The Gregorian Intercession

The Celebrant begins:

Almighty and most merciful Father,
we come to you with praise and thanksgiving
through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Through him we ask you to accept the intercessions we now offer in faith.


The Intercessor continues:


FOR THE CHURCH

We pray for your holy Church.

Watch over her, guide her, and grant her peace and unity throughout the world. Strengthen all bishops, priests and deacons, [especially… ,] as well as all who proclaim the orthodox Christian faith which has been handed down to us from the apostles.


FOR THE NATION AND THE WORLD

We pray for our nation and the world.

Bless and guide our civil servants, [especially… ,] give wisdom to all in authority, and lead the people of this and every land in the ways of justice and peace; that we may honor one another and seek the common good.


FOR THE NEEDS OF THE LIVING

We pray for all your faithful people,
especially for those who are dear to us whose needs we now remember now…

The Intercessor may now read aloud the Diptychs for the Living,
or the assembly may quietly speak the names of those for whom they wish to pray.

Grant to them, and to all trust in your mercy and love, comfort and relief, patience amid their struggles, and a happy deliverance out of all their distress.


FOR THE CONGREGATION

We pray for this assembly, gathered to offer you our sacrifice of praise.

Confirm our faith, strengthen our sense of dedication, and grant us peace, health, well-being, and the redemption of our souls. Save amid our times of trial and count us forever among the flock you have chosen as your own.

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FOR SPECIFIC OCCASSIONS

On the following occasions, the Intercessor includes the following prayers.

Easter Week

In a special way, we pray for those to whom, in these Easter days, you have given new birth through water and the Spirit, with pardon for all their sins.

Baptism

In a special way, we pray for ___ to whom you have given new birth through water and the Spirit, with pardon for all his/her/their sins. Make him/her/them a living member of Christ’s body and inscribe his/her/their name in the Book of Life.

Confirmation or Reaffirmation of Faith

In a special way, we pray for ___ who, today, has confirmed/reaffirmed the vows of his/her/their baptism, committing themselves to walking in the power of the Spirit in pathways of faith, hope, and love.

Ordination

In a special way, we pray for ___ whom you have called to the diaconal/presbyteral/episcopal order. Fill him/her/them with your truth, bless him/her/them with innocence of life, and grant that he/she/they may faithfully serve you through their ministry, to the glory of your Name, and the edification of your people.

Matrimony

In a special way, we pray for ___ and ___ whom you have made one flesh through the Sacrament of Matrimony. Grant them with a long, happy, and joyful life together and, as accords with your good pleasure, the joy of children to love and cherish in you.

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FOR THE DEPARTED

We pray for all who have gone before us marked with the sign of faith
who now rest in the sleep of peace,
especially for those dear to us whom we remember now… 

The Intercessor may now read aloud the Diptychs for the Living,
or the assembly may quietly speak the names of those for whom they wish to pray. 

Grant to them, and to all who rest in Christ, a place of refreshment, light, and peace.


FOR OUR FELLOWSHIP WITH THE SAINTS

In union with the whole Church

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Christmas

…as we celebrate the moment most holy
when your only-begotten Son came among us
through a birth beyond our ability to comprehend…

Epiphany

…as we celebrate the moment most holy
when your only-begotten Son, who is one with you in your eternal glory,
revealed to himself to the world in human flesh…

Easter

…as we celebrate the moment most holy
when your only-begotten Son rose bodily from the grave,
shattering the power of death and opening for us the gates of everlasting life…

Ascension

…as we celebrate the moment most holy
when your only-begotten Son glorified our frail human nature
through his ascension to your right hand…

Pentecost

…as we celebrate the moment most holy
when your all-holy, good, and life-giving Spirit
descended upon the apostles in tongues of flame…

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we honor Mary, the virgin mother of Jesus Christ, our Lord and God;
together with patriarchs, prophets, apostles, martyrs…

The Intercessor commemorates the patron and festal saints as appropriate.

…and all your saints.

Through their intercessions, may we be guarded in every respect by your constant help and protection. As sinners who trust in your mercy and love, we ask you to grant us a share in their eternal inheritance, not considering what we truly deserve, but freely granting us your pardon and your peace.


The Celebrant concludes:

All this we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord,
through whom you create, sanctify, enliven, bless, and bestow upon us,
and upon the whole human race,
every gift that is good.
Amen.