Prayers of petition and intercession
Overview
In the Christian tradition prayers of petition and intercession, nurture the spiritual life of believers.
By prayers of petition, Christians seek forgiveness and turn back to God.
Intercessions are prayers of petition in which Christians intercede for the needs of others (e.g. the community, the church, the world, leaders) as well as for themselves.
Intercessions may take the form of a litany. A litany is a form of prayer in which a person makes fixed responses to a series of petitions.
Prayers of petition and intercession are explicitly taught in the Religion Curriculum P - 12, Archdiocese of Brisbane (Year 4, CLPS10).
Prayers of petition and intercession during the liturgy
Some examples of prayers of petition and intercession during mass are:
Penitential Act C
Your were sent to heal the contrite of heart: Lord have mercy.
All: Lord have mercy.
You came to call sinners: Christ, have mercy.
All: Christ, have mercy.
You are seated at the right hand of the Father to intercede for us: Lord have mercy.
All: Lord have mercy.
Breaking of the Bread
All: Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, grant us peace.
Prayer of the Faithful
Priest: God is the source of our strength and our hope. With confidence, let us bring our prayer before the Lord.
Reader: That church leaders will grow ever closer to Our Lord so that their lives will reflect his teaching. (pause) Lord, hear us:
All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Reader: That those who have wealth and power will place themselves at the service of those in need. (pause) Lord, hear us:
All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Reader: That Christians everywhere will respond to God’s call to discipleship and mission.
(pause) Lord, hear us:
All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Reader: That we who are gathered around this table will desire Christ more than wealth or possessions.
(pause) Lord, hear us:
All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Reader: That those who are suffering in mind or body will find healing and consolation through our care and support. (pause) Lord, hear us:
All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Priest: O God, you have given us a share in the good things of heaven and earth.
Hear our prayers that we may welcome you into our midst and make known your saving deeds.
We ask this through Jesus your Son.
All: Amen.