The folk magic practices of Italy were heavily influenced by the religious rituals of the Roman Catholic Church. Some practitioners of Stregheria sometimes use Catholic prayers in their traditions. Other streghe simply do not.
Originally I had not planned to record any specifically Christian material on this website. After all, I don't use it, and anyone can easily look up Ave Maria or the Credo if he or she wanted to reference this material.
Eventually I decided that it might be a good idea to have some frequently used prayers available for easy access. Yet this is not an orthodox list by any standards. Some of these prayers are not necessarily used a lot in the streghe's tradition. However, I have included them because they seemed particularly well suited for use and because they are beautiful devotions.
General Purpose
From All Blindness of Heart...
From all blindness of heart, from pride,
Vainglory and hypocracy;
From envy, hatred, and malice,
And all uncharitableness,
Good Lord, deliver us.
--The Book of Common Prayer
Madonna
Hail, holy queen,
Mother of mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope.
To thee do we cry, as children of Eve.
To thee do we send up our sighs,
Mourning and weeping in this veil of tears.
Turn then, most gracious advocate,
Thine eyes of mercy toward us,
Lead us home at last.
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.
O Holy Mary , my sovereign Lady, into your blessed trust and special custody, and into the heart of your mercy, I, this day and every day, and in the hour of my death, commend my whole being. To you I commit all my hope and happiness, all my cares and concerns and my whole life, that, through your most holy intercession and through your merits, all my actions may be guided and governed according to your will and that of your divine Son. Amen.
--Catholic prayer
Our Lady of Guadalupe,
Mystical Rose,
make intercession for holy Church,
protect the sovereign Pontiff,
help all those who invoke you in their necessities,
and since you are the ever Virgin Mary
and Mother of the true God,
obtain for us from your most holy Son
the grace of keeping our faith,
of sweet hope in the midst of the bitterness of life
of burning charity, and the precious gift
of final perseverance.
Amen.
--Catholic Prayer
[The Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico is known as the
Empress of the Americas.]
All Creation rejoices in you,
O Full of Grace,
The archangels and the race of men,
O Sanctified Temple and Spiritual
Paradise, the Glory of Virgins;
From whom God was incarnate
and became a child, our God
through the ages.
He made your body into a throne.
And your womb he made more
spacious than the heavens.
All creation rejoices in you,
O Full of Grace, glory to you!
--Eastern Orthodox Liturgy
Glory to you for the feast day of life.
Glory to you for the perfume of lillies and roses.
Glory to you for each different taste of berry and fruit.
Glory to you for the sparkling silver of early morning dew.
Glory to you for the joy of dawn's awakening.
Glory to you for the new life each day brings.
--Gregory Petrov
Oh, Lady of Carmine! Who with special goodness and mercy
consider those who are devoted to you,
send me a vision and cover me with your cloak,
give me strength,
enlighten the darkness of my understanding throughout this life,
console me at the hour of my death
and present me before God as his devoted child and your servant. Amen.
On July 16, the feast of the Virgin of Carmine or Madonna del Carmine, candles are lit to request healing. In Naples, the fiesta celebrations involve fireworks from the Madonna del Carmine Church. Apparently elsewhere in Italy this feast day has a maritime connection. In Sicily, the "Madonna del Carmen" is allegedly the famous statue of the Madonna holding a female infant.
Prayer to Beata Vergine del Monte Carmelo
Oh, most holy Virgin of Carmel, pray for me to the Lord who, shinning brighter than the sun, excels in beauty the fairest things of the earth. Strengthen me in the brightest image of His Beauty, that I will dwell in His Light in this life and I may behold Him and you eternally in the life to come. Amen.
--prayer on devotional Christian candle
(This candle was an offering to the Virgin of Carmel at an outdoor
shrine for the Madonna on June 24, Festa di San Giovanni Battista.)
Prayer to La Santissima Madonna del Carmine
La Santissima Madonna del Carmine, purest Virgin, who gave birth to our Lord, Savior of the World. Source of
goodness, light in the darkness of our lives, I come to you with confidence and trust, and ask for your holy
intercesstion for my needs. I request this special favor of God Omnipotent. I sincerly seek to follow your Most
Holy example, accepting in faith all that the Lord chooses for me. Amen.
[Recite the Magnificat, followed by Glory be.]
--Catholic folk prayer
My soul doth magnify the Lord : and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he hath regarded: the lowliness
of his handmaiden. For behold, from henceforth: all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath
magnified me : and holy is his Name. And his mercy is on them that fear him: throughout all generations. He hath
shewed strength with his arm: he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the
mighty from their seat: and hath exalted the humble and meek. He hath filled the hungry with good things: and the
rich he hath sent empty away. He remembering his mercy hath helped his servant Israel: as he promised to our
forefathers, Abraham and his seed for ever. Amen.
--Luke 1:46-55
[Recite Glory be.]
As the vine, I have brought forth a pleasant odor, and my flowers are the fruit of honor and riches.
I am the mother of fair love, and of fear, and of knowledge, and of holy hope. In me is all grace of the way
and of the truth; in me is all hope of life and of virtue. Come over to me, all ye that desire me, and be filled with
my fruits. For my spirit is sweet above honey, and my inheritance above honey and the honeycomb My
memory is unto everlasting generations. They that eat me shall yet hunger; and they that drink me,
shall yet thirst. He that hearkeneth to me shall not be confounded; and they that work by me shall not sin.
They that explain me shall have life everlasting.
--Epistle to honor the Madonna on July 16, the feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel,
Madonna del Carmen (Mt Carmel is said to be the site of a shrine to Ephesian Diana,
before that to Isis, and before that to
Inanna/Ishtar. It was renowned for its healing practices through dream incubation.)
She is the flower, the violet,
the blossoming rose
that gives out such a scent to
satisfy us all...
--Gautier De Coincy, 13th century
Blessed Sister, Holy Mother...
Blessed sister, holy mother, spirit of the fountain, spirit of the garden
Suffer us not to mock ourselves with falsehood
Teach us to care and not to care
Teach us to sit still
Even among these rocks,
Our peace in His will
And even among these rocks
Sister, mother,
And spirit of the river, spirit of the sea,
Suffer me not to be separated
And let my cry come unto Thee.
--T. S. Eliot. Although this is not a traditional prayer, I thought this brief except from the prayer, Ash Wednesday, was especially suitable for the Madonna.
O love, O pure deep love, be here, be now Be all; worlds dissolve into your stainless, endless radiance, Frail living leaves burn within you brighter than cold stars: Make me your servant, your breath, your core.--Jelaluddin Rumi, brief excerpt from When Grapes Turn to Wine
Come, true light.
Come, eternal life.
Come, hidden mystery.
Come, treasure without name.
Come, rejoicing without end.
Come, light that knows no evening.
Come, raising of the fallen.
Come, resurection of the dead.
Come, for you are yourself the desire that is within me.
Come, my breath and my life.
Come, the consolation of my humble soul.
Come, my joy, my glory, my endless delight.
--Saint Symeon
Mother of Sorrow, You who held Jesus in your arms, please intercede with your Divine Son in our behalf. Ask Him to help us to know one another better, to forgive one another more readily, to love one another more deeply. Mother of all humankind inspire us to travel without faltering along that road, at the end of which, under the glory of God the Father, there is true peace. Amen.
--Catholic Prayer
Litany of Our Lady of Seven Sorrows
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God, the Father of heaven,
Have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world,
Have mercy on us.
God the Holy Ghost,
Have mercy on us.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us.
Holy Virgin of virgins,
pray for us.
Mother of the Crucified,
pray for us.
Sorrowful Mother,
pray for us.
Mournful Mother,
pray for us.
Sighing Mother,
pray for us.
Afflicted Mother,
pray for us.
Foresaken Mother,
pray for us.
Desolate Mother,
pray for us.
Mother most sad,
pray for us.
Mother set around with anguish,
pray for us.
Mother overwhelmed by grief,
pray for us.
Mother transfixed by a sword,
pray for us.
Mother crucified in thy heart,
pray for us.
Mother bereaved of thy Son,
pray for us.
Sighing Dove,
pray for us.
Mother of Dolors,
pray for us.
Fount of tears,
pray for us.
Sea of bitterness,
pray for us.
Field of tribulation,
pray for us.
Mass of suffering,
pray for us.
Mirror of patience,
pray for us.
Rock of constancy,
pray for us.
Remedy in perplexity,
pray for us.
Joy of the afflicted,
pray for us.
Ark of the desolate,
pray for us.
Refuge of the abandoned,
pray for us.
Shield of the oppressed,
pray for us.
Conqueror of the incredulous,
pray for us.
Solace of the wretched,
pray for us.
Medicine of the sick,
pray for us.
Help of the faint,
pray for us.
Strength of the weak,
pray for us.
Protectress of those who fight,
pray for us.
Haven of the shipwrecked,
pray for us.
Calmer of tempests,
pray for us.
Companion of the sorrowful,
pray for us.
Retreat of those who groan,
pray for us.
Terror of the treacherous,
pray for us.
Standard-bearer of the Martyrs,
pray for us.
Treasure of the Faithful,
pray for us.
Light of Confessors,
pray for us.
Pearl of Virgins,
pray for us.
Comfort of Widows,
pray for us.
Joy of all Saints,
pray for us.
Queen of thy Servants,
pray for us.
Holy Mary, who alone art unexampled,
pray for us.
Pray for us, most Sorrowful Virgin...
Angels are enraptured before thee.
The Blessed bow down before thee.
Michael is thy Captain.
Gabriel thy Messenger.
Raphael thy Healer.
Angels and Saints feast on thy beauty.
Delight of God,
Peerless Mary,
Thy face is heavenly beauty.
Gentle Mary, Loving Mary.
Heavenly wind,
Spring rain,
Blinding Light that overcasts the sun.
Mightier than the mountains.
You speak in divers languages.
All thy children know thy voice.
Dove of God: Thy voice is sweeter than the thrush and the lark.
Angels stay their journey to hear thee.
Your words are sweeter than honey.
Your eyes are beautiful and gentle.
We have no fear of thee.
We love thee, Mary, we love thee, we love thee.
0 Mary, beautiful, life-giving Mary.
Our joy, our Hope in our sorrows.
Our eyes and hearts are lifted to thee.
Hear us, thy children who cry to thee.
You hear the cry of your children;
You, their Mother, will hasten to help.
You gladden the hearts that mourn.
You dry the eyes that weep.
Mother of the widow and orphan.
Safe home to the outcast.
The mighty and lowly find peace before thee.
Thy smile is peace.
Medicine and healing herbs to the sick.
Sweetness in the bitterness of life.
Light to those who travel by land and sea.
Virtue to the innocent.
Flame to kindle the clean of heart.
Faithful Shepherdess, who guards the sheep and lambs.
The Promised Land, overflowing with milk and honey.
Sweet spices and heavenly perfumes that purify,
sweeter than the honeycomb.
Glory of women.
Healer of men.
Sight to the blind.
Hearing to the deaf.
Speech to the dumb.
Cool, life-giving waters to the thirsty.
Food and drink to the weary.
Whose breasts feed all men.
Thy children call to thee.
Heavenly Guide to the traveler,
0 Mary, our Mother, lead us home.
--St Lomman, Praises of Mary
O Queen of Heaven and earth, most Holy Virgin, we venerate thee. Thou art the beloved daughter of the Most High God, the chosen mother of the Incarnate Word, the immaculate spouse, the sacred vessel of the Most Holy Trinity. O Mother of the Divine Redeemer, who under the title of Our Lady of Good Remedy, comes to the aid of all who call upon thee, extend thy maternal protection to us. We depend on thee, dear Mother, as helpless and needy children depend on a tender and caring mother.
(recite 1 Hail Mary)
O Lady of Good Remedy, source of unfailing help, grant that we may draw from thy treasury of graces in our time of need. Touch the hearts of sinners, that they may seek reconciliation and forgiveness. Bring comfort to the afflicted and the lonely; help the poor and the hopeless; aid the sick and the suffering. May they be healed in body and strengthened in spirit to endure their sufferings with patient resignation and Christian fortitude.
(recite 1 Hail Mary)
Dear Lady of Good Remedy, source of unfailing help, thy compassionate heart knows a remedy for every affliction and misery we encounter in life. Help me with thy prayers and intercession to find a remedy for my problems and needs especially for...
(State your special intentions; recite 1 Hail Mary)
On my part, O loving Mother, I will strive to be a source of healing in this broken world of ours.
Dear Lady of Good Remedy, be ever present to me, and through thy intercession, may I enjoy health of body and peace of mind, and grow stronger in the faith and in the love of thy Son, Jesus. Amen.
--Catholic prayer
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Prayer
O Mother of Perpetual Help, grant that I may ever invoke thy most powerful name, which is the safeguard of the
living and the salvation of the dying. O Purest Maria, O Sweetest Maria, let thy name henceforth be ever on my lips.
Delay not, O Blessed Lady, to help me whenever I call on thee, for, in all my needs, in all my temptations I shall
never cease to call on thee, ever repeating thy sacred name, Maria, Maria...
[State petition, repeating the name of the Blessed Virgin Maria]
O what consolation, what sweetness, what confidence, what emotion fill my soul when I pronounce thy sacred
name, or even only think of thee. I thank God for having given thee, for my good, so sweet, so powerful, so lovely
a name. But I will not be content with merely pronouncing thy name: let my love for thee prompt me ever to hail thee,
Mother of Perpetual Help. Amen.
--Catholic prayer
Prayer to Our Lady of Perpetual Help
Grant that I may ever invoke thy most powerful name, the safeguard of the living and salvation of the dying. Come to my assistance whensoever I call, bringing thy comfort, sweetness, and confidence. I know that through thee all things are possible. Amen. (State your special intentions; recite 1 Hail Mary) Amen.
--Catholic prayer
O Lady of the Highway, be with us on our journey, for all your ways are beautiful and all your paths are peace. O God,
who with unspeakable providence does rule and govern the world, grant unto us, your servants, through the intercessions
of our watchful mother, to be protected from all danger and brought safely to the end of our journey. Amen.
(recite 1 Hail Mary)
--Catholic folk prayer
Oh, Holy Virgin and Lady of Charity, with happiness and humility I come to your feet! Virgin of Miracles! You cure the sick, you give hope where there is despair, you give strength to the afflicted, preserve from disgrace our families, protect our youth, guard our children. No one can explain all the miracles and fortitude you give to the souls that come to you. We, your children, thank you for all your graces. Amen.
--Catholic prayer
Prayer to Our Lady of Charity of Copper
Oh, blessed Lady of Charity, give me the strength and shield me against all enemies. Holy Lady of Charity, I humbly and fervently ask that my prayers be heard and answered. I thank thee for all thy infinite goodness. Bless the house where thy image is exposed and honored. Grant me my humble petitions. Amen.
--Catholic prayer
We fly to thy patronage, O holy Mother of God; despise not our petitions in our necessities, but deliver us always
from all dangers, O glorious and blessed Virgin. Amen.
[This prayer was found in 1917ce on a 3rd century Christian-Egyptian papyrus. It is one of the oldest known
Marian prayers.]
--Christian prayer
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 with this confidence, I fly unto You, O Mother of mothers. To You I come, before You, I stand, imperfect and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in Your mercy, hear and answer me.
--Catholic prayer
Our Lady of Knock, Queen of Ireland, you gave hope to our people in a time of distress and comforted them in sorrow. You have inspired countless pilgrims to pray with confidence to your divine Son, remembering His promise: "Ask and you shall receive, Seek and you shall find".
Help me to remember that we are all pilgrims on the road to heaven. Fill me with love and concern for my brothers and sisters in Christ, especially those who live with me. Comfort me when I am sick or lonely or depressed. Teach me how to take part ever more reverently in the holy Mass. Pray for me now, and at the hour of my death. Amen.
Prayer to Our Lady of Knock
My Queen! My Mother! I give you all myself, and to show my devotion to you, I consecreate my eyes, my ears, my mouth, my heart, my entire self. Wherefore, Oloving Mother, as I am your own, keep me, defend me, as your property and possession. Amen.
Golden Rose, Queen of Ireland,-- Dana (Rosemary Scallon), Banthiorna Cnoic
All my cares and troubles cease
As I kneel with love before you Lady of Knock,
My Queen of Peace.
Rejoice, O Virgin Theotokos, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the Fruit of thy womb,
for thou hast borne the Saviour of our souls.
--Orthodox Prayer
Hail Mary, full of grace,
The Lord is with thee,
Blessed art thou among women,
And blessed is the fuit of thy womb.
Holy Mary, mother of God,
Pray for us, now,
And at the hour of our death.
--Modern Marian prayer
Holy Spirit, Trinity, Christ Prayers
O Holy Spirit, You are the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity! You are the Spirit of wisdom, love, and holiness, proceeding from the Father and the Son, and equal to Them in all things! I adore You and love You with all my heart. Teach me to know and to seek God, by Whom I was created. Fill my heart with a holy fear and a great love of Him. Give me compunction and patience, and do not let me fall into sin.
Increase faith, hope, and graciousness in me and bring forth in me all the virtues proper to my state of life. Help me to grow in the four cardinal virtues, the seven gifts, and the twelve fruits.
Make me a faithful follower of Jesus, an obedient child of the Church, and a help to my neighbor. Give me the grace to keep the commandments and to receive the sacraments worthily. Raise me to holiness in the state of life to which You have called me, and lead me through a happy death to everlasting life. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Grant me also, O Holy Spirit, Giver of all good gifts, the special favor for which I ask...
(State your request here...)
...if it be for Your honor and glory and for my well-being.
--Catholic Novena
Come, Holy Spirit, Come Prayer
Come, Holy Spirit, come. Come and reveal to my soul the mysteries of holy things, their exceeding greatness,
power, and beauty. Come teach me to love them above and beyond perishable treasures and fleeting amusements.
Spirit of Wisdom, grant me the grace, I pray, that I might attain to them and posses them and hold them, hereafter
forever. Amen.
--Christian prayer
Prayer to the Holy Spirit
Oh, Holy Spirit, grant that I may participate in those gifts of Faith, Hope, and Graciousness. Decend heavenly Dove! Make of my heart a worthy dwelling-place for You. Illumine my mind, that I may see and understand the mysteries of life. Inflame my heart with pure love of You that I may love all God's creation. Strengthen my will, that I may be guided by Your holy inspirations. Aid me by Your Graciousness to practice the Divine lessons of humility, peace, honor, and wisdom.
Spirit of love! Spirit of purity! Spirit of peace! Bless my soul more and more. The greatest of your gifts is Graciousness. Graciousness is long-suffering and is kind; Graciousness does not envy; it is not boastful; it is not over-proud; it does not behave unseemly. It is not self-seeking, not easily provoked; Graciousness keeps no lists of petty wrongs; Graciousness rejoices not in another's inquity, but delights in the truth; Graciousness bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.
O Holy Spirit, You Giver of every good and wonderful gift, grant me, I beseech You, my personal request in this prayer.
(State your request here...)
May God's will be done in me and through me. May You be praised and glorified forevermore!
--Christian prayer, adapted by L. Leigh
Prayer for the Help of the Holy Ghost
O God, send forth your Holy Ghost into my heart that I may perceive, into my mind that I may remember, and into my soul that I may meditate. Inspire me to speak with piety, holiness, tenderness and mercy. Teach, guide and direct my thoughts and senses from beginning to end. May your grace ever help and correct me, and may I be strengthened now with wisdom from on high, for the sake of your infinite mercy. Amen.
--Catholic Prayer
Glory be to the Father, who by His almighty
power and love created me in the
image and likeness of God.
Glory be to the Son, who by his Precious Blood
delivered me from death, and opened
for me the gates of heaven.
Glory be the Holy Spirit, who sanctified me by the
grace I recieve daily from God's bounty.
Glory be to the three adorable Persons of the Holy Spirit
now and forever. Amen.
--Catholic Prayer
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: As it was in rhe beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
--Catholic Prayer
I believe in the Nameless God who is Time-Space-Matter: And in myself as an actual organic part of the one
Great Nameless God.
--John Hargrave, Young Winkle, 1925.
Soul of Christ, sanctify me. Body of Christ, save me. Blood of Christ, inebriate me. Water from Christ's side, wash me. Passion of Christ, strengthen me. Good Jesus, hear me. Within thy sacred wounds, hide me. Never let me be parted from you. From the evil enemy, protect me. In the hour of my death, call me. And bid me come to thee that with thy saints I may praise thee forever and ever. Amen.
--Catholic prayer
Prayer to the Just Judge, Jesus
Oh Jesus, the most holy judge, Son of Blessed Mary, do not let me be harmed or my blood be spilled. Let not my enemies see me or their armies hurt me. With the robe that covered Our Lord, cover my body so that it will never be attacked by these enemies, with the blessings of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. (State your request here...) Amen.
--Catholic prayer
Jesus Christ a King of Glory has come in Peace. + God became man, + and the Word was made flesh. + Christ was born of a Virgin. + Christ suffered. + Christ was crucified. + Christ died. + Christ rose from the dead. + Christ ascended into Heaven.+ Christ conquers.+ Christ reigns.+ Christ commands.+
May Christ protect us from all storms and lightning. + Christ went through their midst in Peace, + and the Word was made Flesh.+ Christ is with us with Mary.+ Flee you enemy spirits because the Lion of the Generation of Juda, the Root David, has won.+ Holy God! + Holy Powerful God! + Holy Immortal God! + Have mercy on us. Amen.
--Catholic Prayer
[Make the sign of the cross at each +]
Novena Prayer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ
Divine Jesus, You have said, "Ask and you shall receive; seek and you shall find; knock and it shall be opened to you." Behold me kneeling at Your feet, filled with a lively faith and confidence in the promises dictated by Your Sacred Heart to Saint Margaret Mary. I come to ask this favor: [State petition].
To whom can I turn if not to You, Whose Heart is the source of all graces and merits? Where should I seek if not in the treasure which contains all the riches of Your kindness and mercy? Where should I knock if not at the door through which God gives Himself to us and through which we go to God? I have recourse to You, Heart of Jesus. In You I find consolation when afflicted, protection when persecuted, strength when burdened with trials, and light in doubt and darkness.
Dear Jesus, I firmly believe that You can grant me the grace I implore, even though it should require a miracle. You have only to will it and my prayer will be granted. I admit that I am most unworthy of Your favors, but this is not a reason for me to be discouraged. You are the God of mercy, and You will not refuse a contrite heart. Cast upon me a look of mercy, I beg of You, and Your kind Heart will find in my miseries and weakness a reason for granting my prayer.
Sacred Heart, whatever may be Your decision with regard to my request, I will never stop adoring, loving, praising, and serving You. My Jesus, be pleased to accept this my act of perfect resignation to the decrees of Your adorable Heart, which I sincerely desire may be fulfilled in and by me and all Your creatures forever.
Grant me the grace for which I humbly implore You through the Immaculate Heart of Your most sorrowful Mother. You entrusted me to her as her child, and her prayers are all-powerful with You. Amen.
--Catholic prayer
Prayers to St. Joseph
O Glorious St. Joseph, thou wert chosen by God to be the reputed Father of Jesus, the most pure Spouse of Mary ever Virgin and the Head of the Holy Family. Thou hast been chosen by Christ's Vicar as the heavenly Patron and Protector of the Church founded by Christ. Therefore, with the greatest confidence I implore thy powerful assistance for the whole Church militant. Protect, in a special manner, with true fatherly love, the sovereign Pontiff and all the bishops and priests in communion with the See of Peter. Be the protector of all who labor for souls amidst the trials and tribulations of this life; and grant that all nations of the earth may submit with docility to that Church out of which there is no salvation.
Dearest St. Joseph, accept the offering I now make of myself to thee. I dedicate myself to thy service, that thou mayest ever be my Father, my Protector and my Guide in the way of salvation. Obtain for me great purity of heart and a fervent love for the interior life. Grant that after thy example, all my actions may be directed to the greater glory of God, in union with the Divine Heart of Jesus, the Immaculate Heart of Mary and thy own paternal heart. Finally, pray for me, that I may share in the peace and joy of thy holy death. Amen.
--Catholic prayer
O Saint 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 Saint Joseph, 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 Saint 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 Saint Joseph, Patron of departing souls, pray for us. Amen.
[Say three Our Fathers, three Hail Mary's and three glory be's.Whoever shall keep a devotion to St. Joseph, all their prayers will be answered. Whoever says this prayer or reads it, will never die in a fire or be drowned.]
--Catholic prayer
Prayer to Saint Joseph, Patron of Workers
Glorious Saint Joseph, you are the pattern of all who work. Obtain for me, please, the grace to work conscientiously and to put devotion to duty before my selfish inclinations. Help me to labor in thankfulness and joy, for it is an honor to employ and to develop by my labor the gifts I have received from almighty God. Grant that I may work in orderliness, peace, moderation and patience without shrinking from weariness and difficulties. I offer my fatigue and perplexities as reparation for sin. I shall work, above all, with a 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 empty pride in success, which is so fatal to the work of God. For Jesus through Mary, all in imitation of you, good Saint Joseph. This shall be my motto in life and in death. Amen.
Dear St. Joseph, You were yourself once faced with the responsibility of providing the necessities of life for Jesus and Mary. Look down with Fatherly compassion upon me in my anxiety over my present inability to support my family. Please help me to find gainful employment very soon, so that this heavy burden of concern will be lifted from my heart, and that I am soon able to provide for those whom God has entrusted to my care. Help us to guard against bitterness and discouragement so that we may emerge from this trial spiritually enriched and with even greater blessing from God. [Now say 1 decade of the Marian Rosary]
--Catholic prayer
Short Prayer to St. Joseph for Employment
Dear St. Joe, you were yourself once faced with the responsibility of providing the necessities of life for your wife and foster-son. Look down with fatherly compassion upon me in my anxiety over my present inability to support my own family. Please help me to find gainful employment very soon, so that this heavy burden of concern will be lifted from my heart and that I am soon able to provide for those whom God has entrusted to my care. Help me to guard against bitterness and discouragement, so that our family may emerge from this trial spiritually enriched and with even greater blessings from God. Amen.
--Catholic prayer
Prayer to Saint Joseph the Workman
We speak to you, O blessed Joseph, our protector on earth, as one who knows the value of work and the response of our calling. We address you through your holy spouse, the Immaculate Virgin Mother of God, and knowing the fatherly affection with which you embraced Our Lord Jesus, ask that you may assist us in our needs, and strengthen us in our labors.
By our promise to do worthily our daily tasks, keep us from failure, from a greedy mind, and from a corrupt heart. Be our watchful guardian in our work, our defender and strength against injustice and errors. As we look to your example and seek your assistance, support us in our every effort, that we may come to everlasting rest with you in the blessedness of heaven. Amen.
--Catholic prayer
To Saint Joseph for Protection
Gracious Saint Joseph, protect me and my family from all evil as you did the Holy Family. Kindly keep us ever united in the love of Christ, ever fervent in imitation of the virtue of our Blessed Lady, your sinless spouse, and always faithful in devotion to you. Amen.
--Catholic prayer
Prayer to Saint Joseph for a Happy Death
O Blessed Joseph, you gave your last breath in the loving embrace of Jesus and Mary. When the seal of death shall close my life, come with Jesus and Mary to aid me. Obtain for me this solace for that hour - to die with their holy arms around me. Jesus, Mary and Joseph, I commend my soul, living and dying, into your sacred arms. Amen.
--Catholic prayer
Another Prayer to St. Joseph for a Happy Death
O Glorious St. Joseph, behold I choose thee today for my special patron in life and at the hour of my death. Preserve and increase in me the spirit of prayer and fervor in the service of God. Remove far from me every kind of sin; obtain for me that my death may not come upon me unawares, but that I may have time to confess my sins sacramentally and to bewail them with a most perfect understanding and a most sincere and perfect contrition, in order that I may breathe forth my soul into the hands of Jesus and Mary. Amen.
--Catholic Prayer
Old Prayer to Saint Joseph for a Happy Death
O St. Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God, I place in thee all my interests and desires. O St. Joseph, assist me by thy powerful intercession and obtain for me all spiritual blessings through thy foster Son, Jesus Christ Our Lord, so that, having engaged here below thy heavenly power, I may offer thee my thanksgiving and homage.
O St. Joseph, I never weary contemplating thee and Jesus asleep in thine arms. I dare not approach while He reposes near thy 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 me. Amen.
--Catholic Prayer
Prayer for St. Joseph and the Holy Death
Dear St. Joseph, accept the offering I make to you. Be my father, protector, and guide in the way of salvation. Obtain for me purity of heart and a love for the spiritual life. After your example, let all my actions be directed to the greater glory of God, in union with the Divine Heart of Jesus, the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and your own paternal heart. Finally, pray for me that I may share in the peace and joy of your holy death. Amen.
--Catholic Prayer
Pious Union of Saint Joseph Prayer
O St. Joseph, foster father of Jesus Christ and true spouse of the Virgin Mary, pray for us and for the suffering and dying of today. Amen.
[The Church also commends almsgiving, indulgences, and works of penance undertaken on behalf of the dead.]
--Catholic Prayer
Prayer to St. Joseph for a Heavenly Crown
O St. Joseph, foster-father of Jesus and most pure spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, pray every day for us to the same Jesus, the Son of God, that being defended by the power of His grace and striving dutifully in life, we may be crowned by Him at the hour of death.
We humbly pray for the this gift. Amen.
--Catholic Prayer
Oh Saint Joseph whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the Throne of God, I place in you all my interests and desires.
Oh Saint Joseph, 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 Loving of Fathers.
Oh Saint 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.
Saint 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.]
--Catholic prayer
Unfailing Novena to St. Joseph
Glorious St Joseph, foster-father and protector of Jesus Christ! To you I raise my heart and my hands to implore your powerful intercession. Please obtain for me from the kind heart of Jesus the help and graces necessary for my spiritual and temporal welfare. I ask particularly for the grace of a happy death and the special favor I now implore
[State request]
guardian of the word incarnate, I feel animated with confidence that your prayers in my behalf will graciously be heard before the throne of God.
[State request]
O gracious St Joseph through the love you bear to Jesus Christ, and for the glory of his name hear my prayers and obtain my petition.
[Pray for 9 days and publish. Make sure you really want what you ask, because it has never been known to fail. Trust me, your prayers will be answered.]
--Catholic prayer
Prayer to St. Joseph in a Difficult Problem
O Glorious St. Joseph, Thou who hast power to render possible even things which are considered impossible, come to our aid in our present trouble and distress. Take this important and difficult affair under Thy particular protection, that it may end happily. [Name your request.]
O dear St. Joseph, all our confidence is in Thee. Let it not be said that we would invoke Thee in vain; and since Thou art so powerful with Jesus and Mary, show that Thy goodness equals Thy power. Amen.
St. Joseph, friend of the Sacred Heart, pray for us.
--Catholic prayer
Prayer to St. Joseph for Hopeless cases
O Glorious St. Joseph, advocate of hopeless cases, what's impossible to me is not imposible to Thee. Thou knowest my special intentions. I implore Thee, please come to my aid in my present trouble and distress before Christmas. O dear St. Joseph, all my confidence in Thee. Let it not be said that I would invoke Thee in vain. St. Joseph, friend of the Sacred Heart, pray for us.
--Catholic prayer
Prayer in Thanksgiving to St. Joseph for a Favour Received
O Glorious St. Joseph, Thou hast shown Thy power by rendering possible the things which I considered impossible, You came to my aid in my present troubles. This has now ended happily. [State fulfilled request]
O dear St. Joseph, You have proved my confidence in Thee. I know that I can invoke Thee in future since Thou art so powerful with Jesus and Mary, showing that Thy goodness equals Thy power. Amen.
--Catholic prayer
Prayers to St. Anne
O glorious St. Anne, you are filled with compassion for those who invoke you and with love for those who suffer! Heavily burdened with the weight of my troubles, I cast myself at your feet and humbly beg of you to take the present intention which I recommend to you in your special care.
Please recommend it to your daughter, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and place it before the throne of Jesus, so that He may bring it to a happy issue. Continue to intercede for me until my request is granted. But, above all, obtain for me the grace one day to see my God face to face, and with you and Mary and all the saints to praise and bless Him for all eternity. Amen.
( Recite Our Father and Hail Mary)
O Jesus, Holy Mary, St. Anne, help me now and at the hour of my death. Good St. Anne, intercede for me.
--Catholic Prayer
Prayer to St. Anne To Obtain Some Special Favor
Glorious St. Anne, filled with compassion for those who invoke you and with love for those who suffer, heavily laden with the weight of my troubles, I cast myself at your feet and humbly beg of you to take the present affair which I recommend to you under your special protection.
Vouchsafe to recommend it to your daughter, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and lay it before the throne of Jesus, so that He may bring it to a happy issue.
Cease not to intercede for me until my request is granted. (Make your petion.)
Above all, obtain for me the grace of one day beholding my God face to face, and with You and Mary and all the saints, praising and blessing Him through all eternity. Amen.
Good St. Anne, mother of her who is our life, our sweetness and our hope, pray to her for us and obtain our
request. (Repeat three times).
--Catholic Prayer
Buona Sant’Anna, you were especially favored by God to be the mother of the most Blessed Virgin Maria,
the Mother of our Savior. By your power with your most pure daughter and with her divine Son, kindly obtain
for us the grace and the favor we now seek. Please secure for us also forgiveness of our past sins, the strength
to perform faithfully our daily duties and the help we need to persevere in the love of Gesu and Maria. Amen.
--Catholic Prayer
O Good St. Anne, mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary, you who are so powerful in heaven, heal us of all our bodily ills and pray for our soul's salvation. Good St. Anne, pray for us.
St. Joachim, spouse of St. Anne, and father of the Blessed Virgin, bring to your servants assistance and
salvation. Amen.
--Catholic Prayer
(St. Anne's feast day is on July 26, therefore this novena is tradtionally begun on July 17 and finished on July 26. One may add other prayers, such as three Hail Marys, or instead recite Hail Mary, Our Father, and Glory be five times. Prayers must be said with the lips in order to gain the indulgences. This short novena, however, may be recited for nine days at anytime by itself.)
Prayers to St. Anthony
Novena to Saint Antonio for Any Need
St. Antonio, you are glorious for your miracles and for the condescension of Jesus Who came as a little child to lie in your arms. Obtain for me from His bounty the grace which I ardently desire. You were so compassionate toward sinners, do not regard my unworthiness. Let the glory of God be magnified by you in connection with the particular request that I earnestly present to you.
[State your petition here.]
As a pledge of my gratitude, I promise to live more faithfully in accordance with the teachings of the Church, and to be devoted to the service of the poor whom you loved and still love so greatly. Bless this resolution of mine that I may be faithful to it until death.
St. Antonio, consoler of all the afflicted, pray for me.
St. Antonio, helper of all who invoke you, pray for me.
St. Antonio, whom the Infant Jesus loved and honored so much, pray for me. Amen.
Unfailing Prayer to Saint Anthony
Blessed be God in His Angels and in His Saints.
O Holy St. Anthony, gentlest of Saints, your love for God and Charity for His creatures made you worthy, when on earth, to possess miraculous powers. Miracles waited on your word, which you were ever ready to speak for those in trouble or anxiety. Encouraged by this thought, I implore of you to obtain for me [petition.] The answer to my prayer may require a miracle. Even so, you are the saint of Miracles.
O gentle and loving St. Anthony, whose heart was ever full of human sympathy, whisper my petition into the ears of the Sweet Infant Jesus, who loved to be folded in your arms, and the gratitude of my heart will ever be yours. Amen.
Novena to Sant' Antonio to Find a Lost Article
Sant' Antonio, perfect imitator of Jesus, who received from God the special power of restoring lost things, grant that I may find [name the item] which has been lost. At least restore to me peace and tranquility of mind, the loss of which has afflicted me even more than my material loss. To this favor, I ask another of you: that I may always remain in possession of the true good that is God. Let me rather lose all things than lose God, my supreme good. Let me never suffer the loss of my greatest treasure, eternal life with God. Amen.
Rhyming prayers to St. Anthony (St, Tony) to Find a Lost Article
Something's lost and can't be found
Please, St. Anthony, look around.
Dear St. Anthony, I pray
Bring it back, without delay.
Tony, Tony, turn around.
Something's lost and must be found.
Prayers to Healing Saints
Prayer to Santa Lucia, Patron of Eye Ailments
Relying on your goodness, O God, we humbly ask You, through the intercession of Santa Lucia, virgin and
martyr, to give perfect vision to our eyes, that they may serve for Your greater honor and glory. Santa Lucia,
hear our prayers, and obtain our petitions.
--Catholic prayer
Prayer for Toothache to Saint Apollonia
0 Glorious Apollonia, patron saint of dentistry and refuge to all those suffering from diseases of the teeth, I consecrate
myself to thee, beseeching thee to number me among thy clients. Assist me by your intercession with God in my daily
work and intercede with Him to obtain for me a happy death. Pray that my heart like thine may be inflamed with the
love of Jesus and Mary, through Christ our Lord. Amen. 0 My God, bring me safe through temptation and strengthen
me as thou didst our own patron Apollonia, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
--Catholic Prayer
St. Martha Prayers
Novena to St. Martha of Bethany
[Light a candle] O admirable Saint Martha, I have recourse to thee and I depend entirely on thy intercession in my
trials. In thanksgiving, I promise to spread this devotion everywhere. I humbly beg thee to console me in all my
difficulties. By the immense joy that filled thy soul when thou didst receive the Redeemer of the world at thy home in
Bethany, be pleased to intercede for me and my family, in order that we may keep God in our hearts and therefore,
deserve to obtain the remedy to our necessities, especially the present situation that overwhelms me. [state intentions]
I implore thee, O Auxiliatrice in all needs; help us to overcome our difficulties, thou who so victoriously fought the
dragon. Amen.
[Recite 3 times the following: 1 Our Father, 1 Hail Mary, 1 Glory Be, and the invocation "Saint Martha, pray for us."
This Novena is prayed on 9 consecutive Tuesdays and involves lighting a candle. Pray also especially beginning
9 Tuesdays before July 29, the Feast of St. Martha.]
--Catholic Prayer
Prayer to St. Martha the Auxiliatrice
St. Martha, you are known as "The Lord's Worker and Servant." Help us to get out of our financial struggles. Enrich
our lives, and help us decrease our debt. Help my children to be able to support themselves. Intercede with our Lord,
Jesus, to be with my spouse, myself, and our children daily. We will continue to praise, honor and adore you. Bless us,
St. Martha, let us prosper in all areas of our lives. In the name of Jesus, I ask that we prosper financially. Amen.
--Christian Prayer
Prayer to Glorioso Santa Marta
Glorioso Santa Marta, humble and obligate servant of Christ, intercede for me and for my family that we may always
serve the Lord in our hearts, our needs being remedied, especially the one that afflicts me now. [State petition].
I beg you, Santa Marta, that you help me overcome my difficulties as you overcame the Drago Tarascurus at your
feet. Amen.
--Catholic folk prayer
Prayer to St. Martha for Protection
Oh holiest Saint Martha, you who walked through the mountains and were able to tame the serpent, protect me.
I humbly ask you to protect me form my enemies, make my soul pure and lead me to eternal salvation. Amen.
--Christian folk prayer
Prayer to St. Martha with Oil Lamp
St. Martha, I resort to thy protection and aid and as a proof of my affection and faith I offer this light in your lamp which I shall burn every Tuesday. Comfort me in all my difficulties, through the great favor thou didst enjoy when the Savior was lodged in thy house. Intercede for my family that we may always hold God in our hearts, and that we may be provided for in all our necessities, I ask, St. Martha, to defeat all difficulties as thou didst defeat the dragon at thy feet. Amen.
[As a Novena, this may be said for nine Tuesdays, while buring a flame in an oil lamp, along with the Our Father,
Hail Mary, and Glory be to the Father.]
--Catholic folk prayer
Short Prayer to Santa Marta Bella
Blessed Santa Marta Bella, hostess of our Lord, we pray that after this short life we may be harbored in heaven in the
bosom of Father Abramo, as was Lazzaro with our blessed Lord Gesu Christ, to whom be given joy, laud and
praising, world without end. Amen.
--adapted from the Golden Legend
Prayer to St Martha Patron Saint of Waitresses
O blessed St. Martha, I beseech thee to help me to serve others with just enough grace, humility and patience to
garner a generous gratuity. Amen.
--author unknown, probably 20th century prayer
St. Cecilia Prayers
Pray for us Santa Cecilia. Inspire us with immortal fire; let music flow like powerful waters,
that we sing and play beautifully as you did in your martyrdom. Bless us, Santa Cecilia, with the power of music,
the universal language among men. Amen.
--Christian Prayer
O gentle Cecilia, sweet voice and melody of the Heart of Jesus. We come to
you to beg your assistance. Pray for us Cecilia, teach us to sing to glories
of God and also for the Glory of God. Give us the voice to sing the "Ave" as
you did at the hour of your martyrdom. Pray for us o martyr with a singing
heart. Amen.
--Catholic Prayer
Prayer to St. Cecilia, Patron Saint
O sweet-voiced St. Cecilia, powerful patron and protectress, whose love for God was song in your heart, I ask
your assistance. St. Cecilia, I ask your intercession because you generously offered the music in your heart and soul
to Jesus. Our Lord will not refuse your prayers. Pray for me St .Cecilia. (State petition.) Amen.
--Catholic Prayer
Prayer Invoking the Intercession of St. Cecilia
O Eternal God, Who gave us, in the person of St. Cecilia, a powerful
protectress, grant that after having faithfully passed our days, like
herself, in innocence and holiness, we may one day attain the land of
beatitude, where in concert with her, we may praise You and bless You
forevermore in eternity. Amen.
--Catholic Prayer
Pray for me St. Cecilia that I sing/play beautifully. Be with me in my hours of practice and when I perform. Especially
help me with (state petition). Amen.
--Singer's/Musician's Prayer
St. Jude Prayers
Holy Saint Jude, Apostle and Martyr, great in virtue and rich in miracles,
near kinsman of Jesus Christ, faithful intercessor of all who invoke your special
patronage in time of need. To you I have recourse from the depths of my heart and
humbly beg to whom God has given such great power to come to my assistance. Help me in
my present and urgent petition. In return I promise to make your name known and cause
you to be invoked. Saint Jude, pray for us and all who invoke your aid. Amen.
--Catholic prayer
St. Expedite Prayers
I come before you, Saint Expedite,
To remedy economic problems in my work and my home.
And to ask for your powerful support.
Saint Expedite, protect my income,
That I may obtain sufficient money for necessities,
And tranquillity and joy will reign in my house.
By your grace, Blessed Saint,
I request and pray that I will achieve my desire.
[State your petition]
And I will give thanks for your glorious intercession.
[Now promise to give Saint Expedite a specific offering if your desire is granted.]
Amen.
[Be sure to provide the offering you promised if Saint Expedite grants your petition. Your offering can be a good deed or a personal ad which states "Thankyou St. Expedite for your intercession." You may also offer fresh cut flowers in a glass next to his image or a slice of pound cake. A donation for flowers for the church in his honor is also common offering.]
--Catholic prayer
Our dear martyr and protector, Saint Expedite, you who know what is necessary and what is urgently needed,
I beg you to intercede before the Holy Trinity, that by your grace my request will be granted.
[State your petition]
May I receive your blessings and favors. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.
[If Saint Expedite grants your request, place fresh flowers beside his statue in your home or in the church.]
--Catholic prayer
Another Prayer to St. Expedite
St. Expedite, you lay in rest. I come to you and ask that this petition be granted. [State petition].
Expedite this is what I ask of you. Expedite now this is I want of you, this very second. Don't wait till tomorrow.
Don't waste another day. Give me what I ask for. I know your power. I know you because of your work. I know you
can do it. You do this for me and I'll spread your name with love and
honor and cause your name to be invoked. Expedite this wish with speed, love, honor, and goodness. My glory to
you, Saint Expedite! Amen.
[As you recite this prayer, light a candle to St. Expedite next to a glass of water for the saint.]
--Catholic folk prayer
Simple Novena to Sant'Espedito di Melitene
Oh, Glorious Martyr and Protector, Sant'Espedito! We humbly ask to have good fortune and prosperity for our
country, that the sick get well, the just be preserved, guilty be repentant, and those who abandon this vale of tears
rest in the Light of The Lord and the souls of the dearly departed rest in peace. [State petition]. Amen.
[There is a more complicated novena involving 9 different prayers for each of the 9 days, but this simple one repeated
9 times is also effective.]
--Catholic prayer
St. Nicholas Prayers
Troparion of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker
Through stories of your deeds, you were revealed to your flock as a model of faith, an icon of humility, a teacher of generosity, and an instructor in self-control. For this cause you have achieved exaltation by your humility, and wealth by your poverty. O holy bishop, Father Nicholas, pray to Christ, God, for the salvation of our souls and for blessings upon us. Amen.
--Orthodox prayer. [I found several versions of this prayer from different Orthodox churches.]
St. Nicholas Guardian of Widows and Orphans
Guardian of widows and orphaned ones, and feeder of the hungry, enricher of all the poor, and deliverer of captives, the savior of seafarers, art thou, O greatly blessed and most wise Nicholas.
--St. Nicholas Orthodox Church, CA
In Myra, O saint, you revealed yourself as a priest, and fulfilled the Gospel of Christ, by giving up your soul for your people, and saving the innocent from death, wherefore you are blessed as one become wise in the grace of God.
--Greek Orthodox Collect
O good holy Nicholas, you who brought joy to children, put in my heart the innocency of a little child about which the Gospel speaks. Teach me how to sow happiness around me. Amen.
--American Christmas prayer
St. Andrew Prayers
St. Andrew Prayer for the Christmas Season to Obtain Favors
Hail and blessed be the hour and moment in which the Son of God was born of the most pure Virgin Mary, at midnight, in Bethlehem, in piercing cold. In that hour, vouchsafe, O my God! to hear my prayer and grant my desires, through the merits of Our Saviour Jesus Christ, and of His Blessed Mother. Amen.
[It is piously believed that whoever recites the above prayer 15 times a day from the feast of St. Andrew (November 30) until Christmas (December 25) will obtain what is asked.]
--Michael Augustine, Catholic Archbishop of New York, 1897
Sts. Simon Prayers
Lord... Your word has been fulfilled. My own eyes have seen the salvation which You
have prepared in the sight of every people. A light to reveal You to the nations and
the glory of Your people. Amen.
--Catholic prayer adapted from Luke
Good Saint, tradition says that you were raised on a farm.
If so, you knew what it meant to toil in the fields each day.
You were grateful to the Lord of the harvest
when He blessed your work with abundant crops.
And you did not lose your trust in Him
when He limited His blessings,
giving you only a small return for your labors.
And our good Lord blessed you,
choosing you personally to help Him carry His cross to Calvary.
Oh! powerful St. Simon, I humbly come to you.
Let your strong spirit help me in all actions
and in any travail necessary. I offer you drink,
bread or other fruits of the harvest, and a candle
for your intercession that any trouble
causing anguish or suffering of physical or mental hardship
be removed and forgotten in the name of the one
for whom you carried the cross and for whom
thirty coins were given to the poor.
Amen.
--Christian prayer
St. Cyprian Prayers
Almighty God, we are reminded through your servant, St.Cyprian, of Your Spirit always within us and your
continued presence in us and of our oneness with you and the Church. May we always grow together and profess
You in faith, unity, and hope, guided by the Holy Spirit. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
[Recite 9 Our Fathers]
--Catholic prayer
Kontakion to St. Cyprian of Antioch
When thou, O godly-minded one, hadst been converted from the art of sorcery to the knowledge of God, thou becamest a most skilful healer for the whole world, O wise Cyprian, granting cures to them that honour thee with Justina; with her, pray to the Master to save us, thy servants who sing thy praise. Amen.
--Orthodox Prayer
Prayer of Blessed Virgin Martyrs, Cyprian and Justina
Let Thy Blessed Virgin Martyrs, Cyprian and Justina, ever lend us strength and protection, O Lord, for Thou never ceasest to reward with mercy those to whom Thou dost give such powerful aid. Through our Lord, Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us! Amen!
--Christian prayer
Prayer to San Cipriano di Antiochia
San Cipriano di Antiochia, I beseech you + that those who are bound by maladictions, +
sorcery, + and possessed of
evil, + that you unbind them, + that you unensorcel them, + so that the rabid wolf not
have dominion over them.
+ San Cipriano, I pray preserve me from all evil intents, + arts, + and deeds; + guard
my vision and my thoughts; + may
they be full of confusion those who attempt against my life, + may my enemies be
confused and driven away, + keep me
triumphant of them eternally. + Amen. [Make the sign of the cross at each +.
Recite 9 Our Fathers]
--Christian prayer
Prayer of Santa Giustina di Antiochia
O Lord, my God, Gesù Cristo! + Behold how many enemies have risen up against me and have prepared a net in
order to catch me and take away my soul. But I have remembered Thy name in the night and have rejoiced,+ and
now when they are close about me I hasten to Thee + and have hope that my enemy will not triumph over me. +
For thou knowest, O Lord my God, that I, Thy serva [female servant], have preserved for Thee the purity of my
body and have entrusted my soul to Thee. + Preserve Thy little lamb, O good Shepherd;+ do not give it over to
be eaten by the wolf who seeks to devour me; + grant me victory over evil. + Amen. [Make the sign of the cross at
each +]
--Christian prayer
St. Theresa Prayers
May today there be peace within.
May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be confident knowing you are a child of God. Let this presence
settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.
It is there for each and every one of us.
--Catholic prayer
St. Valentine Prayers
Prayer for the Feast Day of St. Valentine
Grant, we beseech thee, O Almighty God, that we who solemnize the festival of blessed Valentine, thy martyr,
may, by his intercession, be delivered from all the evils that threaten us. Through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
--Catholic prayer
[February 14 is the Feast Day of St. Valentine. There is no formal novena to St. Valentine. However, one Catholic
suggested reciting a decade of the Marian Rosary daily in honor of St. Valentine and one prayer to that saint along with
any special intentions for 9 days. If done in connection with St. Valentine's Feast Day, it should start on February 5.]
O glorious advocate and protector, St. Valentine,
look with pity upon our wants, hear our requests,
attend to our prayers, relieve by your intercession the miseries under which we labor, and obtain for us the divine
blessing, that we may be found worthy to join you
in praising the Almighty for all eternity: through the merits of
Our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
--Catholic prayer adapted from the solemnity of St. Valentine
St. Valentine Prayer
Almighty God, grant we beseech You, that we, who honor the glorious martyrdom of St. Valentine, Your servant,
may by his intercession be filled with the love of God and neighbor and be delivered from all the evils that
threaten us. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. [Make the sign of the cross.] St. Valentine, pray
for us. [State petition] Amen.
--Catholic prayer
Dear Saint and glorious Martyr; Teach us to love unselfishly and to find great joy in giving. Enable all true lovers to
bring out the best in each other in God and in God in each other. Amen.
--Catholic prayer
Prayer for St. Valentine's Day
Most Gracious Heavenly Father, You gave Saint Valentine the courage to witness to the gospel of Christ, even to
the point of giving his life for it. Help us to endure all suffering for love of you, and to seek you with all our hearts;
for you alone are the source of life and love. Grant that we may have the courage and love to be strong witnesses of
your truth to our friends and family and to the whole world. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
--adapted from a collect for feasts of martyrs.
Another Prayer to St. Valentine
Dear Lord, who art high in the Heavens,
Giver of Love and Passion,
And He who strings the heart’s cords,
Lead the Lovers this day, February ten plus four.
The day during the month of two,
When the date is the perfect number of God
Greater two souls and two hearts.
Some Loves are fleeting,
But that which is built on you will never fail.
So guide the Lovers to know what is to be.
Your truths the Lovers’ mouths should speak,
For Your truth is that which is honest to the heart.
Only this, then, should pass over the red lips of the Lovers.
Your art, the Lovers simply a medium.
It is only with True Hearts that You can create a Masterpiece,
So let the Lovers remember that their Soul’s Desire
Is the one for which You light their Fire.
And let it be You who creates the Art of the Lovers;
The art of two into one. Amen.
--Christian prayer
Prayer for the Intercession of San Valentino
Dear Gesu [Jesus], I pray for the intercession of the beloved San Valentino, saint and glorious martyr, who is popular with lovers. I now pray humbly and urgently ask thy Father in thy name to hear my prayer and end my days of solitude and loneliness.
Dear Father, send me someone who will return my affection as passionate as the summer sun.
Dear San Valentino, I consecrate myself to thee, beseeching thee to number me among those whom you pray for with God in Heaven.
I will always remember in my heart that the more I honor you, the more you will bless me. Thank you for all the
blessing to come my way. Amen.
--adapted from a longer prayer on a prayer candle
St. Patrick Prayers
Lorica, or the Breastplate of Saint Patrick/San Patrizio or the Cry of the Deer
I arise today through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity, through belief in the Threeness, through confession of the Oneness of the Creator of creation.
I arise today through the strength of Christ with His Baptism, through the strength of His Crucifixion with His Burial through the strength of His Resurrection with His Ascension, through the strength of His descent for the Judgment of Doom.
I arise today through the strength of the love of Cherubim in obedience of Angels, in the service of the Archangels, in hope of resurrection to meet with reward, in prayers of Patriarchs, in predictions of Prophets, in preachings of Apostles, in faiths of Confessors, in innocence of Holy Virgins, in deeds of righteous men.
I arise today, through the strength of Heaven: light of Sun, brilliance of Moon, splendour of Fire, speed of Lightning, swiftness of Wind, depth of Sea, stability of Earth, firmness of Rock.
I arise today, through God's strength to pilot me: God's might to uphold me, God's wisdom to guide me, God's eye to look before me, God's ear to hear me, God's word to speak for me, God's hand to guard me, God's way to lie before me, God's shield to protect me, God's host to secure me: against snares of devils, against temptations of vices, against inclinations of nature, against everyone who shall wish me ill, afar and anear, alone and in a crowd.
I summon today all these powers between me (and these evils): against every cruel and merciless power that may oppose my body and my soul, against incantations of false prophets, against black laws of heathenry, against false laws of heretics, against craft of idolatry, against spells of women and smiths and wizards, against every knowledge that endangers man's body and soul. Christ to protect me today against poison, against burning, against drowning, against wounding, so that there may come abundance of reward.
Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left, Christ in breadth, Christ in length, Christ in height, Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me, Christ in the mouth of every man who speaks of me, Christ in every eye that sees me, Christ in every ear that hears me.
I arise today through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity, through belief in the Threeness, through confession of the Oneness of the Creator of creation. Salvation is of the Lord. Salvation is of the Lord. Salvation is of Christ. May Thy Salvation, O Lord, be ever with us.
--Catholic prayer
St. Joan of Arc Prayers
St. Joan of Arc, Maid of Orleans, patron of women soldiers, I ask you now to fight this battle with me by prayer, just as
you led your troops to victory in battle. You, who were filled with the Holy Spirit and chosen by God, help me this day
with the favor I ask... [State your petition here.]
Grant me by your divine and powerful intercession, the courage and strength I need to endure this constant fight. Oh
St. Joan, help me to be victorious in the tasks God presents to me. Amen.
--Catholic Prayer
Prayer to Sainte Jehanne d'Arc, La Pucelle
Valiant St. Jehanne, Maid of Orleans, to you I offer this prayer in hope that you may guide me in the virtues of courage, patience, leadership, and trust in God's will.
Sainte Jehanne d'Arc, pride of Orleans, pray for us.
Sainte Jehanne d'Arc, glory of Reims, pray for us.
Sainte Jehanne d'Arc, leader and soldier, pray for us.
Jhesus Maria. Amen.
--adapted from a longer prayer attributed to "Jennifer"
Saint Joan, my prayer is that I may have the courage to face the battles which are forced upon me. My strength is feeble and your strength will sustain me. May I know truth and persevere with the knowledge that goodness must triumph over lies and the wicked. Amen.
--A Woman's Prayer
St. Raymond Nonnatus
Novena to St. Raymond to Obtain Some Special Favor
Glorious St. Raymond, filled with compassion for those who invoke thee, and with love for those who suffer heavily laden with the weight of my troubles, I cast myself at thy feet and humbly beg of thee to take the present affair which I recommend to thee under thy special protection.
(State your petition)
Vouchsafe to recommend it to the Blessed Virgin Mary and lay it before the Throne of Jesus, so that He may bring it to a happy issue. Cease not to intercede for me until my request is granted. Above all, obtain for me the grace of one day beholding my God face to Face, and with thee and Mary and all the saints praising and blessing to all eternity. Amen.
Good St. Raymond, pray for us and obtain our request.
Good St. Raymond, pray for us and obtain our request.
Good St. Raymond, pray for us and obtain our request.
(Pray 1 Our Father, 1 Hail Mary, and 1 Glory be. This novena is especially effective August 23 to 31.)
--Catholic Prayer
Shortened Prayer to Blessed St. Raymond Nonnatus
O Blessed St. Raymond Nonnatus, so loving to all your devotees, I am grateful to be one of them. I humbly beg you, my devoted saint, that you be may be my intercessor. May I imitate your live and exemplary holiness, so that when the hour of my death comes, I may detest all evil thoughts and temporary wealth of this world, so that with the burning love for God, my soul may reach heaven and together with you and the angels and all the saints, praise God Almighty forever. Deign to grant me most amiable father the favor I am asking in this prayer (state petiton). I firmly believe most amiable father that you will be my protection since you are merciful to any one imploring thy help. But if the favor I am asking will not be for the glory of God and the good of my soul, then beg from God that I will be resigned to his Divine Will, so that I may have the peace of soul while I live, till the hour of my death and that I enjoy true happiness in heaven. Amen.
--Catholic Prayer
Lord, you gave St. Raymond the gift of compassion in his ministry to to those imprisioned in North Africa. May his prayers free us from gossip and silence slander and help us to love and serve you in liberty. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. St. Raymond, pray for us. (State petition.)
--Catholic folk prayer
Prayers for the Departed
Almighty and Merciful God, Your Son Jesus loved us so much that He died and rose again to bring us new life. We pray for all our brothers and sisters who have died. Grant them Your forgiveness and bring them to eternal life in the company of all Your saints. Amen.
--Catholic Prayer
Eternal rest grant unto him/her/them, O Lord; and let perpetual light shine upon him/her/them. May he/she/they, rest in peace. Amen.
--Catholic prayer
[This short prayer is a simple invocation for the dead. It is used in the Rosary, during the Vigil of a Catholic funeral. It is often prayed on All Souls Day. During the period of the eight days prior All Souls Day, Catholics who visit a cemetery and pray for the dead may gain a plenary indulgence, under the usual conditions, on each day of the Octave, applicable only to the dead. This prayer may also be inserted after each decade of the Rosary during the month of November, which is dedicated to the Holy Souls. It may also be recited when passing cemeteries.]
Remember, O Lord, our friends and relatives who wait in the hope of resurrection to eternal life, and all who have departed this earth. Forgive them their sins which they have committed by deed, word, or intention. Give them rest and peace and strength in a refreshing place where there is neither sickness, nor sadness, nor sighing, and where the light of Your countenance shines and gladdens all forever. O Christ, rest in the souls of your servants with the saints. O God, you have authority over life and death. We pray to You for the eternal life of Your servants. Heal the sorrows of those who are left to mourn. Grant unto us all that we may be counted in the number of the company of Your Saints in the everlasting kingdom of God. This we ask through the Risen Christ, your Son and our Redeemer. Amen.
--Ecumenical Christian Prayer
O God, the Creater and Redeemer of all the faithful, grant to the souls of Thy servants and handmaids departed, the remission of all their sins; that through pious supplications they may obtain the pardon they have always desired. Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen.
--Catholic prayer
[Recite once a day for nine days, starting on 24 October until the eve of All Souls Day.]
Prayer in Remembrance for Those who have Died
We pray to Thee, God 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, grandparents, relatives, friends, and community elders; of those who, when living, were members of our circle and our larger community, and particularly of such as are lately deceased; of all benefactors who, by their donations or legacies to this community, proved their claim to our grateful and kind remembrance. To these, dear God, 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 Savior. Amen.
[This prayer is ideal for All Hallows' Eve (Oct. 31), All Saints (Nov. 1), and All Souls (Nov. 2)]
--Christian Prayer
Guardian Angels and Protection
Prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel
Glorious Saint Michael, Prince of the heavenly hosts, who stands always ready to give assistance to the people of God; who fought with the dragon, the old serpent, and cast him out of heaven, and now valiantly defends the Church of God that the Adversary may never prevail against her, I earnestly entreat you to assist me also, in the painful and dangerous conflict which I sustain against the same formidable foe. Be with me, O mighty Prince! that I may courageously fight and vanquish that proud spirit, whom you, by the Divine Power, gloriously overthrew, and whom our powerful King, Jesus Christ, has, in our nature, completely overcome; so having triumphed over the enemy of my salvation, I may with you and the holy angels, praise the clemency of God who, having refused mercy to the rebellious angels after their fall, has granted repentance and forgiveness to fallen man. Amen.
[Devotion to Saint Michael the Archangel can be found among Christians, Jews, Muslims, and others as well.]
--Christian prayer
Novena to Saint Michael the Archangel
Saint Michael the Archangel, loyal champion of God and His People. I turn to you with confidence and seek your powerful intercession. For the love of God, Who made you so glorious in grace and power, and for the love of the Mother of Jesus, the Queen of the Angels, be pleased to hear our prayer. You know the value of our souls in the eyes of God. May no stain of evil ever disfigure its beauty. Help us to conquer the evil spirit who tempts us. We desire to imitate your loyalty to God and Holy Mother Church and your great love for God and people. And since you are God’s messenger for the care of His people, we entrust to you these special intentions.
[state petion here]
Lord, hear and grant our special intentions for this Novena that we bring before You.
--Catholic prayer
Quick Prayer to Saint Michael for Protection
Saint Michael, Archangel, our protector, be our shield against the wickedness and snares of any enemy. Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, defeat and banish any malign spirits who prowl the world for the ruination of souls. Amen.
--Christian prayer
Police Officer's Prayer to Saint Michael
Saint Michael, heaven's glorious commissioner of police, who once so neatly and successfully cleared God's premises of all its undesirables, look with kindly and professional eyes on your earthly force.
Give us cool heads, stout hearts, and uncanny flair for investigation and wise judgement.
Make us the terror of burglars, the friend of children and law-abiding citizens, kind to strangers, polite to bores, strict with law-breakers and impervious to temptations.
You know, Saint Michael, from your own experiences with the devil, that the police officer's lot on earth is not always a happy one; but your sense of duty that so pleased God, your hard knocks that so surprised the devil, and your angelic self-control give us inspiration.
And when we lay down our night sticks, enroll us in your heavenly force, where we will be as proud to guard the throne of God as we have been to guard the city of all the people. Amen.
--Christian prayer
EMT's Prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel
Glorious Saint Michael, aid me daily in my work. I am blessed to serve as an EMT. I pledge to keep my skills sharp and my judgment quick and keen. Assist me to become more caring, thoughtful, and responsive to those I help. Mighty prince of the heavenly host, and victor over rebellious spirits, remember me for I can be prone to pride. Be for me, I pray, my powerful aid in difficulty, and above all do not forsake me in my last struggle. Come to my assistance in every danger. Watch over me and my co-workers.
Saint Michael, guardian and defender of the children of God, watch over us during life, defend us against the assaults of enemies and dangers, and assist us especially at the hour of death. Help us achieve the happiness of beholding God face to face for all eternity.
Saint Michael, intercede for me with God in all my necessities, especially
[state petition]
Obtain for me a favorable outcome in the matter I recommend to you. Amen.
--author unknown
Prayer to Saint Raphael the Archangel
Glorious Archangel Saint Raphael, great prince of the heavenly court, you are illustrious for your gifts of wisdom and grace. You are a guide of those who journey by land or sea or air, consoler of the afflicted, and refuge of sinners. I beg you, assist me in all my needs and in all the sufferings of this life, as once you helped the young Tobias on his travels. Because you are the "medicine of God," I humbly pray you to heal the many infirmities of my soul and the ills that afflict my body. I especially ask of you the favor {mention your petition} and the great grace of purity of prepare me to be the temple of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Saint Raphael of the glorious seven who stand before the throne of Him who lives and reigns, angel of health, the Lord has filled your hand with balm from heaven to soothe or cure our pains. Heal or cure the victim of disease, and guide our steps when doubtful of our ways. Amen
--Catholic prayer
O Angel of Christ, my holy Guardian and Protector of my soul and body, forgive me all my sins of today. Deliver me from all the wiles of the enemy, that I may not anger my God by any sin. Pray for me, sinful and unworthy servant, that thou mayest present me worthy of the kindness and mercy of the All-holy Trinity and the Mother of my Lord Jesus Christ, and of all the Saints. Amen.
--Eastern Orthodox prayer
Spirit Protector, who always protects me, my loved ones and my friends, help me! Give guidence to those who assist me with solutions to my life's problems and give comfort to my soul. Reveal to me what I must do tomorrow, and give strength and courage to my afficted spirit. Make my problems disappear and restore my faith. Amen.
--Christian prayer
O most holy angel of God,
appointed by God to be my guardian,
I give you thanks for all the benefits
which you have ever bestowed on me
in body and in soul.
I praise and glorify you
that you condescended to assist me
with such patient fidelity,
and to defend me against all the assaults of my enemies.
Blessed be the hour in which
you were assigned me for my guardian,
my defender and my patron.
In acknowledgement and return
for all your loving ministries to me,
I offer you the infinitely precious
and noble heart of Jesus,
and firmly purpose to obey you henceforward,
and most faithfully to serve my God.
Amen
- Saint Gertrude
Prayers of Rest and Refreshment
Lord, make us instruments of your peace. Where there is hatred, let us sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is discord, union; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. Amen.
--Catholic Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, in union with that divine intention wherewith on earth Thou didst offer to God Thy praises
through Thy Most Sacred Heart, and dost now offer them in the Sacrament of the Eucharist everywhere on
earth even to the end of time, I most gladly offer Thee throughout this entire day, all my thoughts and intentions,
all my affections and desires, all my words and deeds, in imitation of the most sacred Heart of the blessed and
ever Virgin Mary Immaculate. Amen.
--Catholic Prayer
O Lord, support us all the day long, until 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 thy mercy, grant us a safe lodging, and a holy rest, and peace at the last. Amen.
--Book of Common Prayer
As I lay me down to sleep,
I pray to God my soul to keep;
Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John,
Bless the bed that I lie on;
Four angels stand round my bed,
Two at the foot, two at the head.
Amen.
--Children's prayer
Guardian Angel Prayer Before Sleep
Good night, my Guardian Angel, the day has sped away. Well spent or ill, its story Is written down for aye. And now, of God's kind Providence, thou image pure and bright, watch over me while I'm sleeping. My Angel dear, good night!
--Catholic prayer
Prayers for Others
Prayer for Protection of Friends and Others
Guardian Angel, watch over those whose names you can read in my heart. Guard over them with every care and make their way easy and their labours fruitful. Dry their tears if they weep; sanctify their joys; raise their courage if they weaken; restore their hope if they lose heart, their health if they be ill, truth if they err, repentance if they fail. Amen.
--Christian prayer
Prayer for the President of the United States
O Lord our Governor, whose glory is in all the world: We commend this nation to your merciful care, that, being guided by your Providence, we may dwell secure in your peace. Grant to the President of the United States, all elected officials, and to all in authority, wisdom and strength to know and to do what is best. Fill them with the love of truth and righteousness, and make them ever mindful of their calling to serve this people; we ask for this blessing through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.
--Prayer from an Indepence Day celebration flyer, circa early 1970's. This American prayers reminds me of the prayers for the genius spirit of Caesar.
Heavenly Father, we remember before you those who suffer want and anxiety from lack of work. Guide the people of this land so to use our public and private wealth that all may find suitable and fulfilling employment, and receive just payment for their labor; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
--Episcopalian Prayer
Look with pity, O heavenly Father, upon the people in this land who live with oppression, terror, disease, or injustice as their constant companions. Have mercy upon us. Grant that everyone of us may enjoy a fair portion of the riches of this land. Strengthen those who labor establishing equal protection of the law and fair opportunities for all. Help all your children to eliminate cruelty and hate crimes towards our neighbors and kin. Grant this Father, for the love of your Son, who for our sake lived as the poor, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen
--21st Century Ecumenical Christian Prayer
Prayers for Animals and Nature
Prayer for Knowledge of God's Creation
Almighty and everlasting God, you made the universe with all its marvelous order, its atoms, worlds, and galaxies, and the infinite complexity of living creatures: We marvel at its wonders and delight in its beauty. Grant that, as we probe the mysteries of your ever changing world and the secrets of evolving life, we may come to understand you more truly, and deepen our connection with you that we more surely fulfill our role in your eternal purpose; in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
--20th Century Christian Prayer
Prayer to St Francis, Patron Saint of the Environment
St. Francis, you loved all created things, calling them your brothers and sisters. You have been named the patron of the environment and animals.
Help me follow your example of respecting and caring for all of creation, for our air, water, forests and all creatures, particularly for our beloved animal companions.
Watch over our world, St. Francis and help me to care for all living things.
--21st century Christian prayer, author unknown
Most High, all-powerful, all-good Lord,
All praise is Yours, all glory, honor and blessings.
To you alone, Most High, do they belong;
no mortal lips are worthy to pronounce Your Name.
We praise You, Lord, for all Your creatures,
especially for Brother Sun,
who is the day through whom You give us light.
And he is beautiful and radiant with great splendor,
of You Most High, he bears your likeness.
We praise You, Lord, for Sister Moon and the stars,
in the heavens you have made them bright, precious and fair.
We praise You, Lord, for Brothers Wind and Air,
fair and stormy, all weather's moods,
by which You cherish all that You have made.
We praise You, Lord, for Sister Water,
so useful, humble, precious and pure.
We praise You, Lord, for Brother Fire,
through whom You light the night.
He is beautiful, playful, robust, and strong.
We praise You, Lord, for Sister Earth,
who sustains us
with her fruits, colored flowers, and herbs.
We praise You, Lord, for those who pardon,
for love of You bear sickness and trial.
Blessed are those who endure in peace,
by You Most High, they will be crowned.
We praise You, Lord, for Sister Death,
from whom no-one living can escape.
Woe to those who die in their sins!
Blessed are those that She finds doing Your Will.
No second death can do them harm.
We praise and bless You, Lord, and give You thanks,
and serve You in all humility.
-Francis of Assisi
Prayer for a Deeper Sense of Fellowship with All Living Things
O God, grant us a deeper sense of fellowship with all living this, our little brothers and sisters to whom in common with us you have given this earth as home. We recall with regret that in the past we have acted high-handedly and cruelly in exercising our domain over them. Thus, the voice of the earth which should have risen to you in song has turned into a groan of travail. May we realize that all these creatures also live for themselves and for you - not for us alone. They too love the goodness of life, as we do, and serve you better in their way than we do in ours. Amen.
--Saint Basil the Great, 4th century Caesarea, Bishop, Doctor
Prayer for a Night-Prowling Cat
St Gertrude, keep my cat all night
From trap or poison, thorn or bite,
From speeding cars and thieving men,
And bring him safely home again.
--M Cranswick
Prayer to St Gertrude, Patron Saint of Cat Owners
St Gertrude, protect the cats that hunt vermin, repell those mice (rats) who plague my home and leave excrement carrying disease. Keep the mice from my pantry and out of my food. St Gertrude, with St. Martha and St Agatha, hear my prayer reguarding these mice (rats), and grant me surcease from this distress and vermin pestilence. Amen.
--L. Lee
(St Gertrude, former Abbess of Nivelles, Brabant, died March 17, 659; as patron saint of cat owners and gardeners,
prayers to her avert vermin and epidemics.)
Blessing upon Grievously Ill Animals
Thou healest men and beasts, for Thy mercy is great. Thou openest Thy hand, and fillest with blessing every living creature. We unceasing call upon Thy mercy, O Lord; grant that these animals, afflicted with grievous illness, may be restored to health by the power of Thy blessing. May all affliction be driven from them so that they will languish no more. Be Thou, O Lord, the protector of their lives and the healer of their ailments. Turn away this the scourge in Thy name, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
--Catholic prayer
Lord God, Almighty, who didst create heaven and earth, and all the animals that live in the air and on the earth for the use of man; Thou who hast directed that the ministers of Thy holy Church should light candles made of beeswax when the holy sacrifice is offered in which the Sacred Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, Thy Son, becomes present and is consumed; send down Thy blessing on these bees, that they may multiply and be fruitful and be preserved from all harm so that the product of their labor may be used to Thy honor, and to the honor of Thy Son, and the Holy Spirit, and the most blessed Virgin Mary. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
--Catholic prayer
Comfort, Healing, and Health Prayers
Comfort and Aid (traditional Celtic)
I am here abroad,
I am here in need,
I am here in pain,
I am here in straights,
I am here alone.
O God, aid me.
--Celtic Prayer
Deep peace of the running wave to you,
Deep peace of the flowing air to you,
Deep peace of the quiet to you,
Deep peace of the shinning stars to you,
Deep peace of the Son of Peace to you.
Amen.
--Celtic prayer
May you have warm words
On a cold evening,
A full moon on a dark night,
And the road downhill
All the way to your door.
--Celtic prayer
O Heavenly King, the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth who art everywhere and fillest all things. Treasury of Blessings, and Giver of Life: Come and abide in us, cleanse us from every impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.
O most holy Trinity: Have mercy upon us. O Lord: cleanse us from our sins. O Master: pardon our transgressions. O Holy One: visit and heal our infirmities, for Thy name's sake.
--St. John Chrysostom
God of life, kindly hear our prayers and pour Your holy blessing upon this medicine, that she/he/they, who partakes/partake of it, may merit to receive health of both mind and body. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
--Christian prayer
Blessing of the Oil for Anointing the Sick
Lord God, loving Father, you bring healing to the sick through your Son, Jesus Christ. Hear us as we pray to you in faith. May the Holy Spirit, our Helper and Friend, decend upon this oil, which nature has provided to serve the needs of humanity. May your blessing + come upon all who are anointed with this oil, that they may be freed from pain and illness and made well again in body, mind, and soul. Father, may this oil be blessed for our use in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you forever and ever. Amen.
--Catholic prayer
(The oil used for anointing the sick must be blessed by the bishop. Yet, in case of true necessity, any priest may bless
the oil.)
Blessing of the Oil for Other Uses, Including Food
Bless, O Lord, this oil, that it may be an effective remedy for the humankind, and grant that through the invocation of Thy holy name all those who recieve it may obtain health of body and protection of their souls, through Christ our Lord.
--Catholic prayer
Lord! Can't you see I am weary
Of this rising and dying and living.
Take it all, but once more grant me
To sense the freshness of this crimson rose.
--Anna Akhmatova, an excerpt from a tranlation of her 1962 poem, "Last Rose" It is quite possible that the orginal was never intended as a prayer, but these lines feel like a useful prayer so I have included it.
All shall be well, and all shall be well,
And all manner of things shall be well.
--atributed to a portion of a prayer of Julian of Norwich
Water, Food, and Drink
O God, heavenly Father, who by thy Son Jesus Christ hast promised to all those who seek thy kingdom and its righteousness all things necessary to sustain their life: Send us, we entreat thee, in this time of need, such moderate rain and showers, that we may receive the fruits of the earth, to our comfort and to thy honor; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
--Book of Common Prayer
Blessing Over a Fountain, Well, or Natural Spring
We humbly beg of Thy merciful kindness that Thou wouldst sanctify this fountain/well/spring of water with a goodly blessing, and make it healthful for the common uses of life. Be so kind as to pour Thy blessing, so that whoever draws from it, whoever drinks from it, whoever makes use of the drawn water in any need whatsoever of it, enjoy health and full vigor, and give praise and thanks to Thee, the Sanctifier and Preserver of all things, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
--Catholic prayer
Prayer for the Harvest of Lands and Waters
O gracious Father, who openest thine hand and fillest all things living with plenteousness: Bless the lands and waters, and multiply the harvests of the world; let thy Spirit go forth, that it may renew the face of the earth; show thy loving-kindness, that our land may give her increase; and save us from selfish use of what thou givest, that women and men everywhere may give thee thanks; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
--Book of Common Prayer
Almighty Lord God, who gives abundance in the dew of heaven and the crops out of the fertility of the earth. we give thanks to Thy most gracious majesty for the fruits of the field which we have gathered in. We beg of Thee, in Thy mercy, to bless this harvest, which we have received from Thy generosity. Preserve it, and keep it from all harm. Grant, too, that all those whose petitions Thou hast filled with this harvest may be happy in Thy protection. May they praise Thy blessings forever, and thus make good use of these blessings and may, therefore, abound in good works, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
--Catholic prayer
We beseech Thee, Mighty God, to pour down Thy blessing on these young shoots and sprouts which Thou hast permitted to grow in sun and rain. Thou dost not cease to give many riches in the dew that falls from heaven, and nourishment of the life in fertility of the earth. Make the shoots to grow heavy with the fruits of the vine. Grant to Thy people that they may always give thanks to Thee for this gift, and fill those who thirst with Thy gift which the fecund earth produces in fullness so that we may praise Thy glory through Jesus Christ, the True Vine. Amen.
--Christian prayer
Blessing of the Herbs on the Feast of the Assumption (August 15)
Almighty, eternal God, Thou created the heaven, earth, and the sea, all things visible and invisible. Thou hast ordained that the earth bring forth plants and trees for the use of men and animals; Thou hast decreed that each germinate according to its nature and bring forth fruit in due time, and Thou hast decreed that these plants should serve not only as food but as medicine in time of sickness. We humbly pray with heart and tongue that Thou wouldst bless these various herbs and plants and in Thy mercy grant a new blessing upon those powers that Thou hast caused to be inherent in these plants. May they, therefore, be a protection against all sickness and tribulation when we use them for man and beast in Thy name whose glorious Assumption we celebrate this day.
O God, who on this day didst raise the mother of Thy Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, to the heights of heaven, we humbly pray Thee, that by her intercession and under her protection the fruit of her womb, Thy Son, might be given to us mortal men, that by the power of Thy Son and the protection of His glorious Mother graciously hear our prayers and pour forth the fullness of Thy blessing upon these fruits and herbs which we gratefully present this day before Thy altar.
Grant that, wherever these herbs be placed, they may be a potent means against sickness and pestilence, against the poison of serpents and the sting of poisonous animals, as also against the deceits, snares, and machinations of the devil. Grant that we may be worthy to be received with our sheaves of good works into heaven through the merits of the most Blessed Virgin Mary. Amen.
--abbreviated Catholic prayer
The food which we are about to eat
Is Earth, Water and Sun, compounded though the alchemy of many plants.
Therefore Earth, Water and Sun will become part of us.
This food is also the fruit of the labor of many beings and creatures.
We are grateful for it.
May it give us strength, health, joy.
And may it increase our love.
--Unitarian Grace
O Lord, God Almighty, bless and sanctify this butter, which hast been produced from the cream of milk, that whoever eat of it may be filled Thy grace and with every heavenly blessing. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
--Catholic prayer
Bless, O Lord, this bacon (or pork), that it may be a meritious food for Thy children, and grant that through the invocation of Thy holy name all those who eat of it may obtain prosperity, health, and preservation of their souls, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
--Christian prayer
The bread is pure and fresh,
The water is cool and clear.
Lord of all life, be with us,
Lord of all life, be near.
--African Grace
Thank you for the food before us,
The friends beside us,
And the love between us.
The end. Eat.
--20th century children's poem before meals
An Invocation of the Archangels
Before me stands the Archangel Michael
and the Apostle Matthew
to bear witness and protect.
On my right hand stands the Archangel Uriel
and the Apostle Mark
to bear witness and protect.
Behind me stands the Archangel Raphael
and the Apostle Luke
to bear witness and protect.
On my left hand stands the Archangel Gabriel
and the Apostle John
to bear witness and protect.
Italian folk magic is strongly influenced by Catholism. Indeed many traditional practioners grew up in households in which the Catholic devotions and prayers were intermixed with little spells or magico-religious practices.
This form of invoking the four archangels is only one of many forms. To my knowledge, it is not the exact method used by any Italian family tradition. I do know that some streghe do invoke the archangels for protection in prayers that are probably similar. Some modern streghe practioners invoke four grigori or watchers to guard their circle.
Acorrding to Thomas Heywood, The Hierarchy of the Blessed Angels, 1635, the "Angels of the Four Winds" are Michael over the east, Uriel over the south , Raphael over the west, and Gabriel over the north. The angels of the four elements are sometimes said to be Cherub over air, Seraph or Nathaniel over fire, Tharsis or Tharsus over water, and Auriel over earth. These angels, or archangels, of the winds and elements are often identified with the grigori in modern occultism.
The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.
--Numbers 6:24-26
Said the Holy One to Israel, "I have told you that when you pray, you should do so in the synagogue in your city. If you cannot pray in the synagogue, pray in your field. If you cannot pray in your field, pray in your house. If you cannot pray in your house, pray on your bed. If you cannot pray on your bed, meditate in your heart."
--Mdrash Psalms 4:9
As people of the Jewish faith have been persecuted--sometimes quite brutally (inquisition, pogroms)--for a number of centuries, they have gained some important wisdom about how to survive. Pray where you can and when you can. Pray with community and friends when possible. If it's not safe to meet with friends or community, pray in a field. Should it prove too dangerous to do that, pray quietly in your house or on your own bed. If it is not even possible to do that, meditate silently in your heart. What wonderful advice.