The Solemn Intercessions at the Good Friday Celebration of Our Lord's Passion

Abstract

Text from the first half of "The Solemn Intercessions at the Good Friday Celebration of Our Lord's Passion"|The Liturgy of the Word concludes with the Solemn Intercessions, which take place in this way: the Deacon, if a Deacon is present, or if he is not, a lay minister, stands at the ambo, and sings or says the invitation in which the intention is expressed. Then all pray in silence for a while, and afterwards the Priest, standing at the chair or, if appropriate, at the altar, with hands extended, sings or says the prayer.|The faithful may remain either kneeling or standing throughout the entire period of the prayers.

Before the Priest's prayer, in accord with tradition, it is permissible to use the Deacon's invitations "Let us kneel - Let us stand," with all kneeling for silent prayer.|I. For Holy Church|Let us pray, dearly beloved, for the holy Church of God,|that our God and Lord be pleased to give her peace,|to guard her and to unite her throughout the whole world|and grant that, leading our life in tranquility and quiet,|we may glorify God the Father almighty.

Prayer in silence. Then the Priest says:|Almighty ever-living God,|who in Christ revealed your glory to all the nations,|watch over the works of your mercy,|that your Church, spread throughout all the world,|may persevere with steadfast faith in confessing your name.|Through Christ our Lord.|R. Amen.|II. For the Pope|Let us pray also for our most Holy Father Pope N.,|that our God and Lord,|who chose him for the Order of Bishops,|may keep him safe and unharmed for the Lord's holy Church,|to govern the holy People of God.

Prayer in silence. Then the Priest says:|Almighty ever-living God,|by whose decree all things are founded,|look with favor on our prayers|and in your kindness protect the Pope chosen for us,|that, under him, the Christian people,|governed by you their maker,|may grow in merit by reason of their faith.|Through Christ our Lord.|R. Amen.|III. For all orders and degrees of the faithful|Let us pray also for our Bishop N.,|for all Bishops, Priests, and Deacons of the Church|and for the whole of the faithful people.|Prayer in silence. Then the Priest says:|Almighty ever-living God,|by whose Spirit the whole body of the Church|is sanctified and governed,|hear our humble prayer for your ministers,|that, by the gift of your grace,|all may serve you faithfully.|Through Christ our Lord.|R. Amen.|