(3.7) The Universal Prayer or Prayer of the Faithful
The Prayer of the Faithful is a prayer in which we ask for intercession from God for ourselves and others. It also signals that the Liturgy of the Word is about to conclude and the Eucharist is about to begin.
After each intention there is a pause and we pray.
Reader says: Lord, in your mercy.
We say: Hear our prayer.
The Priest concludes the Prayer with a collect.
Origin and Meaning
The practice of interceding for others can be traced back on St Paul’s instruction to Timothy concerning prayers;
“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity. This is right and is acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Tim 2:1-4).