“With Your Spirit” graphic by the monks of Weston Priory, © 1980 The Benedictine Foundation of the State of Vermont, Inc.

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What is the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM), and what does it say about the Prayer of the Faithful (General Intercessions)?

The General Instruction of the Roman Missal is the authoritative Roman document that lays down the principles and guidelines for the celebration of the Eucharistic Liturgy (Mass) in the Roman Catholic Church. Its stated purpose is "to offer general guidelines for properly arranging the Celebration of the Eucharist and to set forth rules for ordering the various forms of celebration" (GIRM 21). The GIRM, however, is much more than a set of rules. Taking its lead from the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy (CSL) of Vatican II, it also gives the theological and pastoral basis for our celebration of the sacrament. It thus becomes a kind of map to situate our celebration within the broader context of the Paschal Mystery which is at the heart of our faith.

Regarding the General Intercessions or Prayers of the Faithful, the GIRM says:

The Prayers of the Faithful are an effective way to express and encourage the participation of the faithful (36).

The Prayers of the Faithful (General Intercessions) help to “develop and conclude” the Liturgy of the Word (55).

In the General Intercessions (Prayers of the Faithful), the faithful exercise their baptismal priesthood, offering prayers for the salvation of the world (69).