What Is the Prayer of the Faithful and Is it Biblical?

I admit that when I was younger I often found liturgy distasteful. My church and mentors raised me to follow the Spirit, being more spontaneous, artistic, and creative with my faith. The liturgy I saw oftentimes seemed to move contrary to those principles. 

Fortunately, my church and mentors also taught me to respect other believers, treat them all like we’re on the same team, and respond in love, not judgment. This perspective allowed me to be curious and open to other traditions instead of being condemning and dismissive. 

And as I grew older, I began to find the wisdom in liturgy, both in the history of the church and today. I could also recognize the weaknesses of my own upbringing to a degree. Any tradition can devolve into meaninglessness, even a more robust and charismatic one, when the rituals become the focus instead of the Lord. While I still stay true to following the Spirit, in spontaneous and artistic ways, I believe much of the evangelical church could learn a thing or two from more liturgical expressions. 

The Prayer of the Faithful is a great example. As a positive, liturgy provides a structure and plan to make sure the whole congregation goes through the breadth of the Scripture together, including pastors and leaders. This more holistic look at the Bible can be absent from an evangelical environment limited to the gift and learning of one popular pastor or leader. The Prayer of the Faithful teaches us about the power and purpose of prayer, leading us through the Bible and God’s heart for all people.

What Is the Prayer of the Faithful? 

Also known as the General Intercessions or Universal Prayer, the Prayer of the Faithful is a part of Christian liturgy in which the congregation lifts up prayers for the church, the world, those in need, and the local community.

The early church included prayers of intercession in their worship services. In the second century, Justin Martyr described a faith gathering as one that included prayers for all men and kings. Jesus became the great High Priest before the throne of God, making intercession for us (Hebrews 7:25). As followers of Jesus, disciples also have this role. These prayers became a way for Christians to exercise the priestly role and bring the needs of others before God. By the fourth century, more structured prayers had developed and were mostly led by a pastor or deacon, perhaps with people responding “Kyrie Eleison,” or “Lord, have mercy.” 

With the development of the Roman Catholic Church, the Prayer of the Faithful became an official part of the Mass at Vatican II. It follows the Liturgy of the Word and invites the “faithful” believers to respond to God’s Word by praying for the needs of the church and the world. These will include intercession for the church, government authorities, the salvation of the world, the sick, and their local community. A priest introduces the prayer, a reader (or cantor) announces, and the congregation responds with, “Lord, hear our prayer.” 

Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic Churches add prayers of intercession during the Divine Liturgy. Their tradition might include long chants from the deacon and the repeated refrain, “Lord, have mercy.” Those litanies function similarly to the Prayer of the Faithful, for the world, the church, and other local needs. Anglican and Episcopal churches have a version of the Prayer of the Faithful in their services, as well, many times with petitions aligning with the church calendar. Lutherans that follow more historic liturgies have modeled prayers after this tradition, too. 

Protestant churches—like Methodist, Presbyterian, or Reformed—may not use the title, Prayer of the Faithful, but they will have times of intercessory prayer during their worship services. These prayers might not follow a set structure but have the same motivation and heart to bring the needs of the world to the Father. 

It is rare for evangelical churches to include the Prayer of the Faithful. 

What Is the Common Structure for the Prayer of the Faithful? 

Like most liturgy, the Prayer of the Faithful follows a common and set structure. While specific language and length vary, churches that use the official Prayer of the Faithful follow a pattern and order that moves from broad concerns to more specific ones.

A priest or other leader (called the presider) usually starts with an introduction. This opening invites the people to turn their hearts to prayer and reminds them of the purpose and great responsibility of intercession before God. Next comes the petitions, usually a four to six part structure: 

1. For the Church universal. The first petition focuses on the whole church, including the Pope, bishops, priests, pastors, missionaries, and all believers. It might include growth in unity or wisdom. 
2. For the world and political leaders. The second will generally intercede for more global issues or the nation. It may have prayers for peace, justice, specific leaders, and protecting the marginalized. 
3. For those in need. Thirdly, the Prayer of the Faithful lifts up people who may be downtrodden or downcast, such as the poor, sick, oppressed, or those suffering under a crisis like a disaster. Catholics might include prayers for the unborn or refugees. 
4. For the local community. Now the petitions get closer to home with the local community, including city leaders and any concerns for their time and place. 
5. For the dead. Especially in more liturgical traditions, they include a prayer for those who recently passed away, asking for God’s mercy for the one who died and comfort for families who grieve. 
6. For personal concerns. Some congregations will end with the most local, oneself, taking a moment for personal prayer requests. 

At the close, the presider gives a concluding prayer, gathering all the above and offering them to God, his mercy and grace. 

This structure reveals a spiritual responsibility for the congregation, from the universal to the individual, and how people should pray for all and the priesthood of all believers. 

What Is the Biblical Basis for the Prayer of the Faithful? 

To begin with, the apostle Paul encourages us in 1 Timothy 2:1-2, “I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all men—for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.” This passage clearly instructs us to be broad and holistic with our prayers, interceding for others before the Father with the Son for God’s purposes in the world. 

Further, each part of the Prayer of the Faithful has biblical support. 

1. For the universal church. Scripture calls us to pray for the whole church. “Praying always … for all the saints—and for me, that utterance may be given to me … to make known the mystery of the gospel.” (Ephesians 6:18-19) As Jesus intercedes for the born again believers, we begin there, as well. 
2. For the world and leaders. Along with 1 Timothy 2, Jeremiah 29:7 tells us, “Seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to the Lord for it; for in its peace you will have peace.” As citizens of the Kingdom of God, we still pray for the temporary (and often oppressive) governments of this world, recognizing how political peace benefits all people, whom we love. 
3. For those in need. Not only did Jesus show compassion for the suffering, his brother James commanded it, as well. “Is any among you suffering? Let him pray … Is anyone sick? Let him call for the elders of the church … and pray for him.” (James 5:13-14) We pray for those who are oppressed, the hurting, and dealing with sickness. 
4. For the local community. The early church made sure no one had any needs. In Acts 2:44-47, the Spirit filled believers shared resources and support “with gladness and simplicity of heart.” And Jesus said the second greatest commandment was to love our neighbors as ourselves (Mathew 22:39), pointing to our local physical community. Praying for them becomes the first step of this love. 
5. For the dead. Some traditions don’t include this, since doctrines vary about the practice, and nothing in canon specifically says to pray for the dead. Although along with the previous praying for our neighbors, the Spirit can comfort those in grief. 
6. For personal concerns. Finally, our individual requests matter, too. Philippians 4:6 invites us to bring everything to God in prayer: “In everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” This verse includes both personal and corporate requests.
   
   

What Is an Example of the Prayer of the Faithful for Us Today? 

For those interested in incorporating the Prayer of the Faithful into their own personal times of prayer or group prayer environments, here is a sample prayer you could use. 

For the Church: We pray for believers around the world, that God would strengthen the Body of Christ in truth, love, and unity. May pastors and leaders preach the Good News of Christ and the Kingdom with boldness and compassion, and may all believers live as salt and light in the world bereft of hope. Lord, hear our prayer. (or Lord, have mercy) 

For the word and leaders: We pray for the leaders of all nations, those entrusted with peace and protection over their people, that God would give them wisdom and humility, and lead them to justice. May peace reign over violence, and may righteousness and justice guide those in power. Lord, hear our prayer. 

For those in need: We lift up the poor, the sick, the lonely, the marginalized, and those suffering oppression. Father, by your Spirit, heal the broken, provide for those in need, and comfort those who grieve. Open our eyes for ways to be your hands and feet and share your love in practical ways. Lord, hear our prayer. 

For our local community: We intercede for families, schools, businesses, and neighborhoods. Help us to love our neighbors, be attentive to their lives and needs, and to serve the community with joy. Strengthen marriages and families and draw people to your salvation. Lord, hear our prayer. 

For the departed: We remember those who have died in faith. Thank you for their legacy and gifts to us from you. May they rest in your eternal peace, and may we in grief find hope in your resurrection. Lord, hear our prayer. 

For personal concerns: We cast our individual and family worries upon you, knowing you care for us and every detail of our lives. Bless us and empower us to remain faithful and be your light in the world. Lord, hear our prayer. 

Conclusion: Father, have mercy and receive these prayers we offer through your Son. Answer according to your complete and compassionate will. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

Peace. 

Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Christin Lola

Britt Mooney lives and tells great stories. As an author of fiction and non-fiction, he is passionate about teaching ministries and nonprofits the power of storytelling to inspire and spread truth. Mooney has a podcast called Kingdom Over Coffee and is a published author of We Were Reborn for This: The Jesus Model for Living Heaven on Earth as well as Say Yes: How God-Sized Dreams Take Flight.

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Originally published April 24, 2025.