Prayers

Act of Contrition

My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against you whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin. Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. In his name, my God, have mercy. Amen. †

Act of Self Dedication

Take O Lord, and receive my entire liberty, my memory, my understanding and my whole will. All that I am and all that I possess You have given me: I surrender it all to You to be disposed of according to Your will. Give me only Your love and Your grace; with these I will be rich enough, and will desire nothing more. Amen. †

Angelus

The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary, And she conceived of the Holy Spirit. (say Hail Mary) Behold the handmaid of the Lord. Be it done unto me according to Your Word. (say Hail Mary) And the Word was made flesh, And dwelt among us. (say Hail Mary) Pray for us, O holy Mother of God. 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 as we have known the incarnation of Christ, your Son by the message of an angel, so by His passion and cross we may be brought to the glory of His Resurrection. Through the same Christ, our Lord. Amen.†

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. I good Jesus, hear me. Within Your wounds hide me. Never permit me to be separated from Thee. From the wicked enemy, defend me. At the hour of my death, call me and bid me come to Thee. That with Your Saints I may praise Thee Forever
and ever. Amen. †

An 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 man and died for our sins, and that he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe these and all the truths which the Holy Catholic Church teaches, because you revealed them, who can neither deceive nor be deceived. Amen.†

An Act of Hope

O my God, relying on your infinite goodness and promises, I hope to obtain pardon of my sins, the help of your grace, and life everlasting, through the merits of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Redeemer. Amen.†

An 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 my love. I love my neighbor as myself for the love of you. I forgive all who have injured me and I ask pardon of all whom I have injured. Amen.†

The Apostles’ Creed

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, the Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, Who was conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He arose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty, whence He shall 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.†

Before The Crucified Christ

Look down upon me, good and gentile Jesus, while before Your face I humbly kneel and, with burning soul, pray and beseech You to fix deep in my heart lively sentiments of faith, hope and charity; true contrition for my sins, and a firm purpose of amendment. While I contemplate, with great love and tender pity, Your five most precious wounds, ponder over them within me and calling to mind the words which David, Your prophet, said to You, my Jesus:”They have pierced My hands and My feet, they have numbered all My bones.” Amen. †

Biblical Blessing

The Lord bless you and keep you! The Lord let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you! The Lord look upon you kindly and give your peace. Amen†

Come, Holy Spirit

Come, O 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.

Let us pray:
O God, who has taught the hearts of the faithful by the light of the Holy Spirit, grant that by the gift of the same Spirit we may be always truly wise and ever rejoice in his consolation, through Christ our Lord. Amen. †

Before Communion

Divine Saviour, we come to Your sacred table to nourish ourselves, not with bread but with Yourself, true Bread of eternal life. Help us daily to make a good and perfect meal of this divine food. Let us be continually refreshed by the perfume of Your kindness and goodness. May the Holy Spirit fill us with His Love. Meanwhile, let us prepare a place for this holy food by emptying our hearts. Amen. †

After Communion

What has passed our lips as food, O Lord, may we possess in purity of heart, that what is given to us in time, be our healing for eternity. May Your Body, O Lord, which I have eaten, and Your Blood which I have drunk, cleave to my very soul, and grant that no trace of sin be found in me, whom these pure and holy mysteries have renewed. Who live and reign, world without end. Amen.

We humbly beseech You, almighty god, to grant that those whom You refresh with Your sacraments, may serve you worthily by a life well pleasing to You. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, Who lives and reigns, world without end. Amen. †

Confiteor

I confess to Almighty God, to blessed Mary ever Virgin, to blessed Michael the Archangel, to blessed John the Baptist, to the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, and to all the saints, that I have sinned exceedingly in thought, word, and deed, through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault. Therefore, I beseech blessed Mary ever Virgin, blessed Michael the Archangel, blessed John the Baptist, the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, and all the saints, to pray to the Lord our God for me.

May Almighty God have mercy on me, forgive me my sins, and bring me to everlasting life. Amen. †

Cross in My Pocket

I carry a cross in my pocket, A simple reminder to me, Of the fact that I am a Christian No matter where I may be. This little cross is not magic. Nor is it a good luck charm. It isn’t meant to protect me. From every physical harm. It’s not for identification, for all the world to see. It’s simply an understanding between my Savior and me. When I put my hand in my pocket to bring out a coin or key. The cross is there to remind me Of the price he paid for me. It reminds me, too, to be thankful for my blessings day by day. And strive to serve him better in all that I do and say. It’s also a daily reminder of the peace and comfort I share with all who know my master and give themselves to his care. So, I carry a cross in my pocket, reminding no one but me, that Jesus Christ is Lord of my life. If only I’ll let
him be. Amen. †

Day By Day

Thanks be to you, my Lord Jesus Christ, for all the blessings and benefits which you have given to me, for all the pains and insults you have born for me. O most merciful Friend, my Brother and Redeemer, may I know you more clearly, love you more dearly, and follow you more nearly, day by day. Amen. †

For A Holy Death

May he support us all the day long, till the shadows lengthen and the evening comes and the busy world is hushed and the fever of life is over and our work is done — then in his mercy — may he give us a safe lodging and a holy rest and peace at last. Amen.†

The Divine Praises

Blessed be God. Blessed be His Holy Name. Blessed be Jesus Christ, true God and true Man. Blessed be the Name of Jesus. Blessed be His Most Sacred Heart. Blessed beHis Most Precious Blood. Blessed be Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar. Blessed be the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete. Blessed be the great Mother of God, Mary most Holy. Blessed be her Holy and Immaculate Conception. Blessed be her Glorious Assumption. Blessed be the Name of Mary, Virgin and Mother. Blessed be St. Joseph, her most chaste spouse. Blessed be God in His Angels and in His Saints. Amen. †

Domine, Non Sum Dignus

Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word and I shall be healed. Amen.†

Evening Prayer

Lord, visit this house, we pray, and drive from it all snares of the enemy. May your holy angels dwell here to keep us in peace, and my your blessings be always upon us. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.†

Family Prayer

God made us a family. We need one another. We love one another. We forgive one another. We work together. We play together. We worship together. Together we use God’s word. Together we grow in Christ. Together we love all people. Together we serve our God. Together we hope for heaven. These are our hopes and ideals. Help us to attain them, O God, through Jesus Christ our Lord. 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.†

For A Generous Spirit

Dearest Lord, teach me to be generous.Teach me to serve you as you deserve; to give and not to count the cost, to fight, and not to heed the wounds, to labor, and not to seek rest, to give of myself and not to ask for reward, except the reward of knowing that I am doing your will. Amen. †

To My Guardian Angel

Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom God’s love commits me here, ever this day be at my side to light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen. †

Prayer to Child’s Guardian Angel

O Angels of God, from heaven so bright, watching beside my children to lead them aright; Fold your wings round them, and guard them with love; Softly sing songs to them of heaven above. Amen. †

Glory Be

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.†

Hail Mary

Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst 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.†

Help Me to See the Way

Oh my dear God please help me understand in the world what I can not change . . . and help me to see the way . . . so that I can help you make a better world . . . Amen. †

Prayer for the Home

Visit, we beseech Thee, O Lord, this dwelling, and drive far from it all snares of the enemy; let Thy holy Angels dwell herein, to preserve us in peace; and let Thy blessing be upon us forever. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. †

Holy God

Holy God, we praise your name; Lord of all, we bow before you! All on earth your rule proclaim; All in heaven above adore you. Infinite your vast domain, everlasting is your reign. Hark the loud celestial hymn, Angel choirs above are raising; Cherubim and Seraphim, In unceasing chorus praising, Fill the heavens with sweet accord. Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord. Amen. †

Jesus, Meek and Humble

Jesus meek and humble of heart, make my heart like unto thine.†

Sacred Heart of Jesus

O most holy Heart of Jesus, fountain of every blessing, I adore You, I love You, and with a lively sorrow for my sins, I offer You this poor heart of mine. Make me humble, patient, pure and wholly obedient to Your will. Grant, good Jesus, that I may live in You and for You. Protect me in the midst of danger; comfort me in my afflictions; give me health of body, assistance in my temporal needs,
Your blessing on all that I do, and the grace of a holy death. Amen. †

Prayer for Vocations

Father, in your plan for salvation you provide shepherds for your people. Fill your Church with the spirit of courage and love. Give the Church more priest, worthy ministers for your altars and ardent but gentle servants of the Gospel. Grant also to us an increase in vocations to the religious life. May more of our young people respond to your call in a spirit of joyful generosity. May they serve your people in love by following in the footsteps of Christ your Son and provide by their way of life a convincing sign of your kingdom. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.†

A Prayer for Priest

Risen Lord, Jesus, You love priests with all your priestly heart. Hear my heart-felt prayer for all our priests. I pray for faithful and fervent priests; for unfaithful and tepid priests; for priests who labor at home and abroad; for lonely and desolate priests; for young and old priests; for sick and dying priests; for the souls of priests in Purgatory.

Merciful Heart of Jesus, remember all our priests: Give them a deep faith, a bright and firm hope, and a burning love. I ask that in their loneliness, You comfort them; in their sorrow, You strengthen them; in their frustration, You show them that it is through suering that the soul is purifed. Eternal High Priest, keep all priests close to Your Sacred Heart and bless them abundantly in time and eternity. Amen. †

The Jesus Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, have mercy on me, a sinner.

Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us. †

Prayer to St. Joseph

O St. Joseph whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the Throne of God, I place in you all my interests and desires. O St. Joseph do assist me by your powerful intercession and obtain for me from your Divine Son all spiritual blessings through Jesus Christ, Our Lord; so that having engaged here below your Heavenly power I may offer my Thanksgiving and Homage to the most Loving of Fathers. O St. Joseph, I never weary contemplating you and Jesus asleep in your arms. I dare not approach while He reposes near your heart. Press him in my name and kiss His fine Head for me, and ask Him to return the Kiss when I draw my dying breath. St. Joseph, Patron of departing souls, pray for us. Amen. †

Say for nine consecutive mornings for anything you may desire. It has seldom been known to fail.

Prayer to Our Lady of Perpetual Help

Mother of Perpetual Help, you have been blessed and favored by God. You became not only the Mother of the Redeemer, but the Mother of the redeemed as well. We come to you today as you loving children. Watch over us and take care of us. As you held the child Jesus in your loving arms, so take us in your arms. Be a mother ready at every moment to help us. For God who is mighty has done great
things for you, and his mercy is from age to age on those who love him. Our greatest fear is that in time of temptation, we may fail to call out to you, and become lost children. Intercede for us, dear Mother, in obtaining pardon for our sins, love for Jesus, final perseverance, and the grace always to call upon you, Mother of Perpetual Help. Amen. †

Memorare

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, we turn to thee, O Virgin of virgins, our Mother. To thee we come, before thee we stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, do not despise our petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer us. Amen. †

Prayer Before Meals

Bless us O Lord, and these thy gifts, which we are about to receive, from thy bounty, through Christ, our Lord. Amen. †

Prayer After Meals

We give you thanks, O Almighty God, for all your graces and benefits which we have received from your bounty. And may the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen. †

Prayer to St. Michael

St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in the day of Battle; Be our safeguard 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, cast into Hell, Satan and all the other evil spirits, who prowl through the world, seeking the ruin of souls. Amen. †

Morning Offering

Almighty Father, you have brought us to the light of a new day; keep us safe the whole day through from every sinful inclination. May all our thoughts, words and actions aim at doing what is pleasing in your sight. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.†

Heavenly Father, I offer you this day All that I shall think or do or say, Uniting it with what was done. By Jesus Christ, Your only Son. Amen. †

Morning Consecration to Mary

My Queen, My Mother, I offer myself entirely to Thee. And to show my devotion to Thee, I offer Thee this day, my eyes, my ears, my mouth, my heart, my whole being without reserve. Wherefore, good
Mother, as I am thine own, keep me, guard me as Thy property and possession. Amen. †

Prayer to Our Lady of Guadalupe

Our Lady of Guadalupe, mystical rose, intercede for the Church, protect the Holy Father, help all who invoke You in their necessities. Since You are the ever Virgin Mary and Mother of the True God,
obtain for us from Your Most Holy Son the grace of a firm and sure hope amid bitterness of life, as well as an ardent love and the precious gift of final perseverance.

Dearest Lady, fruitful Mother of Holiness, teach me Your ways of gentleness and strength. Hear my prayer, offered with deep felt confidence to beg this favor.

O Mary, conceived without sin, I come to your throne of grace to share the fervent devotion of your faithful Mexican children who call to Thee under the glorious title “Guadalupe” – the Virgin who crushed the serpent.

Queen of Martyrs, whose Immaculate Heart was pierced by seven swords of grief, help me to walk valiantly amid the sharp thorns strewn across my path. Invoke the Holy Spirit of Wisdom to fortify my
will to frequent the Sacraments so that, thus enlightened and strengthened, I may prefer God to all creatures and shun every occasion of sin.

Help me, as a living branch of the Vine that is Jesus Christ, to exemplify His divine charity always seeking the good of others. Queen of Apostles, aid me to win souls for the Sacred Heart of my Savior. Keep my apostolate fearless, dynamic, and articulate, to proclaim the loving solitude of Our Father in Heaven so that the wayward may heed His pleading and obtain pardon, through the merits of Your Merciful Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. †

The Peace Prayer

Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness,
light; where there is sadness, joy.

O, Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love; For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; it is in dying that we are born again to eternal life. Amen. †

For Peace

Lord Jesus Christ, We praise You: Bring peace into the world By bringing Your peace into the hearts of all. Help us to turn away from sin And to follow You in love and service. Glory be yours, and honor, For ever and ever. Amen. †

Sacred Heart

I give myself and consecrate to the Sacred Heart of our Lord Jesus Christ, my person and my life, my actions, pains and sufferings, so that I may be unwilling to make use of any part of my being other than to honor, love and glorify the Sacred Heart.

This is my unchanging purpose, namely, to be all His, and to do all things for the love of Him, at the same time renouncing with all my heart whatever is displeasing to Him.

I therefore take You, O Sacred heart, to be the only object of my love, the guardian of my life, my assurance of salvation, the remedy of my weakness and inconstancy, the atonement for all the faults of my life and my sure refuge at the hour of death.

Be then, O Heart of goodness, my justification before God the Father, and turn away from me the strokes of his righteous anger.

O Heart of love, I put all my confidence in You, for I fear everything from my own wickedness and frailty, but I hope for all things from Your goodness and bounty.

Remove from me all that can displease You or resist Your holy will; let your pure love imprint Your image so deeply upon my heart, that I shall never be able to forget You or to be separated from You. May I obtain from all Your loving kindness the grace of having my name written in Your Heart, for in You I desire to place all my happiness and glory, living and dying in bondage to You. †

Salve Regina

Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of mercy, our life, our sweetness and our hope. To You do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To You do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious Advocate Your eyes of mercy towards us and after this, our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of Thy womb, Jesus O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary! Amen. †

Lord Jesus, bless the Archdiocese of Philadelphia with priests after your heart. May the young men of our parishes whom You are calling to be priests, respond generously. Give them the courage and the insight to discern your invitation, by speaking with a trusted priest or friend.

We pray as well for the young women of our parishes to consider the consecrated life. May their prayer be that of Mary—to proclaim the greatness of the Lord—through a life of service as consecrated religious.

Most Holy Trinity—Father, Son and Holy Spirit—we are confident that you will hear our prayer and send good priests and consecrated religious to guide us. Amen. †

O Sacrament Most Holy
O sacrament most holy
O sacrament divine,
All praise and all thanksgiving
Be every moment thine.
Amen. †

Seeking God

O Lord, our God, grant us the grace to long for you with our whole heart, and that so longing we may seek and find you; and that so finding you we may love you; and that so loving you we may hate
those sins from which you redeemed us for the sake of Jesus Christ. Amen. †

O gracious and holy Father, give us wisdom to perceive you, intelligence to understand you, diligence to seek you, patience to wait for you, eyes to behold you, a heart to meditate on you, and a life
to proclaim you, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. †

Novena of Prayer for Vocations to the Priesthood and Consecrated Life

Most Holy Trinity—Father, Son and Holy Spirit—we are confident that you will hear our prayer and send good priests and consecrated religious to guide us. Amen. †