by Paul Turner

Vatican II created a new set of prayers after the Creed called "the prayer of the faithful," since the faithful pray them, or the "general intercessions," since they intercede for the world. A deacon, cantor or someone else (preferably not the priest) announces each petition, and the whole assembly responds.

Ordinarily at Mass, the priest says the prayers on behalf of the assembly. This prayer is different. It’s the prayer "of the faithful." We all call God by name. We thus exercise the priestly function given to us at baptism.

The petitions themselves fall into four categories and follow this sequence: First we pray for the needs the whole church. Then we pray for public authorities and the salvation of the world. Next we remember those oppressed in any way. And finally we pray for our community.

We have complete freedom to write these texts ourselves, these texts speak to the greatest needs of our community. They are not meant to be specific; they are to be general. We're not praying "for a special intention" or for Aunt Susie's depression. We pray universally, for groups in need. The prayer of the faithful is not just another prayer. It's the priestly people fulfilling their mission prayer for the world.