General Intercessions Part 2

About the Mass Series: General Intercessions Part 2

THE MASS: ABOUT THE MASS ICON.

The General Intercessions are an integral part of the liturgy. Having heard the word, we respond to it, confident that God will act today (through us) as he has in the past, and so exercising our priestly function we intercede for all humanity.  We form a ‘royal priesthood’, in union with Christ, in solidarity with our brothers and sisters everywhere and under the presidency of the priest make petitions, prayer, and intercessions for all. (1Timothy 2:1)   

 STRUCTURE

The sequence of intentions follows a definite structure.  The priest prays a brief introduction, which relates to the feast or season or to some particular aspect of the Scriptures already proclaimed, and this is then followed by prayers in the following categories.

(a)    For the need of the Church;

(b)   For public authorities and the salvation of the world;

(c)    For those oppressed by any need;

(d)   For the local community.

Then the priest in the concluding prayer addresses God as Father, summarises the intentions and asks Him to look favourably upon the prayers offered. We respond ‘Amen’.  

The Church has developed an excellent General Intercessions book covering the three year cycle.  There are also other books available with suggested General Intercessions. These books need to be used as resources for those parishes which use a Team of General Intercession Writers.

PARISH WRITING THEIR OWN INTERCESSION.

From a practical viewpoint, General Intercession writing teams need to be aware of the above mentioned structure and the more extensive rubrics specified to General Intercessions, and compose prayers that are general in nature, so that the congregation may pray in unity.  This is particularly important when considering particular causes or issues facing society. It is not a time for team members to write prayers which push a barrow or political viewpoint. These types of prayers, although well intentioned, are not inclusive to the whole congregation, and therefore do not foster a prayerful unity and purpose.

During this time, our body posture is significant- we are standing- standing in solidarity with mankind. When we offer these prayers and intercede for humanity, this is meant to help us to be better prepared to proceed to the Liturgy of the Eucharist.