What is the appropriate response to the Prayer of the Faithful?
According to the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM)
#69, which says “In the Prayer of the Faithful, the people respond in a
certain way to the word of God which they have welcomed in faith and
exercising the office of their baptismal priesthood, offer prayers to God
for the salvation of all.”
Sometimes, we are confused and respond to the Prayer of the Faith with “Lord
hear our prayer(s)” meanwhile the appropriate response should be “Lord
hear our prayer.” Why “Prayer” and not “Prayer(s)”? Because as
a community of faith with one voice, one mind, and one heart we lift up to
God our prayers/intentions; these prayers/intentions reflect and express the
prayers of the whole community. Therefore, the appropriate response after
each prayer ought to be “Lord hear our prayer.” However, the last
petition of the Prayer of the Faithful should be responded as “Lord hear our
prayers.” This is when all of the faithful personally petition their
own prayers/intentions. |
