they trust that the life conceived in them is of the Holy Spirit, choosing to protect the vulnerable rather than succumbing to the fear of the world. We pray to the Lord…
Prayer for Mercy: Righteousness and Compassion
For a culture of life that heals rather than condemns, that we may be like Joseph, righteous men and women unwilling to expose others to shame. May we work to save our people from the sins of indifference, welcoming every child as a fulfillment of what the Lord has spoken. We pray to the Lord…
The Local Community
We pray for all members of our parish community, that we will help one another when God’s ways are hard to discern, as they were for Joseph. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
We pray for expectant parents, that they will look forward to their child’s birth with great hope and love. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
SOURCE: Australian Catholics
For all who are away from home this season: that God will guide those serving in the military, as relief workers, or missionaries, protect them from all danger, and bring them home safely in the new year
For freedom from judging others: that like Joseph, we may hold our judgments so that the work of God may unfold in the hearts and lives of those who are dear to us
For a deeper understanding of Jesus: that we may come to know Christ more fully and comprehend his love and care for us
SOURCE: Sunday Website
Local Community
4th Sunday of Advent (A)
COME HOME TO A CATHOLIC CHURCH FOR CHRISTMAS (0:30)
For our parish community, that we may offer warmth and shelter to all who are searching for Someone this Christmas, just as Joseph and Mary sought a place for the Savior. May every visitor encounter God’s healing presence within our walls and answer the invitation to come home for Christmas. We pray to the Lord…
When Joseph awoke,
he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him
and took his wife into his home.
GOSPEL
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FAMILIES
FIRST READING
Prayer for Children: The Living Sign
For all children, that they may be cherished as the sign the Lord has given to our generation, more precious than the heights of the sky or the depths of the netherworld. May we never weary of protecting them, seeing in every child a reflection of Immanuel, God with us. We pray to the Lord…
Prayer for Families: Standing Firm
For families facing uncertainty, that they may stand firm in their faith so that they may be established. May they not be afraid to ask God for help, trusting in the promise of the virgin’s son and believing that the Lord is truly with us in every home and every struggle. We pray to the Lord…
SECOND READING
Prayer for Youth: Called to Holiness
For the young people of our parish, beloved of God and called to be holy. May the Spirit of holiness guide them as they grow, that they may belong to Jesus Christ and bring about the obedience of faith among their peers through lives set apart for the gospel. We pray to the Lord…
Prayer for Households: Grace and Peace
For all Christian households, that grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ may dwell within them. May parents and children alike see themselves as servants of Christ Jesus, set apart to witness to the resurrection and the power of God’s love in the world. We pray to the Lord…
GOSPEL
Prayer for Fathers: Righteous Protectors
For all fathers and stepfathers, that they may look to Joseph, a righteous man, as their model. May they listen to the angel of the Lord, casting aside fear to take their families into their care, protecting the life conceived by the Holy Spirit and guiding their children in truth. We pray to the Lord…
Prayer for Mothers: Trusting the Spirit
For mothers and expecting women, that they may find strength in the mystery of the child conceived through the Holy Spirit. May they be supported by loving communities as they bring forth life, trusting in the name of Jesus, who comes to save his people from their sins. We pray to the Lord…
SACRAMENTS
FIRST READING
Prayer for Eucharist: The Sign of Presence
For a deeper devotion to the Holy Eucharist, that we may recognize the true sign the Lord has given us: Immanuel, God with us. May we never weary of seeking him at the altar, trusting that in this sacrament, God bridges the gap between the depth of the netherworld and the height of the sky. We pray to the Lord…
Prayer for Confirmation: Established in Faith
For all who have been sealed in Confirmation, that they may stand firm in their faith so that they may be established. May the Holy Spirit empower them to be living signs to the world, proving that God is with us and that we need not fear the challenges of this age. We pray to the Lord…
SECOND READING
Prayer for Baptism: Called to be Holy
For the baptized, that we may fully embrace our dignity as those called to be holy and who belong to Jesus Christ. May the grace and peace received in these waters remind us that we are beloved of God, set apart to witness to the gospel and the resurrection of the Son. We pray to the Lord…
Prayer for Holy Orders: Set Apart for the Gospel
For priests and deacons, servants of Christ Jesus called to be apostles in our time. May they be set apart for the gospel of God, bringing about the obedience of faith among all the nations through the Spirit of holiness and the proclamation of the word promised through the prophets. We pray to the Lord…
GOSPEL
Prayer for Marriage: A Righteous Union
For married couples, that they may imitate the trust of Joseph, a righteous man who did not fear to take Mary into his home. May they see their union as a vocation conceived by the Holy Spirit, supporting one another in obedience to the Lord’s command to nurture life and faith. We pray to the Lord…
Prayer for Reconciliation: Saved from Sins
For a renewal of the sacrament of Confession, that the faithful may turn to Jesus, the one named to save his people from their sins. May we cast aside the fear of shame and awake from the sleep of guilt, allowing the Savior to restore us to the righteousness God desires. We pray to the Lord…
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