Lectors are lay leaders who are “truly suited…and carefully prepared” to proclaim the word of God to the gathered assembly (GIRM 101.) Readers are encouraged to continually meditate on Sacred Scripture, so that their faithful proclamation of the readings at Mass will in turn inspire the faithful to turn to God through his word. The Leader reads the Prayers of the Faithful (Intercessory prayers) in which we pray for the needs of the universal Church.