Special Prayers

Prayer for the Church, Etc.

Composed by Archbishop Carroll, A. D. 1800

We pray Thee, O almighty and eternal God, Who through Jesus Christ hast revealed Thy glory to all nations, to preserve the works of Thy mercy; that Thy Church, being spread through the whole world, may continue, with unchanging faith, in the confession of Thy name.

We pray Thee, Who alone art good and holy, to endow with heavenly knowledge, sincere zeal, and sanctity of life our Holy Father, Pope, N., the Vicar of our Lord Jesus Christ in the government of His Church; our own Bishop, (or Archbishop) N. (if he is not consecrated, our Bishop-elect); all other Bishops, prelates, and pastors of the Church; and especially those who are appointed to exercise among us the functions of the holy ministry, and conduct Thy people into the ways of salvation.

We pray Thee, O God of might, wisdom, and justice, through Whom authority is rightly administered, laws are enacted, and judgment decreed, assist, with Thy Holy Spirit of counsel and fortitude, the President of these United States, that his administration may be conducted in righteousness, and be eminently useful to Thy people, over whom he presides, by encouraging due respect for virtue and religion; by a faithful execution of the laws in justice and mercy; and by restraining vice and immorality. Let the light of Thy divine wisdom direct the deliberations of Congress, and shine forth in all the proceedings and laws framed for our rule and government; so that they may tend to the preservation of peace, the promotion of national happiness, the increase of industry, sobriety, and useful knowledge, and may perpetuate to us the blessings of equal liberty.

We pray for his Excellency the Governor of this State, for the members of the Assembly, for all Judges, Magistrates, and other officers who are appointed to guard our political welfare; that they may be enabled, by Thy powerful protection, to discharge the duties of their respective stations with honesty and ability.

We recommend likewise to Thy unbounded mercy all our brethren and fellow-citizens, throughout the United States, that they may be blessed in the knowledge, and sanctified in the observance of Thy most holy law; that they may be preserved in union, and in that peace which the world cannot give; and, after enjoying the blessings of this life, be admitted to those which are eternal.

Finally, we pray Thee, O Lord of mercy, to remember the souls of Thy servants departed who are gone before us with the sign of faith, and repose in the sleep of peace: the souls of our parents, relatives, and friends; of those who, when living, were members of this congregation; and particularly of such as are lately deceased; of all benefactors who, by their donations or legacies to this Church, witnessed their zeal for the decency of divine worship, and proved their claim to our grateful and charitable remembrance. To these, O Lord, and to all that rest in Christ, grant, we beseech Thee, a place of refreshment, light, and everlasting peace, through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour.

Prayers for a Journey

In the way of peace and prosperity may the Lord, the almighty and merciful, direct our steps. And may the archangel Raphael accompany us on the way, that we may return to our home in peace, safety, and joy.

O God, Who madest the sons of Israel to walk with dry feet through the midst of the sea, and Who didst open to the three Magi, by the guiding of a star, the way that led to Thee; grant to us, we beseech Thee, a prosperous journey, and a time of tranquillity, that, attended by Thy holy angel, we may happily arrive at that place whither we are journeying, and finally at the haven of eternal salvation.

Give ear, O Lord, we beseech Thee, to our supplications, and dispose the way of Thy servants in the blessedness of Thy salvation, that amidst all the various changes of this our life and pilgrimage we may ever be protected by Thy help.

Vouchsafe to Thy people, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that they may walk onward in the way of salvation, and, by following the exhortations of the blessed forerunner John, may come safe to the presence of Him, Whom he preached, Jesus Christ Thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever.

Prayer for Success in Work

Glorious St. Joseph, model of all those who are devoted to labor, obtain for me the grace to work conscientiously, putting the call of duty above my many sins; to work with gratitude and joy, considering it an honor to employ and develop, by means of labor, the gifts received from God; to work with order, peace, moderation and patience, never recoiling before weariness or difficulties; to work, above all, with purity of intention, and with detachment from self, having always death before my eyes and the account which I must render of time lost, of talents wasted, of good omitted, of vain complacency in success so fatal to the work of God. All for Jesus, all for Mary, all after thy example, O Patriarch Joseph. Such shall be my watchword in life and death. Amen.

(Ind. of 300 days, once a day.—Pius X. March 15, 1907.)

A Universal Prayer, for All Things Necessary to Salvation

Composed by Pope Clement XI

O my God, I believe in Thee; do Thou strengthen my faith. All my hopes are in Thee; do Thou secure them. I love Thee with my whole heart; teach me to love Thee daily more and more. I am sorry that I have offended Thee; do Thou increase my sorrow.

I adore Thee as my first beginning; I aspire after Thee as my last end. I give Thee thanks as my constant benefactor; I call upon Thee as my sovereign protector.

Vouchsafe, O my God, to conduct me by Thy wisdom, to restrain me by Thy justice, to comfort me by Thy mercy, to defend me by Thy power.

To Thee I desire to consecrate all my thoughts, words, actions, and sufferings; that henceforward I may think of Thee, speak of Thee, constantly refer all my actions to Thy greater glory, and suffer willingly whatever Thou shalt appoint.

Lord, I desire that in all things Thy will may be done, because it is Thy will, in the manner Thou willest, and as long as Thou willest.

I beg of Thee to enlighten my understanding, to inflame my will, to purify my body, and to sanctify my soul.

Grant that I be not puffed up with pride, moved by flattery, deceived by the world, or duped by the devil.

Give me grace to purify my memory, to bridle my tongue, to restrain my eyes, and to mortify my senses.

Give me strength, O my God, to expiate my offences, to overcome my temptations, to subdue my passions, and to acquire the virtues proper for my state.

Fill my heart with a tender affection for Thy goodness, a hatred for my faults, a love for my neighbor, and a contempt of the world.

Let me always remember to be submissive to my superiors, condescending to my inferiors, faithful to my friends, and charitable to my enemies.

Grant, O Jesus, that I may remember Thy precept and example, by loving my enemies, bearing with injuries, doing good to them that persecute me, and praying for them that slander me.

Assist me to overcome sensuality by mortification, avarice by alms-deeds, anger by meekness, and tepidity by devotion.

O my God, make me prudent in my undertakings, courageous in dangers, patient in afflictions, and humble in prosperity.

Grant that I may be ever attentive at my prayers, temperate at my meals, diligent in my employments, and constant in my good resolutions.

Let my conscience be ever upright and pure, my exterior modest, my conversation edifying, and my life according to rule.

Assist me, that I may continually labor to overcome nature, to correspond with Thy grace, to keep Thy commandments, and to work out my salvation.

Help me to obtain holiness of life by a sincere confession of my sins, by a devout reception of the Body of Christ, by a continual recollection of mind, and by a pure intention of heart.

Discover to me, O my God, the nothingness of this world, the greatness of heaven, the shortness of time, and the length of eternity.

Grant that I may prepare for death, that I may fear Thy judgments, that I may escape hell, and in the end obtain heaven, through the merits of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Prayers of Thanksgiving

O God, Whose mercies are without number, and the treasure of Whose goodness is infinite; we render thanks to Thy most gracious Majesty for the gifts Thou hast bestowed upon us, evermore beseeching Thy clemency; that as Thou grantest the petitions of those who ask Thee, Thou wilt never forsake them, but wilt prepare them for the rewards to come.

O God, Who hast taught the hearts of the faithful by the light of the Holy Spirit: grant us, by the same Spirit, to relish what is right, and evermore to rejoice in His consolation.

O God, Who sufferest none that hope in Thee to be afflicted overmuch, but dost listen graciously to their prayers; we render Thee thanks because Thou hast received our supplications and wishes, and we most humbly beseech Thee that we may evermore be protected from all adversities. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

O merciful God, grant that I may eagerly desire, carefully search out, truthfully acknowledge, and ever perfectly fulfil all things which are pleasing to Thee, to the praise and glory of Thy Name. Amen.

O God, the Creator and Redeemer of all the faithful, grant to the souls of Thy servants departed the remission of all their sins, that through pious supplications they may obtain the pardon they have always desired. Who livest and reignest world without end. Amen.

Prayer for Sisters

Grant peace, strength and encouragement, O Lord, to those holy women whom Thou hast called for the instruction of youth. In their arduous duties be Thou ever by their side to lead them on in the continuation of their noble work.

The Memorare

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 by 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 clemency hear and answer me.

A Husband’s Prayer

O Lord, my God, Who hast entrusted to my care a devoted wife, grant that I may always bear in mind the responsibilities which I have assumed and properly cherish, encourage and lead on to holy happiness the helpmate Thou hast given me. Keep before me always the exemplary life of Saint Joseph, that humbly following his example I may receive the light and strength to make my home a true Catholic household, united and determined to carry on for the greater honor and glory of God.

A Father’s Prayer

My Lord and my God, Who in Thy infinite wisdom hast blessed me with the privilege of parenthood and entrusted to my care the innocent souls and bodily welfare of my children, I beg of Thee to light my path that I may lead them on in the ways of virtue, and by example and habit prove myself a true man of God.

A Son’s Prayer

My Lord and My God, Who hast commanded me to honor my father and my mother, give to me the strength and determination to be a true Catholic son, and thereby bring peace and contentment to my loving parents who so zealously protected and led me on through my early years.

Prayer in Choosing a State in Life

O my God, Thou who art the God of wisdom and of counsel, Thou who readest in my heart the sincere will to please Thee alone, and to govern myself with regard to my choice of a state of life, entirely in conformity with Thy most holy desire; grant me, by the intercession of the most blessed Virgin, my Mother, and of my holy patrons, specially of St. Joseph and St. Aloysius, the grace to know what state I ought to choose, and when known to embrace it, so that in it I may be able to pursue and increase Thy glory, work out my salvation, and merit that heavenly reward which Thou hast promised to those who do Thy holy will. Amen.

Prayer for a Holy Death

Divine Jesus, incarnate Son of God, who for our salvation didst vouchsafe to be born in a stable, to pass Thy life in poverty, trials, and misery, and to die amid the sufferings of the Cross, I entreat Thee in the hour of my death, say to thy divine Father: “Father, forgive him”; say to Thy beloved Mother: “behold thy son”; say to my soul: “this day thou shalt be with me in Paradise.” My God, my God, forsake me not in that hour. “I thirst;” truly, my God, my soul thirsts after Thee, Who art the fountain of living waters. My life passes like a shadow; yet a little while and all will be consummated. Wherefore, O my adorable Saviour, from this moment, for all eternity, “into thy hands I commend my spirit.” Lord Jesus, receive my soul. Amen.

Prayers for a Happy Death

O Lord Jesus, God of goodness, and Father of mercies, I draw nigh to Thee with a contrite and humble heart; to Thee I recommend the last hour of my life, and that judgment which awaits me afterwards.

When my feet, benumbed with death, shall admonish me, that my course in this life is drawing to an end, merciful Jesus, have mercy on me.

When my hands, cold and trembling, shall no longer be able to clasp the crucifix, and shall let it fall against my will on my bed of suffering, merciful Jesus, have mercy on me.

When my eyes, dim and troubled at the approach of death, shall fix themselves on Thee, my last and only support, merciful Jesus, have mercy on me.

When my lips, cold and trembling, pronounce for the last time Thy adorable Name, merciful Jesus, have mercy on me.

When my face, pale and livid, shall inspire the beholders with pity and dismay; when my hair, bathed in the sweat of death, and stiffening on my head, shall forebode my approaching end, merciful Jesus, have mercy on me.

When my ears, soon to be shut for ever to the discourse of men, shall be open to that irrevocable decree which is to fix my doom for all eternity, merciful Jesus, have mercy on me.

When my imagination, agitated by dreadful spectres, shall be sunk in an abyss of anguish; when my soul, affrighted with the sight of my iniquities and the terrors of Thy judgments, shall have to fight against the angels of darkness, who will endeavor to conceal Thy mercies from my eyes, and plunge me into despair, merciful Jesus, have mercy on me.

When my poor heart, oppressed with suffering and exhausted by its continual struggles with the enemies of its salvation, shall feel the pangs of death, merciful Jesus, have mercy on me.

When the last tear, the forerunner of my dissolution, shall drop from my eyes, receive it as a sacrifice of expiation for my sins; grant that I may expire the victim of penance; and then, in that dreadful moment, merciful Jesus, have mercy on me.

When my friends and relations, encircling my bed, shall be moved with compassion for me, and invoke Thy clemency in my behalf, merciful Jesus, have mercy on me.

When I shall have lost the use of my senses, when the world shall have vanished from my sight, when I shall groan with anguish in my last agony and with the pangs of death, merciful Jesus, have mercy on me.

When my last sighs shall force my soul to issue from my body, accept them as born of a loving impatience to come to Thee; merciful Jesus, have mercy on me.

When my soul, trembling on my lips, shall bid adieu to the world, and leave my body lifeless, pale and cold, receive this separation as a homage which I willingly pay to Thy Divine Majesty, and in that last moment of my mortal life, merciful Jesus, have mercy on me.

When at length my soul, admitted to Thy presence, shall first behold the immortal splendor of Thy Majesty, reject it not, but receive me into the loving embrace of Thy mercy, where I may for ever sing Thy praises; merciful Jesus, have mercy on me.

Let us Pray

O God, who hast doomed all men to die, but hast concealed from all the hour of their death, grant that I may pass my days in the practice of holiness and justice, and that I may be made worthy to quit this world in the embrace of Thy love, through the merits of our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Looking to God Alone

Take no great account of who may be for thee or against thee, but mind and take care that God be with thee in every thing thou dost. Have a good conscience, and God will sufficiently defend thee; for he whom God will help, no man’s malice can hurt. If thou knowest only how to be silent and to endure, doubt not but that thou shalt experience help from the Lord. (II. 2.)