Liturgy of the Word: The Prayer of the Faithful

Up to this point in our study of the Mass, we have heard the Word of the Lord proclaimed in scripture, then expounded upon by the priest in the homily and summed up in our Profession of Faith. Today we will reflect on the very last piece of the Liturgy of the Word and that is the Prayer of the Faithful. At this point in Mass, we respond with the heart and mind of Jesus by praying for the needs of the Church and the world. We pray for those experiencing various needs, for those in authority, and for the salvation of all people. And in so doing, we learn to look not only after our own interests, but the interests of others.

We can see examples of intercessory prayer throughout the bible. One particular example is in St. Paul’s first letter to Timothy. In Chapter 2 he writes, “I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions and thanksgivings be made for all men, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life, godly and respectful in every way. This is good and it is acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth”. (1Tm 2:1-4) And we know from Chapter 7 in the Book of Hebrews that Jesus is able to “save those who approach God through him, since he lives forever to make intercession for them”. (Heb 7:25)

So, as we participate in this part of the Mass called the Prayer of the Faithful, let us remember how Jesus poured out his heart in loving intercession for the whole world as we present our petitions and pray for the needs of others.