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Prayer is communication with God and most usually petition God for something or thank Him for a blessing in their life. Some of us pray daily (at home, at work, in the car, on the train) but many of us only pray in church, usually during Mass. However, there are many people who do not pray, period. Some people do not know God or Jesus, or are afraid of Him. Even if they believe in God, many do not think they need Him. Others may have just given up on God. You may not have known it, but it is our job to pray for these people. St. Paul tells us to "offer prayers, petitions and intercessions" for all people, whether Christian or not. (1 Tim. 2:1) During the Prayer of the Faithful or General Intercessions we pray for and intercede for others. The focus of the different intercessions or petitions starts broadly and then narrows. Generally, the order is: 1. for the Church (the Pope, the Bishops, the clergy and all church members); 2. for government leaders, the world's salvation, peace and justice; 3. for those oppressed by injustice, war or natural disasters; 4. for the needs of the local community; 5. for the specific day (e.g., feast day, wedding, first communion, funeral, tie-in to the Gospel message); 6. for the sick; 7. for all the dead and usually for a specific intention or individual. The Intercessions offered at the Mass should also open our minds and hearts to serving others. By focusing on others rather than ourselves, we stress the communal nature of the Liturgy. Just as we are to take the Word of God with us when we leave Mass, we need to take the Intercessions with us and find ways to help God by doing what we prayed for! So, pay attention. |