Sunday, March 22, 2026
There are moments in Mass each week where our minds can wander off. One of those for me is the Prayers of the Faithful. Look at how the General Instruction of the Roman Missal talks about these intentions we pray after we say the Creed:
“In the Universal Prayer or Prayer of the Faithful, the people respond in some sense to the Word of God which they have received in faith and, exercising the office of their baptismal Priesthood, offer prayers to God for the salvation of all.”
Exercising the office of their baptismal Priesthood! At Baptism, we are all called to be priests, prophets, and kings. We offer these petitions as a response to the readings we’ve just heard. God enlightens our minds and hearts with His Word, and then immediately calls us to pray for the Church and for others in need.
Try to listen a bit more carefully today to each intention, each prayer. And then, perhaps with a priestly confidence, enjoin your “Lord, hear our prayer” a little more fully to the congregation that is lifting its needs to our Heavenly Father.