During Mass, and after the Readings and Homily of the day, we have the citing of all of the Nicene Creed.  Next comes what is called the Prayer of the Faithful.

This consist of a series of prayer, typically four to five such prayers with a closing of each by the Prayer Leader saying words to the effect of “We pray to the Lord”, and the congregation responds “Lord, hear our prayer.”

Notice no “s” in the congregation response there…  This is one prayer from all of us, at one time, even when we are asked to add our private intentions, again, it is a singular prayer not multiple prayers (see the s in that last one?) from multiple people.

In responds “Lord, hear our prayers” you are taking yourself out of the group prayer and sending up/or implying your own prayer(s).  While sending up your own prayers is good, at this point in Mass, it is ONE PRAYER from the whole Church.

I do think this post may lead to an in depth discussion of the GIRM (General Instruction of the Roman Missal) in the very near future.