What are bidding prayers??
Bidding Prayers, also sometimes known as the General Intercessions, Prayers Of The Faithful or the Universal Prayer, are a series of short prayers offered during a Christian religious funeral mass. These prayers allow the congregation to express their intentions and concerns for various needs, including prayers for the deceased, their family, the church, caregivers and the world.
Typically, a few prayers are read aloud by a designated reader or the priest, followed by a a collective response from the congregation, normally in the form of “Lord hear us” or “Lord graciously hear us”. 
Structure of a bidding prayer
Bidding prayers normally follow a set structure at a funeral where the priest prays for 5-7 certain things. For example:
- for the needs of the Church;
- for the needs of the world;
- for those facing loss and sorrow in their lives;
- for the needs of the community.
- for the needs of the family
- for the needs of the deceased
Whereas normal bidding prayers may just pray for the Church, the world, the community funeral prayers are usually adapted for the day, offering prayers to both the deceased and to the family members.
Examples of Bidding Prayers for a funeral:
Below we have put together 3 examples of Bidding Prayers which could be read out at a funeral or a memorial service for your loved one.
Bidding Prayers version 1
“We pray for [Name], who has departed from this life. May their soul find peace and rest in the loving embrace of God. Let us pray to the Lord.”
Lord graciously hear us
“We lift up in prayer the family and friends of [Name], that they may find comfort and strength in this time of sorrow. May they feel the presence of God’s love surrounding them. Let us pray to the Lord.”
Lord graciously hear us
“We pray for all who mourn the loss of [Name]. May they find solace in their memories and the support of their community. May they know that God is with them, offering them His consolation and peace. Let us pray to the Lord.”
Lord graciously hear us
“We pray for the soul of [Name], that they may be welcomed into the kingdom of heaven and experience the fullness of God’s love and mercy. Let us pray to the Lord.”
Lord graciously hear us
“We remember all the faithful departed, especially [Name] and all those known to us. May they be granted eternal rest and happiness in the presence of God. Let us pray to the Lord.”
Lord graciously hear us
“We pray for all caregivers, doctors, and nurses who tirelessly serve the sick and dying. May they be blessed with strength, compassion, and wisdom as they minister to those in need. Let us pray to the Lord.”
Lord graciously hear us
“We pray for a world where suffering and death will be no more. May we strive to build a society of justice, peace, and love, where all people are valued and cared for. Let us pray to the Lord.”
Lord graciously hear us
Bidding Prayers version 2
“Let us pray for [Name], who has departed from this earthly life. May their soul find peace and eternal rest in the presence of God. Let us pray to the Lord.”
Lord graciously hear us
“We lift up in prayer all who mourn the loss of [Name]. May they find strength and consolation in the midst of their sorrow. May the love of God and the support of family and friends sustain them during this difficult time. Let us pray to the Lord.”
Lord graciously hear us
“We pray for the family and friends of [Name], that they may be comforted by the memories of their loved one and find hope in the promise of the resurrection. May they experience a peace that surpasses all understanding as they entrust their loved ones into God’s loving care. Let us pray to the Lord.”
Lord graciously hear us
“We ask for God’s healing presence to be with those who are burdened by grief and sadness. May they find solace in the assurance of God’s love and the promise of new life in Christ. Grant them strength and courage to face the days ahead with hope and trust in your providence. Let us pray to the Lord.”
Lord graciously hear us
“We remember with gratitude all who have gone before us marked with the sign of faith, especially [Name]. May they be welcomed into the heavenly kingdom and experience the fullness of joy in the presence of God. Let us pray to the Lord.”
Lord graciously hear us
“We pray for peace in our hearts, our communities, and the world. May the peace of Christ reign in our lives, bringing healing and reconciliation to all who are divided or in conflict. Let us pray to the Lord.”
Lord graciously hear us
“We ask for the grace to be instruments of God’s peace and love in the world. May we be empowered by the Holy Spirit to reach out to those who are suffering, offering them comfort, support, and hope. Let us pray to the Lord.”
Lord graciously hear us
Bidding Prayers version 3
“We pray for the soul of [Name], that they may find eternal rest in the loving arms of our Heavenly Father. May their journey be guided by light, and may they be granted peace and joy in God’s presence. Let us pray to the Lord.”
Lord graciously hear us
“We lift up in prayer the family and friends of [Name], that they may find comfort and strength in the midst of their grief. May they feel the embrace of God’s love surrounding them, providing solace and hope during this difficult time. Let us pray to the Lord.”
Lord graciously hear us
“We pray for all those who mourn the loss of [Name], that they may find healing and consolation in their memories and in the support of their community. May they know that they are not alone, and may they find peace in the midst of their sorrow. Let us pray to the Lord.”
Lord graciously hear us
“We pray for the Church that she may continue to be a source of comfort and strength for those who grieve. May the rituals of our faith bring consolation to the hearts of the bereaved, and may the community of believers offer support and companionship to those in need. Let us pray to the Lord.”
Lord graciously hear us
“We pray for peace in our hearts, in our communities, and in the world. May the love of God fill us with compassion and understanding, helping us to bridge divides and work towards reconciliation. Let us pray to the Lord.”
Lord graciously hear us
“We pray for all caregivers, healthcare professionals, and hospice workers who provide comfort and support to the sick and dying. May they be blessed with strength and compassion as they minister to those in need, and may they be a source of comfort and hope to all whom they serve. Let us pray to the Lord.”
Lord graciously hear us
Can I use these Bidding Prayers at a funeral?
Yes! You can use the above Bidding Prayers at a funeral or create your own unique prayers using the above as inspiration. If you are working with a priest to conduct the funeral then normally the priest will look after the prayers of the faithful for you. If there is something in particular you would like the priest to pray for then you can make this request before the funeral.
What is the difference between a bidding prayer and the prayers of the faithful?
Bidding prayers and prayers of the faithful often follow the same structure and format. These prayers provide an opportunity for the clergy to pray for the needs of the world, for the Church, for those in need and for those who have died. They are often used in funeral masses to pray for the person who has died, for people in the world they cared about, for the Church and for those who have also lost people they have loved.
These prayers are short and simple and are often no more than a few sentences.
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