Prayers of the Faithful, General Intercessions, Petitions
Prayers of the Faithful, General Intercessions, Petitions
Prayers of the Faithful, General Intercessions, Petitions
December 14, 2025
December 14, 2025
3rd Sunday of Advent (A)
The Church
We pray for the church, that the people of God will shine brightly around the world as the sacrament of salvation for all.
SOURCE: Australian Catholics
For the Church: that we may be instruments of hope, bringing light to the darkness of society, to those who are suffering, and to those who lost purpose and meaning in life
For new awareness: that we may recognize the presence and action of God in the people and events around us and be open to God’s invitations to extend the reign of God through our words and deeds
SOURCE: Sunday Website
The Church
3rd Sunday of Advent (A)
PONTIFICAL NORTH AMERICAN COLLEGE (1:25) – Members of the college gathered in St. Peter’s Square on Gaudete Sunday for festive caroling in 2019. .
On this Gaudete Sunday, we lift up your Church as she dwells in the midst of the modern world. Where the noise of the age drowns out the spirit, grant your people the quiet confidence to rejoice in the Lord always.
The desert and the parched land will exult;
the steppe will rejoice and bloom.
They will bloom with abundant flowers,
and rejoice with joyful song.
FIRST READING
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CLERGY
These petitions are specific to the ordained ministry. This distinction is functional and does NOT imply that laity (including religious in Consecrated Life) are separated from the Church.
FIRST READING
For the Strengthening of the Holy Father
For Pope Leo XIV, that he may be a source of courage to the Church, strengthening hands that are feeble and making firm the knees that are weak. May his leadership inspire those with frightened hearts to fear not, trusting that God comes with vindication to save his people. We pray to the Lord…
For Bishops as Guides on the Holy Way
For all Bishops, that they may lead the flock upon the holy way where no unclean thing may pass. May they guide the ransomed of the Lord back to Zion with singing, ensuring that everlasting joy crowns their heads while sorrow and mourning flee away from the Church. We pray to the Lord…
For Priests and Deacons to Open Eyes of Faith
For Priests and Deacons, that their ministry may be like streams bursting forth in the desert, bringing life to the parched ground of the world. May their proclamation of the Gospel open the eyes of the spiritually blind and unstop the ears of the deaf, so that all may hear the Word of God. We pray to the Lord…
SECOND READING
For the Patience of Pope Leo XIV
For Pope Leo XIV, that he may possess the patience of the farmer waiting for the precious fruit of the earth. May he lead the Church with a steady hand, receiving both the early and the late rains of the Spirit, until the coming of the Lord is at hand. We pray to the Lord…
For Bishops to Make Hearts Firm
For our Bishops, that they may make their hearts firm as they shepherd the faithful in these times. May they serve without complaint against one another, standing as examples of endurance, knowing that the Judge stands before the gates ready to reward their faithful stewardship. We pray to the Lord…
For the Clergy as Prophetic Voices
For Priests and Deacons, that they may take as their example the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. In the face of hardship, may their ministry be marked by the same patience and suffering that testified to God’s truth, encouraging the people to endure until the Lord’s return. We pray to the Lord…
GOSPEL
For Pope Leo XIV to Proclaim Christ’s Deeds
For Pope Leo XIV, that, like John the Baptist hearing of the works of the Christ, he may continually point the world to Jesus. May his testimony confirm that the blind regain their sight and the lame walk, ensuring that none take offense at the mysteries of the Kingdom. We pray to the Lord…
For Bishops as Messengers of the Covenant
For all Bishops, that they may be true messengers sent ahead to prepare the way of the Lord. May they not be like reeds shaken by the wind, nor men dressed in fine clothing seeking luxury, but firm prophets who prepare the hearts of the faithful for the Savior. We pray to the Lord…
For Priests and Deacons Evangelizing the Poor
For Priests and Deacons, that they may dedicate themselves to preaching the good news to the poor. May their works of mercy cleanse the lepers of sin and raise the dead in spirit, serving as humble instruments of the One who is to come, rather than looking for another. We pray to the Lord…
Governing Authorities and the Salvation of the World
We pray for the world-wide community of Jewish people, that their week-long celebration of Hannukah will deepen their faith and bless them with joy.
For all who suffer for their faith, for persecuted Christians, prisoners of conscience, and those who suffer discrimination: that God will sustain them, give them hope and relieve their suffering
For all government officials: that the Spirit will guide their work, help them to recognize the truth in all the issues before them, and open them to new ways of addressing the issues of immigration, poverty, and violence
SOURCE: Sunday Website
The World
3rd Sunday of Advent (A)
INTERNATIONAL HUMAN SOLIDARITY DAY (3:12) – Compilation of graphics and inspirational quotes International Human Solidarity Day – December 20
We pray for the human family, that this week’s United Nations’ Days for migrants (18 December) and for human solidarity (20 December) will further Pope Leo’s vision of a world fully shared by all.
“Go and tell John what you hear and see:
the blind regain their sight,
the lame walk,
lepers are cleansed,
the deaf hear,
the dead are raised,
and the poor have the
good news proclaimed to them…”
GOSPEL
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POLITICS
FIRST READING
For the Blossoming of Political Cooperation
For our nation’s leaders, that they may allow the desert of polarization to exult and bloom with the flowers of cooperation. May they strengthen the feeble hands of those weary from division and make firm the knees of those afraid to reach across the aisle, cultivating a harvest of unity. We pray to the Lord…
For Courage to Unite
For all political parties, that they may say to those with frightened hearts, “Be strong, fear not!” May they realize that true vindication comes not from defeating an opponent, but from God who comes to save us all, opening our eyes to see the humanity in one another. We pray to the Lord…
For a Highway of Civil Discourse
That our government may build a highway for the people, a holy way where the unclean spirit of hatred does not pass. May representatives from all sides walk this path together, ensuring that sorrow and mourning flee away, replaced by the everlasting joy of mutual understanding and peace. We pray to the Lord…
SECOND READING
For Patience in the Legislative Process
For our elected officials, that they may be patient in their work for the common good, just as the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth. May they endure the early and late rains of public debate with grace, trusting that a harvest of justice requires time and empathy. We pray to the Lord…
For Firm Hearts and Gentle Speech
For all involved in political discourse, that they may make their hearts firm and refrain from harsh words. May they not complain about one another so that they may not be judged, remembering that the Judge stands before the gates calling us to treat every citizen with dignity. We pray to the Lord…
For the Endurance of Empathy
That we may take as an example of hardship and patience the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. In times of deep disagreement, may our leaders practice an open-minded endurance, refusing to view neighbors as enemies and waiting for the Lord’s guidance in all things. We pray to the Lord…
GOSPEL
For a Focus on the Common Good
For those who hold office, that they may look beyond rhetoric and focus on what we hear and see: the needs of the blind, the lame, and the poor. May they find unity in the mission to bring glad tidings to the destitute, ensuring that no one takes offense at the call to serve the vulnerable together. We pray to the Lord…
For Messengers of Truth, Not Luxury
For political candidates and leaders, that they may be true messengers who prepare the way for justice. May they not be like reeds shaken by the wind of popularity, nor people concerned with soft robes and royal palaces, but servants dedicated to the hard work of dialogue. We pray to the Lord…
For Recognizing the Works of Justice
That all parties may cease looking for another savior in political power and recognize the works of God present in our midst. May they cleanse the lepers of social stigma and raise the dead spirit of civility, proving their leadership by the fruit of compassion and understanding they produce. We pray to the Lord…
WORLD PEACE
FIRST READING
For the Blooming of Peace in the Middle East
For the nations of the Middle East, that the desert and parched land of conflict may exult and bloom. May God strengthen the hands that are feeble from violence and make firm the knees that are weak, transforming their sorrow into the gladness and glory of Lebanon. We pray to the Lord…
For Strength and Safety in Eastern Europe
For the people of Eastern Europe, that those with frightened hearts may hear the call to be strong and fear not. May they see their God come with vindication to save them, opening a holy highway for the ransomed to return home with everlasting joy upon their heads. We pray to the Lord…
SECOND READING
For Patience in Asian Trade Relations
For the leaders of China and the West, that they may possess the patience of the farmer waiting for the precious fruit of the earth. As they navigate complex trade relations, may they keep their hearts firm and avoid complaints against one another, waiting for the rains of mutual prosperity. We pray to the Lord…
For Endurance Amidst Global Conflict
or all suffering in the Middle East and Eastern Europe, that they may take as an example of hardship the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. May they find the strength to endure their trials, knowing that the Judge stands before the gates ready to restore justice. We pray to the Lord…
GOSPEL
For the Restoration of War-Torn Cities
For the victims of war in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, that they may see the works of the Christ in their midst. May the blind eyes of hatred be opened, the lame infrastructure be made to walk again, and the good news of peace be proclaimed to the poor. We pray to the Lord…
For Messengers of Economic Justice
For those negotiating trade in Asia, that they may not be like reeds shaken by the wind of political instability. May they be true messengers sent to prepare the way, seeking not the soft raiment of luxury for the few, but fair agreements that serve the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. We pray to the Lord…
For Those Facing Adversities
We pray for health services supporting persons with any form of disability, that they will affirm their dignity and gifts and assist them to take their rightful place in the community.
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.
For healing of our bodies, minds, attitudes, and spirits: that God will heal and make whole all the sick, wounded, and broken areas within us so that we may more fully be instruments of God’s love
For those who are caught in their own expectations: that God will break their bonds and open their vision to all that is possible through God’s love
SOURCE: Sunday Website
Special Needs
3rd Sunday of Advent (A)
DIOCESE OF SAN BERNARDINO (13:56) – he 3rd Sunday of Advent is known as, “Gaudete” Sunday, which means “rejoice.” Fr. David Andel reminds us that although imprisoned, St. John the Baptist had all of the reason to rejoice and that we have much to learn from this Gospel message as we prepare for the coming of our Lord, Jesus Christ this Christmas.
We pray for all who are confined in physical or mental prisons, that they will not succumb to doubt or despondency but hold fast to resolute hope.
When John the Baptist heard in prison
of the works of the Christ,
he sent his disciples to Jesus with this question,
“Are you the one who is to come,
or should we look for another?”
GOSPEL
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PRIESTS FOR LIFE (2:11)
RESPECT FOR LIFE
FIRST READING
For Courage Against the Culture of Death
That the Lord may strengthen hands that are feeble and make firm knees that are weak in the defense of life. May we say to those whose hearts are frightened by the culture of death: Be strong, fear not! For God comes to save the vulnerable and vindicate the oppressed. We pray to the Lord…
For the Flowering of Justice
For all human beings whose rights are denied and trampled, that the desert of their suffering may exult and bloom. May we see that God is stronger than evil, working through us to set captives free so that sorrow and mourning will flee away and justice will crown their heads. We pray to the Lord…
SECOND READING
For a Steadiness of Heart
For the grace of a steady heart, that we may make our hearts firm because the coming of the Lord is at hand. May we possess the hope that does not resort to immoral means to achieve good ends, but waits with integrity for the precious fruit of the earth. We pray to the Lord…
For Patience and Daily Labor
That we may work hard each day to bring into the world the fruit of the Spirit without losing patience. Taking the prophets as our example of hardship, may we face evil without minimizing it, enduring with the knowledge that the Judge stands before the gates to conquer it. We pray to the Lord…
GOSPEL
For Unwavering Witness
For the Church, that she may not be a reed swayed by the wind of popular opinion, but a witness with a steady heart like John the Baptist. May she proclaim the works of the Christ, ensuring the blind see and the poor have the good news preached to them. We pray to the Lord…
For the Defense of Life
For a recognition of the core of Christ’s mission, that we may see the lepers cleansed and the dead raised. May we commit ourselves to the fundamental right of life itself, refusing to look for another savior, but trusting in the One who brings justice to the destitute. We pray to the Lord…
The Local Community
We pray for one another, that we will grow ever more prayerful and peaceful through the remaining days of the Advent season.
For the gift of patience: that God will help us to trust so that we may wait through various challenges and allow God to show us a new way to proceed
For insight and a new vision: that we may not limit the actions of God but be open to how God touches us through people, prayer, and unexpected events in our lives
For a deeper understanding of Jesus: that we may come to know Christ more fully and comprehend his love and care for us
For greater gratitude and appreciation: that through the reflections of Advent, we may have a deeper love for our spouse, family members, and all who are significant in our lives
SOURCE: Sunday Website
Local Community
3rd Sunday of Advent (A)
POPE’S WORLDWIDE PRAYER NETWORK (1:49)
That we may make our hearts firm and patient with one another, avoiding complaints so that we may not be judged. May we treat every member of our community as a brother or sister, knowing the Judge stands before the gates, and letting our unity be a sign of the Lord’s coming. We pray to the Lord…
Do not complain, brothers and sisters,
about one another,
that you may not be judged.
Behold, the Judge is standing before the gates.
SECOND READING
Infographics on the WORD THIS WEEK website are created using Nano Banana Pro with Gemini 3.0. They may be copied for personal use or for use in any non-profit ministry. Please show your support by promoting the website.
FAMILIES
FIRST READING
Prayer for Children: Overcoming Fear
For children who struggle with anxiety or fear of the dark, that we may say to their frightened hearts: “Be strong, fear not!” May they experience God coming to save them, so that their sorrow and mourning may flee away and everlasting joy may crown their heads as they grow. We pray to the Lord…
Prayer for Families: The Holy Way
For all families, that they may walk together upon the holy way where the unclean spirit of division does not pass. May parents strengthen the feeble hands of their children, guiding them home to Zion with singing and the profound gladness of a united and faithful household. We pray to the Lord…
SECOND READING
Prayer for Parents: Patient Cultivation
For fathers and mothers, that they may possess the patience of the farmer waiting for the precious fruit of the earth in their children’s lives. May they make their hearts firm, nurturing the early and late rains of faith, knowing that the coming of the Lord is at hand in their homes. We pray to the Lord…
Prayer for Siblings: Peaceful Homes
For brothers and sisters, that they may not complain about one another so that they may not be judged. May our homes be places of endurance and mercy, where families stand ready for the Judge at the gates by treating each other with the gentleness and love of the prophets. We pray to the Lord…
GOSPEL
Prayer for Youth: Messengers of Truth
For our young people, that they may look past the soft raiment of celebrity culture and see the works of the Christ. May the blind spots of materialism be removed so they can recognize the truth, and may they become messengers who prepare the way of the Lord for their peers. We pray to the Lord…
Prayer for Families: Works of Mercy
For families, that they may not be reeds shaken by the wind of social pressure, but solid foundations of charity. May they dedicate themselves to the works of Christ: ensuring the lepers of exclusion are welcomed, the sick are cared for, and the poor have the good news preached to them. We pray to the Lord…
SACRAMENTS
FIRST READING
Confirmation: Strength for the Feeble
That through the Sacrament of Confirmation, the Holy Spirit may strengthen hands that are feeble and make firm knees that are weak. May those sealed with the gift of God say to frightened hearts, “Be strong, fear not,” as they witness to the God who comes with vindication. We pray to the Lord…
Baptism: The Holy Highway
That the waters of Baptism may burst forth like streams in the desert, creating a holy way for the ransomed of the Lord to return. May the baptized enter Zion with singing, washed clean so that no unclean spirit may pass, and crowned with everlasting joy upon their heads. We pray to the Lord…
SECOND READING
Matrimony: Patient Endurance
For all married couples, that they may possess the patience of the farmer waiting for the precious fruit of their love. May they make their hearts firm and endure hardship without complaint, trusting that the Lord is at hand to bless the domestic church with the early and late rains. We pray to the Lord…
Reconciliation: Preparing for the Judge
That we may approach the Sacrament of Reconciliation with humility, knowing the Judge stands before the gates. May we cease complaining about one another and instead seek the mercy that allows us to stand ready, cleansing our hearts so we may not be judged but welcomed by the Lord. We pray to the Lord…
GOSPEL
Anointing: Cleansing and Healing
For those receiving the Anointing of the Sick, that they may experience the works of the Christ. May the lame walk in spirit, the lepers be cleansed of despair, and the dead in hope be raised up, as the Church brings the healing touch of the One who is to come. We pray to the Lord…
Eucharist: Recognizing the Savior
That in the Holy Eucharist, we may truly recognize the One who is to come and look for no other. May this sacrament open blind eyes to His presence and empower us to preach the good news to the poor, not as reeds shaken by the wind, but as faithful messengers. We pray to the Lord…
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