8 Catholic Intercessory Prayers for Those in Need or Forgotten

In our everyday lives, our personal prayers may include asking God for His assistance. While it is natural to seek help for ourselves, it is important to consider others and intercede for them. Here are eight Catholic intercessory prayers for those in need or who are often forgotten:

 

1. A Prayer for the Unborn and Their Mothers

 

Holy Mary, Mother of mercy, we come to you pleading for the littlest and most vulnerable among us – the unborn. Intercede for all children whose lives are threatened before birth. Wrap them in your mantle of protection and guide their mothers to choose life and love.

 

Pray for women facing the anguish of unplanned pregnancy. Fill their hearts with courage and hope, that they may say “yes” to the new life within them, just as you did. May your tears of sorrow soften hearts and awaken our world to the precious gift of human life. Amen.

 

 

2. A Prayer for the Homeless

 

Heavenly Father, we come before You today with hearts full of compassion and love for our homeless brothers and sisters. We lift them up to You, knowing that You are a God of mercy and grace, and that You hear the cries of those in need.

 

We pray for those who find themselves without a place to call home, without shelter and warmth. Surround them with Your Divine Protection, keeping them safe from harm and danger. Provide them with the basic necessities of life, such as food, clothing, and a comfortable place to rest.

 

Father, we ask for Your Healing Touch upon those who are suffering from mental illness. Bring them comfort, peace, and clarity of mind. Help them find the support and treatment they need to regain their well-being.

 

We also lift up our homeless veterans, who have bravely served our country but now face hardships. Grant them the care, respect, and gratitude they deserve. Guide them to resources that can assist them in finding stability and a renewed sense of purpose.

 

For those battling addiction, Lord, we pray for deliverance and healing. Free them from the chains of substance abuse and provide them with the strength to overcome their struggles. Lead them to programs and support systems that can guide them towards recovery and a new beginning. Amen.

 

 

3. A Prayer for Those Who Are in Prison

 

Lord, you offer freedom to all people. We pray for those in prison. Break the bonds of fear and isolation that exist. Support with Your Love prisoners and their families and friends, prison staff and all who care.

 

Heal those who have been wounded by the actions of others, especially the victims of crime. Help us to forgive one another, to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly together with Christ in His Strength and in His Spirit, now and every day. Amen

 

 

4. A Prayer for Those Who Are Mourning

 

Lord God,
You are attentive to the voice of our pleading.
Let us find in Your Son comfort in our sadness,
certainty in our doubt, and courage to live through this hour.
Make our faith strong through Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

 

5. A Prayer for the Holy Souls in Purgatory and All Sinners

by St. Gertrude the Great

Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Most Precious Blood of Thy Divine Son, Jesus, in union with the Masses said throughout the world today, for all the Holy Souls in Purgatory, for sinners everywhere, for sinners in the universal Church, those in my own home, and within my family. Amen.

 

 

6. A Prayer for Unbelievers

(from Day 4 of the Divine Mercy Chaplet Novena)

 

Most compassionate Jesus, You are the Light of the whole world. Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who do not believe in God and of those who as yet do not know You. Let the rays of Your grace enlighten them that they, too, together with us, may extol Your wonderful mercy; and do not let them escape from the abode which is Your Most Compassionate Heart.

 

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls of those who do not believe in You, and of those who as yet do not know You, but who are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Draw them to the light of the Gospel. These souls do not know what great happiness it is to love You. Grant that they, too, may extol the generosity of Your mercy for endless ages. Amen.

 

 

7. A Prayer for Vocations to the Priesthood

 

Father, in every generation You provide

ministers of Christ and the Church.

We come before you now, asking that you

call forth more men to serve our diocese

in the ministerial priesthood.

 

Give us priests who will lead and guide

Your holy people gathered by Word and Sacrament.

Bless us with priestly vocations so that we can continue

to be a truly Eucharistic Church,

strengthened in our discipleship of Jesus Christ,

Your Only Son.

 

Raise up, we pray, men who are generous in their service,

willing to offer their lives and all their gifts

for Your greater glory and for the good of Your people.

We make our prayer in the presence and power

of the Holy Spirit, through Christ, Our Lord. Amen.

 

 

8. Prayer of Reparation to the Holy Face of Jesus

Whose Sacrifice Is Often Forgotten

 

Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Holy Face of Jesus, covered with blood, sweat, dust and spittle, in reparation for the crimes of communists, blasphemers, and for the profaners of the Holy Name and of the Holy Day of Sunday.

 

 

Catholic Radio Encourages Prayer as Part of the Communion of Saints

 

We are part of the communion of saints, and as the Church Militant we can pray for the living and the dead. Catholic radio programs can support your knowledge and understanding of the Catholic faith and always encourages prayer for others.

 

You can listen online to one of our five livestreams, find your local station, or download our free app for Apple and Android.