Prayers of the Faithful, General Intercessions, Petitions
Prayers of the Faithful, General Intercessions, Petitions
Prayers of the Faithful, General Intercessions, Petitions
September 14, 2025
September 14, 2025
General Intercessions, Prayers of the Faithful for Sunday Mass.
General Intercessions,Prayers of the Faithful for Sunday Mass.
INSTITUTE OF CATHOLIC CULTURE (1:24) - Use this 1-minute prayer from St. Ephrem to write your own prayer intentions for Mass commemorating the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.
The Church
We pray for the church, that leaders and all believers will closely follow Christ who shared our humanity to the full, even to death on the cross.
SOURCE: Australian Catholics
For the Church: that we may strive to open our hearts to God each day and be vigilant against allowing anyone or anything to displace God as the center of our life
For the gift of Wisdom: that the Spirit of God will enlighten our minds and guide us in making loving and life-giving decisions each day
SOURCE: Sunday Website
The Church
Exaltation of the Holy Cross
ROME REPORTS (15:08) - Pope Leo XIV carries the Jubilee cross and leads pilgrimage to the Holy Door. (Jun 9, 2025)
As Pope Leo XIV guides the Church during the Jubilee Year of Hope, we ask You, Lord, to continue to bless and protect Your Church. Grant us the grace to remember Your works and hearken to Your teachings, that we may grow in faith and love.
Do not forget the works of the Lord!
Hearken, my people, to my teaching;
incline your ears to the words of my mouth.
I will open my mouth in a parable,
I will utter mysteries from of old.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Infographic created with Google AI Gemini 2.5 Pro tools (e.g. Chart.js and Tailwind CSS). Feel free to use it in any non-profit ministry. Please include the website link (https://thewordthisweek.net).
CHURCH LEADERS
FIRST READING
Guidance and Wisdom for Pope Leo XIV
Lord, we pray that Pope Leo XIV may be filled with Your divine wisdom and guidance as he shepherds Your Church. May his words and actions inspire the faithful to live out the Gospel message with fervor and authenticity, just as Moses interceded for the Israelites. We pray to the Lord...
Faith and Trust in Church Authority
Lord, we pray for increased faith and trust in our Church leadership. Just as the Israelites trusted in Moses' intercession (Numbers 21:7), may we rely on the guidance and counsel of our Pope, Bishops, Priests, and Deacons. We pray to the Lord...
Commitment to Truth and Love
Father, grant our Church leaders unwavering commitment to truth and love. May they draw inspiration from the Old Testament stories, such as the bronze serpent (Numbers 21:8-9), and live out the Gospel message with courage and conviction. We pray to the Lord...
SECOND READING
Humble Service for Bishops
Gracious Father, grant our Bishops the grace to emulate Christ's humility in their ministry. May their service reflect the selflessness of Christ, who "emptied Himself, taking the form of a slave" (Philippians 2:7), for the greater glory of Your Kingdom. We pray to the Lord...
Strength and Faithfulness for Priests and Deacons
Almighty God, sustain our Priests and Deacons with Your unwavering strength and faithfulness. As they proclaim the mystery of Christ crucified, may they embody the transformative power of divine love, drawing all people closer to You, following the example of Christ's obedience (Philippians 2:8). We pray to the Lord...
Renewal and Hope for Church Leadership
Loving God, we ask for a spirit of renewal and hope within our Church leadership. May they find inspiration in St. Paul's teachings about the exaltation of Christ (Philippians 2:9-11), inspiring the faithful to believe in Your Son, Jesus Christ. We pray to the Lord...
GOSPEL
Salvation and Eternal Life
Lord, we pray for our Church leaders to proclaim the message of salvation and eternal life through faith in Your Son, Jesus Christ (John 3:15-16). May their words and actions bring hope and encouragement to all who seek to follow in Your ways. We pray to the Lord...
Love and Service to the World
Almighty Father, we ask for our Church leaders to be guided by Your divine love as they serve Your people. May they reflect the love that motivated You to send Your only Son into the world (John 3:16), leading others to experience Your saving grace. We pray to the Lord...
Proclamation of Truth
Lord, we pray for our Church leaders to boldly proclaim the truth of the Gospel. May they be inspired by Your Word, which reminds us that "God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him" (John 3:17). We pray to the Lord...
Governing Authorities and the Salvation of the World
We pray for all who are actively engaged in murderous combat in zones of war, that the sight of the dead and the cries of the maimed will convert them to the cause of peace.
We pray for leaders of the world’s nations, that they will forsake war and empire-building and dedicate themselves to nurturing the wellbeing of the human family.
We pray for all promoters of a healthy planet, that their efforts to bequeath a habitable world to future generations will bear abundant fruit. (
SOURCE: Australian Catholics
For preservation of our common home: that God will inspire leaders to develop policies and practices that will preserve the natural systems that God designed for the earth so that all may benefit from earth’s resources
SOURCE: Sunday Website
HOMILY CONNECTIONS: Charlie Kirk Assassination
The World
Exaltation of the Holy Cross
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF DEMOCRACY (2:40) -This is observed on September 15 each year to promote and uphold the principles of democracy around the world. It highlights the importance of democratic governance, human rights, the rule of law, and citizen participation in decision-making.
We pray for the democratic countries of the world, that tomorrow’s United Nations Day of Democracy will encourage them to resist the spread of authoritarianism.
SOURCE: Australian Catholics
For God so loved the world
that he gave his only Son,
so that everyone who believes in him
might not perish
but might have eternal life.
GOSPEL
Infographic created with Google AI Gemini 2.5 Pro tools (e.g. Chart.js and Tailwind CSS). Feel free to use it in any non-profit ministry. Please include the website link (https://thewordthisweek.net).
Infographic created with Google AI Gemini 2.5 Pro tools (e.g. Chart.js and Tailwind CSS). Feel free to use it in any non-profit ministry. Please include the website link (https://thewordthisweek.net).
WORLD PEACE
FIRST READING
Healing and Reconciliation for Conflict Zones
Lord, we pray for healing and reconciliation in conflict zones around the world, especially in the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Asia. May the intercession of our Church leaders, like Moses' plea for the Israelites (Numbers 21:7), bring about peaceful resolutions. We pray to the Lord...
Transformation and Hope for Trade Disputes
Loving Father, we ask for a spirit of transformation and hope amid trade disputes, particularly the tensions between China and other nations. Just as the bronze serpent brought healing to the Israelites (Numbers 21:8-9), may Your divine intervention guide world leaders toward cooperation and understanding. We pray to the Lord...
SECOND READING
Humility and Unity for Global Leaders
Gracious God, grant global leaders, especially those involved in conflicts and disputes in the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Asia, the grace to embody the humility of Christ, who "emptied Himself, taking the form of a slave" (Philippians 2:7). May their actions foster unity and peace among nations. We pray to the Lord...
Strength and Compassion for Peacekeepers
Almighty Lord, strengthen peacekeepers and peacemakers working in conflict zones. As they strive for a world that reflects the love and obedience of Christ (Philippians 2:8), may their efforts bring comfort and support to those affected by violence and unrest. We pray to the Lord...
GOSPEL
Proclamation of Peace and Love in Conflict Zones
Lord, we pray for the proclamation of peace and love in conflict zones around the world, including the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Asia. May the message of salvation and eternal life through Christ (John 3:15-16) inspire world leaders and peacemakers to seek peaceful resolutions. We pray to the Lord...
Salvation and Redemption for Trade Disputes
Heavenly Father, we ask for Your divine love to guide nations involved in trade disputes, like those between China and other countries. May they find inspiration in Your love that motivated You to send Your Son into the world (John 3:16), leading to redemption and reconciliation for the benefit of all people. We pray to the Lord...
For Those Facing Adversities
We pray for the people of today being crucified by war, poverty or sickness, that they will not be overcome by their ordeal but hold fast to the hope of life.
We pray for all who wield social influence, that they will use the media at their disposal to foster a culture of respect, inclusion and solidarity.
SOURCE: Australian Catholics
For courage: that God will strengthen us as we encounter our daily crosses so that we may give witness to Christ through living the paschal mystery and embracing our new life in Christ
SOURCE: Sunday Website
Special Needs
Exaltation of the Holy Cross
TOGETHER LET US PRAY (0:46) - The "Prayer of St Francis Before the Crucifix" (prayer text below) is a humble petition to God for spiritual enlightenment and virtues. In it, St. Francis asks for faith, hope, charity, understanding, and knowledge to better serve God's will.
Merciful God, just as You heard Moses' prayer and provided healing for Your people, we ask You to hear our prayers before a crucifix. Grant us the grace to lift our gaze towards Your divine love and mercy, so that we may find comfort, strength, and healing in "right faith, sure hope, and perfect charity."
So Moses prayed for the people,
and the LORD said to Moses,
"Make a saraph and mount it on a pole,
and if any who have been bitten
look at it, they will live."
FIRST READING
Infographic created with Google AI Gemini 2.5 Pro tools (e.g. Chart.js and Tailwind CSS). Feel free to use it in any non-profit ministry. Please include the website link (https://thewordthisweek.net).
PRIESTS FOR LIFE (2:50) - Frank Pavone, National Director of Priests for Life, reflects on the Sunday readings for the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, and their message about abortion.
RESPECT FOR LIFE
FIRST READING
Prayer for the Unborn: Protection and Love
Lord, we pray for the protection and love of the unborn, as they face the threat of abortion. May the intercession of our Church leaders, like Moses' plea for the Israelites (Numbers 21:7), bring about a renewed respect for the sanctity of life. We pray to the Lord...
Prayer for the Vulnerable: Transforming the Culture of Death
Loving Father, we ask for a transformation of the culture of death that threatens the lives of the vulnerable, including those on death row. Just as the bronze serpent brought healing to the Israelites (Numbers 21:8-9), may Your divine intervention guide our society toward a culture of life. We pray to the Lord...
SECOND READING
Prayer for Humility: Nurturing a Culture of Life
Gracious God, grant our society the grace to embody the humility of Christ, who "emptied Himself, taking the form of a slave" (Philippians 2:7). May our actions foster a culture that values and respects the inherent dignity of every human life, from conception to natural death. We pray to the Lord...
Prayer for Strength: Overcoming Exploitation and Pornography
Almighty Lord, strengthen us in our efforts to combat exploitation and the prevalence of pornography in our society. As we strive for a world that reflects the love and obedience of Christ (Philippians 2:8), may our actions bring comfort and support to those affected by these destructive influences. We pray to the Lord...
GOSPEL
Prayer for Proclamation: Advocating for Life and Dignity
Lord, we pray for the bold proclamation of the Gospel message that values life and human dignity. May the message of salvation and eternal life through Christ (John 3:15-16) inspire us to advocate for the rights of the unborn, the vulnerable, and those exploited by pornography. We pray to the Lord...
Prayer for Redemption: Transforming Hearts and Minds
Heavenly Father, we ask for Your divine love to transform hearts and minds, leading to the rejection of abortion, the death penalty, and the exploitation of individuals. May the love that motivated You to send Your Son into the world (John 3:16) guide us in creating a society that cherishes and respects every human life. We pray to the Lord...
AP PRAYERS (1:40) - Father in heaven, may the faith you have given us in your son, Jesus Christ, our brother, and the flame of charity enkindled in our hearts by the Holy Spirit...
YEAR OF HOPE
FIRST READING
Healing the Wounds of Sorrow and Pain
Lord, we pray for Your divine healing as we acknowledge the personal and societal wounds of sorrow and pain that burden many. May the intercession of our Church leaders, like Moses' plea for the Israelites (Numbers 21:7), bring about renewed hope and comfort for those who suffer. We pray to the Lord...
- Transforming Hopelessness into Faith
Loving Father, we ask for a transformation of the hopelessness that plagues our society. Just as the bronze serpent brought healing to the Israelites (Numbers 21:8-9), may Your divine intervention guide those struggling toward a life filled with faith and hope. We pray to the Lord..
SECOND READING
Embracing the Mind of Christ for Hope
Gracious God, grant us the grace to embrace the mindset of Christ, who "emptied Himself, taking the form of a slave" (Philippians 2:7). May our actions foster a culture that nurtures hope and healing for those weighed down by personal and societal wounds. We pray to the Lord...
- Proclaiming Hope in the Face of Adversity
Almighty Lord, strengthen us in our efforts to proclaim hope to those facing adversity. As we strive for a world that reflects the love and obedience of Christ (Philippians 2:8), may our actions bring comfort and support to those in need. We pray to the Lord...
GOSPEL
Believing in the Promise of Eternal Life
Lord, we pray for the bold belief in the promise of eternal life through Christ (John 3:15-16). May this hope inspire us to persevere through personal and societal challenges, finding solace in the love and salvation offered by Your Son. We pray to the Lord...
- Living the Hope of Redemption
Heavenly Father, we ask for Your divine love to inspire us to live out the hope of redemption. May the love that motivated You to send Your Son into the world (John 3:16) guide us in creating a society that supports and uplifts those burdened by sorrow, pain, and hopelessness. We pray to the Lord...
The Local Community
We pray for our parish community, that in this Jubilee of Hope it will be animated by a spirit of consolation for those who are experiencing pain or affliction of any kind.
We pray for those entrusted with formal responsibility for the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults
We pray for our parish community, that we will gladly bear one another’s burdens and help carry each other’s cross.
We pray for those who have died recently . . . . , and those whose anniversary of death occurs around this time, that they will be raised on high with Christ to the glory of God the Father.
SOURCE: Australian Catholics
For a deeper connection with all the people who are in our life: that we may see them with the love that God has for each of them and encourage them to live their life fully
SOURCE: Sunday Website
Local Community
Exaltation of the Holy Cross
COURAGEOUS CATHOLIC (0:36) - A quick answer on why Catholics genuflect prior to entering their church pews.
Grant us the grace to reverence You with deep devotion, whether we genuflect or bow, as we enter Your holy sanctuary. May our actions remind us of the sanctity of this sacred space and strengthen our devotion to Your divine presence.
God greatly exalted him
and bestowed on him the name
that is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus
every knee should bend,
of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue confess that
Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
SECOND READING
Infographic created with Google AI Gemini 2.5 Pro tools (e.g. Chart.js and Tailwind CSS). Feel free to use it in any non-profit ministry. Please include the website link (https://thewordthisweek.net).
FAMILIES
FIRST READING
Prayer for Children's Health and Safety
Lord, we pray for the well-being and protection of children, who are among the most vulnerable in our society. Just as You heard the cries of the Israelites and sent healing (Numbers 21:7), may our children experience Your divine care and protection. We pray to the Lord...
Prayer for Family Unity
Loving Father, we ask for the grace to foster strong and united families, especially during times of hardship and adversity. May we learn from the example of the Israelites, who endured trials together and found healing through faith and trust in You (Numbers 21:8-9). We pray to the Lord...
SECOND READING
Prayer for Humility in Parenting
Gracious God, grant parents the humility to emulate Christ's selflessness in their parenting journey. May they nurture their children with love and kindness, raising them to follow the example of Christ, who "emptied Himself, taking the form of a slave" (Philippians 2:7). We pray to the Lord...
Prayer for Emotional Healing in Families
Almighty Lord, we pray for emotional healing and support for families facing hardships. As they strive for a home that reflects the love and obedience of Christ (Philippians 2:8), may they find comfort and solace in the promise of Your divine presence. We pray to the Lord...
GOSPEL
Prayer for Children's Spiritual Growth
Lord, we pray for the spiritual growth and development of our children. May they come to know and believe in the eternal life offered through Christ (John 3:15-16), and experience the transformative power of Your divine love in their lives. We pray to the Lord...
Prayer for Family Love and Support
Heavenly Father, we ask for an abundance of love and support within families. May they be inspired by Your divine love, which motivated You to send Your Son into the world (John 3:16), and cherish one another with compassion and understanding. We pray to the Lord...
SACRAMENTS
FIRST READING
Prayer for Healing through the Anointing of the Sick
Lord, we pray for the healing power of the Anointing of the Sick to touch the lives of our community. Just as You brought healing to the Israelites through the bronze serpent (Numbers 21:8-9), may this sacrament bring comfort and restoration to those in need. We pray to the Lord...
Prayer for Reconciliation and Unity
Loving Father, we ask for the grace to seek reconciliation and unity through the Sacrament of Penance. May we learn from the example of the Israelites, who turned to You in their suffering (Numbers 21:7), and find healing and peace in the confession of our sins. We pray to the Lord...
SECOND READING
Prayer for Holy Orders: Service and Humility
Gracious God, grant those called to Holy Orders the grace to serve with humility, emulating Christ's selflessness (Philippians 2:7). May they lead our community in love and obedience, drawing us closer to the sacraments and the sacred mysteries of our faith. We pray to the Lord...
Prayer for Matrimony: Embracing Christ-like Love
Almighty Lord, we pray for married couples in our community to embrace the Christ-like love that "emptied Himself" for the sake of others (Philippians 2:7). May their sacramental bond inspire us to support and nurture one another, reflecting the love of Christ in our lives. We pray to the Lord...
GOSPEL
rayer for Baptism: Embracing New Life in Christ
Lord, we pray for those entering the community through the Sacrament of Baptism. As they embrace the eternal life offered through Christ (John 3:15-16), may their faith journey inspire us to deepen our understanding and appreciation of this sacred rite. We pray to the Lord...
Prayer for Eucharist: Nourishment and Hope
Heavenly Father, we ask for a renewed appreciation of the Eucharist, which unites us in hope and love. May this sacrament remind us of Your divine love, which motivated You to send Your Son into the world (John 3:16), and nourish our souls as we face life's challenges. We pray to the Lord...
SUNDAY WEBSITE | AUSTRALIAN CATHOLICS | UN OBSERVANCES