Prayer

Oh, God

Oh, God when I have food, help me to remember the hungry; When I have work, help me to remember the jobless; When I have a warm home, help me to remember the homeless; When I am without pain, help me to remember those who suffer; And remembering, help me to destroy complacency and bestir my compassion. Make me concerned enough to help, by word and deed, those who cry out for what we take for granted.

Saint Francis of Assisi

Holy Saint Francis you were a friend of all things living, a brother to the moon and sun. You joined with the birds and beasts in giving praise to the Almighty One. Teach me now your ways of loving goodness, that with you, I may strive to love the Lord's creation, as I seek to love first creation's Lord. Through the daily trials of this earthly life, make me an instrument of God's peace, I pray. Lead me through acts of self denial to embrace God's cross each day. Amen.

Prayer to Saint Odilia

O God who in your kindness gave St. Odilia, Virgin and Martyr, as the protectress of the Order of the Holy Cross and the Patroness of the eyes and those afflicted, grant us, we humbly beseech You. Your protection through her intercession from the darkness of ignorance and sin, and grant us healing from blindness of the eyes and from other bodily infirmities. Through Him, Who is the Light and Life of the World, Jesus Christ, Your Son, Our Lord. Amen.

Luke 2:6-7

Luke 2:6-7 And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born; and she gave birth to her child, a son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the Inn.

St. Dymphna Strengthen Us

Prayer in Honor of St. Dymphna Lord our God, you graciously chose St. Dymphna as patroness of those inflicted with mental and nervous disorders. She is thus an inspiration and a symbol of charity to the thousands who ask for her intercession. Please grant, Lord, through the prayers of this pure youthful martyr, relief and consolation to all suffering such trials, and especially to those for whom we pray. (Here mention those for whom we pray)
We beg you, Lord, to hear our prayers of St. Dymphna on our behalf. Grant all those for whom we patience in their sufferings and resignation to your divine will. Please fill them with hope, and grant them the relief and cure they so much desire. We ask this through Christ our Lord who suffered agony in the garden. Amen.

Merciful Father

Merciful Father hear our prayers and console us. As we renew our faith in Your Son, whom You raised from the dead, strengthen our hope that all our departed brothers and sisters will share in His resurrection, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Angelus

The Angelus The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary, and she conceived of the Holy Spirit. Behold the handmaid of the Lord, be it done unto me according to Your word. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Amen.

Mother of the Messiah

Mother of the Messiah Most Holy Virgin Mary, you consented in faith to become the Mother of the Messiah. You are a mystery of light and perfection. I pray that the angels in heaven who adore your loving soul may always surround me so that I may imitate you by bringing the presence of Christ's love and mercy to others. Amen.

Saint Vincent

O glorious Saint Vincent, heavenly patron of all charitable associations and father of all who are in misery, whilst thou was on earth thou didst never cast out any who came to thee; ah, consider by what evils we are oppressed and come to our assistance! Obtain from thy Lord help for the poor, relief for the infirm, consolation for the afflicted, protection for the abandoned, a spirit of generosity for the rich, the grace of conversion for sinners, zeal for priests, peace for the Church, tranquility and order for all nations, and salvation for them all. Yea, let all men prove the effects of thy merciful intercession, so that, being helped by thee in the miseries of this life, we may be united to thee in the life to come, where there shall be no more grief, nor weeping, nor sorrow, but joy and gladness and everlasting happiness. Amen

Prayer for Advent

Gracious God, send us your grace this Advent season so that we can prepare for your coming. Touch our hearts with longing so we can better love and serve you and each other. Fill us with the hope that we can be transformed by your Spirit and so help to transform the world. Give us the peace of knowing that you came to share our human life and redeem us for the sake of love. We ask these things in the name of Jesus whose kingdom we seek. Amen

Saint Joseph the Worker

Glorious Saint Joseph, patron of all who are devoted to toil, obtain for me the grace to toil in the spirit of penance, in order thereby to atone for my many sins; to toil conscientiously, putting devotion before duty before my own inclinations; to labor with thankfulness and joy, deeming it an honor to employ my labor and gifts I have received from Almighty God; to work with order, peace, moderation, and patience, without ever shrinking from weakness and difficulties; to work above all with pure intention and with detachment from self, having always before my eyes the hour of death and the accounting which I must then render of time ill spent, of talents unemployed, of good undone, and of my empty pride in success, which is so fatal to the work of God. All of Jesus, all through Mary, all in imitation of Thee, O Patriarch Joseph! This shall be my motto in life and death. Amen.

Blessing of St. Francis

The Lord bless you and keep you. May He show His face to you and have mercy on you. May He turn His countenance to you and give you peace. The Lord bless you!

Saint Anthony

Help me find ways to honor God's blessings by showing my love for all God's creatures. Share your strength that I may cope with the trials and troubles of daily life. You, through whose voice the Word of God was preached, intercede for my need (mention your special request here) Powerful Patron, be with me always and teach me to reach out in love and support to others.

Prayer for Lent

Redeemer Lord, as we prepare to celebrate the great mystery of your dying and rising, send your Holy Spirit to guide this Lent. May we be led to a spirit of true repentance for our sins and grateful appreciation for the gift of salvation. May we forgive as we have been forgiven, love as we have been loved, and serve as we have been served. May we trust in you at all times, confident that in your mercy you have willed the redemption of the whole world. Amen.

Prayer before a Crucifix

Look down upon me, good and gentle Jesus, while before Your face I humbly kneel; and with burning soul I 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. I contemplate with great love and tender pity Your five wounds, pondering upon them within me, 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."

Our Lady of Grace

O glorious Mother of God, Our Lady of Grace, hear my humble prayers, seeking your maternal intercession in obtaining from the Heart of Jesus, your Divine Son, all the graces and favors necessary for my spiritual and temporal welfare, and for the special needs I now place before you. (Here state your intentions) O Heavenly Queen, be my comfort, hope, strength, and consolations, through God's goodness and mercy, I await the great day of glory. Amen.

A Prayer for our Priests

We thank you, God our Father, for those who have responded to your call to priestly ministry. Accept this prayer we offer on their behalf: Fill your priests with the sure knowledge of your love. Open their hearts to the power and consolation of the Holy Spirit. Lead them to new depths of union with your Son. Increase in them profound faith in the Sacraments they celebrate as they nourish, strengthen, and heal us. Lord Jesus Christ, grant that these, your priests, may inspire us to strive for holiness by the power of their example, as men of prayer who ponder your word and follow your will. O May, Mother of Christ and our mother, guard with your maternal care these chosen ones, so dear to the Heart of your Son. Intercede for our priests that, offering the Sacrifice of your Son, they may be conformed more each day to the image of your Son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen."

Our Lady of Snows

Novena Prayers to Our Lady of the Snows. 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, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to thee I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful; O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.

A Christmas Prayer

God of love and mercy, in this season of Christmas we offer you our thanks and praise. We want to spread the word of peace you give us through Jesus Christ. May the birth of your Son overcome human suffering, calm our fears, and bring peace to our homes, our families, and the world. Amen."

Saint Jude

Most holy apostle, Saint Jude, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the Church honors 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.

Divine Mercy

O Jesus, Loving Savior of all humanity, I trust in You. Hear my prayers and grant my petitions. (Here mention your request.) For the sake of Your sorrowful Passion, have mercy on me and on the whole world. Grant that your saving grace and generous love will bring peace to the world, and fill the hearts of all who seek You in faith. May we serve You with sincere devotion each day of our lives, and live for all eternity in Your Divine Presence. Amen."

Stewardship Prayer

Almighty and ever-faithful Lord, gratefully acknowledging Your mercy and humbly admitting our need, we pledge our trust in You and each other. Filled with desire, we respond to Your call for discipleship by shaping our lives in imitation of Christ. We profess that the call requires us to be stewards of Your gifts. As stewards, we receive Your gifts gratefully, cherish and tend them in a responsible manner, share them in practice and love with others, and return them with increase to the Lord. We pledge to our ongoing formation as stewards and our responsibility to call others to that same endeavor. Almighty and ever-faithful God, it is our fervent hope and prayer that You who have begun this good work in us will bring it to fulfillment in Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen

The Memorare of Saint Bernard

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that any one who fled to thy protection, implored thy help or sought thy intercession, was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to thee I do come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful; O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy, hear and answer me. Amen."

Our Lady of Guadalupe, for Justice

Most merciful mother, you came to tell us of your compassion through St. Juan Diego, whom you called the littlest and dearest of your sons. Give your strength and protection to all who live in poverty today, especially the young, elderly, and and vulnerable. Plead for them to the Father, that they might experience the Divine Love tangibly in their daily lives, and that all who work for justice on behalf of the poor might grow in fortitude and humility. In these ways, manifest your charity and concern in our lives, that the weeping of humanity may be heard, and all our suffering, pain, and misfortune may be filled with divine comfort and healing. May we always know the peace of being in the cradle of your arms and bring us safely home to your son, Jesus. Amen.