Favorite Catholic Prayers
SEE ALSO  PRAYER AND THE BIBLE AND PRAYER REQUESTS

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KAY MURDY -- AUTHOR AND SPEAKER murdyk@netscape.net

Sign of the Cross
In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

The Sign of the Cross is made by the right hand touching the forehead at the word "Father," touching the chest at the word "Son," and touching the left and right shoulders at the words "Holy Spirit."

Gloria
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

Our Father
Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name,
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen

Act of Faith
O my God, I firmly believe that you are one God in three divine Persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. I believe that your divine Son became flesh, died for our sins, and that he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe these and all the truths that the Holy Catholic Church teaches because you have revealed them, Who can neither deceive nor be deceived. Amen.

Act of Hope
O my God, relying on your almighty power, infinite mercy and promises, I hope to obtain pardon for my sins, the help of your grace, and life everlasting through the merits of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Redeemer. Amen

Act of Love
O my God, I love you above all things, with my  whole heart and soul, because you are all good and worthy of all love. I love my neighbor as myself for the love of you. I forgive all who have injured me and ask pardon of all who I have injured. Amen

Act of Contrition
O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended you, and I detest all my sins, because of your just punishments, but most of all, because they offend you, my God, who are all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of your grace, to sin nor more, and to avoid the near occasions of sin. Amen

Prayer of Thanksgiving
Almighty Father, you are lavish in bestowing all your gifts, and we give you thanks for the favors you have given to us. In your goodness you have favored us and kept us safe in the past. We ask that you continue to protect us and to shelter us in the shadow of your wings. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayer For the Sick
O God, your Son accepted our sufferings to teach us the virtue of patience in human illness. Hear the prayers we offer for our sick brothers and sisters. May all who suffer pain, illness or disease realize that they are chosen to be saints, and know that they are joined to Christ in his suffering for the salvation of the world, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

PRAYER TO ST. JUDE, PATRON SAINT OF HOPELESS CAUSES
Most holy apostle, Saint Jude, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the Church honors and invokes you universally, as the patron of hopeless cases, of things almost despaired of. Pray for me, I am so helpless and alone. Make use I implore you, of that particular privilege given to you, to bring visible and speedy help where help is almost despaired of. Come to my assistance in this great need that I may receive the consolation and help of heaven in all my necessities, tribulations, and sufferings, particularly - (Here make your request) and that I may praise God with you and all the elect forever. I promise, O blessed Saint Jude, to be ever mindful of this great favor, to always honor you as my special and powerful patron, and to gratefully encourage devotion to you. Amen.

Prayer Before a Crucifix
Behold, O kind and most sweet Jesus, I cast myself upon my knees in your sight, and with the most fervent desire of my soul I pray and beseech that you would impress upon my heart lively sentiments of Faith, Hope and Charity, true repentance for my sins and a firm purpose of amendment, while with deep affection and grief of soul I ponder within myself and mentally contemplate your five most precious wounds, having before my eyes that which David spoke in prophecy of you, O good Jesus: "They have pierced my hands and feet, they have numbered all my bones." Amen

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
O sacred banquet, in which Christ is consumed, the memory of his passion is recalled, the mind is filled with grace, and a pledge of future glory is given to us.

Spanish: "¡Oh sagrado banquete, en el cual Cristo se nos da co-mo alimento, se hace un recuerdo de su pasión, el alma se llena de gracia y se nos da una prenda de la vida eterna!"

Apostles' Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; he descended into hell; on the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty; from there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.

Grace Before Meals
Bless us, O Lord, and these your gifts which we are about to receive from your bounty through Christ our Lord. Amen

Grace After Meals
We give you thanks, O Almighty God, for these your benefits, Who lives and reigns, world without end. Amen.

CONSECRATION OF FAMILY
We consecrate to Thee, O Jesus of Love, the trials, the joys, and all the happiness of our family life. We beseech Thee to pour out Thy blessings upon all its members, absent and present, living and dead. And when one after the other we have fallen asleep in Thy Blessed Bosom, O Jesus, may all of us, in Paradise, find again our family in Thy Sacred Heart. May the Divine Assistance remain always with us, and may the Souls of the Faithful Departed, through the Mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen. Charles E. Olson

PRAYER TO THE HOLY SPIRIT
Breathe into me, Spirit of God, that I may think what is holy.
Drive me, Spirit of God, that I may do what is holy.
Draw me, Spirit of God, that I may love what is holy.
Strengthen me, Spirit of God, that I may preserve what is holy.
Guide me, Spirit of God, that I may never lose what is holy.
St. Augustine

Come, Holy Spirit
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and enkindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created and you shall renew the face of the earth. O God, who has instructed the hearts of your faithful by the light of the Holy Spirit, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may have a right judgment in all things and evermore rejoice in his consolations. Through Christ Our Lord, Amen 

Morning Prayer
My God, I thank you for protecting me through the night. I praise you and give you thanks for all the blessings you have bestowed on me. In union with Jesus, I consecrate to you all my thoughts, words, actions, joys, and sufferings of this day. Mary my mother, bless me this day and protect me from dangers. My Guardian Angel and all my patrons, pray for me. Amen

Night Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, you have given your followers an example of gentleness and humility, a task that is easy, a burden that is light. Accept the prayers and work of this day, and give us the rest that will strengthen us to render more faithful service to you who live and reign forever and ever. Amen

The Angelus
To be recited three times a day at 6am, noon and 6pm daily, except during the Easter season:

Dawn — At 6:00 am., around dawn, we give thanks to God as our Creator and praise the masterpiece of His Creation, Mary, the Beloved Daughter of God the Father, the First Person of the Blessed Trinity.

Midday —  At noon, when the sun reaches its zenith, we give thanks to God as our Redeemer, and praise the first one to be redeemed, Mary, the Admirable Mother of God the Son, the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity.

Evening — At 6:00 pm, when the sun is at its twilight, we give thanks to God as our Savior, and praise the greatest one to be saved, who is already body and soul in heaven: Mary, the Faithful Spouse of God the Holy Spirit, the third Person of the Blessed Trinity.

Let us pray the Angelus daily and benefit from the immense graces that Jesus bestows through His Immaculate Mother to all those who honor the Incarnation of the Word of God, the greatest intervention of God in history as reflected in the beautiful verses of the Angeles:

V. The angel of the Lord declared unto Mary.
R. And she conceived of the Holy Spirit. Hail Mary...
V. Behold the handmaid of the Lord
R. Let it be done unto me according to your word. Hail Mary...
V. And the Word was made flesh
R. And dwelt among us. Hail Mary...
V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Let us pray:
Pour forth, we beseech you, O Lord, your grace into our hearts, that we, to whom the Incarnation of Christ your Son was made known by the message of an angel, may, by his Passion and Cross, be brought to the glory of his Resurrection through the same Christ, our Lord. Amen.

The Regina Caeli
(Said instead of the Angelus during the Easter Season)
Rejoice, O Queen of Heaven, Alleluia!
For he whom you did merit to bear, Alleluia! Has risen as he said, Alleluia! Pray for us to God, Alleluia!
V. Rejoice and be glad, O Virgin Mary, Alleluia!
R. For the Lord has risen indeed, Alleluia!
Let us pray: O God, who has given joy to the whole world through the Resurrection of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ; grant that through the prayers of his Virgin Mother Mary, we may obtain the joys of everlasting life. Through the same Christ, our Lord. Amen.

PSALM 51: MISERERE
Have mercy on me, God, in your kindness. In your compassion blot out my offense. O wash me more and more from my guilt and cleanse me from my sin. My offenses truly I know them; my sin is always before me. Against you, you alone, have I sinned; what is evil in your sight I have done. That you may be justified when you give sentence and be without reproach when you judge. O see, in guilt was I born, a sinner was I conceived. Indeed you love truth in the heart; then in the secret of my heart teach me wisdom. O purify me, then I shall be clean; O wash me, I shall be whiter than snow. Make me hear rejoicing and gladness, that the bones you have crushed may revive. From my sins turn away your face and blot out all my guilt. A pure heart create for me, O God, put a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from your presence, nor deprive me of your holy spirit. Give me again the joy of your help; with a spirit of fervor sustain me, that I may teach transgressors your ways and sinners may return to you. O rescue me, God, my helper, and my tongue shall ring out your goodness. O Lord, open my lips and my mouth shall declare your praise. For in sacrifice you take no delight, burnt offering from me you would refuse; my sacrifice, a contrite spirit. A humbled, contrite heart you will not spurn. In your goodness, show favor to Zion: rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Then you will be pleased with lawful sacrifice, holocausts offered on your altar. Amen

Guardian Angel prayer
Angel of God, my guardian dear
To whom God's love commits me here
Ever this day (night) be at my side
To light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen

Prayer to St. Michael
Saint Michael, the Archangel, defend us in battle, be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do thou O Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, thrust into Hell Satan and the other evil spirits who prowl about the world for the ruin of souls. Amen  (Pope Leo XIII -1878-1903)

ANIMA CHRISTI
Soul of Christ, sanctify me
Body of Christ, save me
Blood of Christ, inebriate me
Water from the side of Christ, wash me
Passion of Christ, strengthen me
O good Jesus, hear me
Within thy wounds hide me
Permit me not to be separated from thee
From the malicious enemy defend me
At the hour of my death call me
And bid me come to thee
That with thy saints I may praise thee
For ever and ever. Amen.

THE ROSARY

Begin WITH THE SIGN OF THE CROSS 
In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

recite the APOSTLES' CREED
I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth,
and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by
the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died and was buried; he descended into hell; on the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty; from there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.

Pray the Lord's Prayer and three Hail Mary's for the virtues of Faith, Hope and Charity; end with Glory Be

OUR FATHER Who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy Will be done, On earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day, our daily bread, And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

HAIL MARY Full of Grace, The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now, and at the hour of death. Amen.

GLORY BE to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

PRAY THE HAIL HOLY QUEEN after the five decades: 
Hail, holy Queen, mother of mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope. To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To thee do we send up our sighs mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us, and after this our exile show us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary. Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray. O God, Whose Only-Begotten Son, by His life, death and resurrection, has purchased for us the rewards of eternal life: grant, we beseech Thee, that by meditating upon these mysteries of the most holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may imitate what they contain, and obtain what they promise, through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

 After each decade pray the FATIMA PRAYER
O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fire of hell, lead all souls to heaven, especially those who are in most need of Thy mercy.

For the intentions of the Pope, recite the "Our Father", one "Hail Mary", and one "Glory Be." Close with the sign of the cross.

The purpose of the rosary, however, is not to recite rote prayers but to repeat prayers you know by heart as you contemplate, actively meditate on, a mystery of Christianity. A mystery in this context is an important event whose whole meaning you won't fully understand in this world.

For 900 years there have been three series of mysteries: the Joyous Mysteries (Christ's Incarnation) the Sorrowful Mysteries (Christ's suffering and death) and the Glorious Mysteries (Christ's resurrection). Pope John Paul II has added a new set of areas of contemplation -- the Luminous Mysteries, which encompass Christ's ministry on earth. This isn't so much an addition to a tradition as the filling of a gap. The Joyful Mysteries end with Christ being found, at age 12, teaching in the temple. The Sorrowful Mysteries start with Christ suffering in Gethsemane the night before his death. It was odd to contemplate the Joyful Mysteries one day and jump to the Sorrowful Mysteries the next; something was missing -- what Jesus said and did as an adult.

THE MYSTERIES OF THE ROSARY
The Rosary is divided into three parts, each having five mysteries. While reciting each mystery, begin by praying one "Our Father", three "Hail Mary's" and the "Glory Be" (which makes up one decade): 

THE JOYFUL MYSTERIES
(Recite Mondays and Saturdays, and Sundays during Advent)
1. The annunciation that Mary is to be Mother of the Savior (Lk 1:26-38).
2. The visitation of Mary to Elizabeth (Lk 1:39 47).
3. The nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ (Lk 2:1-7).
4. The presentation of the Infant Jesus in the Temple (Lk 2:22- 32).
5. The finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple (Lk 2:41-52)

THE SORROWFUL MYSTERIES
(Recite Tuesdays and Fridays, also Sundays during Lent):
1. The agony of Christ in the garden (Mk 14:32-36).
2. The scourging of Jesus (Jn 18:28-38;19:1).
3. The crowning with thorns (Mk 15:16-20).
4. The carrying of the cross (Jn 19:l2-16).
5. The crucifixion of Jesus (Lk 23:33-34; 39-46).

THE GLORIOUS MYSTERIES
(Recite Sundays and Wednesdays, also Sundays from Easter until Advent)
1. The resurrection of Jesus (Lk 24:1-6).
2. The ascension of Jesus into Heaven (Lk 24:50-53).
3. The descent of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-4).
4. The assumption of Mary into heaven (Songs 2:8-14).
5. The coronation of our Lady in heaven (Rev 12:1-6)

THE LUMINOUS MYSTERIES 
(Mysteries of Light)

In addition to the joyful, sorrowful, and glorious mysteries, Pope John Paul II recommended that the Luminous Mysteries be recited on Thursdays. The "Mysteries of Light" are drawn from the life of Christ, and his public revelation of his divine nature and mission. The rosary had been as it was for almost a millennium. Why did Pope John Paul change it? "He was making a statement at the end of his life about what's important to him," says Father C.J. McCloskey of Washington's Catholic Information Center. "By adding these mysteries he was saying, 'This is another invitation to look closely at the life of Christ--to contemplate and meditate.'" While meditating, the person reciting the prayers is brought closer to Jesus and his Mother Mary. 

1) The Baptism of Christ in the Jordan (Mt 3:113-17)
2) The wedding feast at Cana (Jn 2:1-11)
3) The announcement of the Kingdom (Lk 4:14-21)
4) The Transfiguration (Mk 9:2-8)
5) The Institution of the Eucharist (Lk 22:14-20)

My God, I believe, I adore, I hope and I love you. I ask pardon for those who do not believe, do not adore, do not hope, and do not love you. Amen. 

THE MAGNIFICAT -- LUKE 1:46-55 (NRSV)

My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name.
His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy,
according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever."

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Anitphon. -- Who is she that comes forth as the morning rising, fair as the moon, bright as the sun, terrible as an army set in battle array?

OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE
Our Lady of Guadalupe appeared to Juan Diego on Mount Tepeyac in Mexico. When Juan Diego was concerned by the illness of his uncle she told him:

"Hear me and understand well, my son, that nothing should frighten or grieve you. Let not your heart be disturbed. Do not fear sickness, nor any other anguish. Am I not here, who is your Mother? Are you not under my protection? Am I not your health? Are you not happily in my fold, here in the crossing of my arms? What else do you wish?"   
 

Ave Maria
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with Thee. Blessed art Thou among women, and Blessed is the fruit of Thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen

Salve Regina (Hail Holy Queen)
Hail, holy Queen, mother of mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope. To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To thee do we send up our sighs mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us, and after this our exile show us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary. Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

The Memorare - Attributed to St. Bernard OF CLAIRVAUX
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, or sought your intercession, was left unaided. Inspired then with confidence, I fly unto you, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother! To you do I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in your mercy, hear and answer me. Amen

 OUR LADY OF LOURDES
Ever Immaculate Virgin, Mother of mercy, health of the sick, refuge of sinners, comfort of the afflicted, you know my needs, my troubles, my sufferings; cast on me a look of pity. By appearing in the grotto of Lourdes, you were pleased to make it a privileged sanctuary, from which you dispense your favors, and already may sufferers have obtained the cure of their infirmities, both spiritual and physical. I come, therefore, with the most unbounded confidence to implore your maternal intercession. Obtain most loving mother, my requests, through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen

Prayer of the Immaculate Conception
O God, who by the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, didst prepare a worthy dwelling place for thy Son, we beseech thee that, as by the foreseen death of this, thy Son, thou didst preserve her from all stain, so too thou wouldst permit us, purified through her intercession, to come unto thee. Through the same Lord Jesus Christ, thy Son, who lives and reigns with thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen.

DIVINE MERCY Chaplet

1. Begin with the Sign of the Cross, 1 Our Father, 1 Hail Mary and The Apostles Creed.
2. Then on the Our Father Beads say the following:
Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.
3. On the 10 Hail Mary Beads say the following:
For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.
(Repeat step 2 and 3 for all five decades).
4. Conclude with (three times):
Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

In 1933, God gave Sister Faustina a striking vision of His Mercy, Sister tells us: "I saw a great light, with God the Father in the midst of it. Between this light and the earth I saw Jesus nailed to the Cross and in such a way that God, wanting to look upon the earth, had to look through Our Lord's wounds and I understood that God blessed the earth for the sake of Jesus."
 

THE STATIONS OF THE CROSS

The Stations of the Cross (or Way of the Cross; in Latin, Via Crucis; also called the Via Dolorosa) refers to the depiction of the final hours of Jesus, and the devotion commemorating the Passion. The object of the Stations is to help the faithful to make a spiritual pilgrimage of prayer to the chief scenes of Christ's sufferings and death, and this has become one of the most popular devotions for Roman Catholics. It may be done at any time, but is most commonly done during the Season of Lent, especially on Good Friday and on Friday evenings during Lent. Catholics prayerfully remember the passion of Christ by walking the Stations of the Cross with him. The traditional Fourteen Stations of the Cross are: 

1) Jesus is Condemned to Death
2) Jesus Bears His Cross
3) Jesus Falls the First Time
4) Jesus Meets his Sorrowful Mother
5) Jesus is Helped by Simon
6) Jesus Meets Veronica
7) Jesus Falls the Second Time
8) Jesus Meets the Sorrowing Women
9) Jesus Falls the Third Time
10) Jesus is Stripped of His Garments
11) Jesus is Nailed to the Cross
12) Jesus Dies on the Cross
13) Jesus is Taken Down from the Cross
14) Jesus is Laid in the Tomb. 

Often a Fifteenth Station is prayed: Jesus is Raised from the Dead, because without his Resurrection he would not have accomplished the salvation that was his mission.

Prayer after the Stations: Jesus, you became an example of humility, obedience and patience, and preceded me on the way of life bearing your cross. Grant that, inflamed with your love, I may cheerfully take upon myself the sweet yoke of your Gospel together with the mortification of the cross and follow you as a true disciple so that I may be united with you in Heaven. Amen.

For More Information about the Stations of the Cross see Lent

TO PRAY STATIONS OF THE CROSS ON LINE: http://www.ewtn.com/Devotionals/Stations/face.htm

Consecration to the Sacred Heart

O Sacred Heart of Jesus, to Thee I consecrate and offer up my person and my life, my actions, trials, and sufferings, that my entire being may henceforth only be employed in loving, honoring and glorifying Thee. This is my irrevocable will, to belong entirely to Thee, and to do all for Thy love, renouncing with my whole heart all that can displease Thee.

I take Thee, O Sacred Heart, for the sole object of my love, the protection of my life, the pledge of my salvation, the remedy of my frailty and inconstancy, the reparation for all the defects of my life, and my secure refuge at the hour of my death. Be Thou, O Most Merciful Heart, my justification before God Thy Father, and screen me from His anger which I have so justly merited. I fear all from my own weakness and malice, but placing my entire confidence in Thee, O Heart of Love, I hope all from Thine infinite Goodness. Annihilate in me all that can displease or resist Thee. Imprint Thy pure love so deeply in my heart that I may never forget Thee or be separated from Thee. I beseech Thee, through Thine infinite Goodness, grant that my name be engraved upon Thy Heart, for in this I place all my happiness and all my glory, to live and to die as one of Thy devoted servants. Amen.

St. Margaret Mary Alacoque

Consecration to the
Immaculate Heart of Mary

Most Holy Virgin Mary, tender Mother of men, to fulfill the desires of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the request of the Vicar of Your Son on earth, we consecrate ourselves and our families to your Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart, O Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, and we recommend to You, all the people of our country and all the world. Please accept our consecration, dearest Mother, and use us as You wish to accomplish Your designs in the world.

O Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, and Queen of the World, rule over us, together with the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ, Our King. Save us from the spreading flood of modern paganism; kindle in our hearts and homes the love of purity, the practice of a virtuous life, an ardent zeal for souls, and a desire to pray the Rosary more faithfully.

We come with confidence to You, O Throne of Grace and Mother of Fair Love. Inflame us with the same Divine Fire which has inflamed Your own Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart. Make our hearts and homes Your shrine, and through us, make the Heart of Jesus, together with your rule, triumph in every heart and home. Amen.

Venerable Pope Pius XII

ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE HOLY SPIRIT

PRAYER FOR THE SEVEN GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
O Lord Jesus Christ, before ascending into heaven you did promise to send the Holy Spirit to finish your work in the souls of your Apostles and Disciples, deign to grant the same Holy Spirit to me that He may perfect in my soul, the work of your grace and your love. Grant me the Spirit of Wisdom that I may despise the perishable things of this world and aspire only after the things that are eternal, the Spirit of Understanding to enlighten my mind with the light of your divine truth, the Spirit of Counsel that I may ever choose the surest way of pleasing God and gaining heaven, the Spirit of Fortitude that I may bear my cross with you and that I may overcome with courage all the obstacles that oppose my salvation, the Spirit of Knowledge that I may know God and know myself and grow perfect in imitation of the Saints, the Spirit of Piety that I may find the service of God sweet and amiable, and the Spirit of Fear that I may be filled with a loving reverence towards God and may dread in any way to displease Him. Mark me, dear Lord with the sign of your true disciples, and animate me in all things with your Spirit. Amen.

NOVENAS

* What is a Novena?
A novena is the reciting of powerful prayers and devotions for a special request over nine consecutive days. Traditionally, a novena includes praying, fasting, and meditating.

* Do I have to be Catholic to make the novena?
No! You only have to be someone having a difficult time coping with difficult problems in your life that you cannot resolve on your own. You're only human! It's all right to be overwhelmed sometimes.

* How long should the novena be said?
Traditionally, the novena prayer is said for nine days. The nine days signifies the nine days the Apostles prayed together during the time between the Ascension of Jesus, and Pentecost. However, there is no hard and fast "rule" for praying; it is best if you adopt a way of prayer that is comfortable for you and allows you to be in conversation with God.

* What prayers should I say? How do I say them?
Your goal when praying is to focus your heart, mind, and body on communicating with God. Praying is best done in a quiet environment. Start by closing your eyes, then describe your special need, and make a heartfelt request. Your prayer can be as simple as "Dear Lord, please help me with (insert your request)", or if you prefer, choose your own prayer or a prayer used by others. You should then follow your prayer by saying three Our Father's, three Hail Mary's, and three Gloria prayers. Many people also find that some type of fasting during the nine days provide extra comfort and strength when saying the prayers.
  

Mission Rosary
for THE Missions AROUND THE WORLD

The Pontifical Mission Societies reintroduced the World Mission Rosary created by the late Bishop Fulton Sheen in 1951, then national director for the Society for the Propagation of Faith. On in his "Catholic Hour" radio broadcast Bishop Sheen made an appeal to "Embrace the World in Prayer" through the mission mysteries. Each of the five decades of the World Mission Rosary have different  colors that represent different mission regions of the world:

• Yellow for the rising sun over Asia
• Red for the blood of the martyrs of the Americas
• White for Europe, home of the Holy Father, and his call for new evangelization
• Blue for the island nations of the world
• Green for the grasslands and forests of Africa.

To this "geographical" rosary, we reflect on the five points of evangelization described by Pope John Paul II in his encyclical Redemptoris Missio, "On the Mission of the Redeemer." These are: Inter-religious dialogue; Liturgy; Solidarity; Witness; Proclamation.

It is suggested meditating on five Scriptural "Mission Mysteries": The Visit of the Magi; Jesus Talks with the Samaritan Woman; Jesus Heals the Centurion's Servant; Jesus Sends out his Disciples; and The Conversion of St. Paul.

YELLOW- ASIA
The First Mission Mystery, The Visit of the Magi. "Behold, wise men came from the east to Jerusalem" (Mt 2:1).
Around the year six BC, the planet Jupiter (signifying Kingship) aligned with Saturn (governing Israel) and, appearing as one large star in the sky, crossed the constellation Pisces (symbolizing birth). For the Magi, the heavens themselves announced a newborn king of the Jews. The Mission Mystery of the Magi teaches us that all who seek God with an open mind and heart will be guided to the Lord.

RED - THE AMERICAS
The Second Mission Mystery, Jesus and the Samaritan Woman. "True worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth" (Jn 4:23).
Jesus scandalized his disciples by talking with the Samaritan woman. He rejected arbitrary barriers that separated people into "us" and "them." Samaritans were notorious for changing gods as often as this woman changed husbands. That explains her sudden interest in where Jews worshiped. Jesus assured her that, when worshiping God, spirit and truth mattered most. She left her water jar -- her deepest thirst quenched -- and became a missioner to her villagers and led them to Christ.

GREEN - AFRICA
The Fourth Mission Mystery, the Conversion of St. Paul. "Immediately he began to proclaim Jesus is the Son of God" (Acts 9:20).
The Risen Lord came to Saul while he was tracking down and arresting Christians. "Why do you persecute me?" the Lord asked. Paul realized that when one persecuted Christians, he persecuted Jesus. Paul remains the greatest spokesperson for the teachings of Jesus. He transformed the Church from a small, persecuted sect of Judaism into a truly universal faith that embraces all peoples.

BLUE - ISLAND NATIONS
The Fifth Mission Mystery, Jesus Sends out His Disciples. "Go, preach the Good News to all creation" (Mk 16:15).
Christ is risen! Life triumphed over death! This good news was too good to keep to themselves. Heedless of their own safety, empowered only by the Spirit of God the disciples spread the Good News to the ends of the earth. From this ragtag group of disciples facing certain annihilation, Christianity spread and flourished throughout the world.

Litany of the Most Holy Name of Jesus

V/ Lord, have mercy. 
R/ Lord, have mercy.
V/ Christ, have mercy. 
R/ Christ, have mercy.
V/ Lord, have mercy. 
R/ Lord, have mercy.
V/ Jesus, hear us. R/ Jesus, graciously hear us.
 

Response for following petitions: Have mercy on us

God, the Father of Heaven . . . God, the Son, Redeemer of the world . . .
God, the Holy Spirit . . . Holy Trinity, One God . . . Jesus, Son of the living God . . .
Jesus, Splendor of the Father . . . Jesus, Brightness of eternal Light . . .
Jesus, King of Glory . . . Jesus, Sun of Justice . . . Jesus, Son of the Virgin Mary . . .
Jesus, Most Amiable . . . Jesus, Most Admirable . . . Jesus, the Mighty God . . .
Jesus, Father of the world to come . . . Jesus, Angel of Great Counsel . . .
Jesus, Most Powerful . . . Jesus, Most Patient . . . Jesus, Most Obedient . . .
Jesus, Meek and humble of  Heart . . . Jesus, Lover of Chastity . . . Jesus, our Lover . . .
Jesus, God of Peace . . . Jesus, Author of Life . . . Jesus, Model of Virtues . . .
Jesus, Zealous for souls . . . Jesus, our God . . . Jesus, our Refuge . . .
Jesus, Father of the Poor . . . Jesus, Treasure of the Faithful . . . Jesus, Good Shepherd . . .
Jesus, True Light . . . Jesus, Eternal Wisdom . . . Jesus, Infinite Goodness . . .
Jesus, our Way and our Life . . . Jesus, Joy of the Angels . . . Jesus, King of the Patriarchs . . .
Jesus, Master of the Apostles . . . Jesus, Teacher of the Evangelists . . .
Jesus, Strength of Martyrs . . . Jesus, Light of Confessors . . . Jesus, Purity of Virgins . . .
Jesus, Crown of all Saints . . .

V/ Be merciful, 
R/ spare us, O Jesus!
V/ Be merciful, 
R/ graciously hear us, O Jesus!
Response for following petitions: 
"Deliver us, O Jesus."

From all evil . . . From all sin . . .
From your wrath . . . From the snares of the devil . . .
From the spirit of fornication . . . From everlasting death . . .
From the neglect of your inspirations . . .
Through the mystery of your holy Incarnation . . .
Through your Nativity . . . Through your Infancy . . .
Through your Most Divine Life . . . Through your Labors . . .
Through your Agony and Passion . . . Through your Cross and Sufferings . . Through your Death and Burial . . .
Through your Resurrection . . . Through your Ascension . . .
Through your Institution of the Most Holy Eucharist . . .
Through your Joys . . . Through your Glory . . .
Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world, R/ spare us, O Jesus!
Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world, R/ graciously hear us, O Jesus!
Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world, R/ have mercy on us, O Jesus!
Jesus hear us. R/ Jesus, graciously hear us.

Let us pray. O Lord Jesus Christ, you have said, "Ask and you shall receive; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you"; mercifully attend to our supplications, and grant us the grace of your most divine love, that we may love you with all our hearts, and in all our words and actions, and never cease to praise you.

Make us, O Lord, to have a perpetual fear and love of your Holy Name, for you never fail to govern those whom you solidly establish in your love. You, who live and reign forever and ever. R/ Amen.

The Divine Office: "The Liturgy of the Hours"
“Prayer is the raising of one’s mind and heart to God or the requesting of good things from God.”
Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 2559)

The Divine Office is the former name for the official daily liturgical prayer by which the Church sanctifies the hours of the day. The “Office” is the full cycle of canonical “Hours”, the official daily public prayer of the Church. The term was borrowed from the custom of the Jews, and passed into the speech of the early Christians. In the Acts of the Apostles there is reference to prayer being designated by the hour at which it was said. In our Church today, when the Hours are prayed by clergy and lay persons alike, even in private, we are united in this beautiful prayer, and participating with fellow Catholics all around the world, praying the official prayers at the same time. What a powerful thing!

Office of Readings – Three psalms or sections of psalms followed by a scriptural reading and a patristic reading. In contemplative communities this is to retain its “nocturnal character,” evoking the ancient Christian discipline of “keeping vigil” for the Lord’s return. For parish priests (and for active religious and laity who choose to say this Office), it may be celebrated the evening before, early in the morning or any time in the course of the day conducive to prayer and spiritual reading.

The LITURGY OF THE Hours 
The Second Vatican Council, valuing highly this long-standing custom of the Church and wishing to renew it, provided a new form for the prayer, revised so that it could more fittingly be used by all members of the Church in the circumstances of modern life. With Vatican II came the renamed Office – The Liturgy of the Hours.

Matins: (from the Latin, matutinas vigilias, or “morning watches”) The hour of Matins was a nocturnal hour, it was celebrated at midnight onwards and often joined with Lauds as a continuing vigil of prayer. Within this is a great consolation, the realization that even now, in many parts of the world, midnight is the advent of the expectant new day... and "we do not know the hour when the Lord will come!"

Morning Prayer ̶-Lauds: (pronounced: lawds) The word Lauds is derived from the Latin word laus meaning, praise. This is always an hour of praise, as is clear from the Psalms chosen within the text, which recall the Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ from the dead, and the gift of new life that comes to us in this new God- given day.

The Hour of Prime: (pronounced: prime) (Latin: prima, first) was originally the earliest Canonical Hour, prima hora, and the first hour of the Roman day. Prime is celebrated at 6 AM, an hour in which we consecrate the forthcoming day to God, giving thanks for the awakening to life and being open to God’s gift of Himself through his Word.

Midmorning  ̶ Terce: (pronounced: terse) (Latin: tertia hora) Called thus because the Romans celebrated it at what they regarded the third hour of their day, which was 9 AM in the morning. Terce is often called the golden hour, or the Hour of the Holy Spirit, recalling the hour when the disciples went up to the Temple to pray. It also commemorates the event at Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descended upon Mary and the Apostles at this hour. As did the Romans, we celebrate Terce at approximately 9 AM and it is, therefore, a prayer inspiring us to begin the day under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and in union with Mary Our Mother. “Come Holy Spirit!”

Midday ̶  Sext: (Latin, sexta hora) This was the sixth hour of the Roman day, what is for us about Midday. At midday the time we recall the hour that Christ was raised upon the Cross of Salvation for us, and Mary His faithful Mother standing faithfully by Him in His suffering. This is midday, and this hour can be regarded as an oasis of prayer, a time to turn to Our Savior and pray in union with Mary for the suffering of the world.

Midafternoon -- None: (pronounced: known) (Latin, nona hora) This hour was regarded by the Romans as the ninth hour, hence the Latin name nona, which for us occurs about three o'clock in the afternoon. It was at the ninth hour, we will remember, that Jesus cried out in his agony, 'Eloi, Eloi, lamma sabacthani?' which means, 'My God, My God why hast thou forsaken me!” This is the hour of Crucifixion, the hour of Redemption, and in this hour we bring all our burdens to Christ on the Cross, praying for all poor sinners with and through Mary His Immaculate Mother.

Evening Prayer -- Vespers: (Latin, Vespers Espera ) was a name given to the evening star of Venus, which rising in the evening was a call to prayer, a light in the Heavens announcing the drawing on of the day, Vespers is prayed anytime after the Hour of None and before Compline.

Night Prayer -- Compline: (pronounced: complin) From the Latin word (Latin, complere, or to complete) so named because it is the last hour of the day to be prayed. Compline is a beautiful way to complete our day, to pray with Mary and to Mary for the dying and for all those upon whom the night either of the spirit or in fact will soon fall. We pray for Gods protection for the night, conscious of the many evils perpetrated in the nocturnal hours. It is an hour in which we commend everything , surrender everything to God. This is an excellent moment for an examination of conscience.

This website offers daily Liturgy of the Hours Morning, Daytime, Evening and Night Prayer, plus the Office of Readings. The prayers are offered in Adobe Acrobat formats that print as booklets, display on PCs and mobile devices, and 'Read Out Loud' on PCs. Also in Spanish, French, Italian and Portugese. http://www.liturgyhours.org/

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