A Prayer to Saint Claire For Healing

A PRAYER TO ST. CLARE FOR HEALING

O Blessed Saint Clare, your life shines like a beacon and casts its light down the ages of the Church to guide the way to Christ. Look with compassion on the poor and humble who call on you for help. As you bow before your Eucharistic Lord in Heaven, speak to Him of my afflicted body and my broken spirit. Ask Him to heal me and to wash away my sins in his precious blood.

Holy and beloved saint, teach me to believe, as you did, that in the Blessed Eucharist I will find Jesus, who has only to say the word that I may be healed.

(Pause and reflect on the power of Jesus to heal us.)

Great servant of Christ, remember the needs of my family and all those I pray for. Defend us from everything that would threaten our Holy Catholic Faith. Hear the cry of the poor and make it a song of intercession rising from your pure heart to the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus, our healer, our Saviour, and our Lord.

Clare of Assisi

I Come, O Lord

I come, O Lord, unto Your sanctuary to see the life and food of my soul. As I hope in You, O Lord, inspire me with that confidence which brings me to Your holy mountain. Permit me, Divine Jesus, to come closer to You, that my whole soul may do homage to the greatness of Your majesty; that my heart, with its tenderest affections, may acknowledge Thine infinite love; that my memory may dwell on the admirable mysteries here renewed every day, and that the sacrifice of my whole being may accompany Thine.

Blessing

What you hold may you always hold.

What you do, may you always do and never abandon.

But with swift pace, light step and unswerving feet,

so that even your steps stir up no dust,

Go forward, the spirit of our God has called you.

Behold, Hold and Enfold

I behold the Lord.

I see His outstretched hands.

I see the blood from His wounds.

I see the love in the eyes of Jesus.

I see His gracious acceptance of me.

Image of St Clare of Assisi

Jesus has come out of the tomb –

He still has the scars, but now they are glorious, with the glory of heaven.

Still looking at the Lord, I reach out and touch Him.

I hold the Lord – and I am held in His love.

Love enfolds.

It is no longer I that live, but Christ that lives in me.

I am secure in the Lord.

I can look out, now, through the Lord’s eyes.

I can see the world as He created it, in His mercy,

I can see my sisters and brothers with His love,

and I can worship the Father through the eyes of the Son in the Love of the Holy Spirit.

(Prayers of St Clare of Assisi)

… St Clare of Assisi, Pray for Us …

O Glorious Saint Clare

God has given you the power of working miracles continually, and the favor of answering the prayers of those who invoke your assistance in misfortune, anxiety, and distress; we beseech you, obtain for us from Jesus, through Mary, His Blessed Mother, what we beg of you so fervently and hopefully, if it be for the greater honour and glory of God and for the good of our souls. Amen.

Saint Clare: Pray For Us

Be Our Light

Blessed Saint Clare, whose very name means light, illumine the darkness of our minds and hearts so that we might see what God wishes us to do and perform it with a willing and joyful heart. Before your birth, a Heavenly voice foretold that you would be a light illuminating the world. Be a light to us in the sorrows and anxieties of this earthy life, and lead us into the eternal light of our home in Heaven. Amen.

Intercession

God of mercy, You inspired Saint Clare with the love of poverty. By the help of her prayers may we follow Christ in poverty of spirit and come to the joyful vision of Your glory in the Kingdom of heaven. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

Healing

O Blessed Saint Clare,

your life shines like a beacon

and cast its light down the ages of the Church

to guide the way of Christ.

Look with compassion on the poor and humble

who call on you for help.

As you bow before your Eucharistic Lord in Heaven,

speak to Him of my afflicted body and my broken spirit.

Ask Him to heal me and to wash away my sins

in His precious Blood.

Great Servant of Christ,

remember the needs of my family

and all those I pray for.

Defend us from everything

that would threaten our Holy Catholic faith.

Hear the cry of the poor

and make it a song of intercession,

rising from your poor heart

to the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus, our Healer,

our Savior, and our Lord.  Amen.

(Monasterio De Santa Clara)

… St Clare of Assisi, Pray for Us …

PRAYERS TO THE PRECIOUS BLOOD OF JESUS

 

Blood of Christ, also known as the Most Precious Blood, in Christian theology refers to the physical blood actually shed by Jesus Christ primarily on the Cross, and the salvation which Christianity teaches was accomplished thereby, or the sacramental blood (wine) present in the Eucharist or Lord's Supper. This Blood, when worthily received, drives away demons and puts them at a distance from us, and even summons to us angels and the Lord of angels. This Blood, poured out in abundance, has washed the whole world clean. This is the price of the world; by it Christ purchased the Church…The believer is not only saved, redeemed, and justified by the blood of Christ, but the blood sets the believer free from the power of sin and makes him holy and enables him to grow in Christ likeness by the work of the Holy Spirit.The precious blood from the sinless Savior is the only means of salvation for lost man. If there is one subject more than any another that Satan would oppose, it is the Blood! He would like nothing more than to turn our minds away from this truth.

As Hebrews 9:14 explains, the blood of Christ, shed for our sake, cleanses “our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!” For all who trust in Christ, we are washed in his blood, fully cleansed from sin so that we may serve him! Lord Jesus, you wash us and make us fully clean.

First John 1:7 tells us: “The blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from every sin.” So when we confess our sins to God, we're forgiven of our sins and cleansed from them by the blood of Jesus.

A Powerful Prayer to be Said Before Praying

“Almighty Father, I place the Precious Blood of Jesus before my lips before I pray, that my prayers may be purified before they ascend to Your divine altar.” – St. Mary Magdalen de Pazzi

The “Constant” Prayer of St. Catherine of Siena

“Precious Blood, ocean of divine mercy: Flow upon us! Precious Blood, most pure offering: Procure us every grace! Precious Blood, hope and refuge of sinners: Atone for us! Precious Blood, delight of holy souls: Draw us! Amen.”

Offering of the Precious Blood

“Eternal Father, I offer You the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ in atonement for my sins, and in supplication for the holy souls in Purgatory and for the needs of Holy Church.” – The Raccolta

When blessing yourself with Holy Water

“By this Holy Water and by Your Precious Blood, Lord Jesus, wash away all my sins.”

When entering or leaving your house

“Precious Blood of Jesus, shed on the Cross for us, bless this house. Take it under Thy protection.”

Precious Blood Prayer in Response to Requests from Our Lord

“Dear Jesus, moved by an impulse of love, and with purity of intention, I wish to cover my humble labors with Your merits and bathe them in the supernatural gold of Your Precious Blood. I desire to consecrate my life to the saving of souls and the extension of Your glory, and I beg the Heavenly Father for as many souls as You shed drops of Blood during Your Passion.” – Sr. Josefa Menendez

Pleading the Blood of Jesus

“Father in heaven, may we all be cleansed by the saving Blood of Jesus; may our consciences be purged of dead works. Scripture says that evil is defeated by the Blood of the Lamb, so we ask that the Blood of Jesus cover all who are in need of protection (all civil, religious and lay leaders, our families, friends, enemies, all those for whom we have promised to pray, and ourselves). We mark the borders of our nation and the doorposts of our churches, homes, schools and places of employment with the Precious Blood of Jesus. Also, we cover our vehicles that no one may ever be injured through them. Thank You, Lord, for shedding Your Blood for us. May the Water and Blood that came from the side of Jesus create a protecting fountain of grace, one which flows directly from the throne of God to us. Come, Lord, and fill us with Your Holy Spirit.”

Prayer of St. Faustina

“O Blood and Water, which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a Fount of Mercy for us, I trust in You.”

Prayer of Protection by the Precious Blood - St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

Lord JESUS, by faith in your merits, I now take your Precious Blood and sprinkle it over myself and my family right from the crown of my head to the very soles of my feet. I claim total and complete protection for my life and my family.

Our Father (THE LORD'S PRAYER)

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

The Lord's Prayer, also known as the Our Father, is a profound and timeless prayer that holds deep significance for Christians around the world. It is a reflection of the teachings of Jesus Christ and serves as a model for how believers can approach God in prayer.

The prayer begins with the words "Our Father," reminding us of the intimate and personal relationship we have with God. It highlights the idea that God is not a distant and unapproachable being, but rather a loving and caring Father who desires a relationship with His children. This understanding sets the tone for the rest of the prayer, emphasizing the importance of recognizing God's sovereignty and seeking His will above our own.

The Lord's Prayer also teaches us to acknowledge and prioritize the holiness of God's name. By praying, "Hallowed be your name," we express reverence and awe for God's divine nature and acknowledge His uniqueness and greatness. It reminds us to approach God with humility and respect, recognizing that He is the ultimate authority and deserving of our worship.

Furthermore, the prayer focuses on aligning our desires and intentions with God's purposes. In the line, "Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven," we surrender our own agenda and submit ourselves to God's plan. It reflects a desire for God's righteousness, justice, and peace to prevail in the world and invites us to participate actively in bringing about God's kingdom values on earth.

The Lord's Prayer also addresses our dependence on God for our daily needs. It encourages us to seek God's provision, both physical and spiritual, by praying, "Give us this day our daily bread." It reminds us of our reliance on God's sustenance and invites us to trust in His faithfulness to meet our needs.

Additionally, the prayer emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation. The line, "Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors," encourages us to extend grace and mercy to others, just as we have received it from God. It reminds us of the transformative power of forgiveness and the restoration it brings to our relationships.

Finally, the Lord's Prayer concludes with a plea for God's protection and deliverance from evil. It acknowledges the existence of spiritual battles and asks for God's guidance and strength to overcome them. It expresses a reliance on God's power and a trust in His ability to lead us away from temptation and into a life of righteousness.

In summary, the Lord's Prayer serves as a beautiful and comprehensive reflection on our relationship with God and our role as His children. It teaches us to approach God with reverence, align our desires with His will, depend on Him for our needs, extend forgiveness to others, and seek His protection from evil. It is a prayer that continues to resonate with believers, guiding and inspiring them in their journey of faith.

SEVEN SORROWS ROSARY PRAYER CHAPLET

"IS IT NOTHING TO YOU, ALL YOU WHO PASS BY? LOOK AND SEE IF THERE IS ANY SORROW LIKE MY SORROW?" (JOHN 19:31-34; LAMENTATIONS 1:12)

The Rosary of the Seven Sorrows dates back to the Middle Ages, but it gained new popularity following the Marian apparitions in Kibeho, which have been approved by the Catholic Church. During Mary's apparitions to Marie-Claire Mukangango, she assigned the young visionary a mission to reintroduce this special rosary to the world. Before her untimely death, Marie Claire did just that, traveling widely to teach it to thousands of people, who then taught it to thousands of others. (Marie-Claire was killed in the genocide of over a million people in Rwanda, a tragedy that was foretold through visions of rivers of blood that the young people in Kibeho received several years before the killings.)

She (the Holy Virgin) promised that when prayed with an open and repentant heart, the rosary would win us the Lord's forgiveness for our sins and free our souls from guilt and remorse. She also promised that over time, the rosary would develop within us a deep understanding of why we sin, and that knowledge would give us the wisdom and strength to change or remove any internal flaws, weaknesses of character, or personality faults causing unhappiness and keeping us from enjoying the joyous life God intended for us...

HOW TO PRAY THE SEVEN SORROWS ROSARY

The following is a description of this amazing Rosary as the Virgin Mother herself taught it to Marie-Claire in Kibeho. It may be prayed aloud or contemplated in silence, alone or with others; the key is for the prayers, reflections, and meditations to always come from the depths of our hearts...It is important that, when we reach each of the Seven Sorrows, we take a moment to meditate on the magnitude of Mary's sufferings...and the strength of Our Mother's love.


THE ROSARY OF THE SEVEN SORROWS OF MARY BY OUR LADY OF KIBEHO

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

INTRODUCTORY PRAYER:
My God, I offer You this Rosary for Your glory, so I can honor your Holy Mother, the Blessed Virgin, so I can share and meditate upon her suffering. I humbly beg you to give me true repentance for all my sins. Give me wisdom and humility, so that I may receive all the indulgences contained in this prayer.

ACT OF CONTRITION:
O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended You, and I detest all my sins because I dread the loss of Heaven and the pains of hell; but most of all because they offend You, my God, You Who are all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of Your grace, to confess my sins, to do penance, and to amend my life. Amen.

(Pray 3 Hail Mary’s)

Most Merciful Mother, remind us always about the Sorrows of your Son, Jesus.


1) THE FIRST SWORD OF SORROW: THE PROPHECY OF SIMEON (LUKE 2:22-35)

"And when the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every male that opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord"). There, the old priest Simeon held the baby Jesus in his hands, and the Holy Spirit filled his heart. Simeon recognized Jesus as the promised Savior and held the Child high toward heaven, thanking God for granting his wish that he would live long enough to behold the Messiah.

"Now Your servant may depart this life in peace, my Lord," he said… Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, "Behold, this Child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is spoken against (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed.”

The Blessed Virgin knew that she had given birth to the Savior of humankind, so she immediately understood and accepted Simeon’s prophecy. Although her Heart was deeply touched by this favor of bearing the Baby Jesus, her Heart remained heavy and troubled, for she knew what had been written about the ordeals and subsequent death of the Savior. Whenever she saw her Son, she was constantly reminded of the suffering He would be subject to, and His suffering became her own.

Prayer: Beloved Mother Mary, whose Heart suffered beyond bearing because of us, teach us to suffer with you and with love, and to accept all the suffering God deems it necessary to send our way. Let us suffer, and may our suffering be known to God only, like yours and that of Jesus. Do not let us show our suffering to the world, so it will matter more and be used to atone for the sins of the world. You, Mother, who suffered with the Savior of the world, we offer you our suffering, and the suffering of the world, because we are your children. Join those sorrows to your own and to those of the Lord Jesus Christ, then offer them to God the Father. You are a Mother greater than all.

(Pray 1 Our Father and 7 Hail Mary’s)

Most Merciful Mother, remind us always about the Sorrows of your Son, Jesus.


2. THE SECOND SWORD OF SORROW: THE FLIGHT INTO EGYPT (MATTHEW 2:13-15)

Mary’s Heart broke and her mind was greatly troubled when Joseph revealed to her the words of the angel: they were to wake up quickly and flee to Egypt because Herod wanted to kill Jesus. The Blessed Virgin hardly had time to decide what to take or leave behind; she took her Child and left everything else, rushing outside before Joseph so that they could hurry as God wished. Then she said, "Even though God has power over everything, He wants us to flee with Jesus, His Son. God will show us the way, and we shall arrive without being caught by the enemy."

Because the Blessed Virgin was the Mother of Jesus, she loved Him more than anyone else. Her heart was deeply troubled at the sight of her Infant Son’s discomfort, and she suffered greatly because He was cold and shivering. While she and her husband were tired, sleepy, and hungry during this long travel, Mary’s only thought was about the safety and comfort of her Child. She feared coming face to face with the soldiers who had been ordered to kill Jesus because she was aware that the enemy was still in Bethlehem. Her heart remained constantly anguished during this flight. She also knew that where they were going, there would be no friendly faces to greet them.

Prayer: Beloved Mother, who has suffered so much, give to us your courageous heart. Please pray for us to have strength so that we can be brave like you and accept with love the suffering God sends our way. Help us to also accept all the suffering we inflict upon ourselves and the suffering inflicted upon us by others. Heavenly Mother, you, in union with Jesus, purify our suffering so that we may give glory to God and save our souls.

(Pray 1 Our Father and 7 Hail Mary’s)

Most Merciful Mother, remind us always about the Sorrows of your Son, Jesus.


3. THE THIRD SWORD OF SORROW: THE LOSS OF JESUS IN THE TEMPLE (LUKE 2:41-52)

Jesus was the only begotten Son of God, but He was also Mary’s child. The Blessed Virgin loved Jesus more than herself because He was her God. Compared to other children, He was most unique because He was already living as God. When Mary lost Jesus on their way back from Jerusalem, the world became so big and lonely that she believed she couldn't go on living without Him, so great was her Sorrow. (She felt the same pain her Son felt when He was later abandoned by His apostles during the Passion.)

As the Holy Mother looked anxiously for her beloved Boy, deep pain welled in her heart. She blamed herself, asking why she didn’t take greater care of Him. But it was not her fault; Jesus no longer needed her protection as before. What really hurt Mary was that her son had decided to stay behind without her consent. Jesus had pleased her in everything so far: He never annoyed her in any way, nor would He ever displease His parents. She knew that He always did what was necessary, however, so she never suspected Him of being disobedient.

Prayer: Beloved Mother, teach us to accept all our sufferings because of our sins and to atone for the sins of the whole world.

(Pray 1 Our Father and 7 Hail Mary’s)

Most Merciful Mother, remind us always about the Sorrows of your Son, Jesus.


4. THE FOURTH SWORD OF SORROW: MARY MEETS JESUS ON THE WAY TO CALVARY (LUKE 23:27-31)

Mary witnessed Jesus carrying the heavy cross alone—the cross on which He was to be crucified. This didn’t surprise the Blessed Virgin because she already knew about the approaching death of Our Lord. Noting how her son was already weakened by the numerous hard blows given by the soldiers’ clubs, she was filled with anguish at His pain. The soldiers kept hurrying and pushing Him, though He had no strength left. He fell, exhausted, unable to raise Himself. At that moment, Mary’s eyes, so full of tender love and compassion, met her Son’s eyes, which were pained and covered in blood. Their hearts seemed to be sharing the load; every pain He felt, she felt as well. They knew that nothing could be done except to believe and trust in God and dedicate their suffering to Him. All they could do was put everything in God’s hands.

Prayer: Beloved Mother, so stricken with grief, help us to bear our own suffering with courage and love so that we may relieve your Sorrowful Heart and that of Jesus. In doing so, may we give glory to God Who gave you and Jesus to humanity. As you suffered, teach us to suffer silently and patiently. Grant unto us the grace of loving God in everything. O Mother of Sorrows, most afflicted of all mothers, have mercy on the sinners of the whole world.

(Pray 1 Our Father and 7 Hail Mary’s)

Most Merciful Mother, remind us always about the Sorrows of your Son, Jesus.


5. THE FIFTH SWORD OF SORROW: MARY STANDS AT THE FOOT OF THE CROSS (JOHN 19:25-27)

The Blessed Virgin Mary continued to climb the mount to Calvary, following behind Jesus painfully and sorrowfully, yet suffering silently. She could see Him staggering and falling with the cross some more, and she witnessed her Son being beaten by soldiers who pulled His hair to force Him to stand up. Despite His innocence, when Jesus reached the top of Calvary, He was ordered to confess in front of the crowd so they could laugh at Him. Mary deeply felt her Son’s pain and humiliation, particularly when His tormentors forced Him to strip off what was left of His clothing. The Blessed Virgin felt sick at heart seeing these tyrants crucifying her Son naked, shaming Him terribly merely to amuse the jeering crowd. (Jesus and Mary felt more disgrace than normal people did because they were without sin and holy.)

The Blessed Virgin Mary felt pain beyond bearing when Jesus was stretched out on the Cross. His murderers sang merrily as they approached Him with hammers and nails. They sat on Him heavily so that He could not move when they spiked Him to the wood. As they hammered the nails through His hands and feet, Mary felt the blows in her heart; the nails pierced her flesh as they tore into her Son’s body. She felt her life fading away.

As the soldiers lifted the Cross to drop it into the hole they had dug, they deliberately jerked it, causing the force of His body weight to tear through the flesh and expose His bone. The pain shot through His body like liquid fire.

Jesus endured three excruciating hours skewered on the Cross, yet the physical pain was nothing compared to the agonizing heartache He was forced to bear seeing His mother suffering below Him. Mercifully, He finally died.

Prayer: Beloved Mother, Queen of the Martyrs, give us the courage you had in all your sufferings so that we may unite our sufferings with yours and give glory to God. Help us follow all His commandments and those of the Church so that Our Lord’s sacrifice will not be in vain, and all sinners in the world will be saved.

(Pray 1 Our Father and 7 Hail Mary’s)

Most Merciful Mother, remind us always about the Sorrows of your Son, Jesus.


6. THE SIXTH SWORD OF SORROW: MARY RECEIVES THE DEAD BODY OF JESUS IN HER ARMS (JOHN 19:38-40)

The friends of Jesus, Joseph and Nicodemus, took down His Body from the Cross and placed It in the outstretched arms of the Blessed Virgin. Then Mary washed It with deep respect and love because she was His mother. She knew better than anyone else that He was God incarnate who had taken a human body to become the Savior of all people.

Mary could see the terrifying wounds from the flogging Jesus had received while at Pilate’s. His flesh had been shredded and large strips had been torn from His back. His entire body had been so lacerated that gaping wounds crisscrossed Him from head to toe. Mary found that the wounds from the nails were less severe than those caused by the flogging and by carrying the Cross. She was horrified at the thought that her Son had managed to carry the heavy, splintered Cross all the way to Calvary. She saw the circle of blood the Crown of Thorns had made on His forehead and, to her horror, realized that many of the barbed thorns had dug so deeply into His skull they had penetrated His brain. Looking at her broken Boy, the Holy Mother knew that His agonizing death was far worse than the torture reserved for the wickedest of criminals.

As she cleaned His damaged Body she envisioned Him during each stage of His short life, remembering her first look at His beautiful new born face as they lay in the manger, and every day in between, until this heart rending moment as she gently bathed His lifeless Body. Her anguish was relentless as she prepared her Son and Lord for burial, but she remained brave and strong, becoming the true Queen of Martyrs. As she washed her Son she prayed that everybody would know the riches of Paradise and enter the Gates of Heaven. She prayed for every soul in the world to embrace God’s Love, so her Son’s torturous death would benefit all humankind and not have been in vain. Mary prayed for the world; she prayed for all of us.

Prayer: We thank you, Beloved Mother, for your courage as you stood beneath your dying Child to comfort Him on the Cross. As our Savior drew His last breath, you became a wonderful Mother to all of us; you became the Blessed Mother of the world. We know that you love us more than our own earthly parents do. We implore you to be our advocate before the Throne of Mercy and Grace so that we can truly become your children. We thank you for Jesus, our Savior and Redeemer, and we thank Jesus for giving you to us. Please pray for us, Mother.

(Pray 1 Our Father and 7 Hail Mary’s)

Most Merciful Mother, remind us always about the Sorrows of your Son, Jesus.


7. THE SEVENTH SWORD OF SORROW: THE BODY OF JESUS IS PLACED IN THE TOMB (JOHN 19:41-42)

The life of the Blessed Virgin Mary was so closely linked to that of Jesus she thought there was no reason for her to go on living any longer. Her only comfort was that His death had ended His unspeakable suffering. Our Sorrowful Mother, with the help of John and the Holy women, devoutly placed the Body in the sepulcher, and she left Him. She went home with great pain and tremendous Sorrow; for the first time she was without Him, and her loneliness was a new and bitter source of pain. Her heart had been dying since her Son’s heart had stopped beating, but she was certain that our Savior would soon be resurrected.

Prayer: Most Beloved Mother, whose beauty surpasses that of all mothers, Mother of Mercy, Mother of Jesus, and Mother to us all, we are your children and we place all our trust in you. Teach us to see God in all things and all situations, even our sufferings. Help us to understand the importance of suffering, and also to know the purpose of our suffering as God had intended it.

You yourself were conceived and born without sin, were preserved from sin, yet you suffered more than anybody else. You accepted suffering and pain with love and with unsurpassed courage. You stood by your Son from the time He was arrested until He died. You suffered along with Him, felt His every pain and torment. You accomplished the Will of God the Father; and according to His will, you have become our Mother. We beg you, dear Mother, to teach us to do as Jesus did. Teach us to accept our cross courageously. We trust you, most Merciful Mother, so teach us to sacrifice for all the sinners in the world. Help us to follow in your Son’s footsteps, and even to be willing to lay down our lives for others.

(Pray 1 Our Father and 7 Hail Mary’s)

Most Merciful Mother, remind us always about the Sorrows of your Son, Jesus.


CONCLUDING PRAYER:
Queen of Martyrs, your heart suffered so much. I beg you, by the merits of the tears you shed in these terrible and sorrowful times, to obtain for me and all the sinners of the world the grace of complete sincerity and repentance. Amen.

THREE TIMES, SAY:
Mary, who was conceived without sin and who suffered for us, pray for us.

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

Prayer to Break the Curse of Poverty

Prayer to Break the Curse of Poverty

Father, I come in the Name of Jesus to repent for the sins and transgressions of my ancestors. I repent for all disobedience of Your commands by turning away and listening to the enemy or to other people. Father, I receive the redemption from the curse by the Blood of Jesus and ask you to break off all curses of poverty upon my family line and upon me. I declare that the blood of Jesus has broken every curse.

Lord, I repent for anyone in my family line who offered sacrifices that were not favourable and right. I repent for any withholding of the first fruits and the best portions; I repent for all wrong motives and attitudes of hearts. I repent for anger, resentment and bloodshed of my brother. Lord, please forgive any bloodshed and bring peace to the blood that cries out.

Lord, please break all Canaanite curses against me, as today I declare, I am my brother’s keeper! Lord, please restore the ground to me and please restore Your promise of blessings and fruitfulness. Lord, please remove any marks on me and break the curse of wandering. Father, please allow my family to come into Your presence again as a chosen covenant people.

I repent for all my ancestors who denied justice to the poor, for all who held on to ill will, and for all who withheld forgiveness to a brother. I repent for shutting my ears to the poor, for exploitation of the poor, and for crushing them in court. I repent for all who did not forgive, but held grudges and became bitter against those who unjustly exploited them or crushed them.

Lord, please break all curses others have spoken against my ancestors or me because of the guilt of our sins and transgressions. Lord, please remove any curses that have put up walls of separation between You and me. Hear my prayers again and please open my eyes, ears, and heart.

I repent for any generational dishonesty, even the smallest hidden, accepted, or self-justified dishonesty.

I repent for any of my ancestors who would not forgive debts in the Lord’s timing and who ignored the poor. I repent for all hardheartedness, tightfistedness, and unforgiveness. Lord, please restore mercy and cheerful giving in my family line. Please bless me as You promised in Your Word.

Lord, I repent for generational idolatry, for disobedience, and for not following Your commands. I repent for not serving You joyfully and gladly in my time of prosperity.

Lord, please break all curses against us that send locusts and worms, Lord, please break all skies of bronze and ground of iron. Please release any captive sons or daughters and stop the destruction. Lord, please remove all iron yokes, all blindness, oppression, and spirits of robbery. Lord, please break the curses of hunger, nakedness, dire poverty, and slavery.

Lord, I repent for any of my ancestors who were unfaithful, greedy, disobedient, thieves or liars. I repent for breaking the covenant and coveting or keeping the things of the pagans and not totally destroying them as commanded.

Lord, please break any curses that have come on my family for the evil they did, especially the curse of destruction by fire.

I repent for all ancestors who were evil and tried to control and frustrate the poor. Lord I repent for any in my family line who put up security or pledges for another. Lord, please forgive any unfulfilled debts. I break all ungodly covenants, oaths, and alliances. Lord, please remove all traps or snares from the words of my mouth. Please break all sluggish and slumbering spirits from me and restore wisdom and ambition.

I repent for all my ancestors who unduly withheld from others and for all who trusted in riches rather than in God. I repent for all who ignored discipline and correction. I repent for all greed, bribes, and for idle talk and boasting. I repent for inaction, nonperformance, and not keeping my word.

Lord, please break all curses of injustice and shunning and please break any walls between me and others and between me and You. Please restore honour to our family.

Lord, I repent for myself and for all my ancestors for being liars, hasty, proud, arrogant, selfish and lovers of the world and its pleasures. I repent for our lack of diligence, oppression of the needy, exploitation, and favouritism. I repent for all rejection of God and any cursing or blasphemy of God.

Lord, I repent for all my family’s sluggishness, laziness, neglect, and lack of judgment; I repent for anyone in my family who charged exorbitant interest. I repent for any and all family concealed sins. I repent for spiritual pride in those who would not repent.

I repent for any ancestors who chased fantasies because they were stingy and greedy. I repent for all who did not fight injustice, were unfair, and closed their ears to the cries of the poor and needy.

Lord, please break all poverty curses off of me and change my heart.

Lord, I repent for myself and anyone in my family who followed deceptive words and relied on social or religious identity for salvation. I repent for injustice, for oppressing the aliens, widows and the fatherless. I repent for any idolatry, for all ungodly sacrifices and worship, all innocent bloodshed, and for stealing, adultery, perjury and murder for myself and my family line. I repent for all our backsliding, rebellion, disobedience, pride, and spiritual pride. Lord, please break all connections and control that the evil spirits has on my family and please restore in me wholeheartedness. Please make my heart pure, noble, faithful, and sensitive to You.

Lord, I repent for all generational idolatry and ask You to remove any spirit of prostitution in my heart. I repent for all corruption, guilt, sin, arrogance and unfaithfulness. Lord, I repent for all illegitimacy in my line.

Lord, please set me free from the spiritual enemies of righteous finances: moths, rot, lions, sickness, and sores. Please restore Your covenant as promised.

Lord, I repent for all my ancestors who were boastful and proud of their position, standing, and authority. I renounce all love of sin or iniquity. I repent for myself and for all in my family line who became comfortable, selfish hoarders and trusted in their wealth. I repent for all who sold their righteousness, for all who enslaved others, and for all who trampled the poor. I repent for all who were stingy and controlling of wealth.

Lord, please remove any curse that keeps me from enjoying the fruit of my labor. Please break off from me any poverty curses that have been passed on through my generational line, from Adam to me. Lord, please break off from me all curses “that there will never be enough.” Lord, please restore to me a new purse without any holes. Please break off from me all curses of lack, shrinking, theft, loss, blight, mildew, and hail.

Lord, I repent for myself and for all those in my family line for being controlling, deceptive, and for putting ungodly burdens on others. I repent for trying to please man rather than God and for accepting praise, honour, worship, or ungodly authority and titles from men. I renounce all religious spirits, legalistic spirits, self-exaltation and hypocrisy. I repent for myself and my generational line for not entering the door to heaven and for shutting it on others. I repent for being a blind guide, and I ask You, Lord, to break all ungodly oaths, covenants, pledges, dedications, and alliances. I repent for all ungodly and insincere sacrifices or for any sacrifice on an unholy altar. I repent for being unjust, merciless, unfaithful, greedy, and self-indulgent. I repent for harbouring sin or wickedness. I repent for myself and my family line for rejecting, mocking, cursing, or killing the prophets and the messengers from God. I renounce any spiritual pride that rebels against repentance, and I apply the blood of Jesus to all the roots of iniquity. I repent for all my ancestors who would not believe or declare that Jesus was Lord.

Lord, please give me the mind of Christ in the matters of finance.

I repent for myself and my ancestors who committed adultery with the queen of Babylon and enjoyed or benefited from her luxuries. Lord, please break all ungodly ties and connections with the queen of Babylon. I repent for myself and for those in my family line who did not come out of the queen of Babylon. Lord, please remove all consequences and plagues that were a result of any alliances with the queen of Babylon. Please remove all plagues of death, mourning, famine, and judgment fire.

Lord, please guide me by Your Spirit and Your word in the godly use of wealth and teach me to be a faithful servant.

Sourced from: ASLANSPLACE.COM

Blessing of the Home and Household on Epiphany

The traditional date of Epiphany is January 6, but in the United States it is celebrated on the Sunday between January 2 and January 8.

Traditionally, Catholics bless their home and those who live in their household on the Feast of the Epiphany each year.

It’s not difficult to do and we highly recommend you give it a try! Here’s how:

What You’ll Need To Bless Your Home On The Epiphany

Prayers
Chalk
A doorway
A ladder or chair

Meaning of the Blessing 20 + C + M + B + 23
The letters C, M, B have two meanings. They are the initials of the traditional names of the three magi: Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar. They also represent the Latin words “Christus mansionem benedicat” which means “May Christ bless the house.” The “+” signs symbolize the cross and the 20 and the 23 represent the year, 2023.

Prayers for the Epiphany Home Blessing 

(Simple Way)

Lord God of heaven and earth, you revealed your only-begotten Son to every nation by the guidance of a star. Bless this house

and all who inhabit it. Fill them (us) with the light of Christ, that their (our) concern for others may reflect your love. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

R/. Amen.

The leader concludes the rite by signing himself or herself with the sign of the cross and saying:

May Christ Jesus dwell with us, keep us from all harm, and make us one in mind and heart, now and forever.

R/. Amen.

Blessing of the Home and Household on Epiphany
(Complete Version)

When all have gathered, a suitable song may be sung. The leader makes the sign of the cross, and all reply, “Amen.”

The leader greets those present in the following words:

Let us praise God, who fills our hearts and homes with peace.
Blessed be God forever.
R/. Blessed be God forever.

In the following or similar words, the leader prepares those present for the blessing:

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling place among us. It is Christ who enlightens our hearts and homes with his love. May all who enter this home find Christ’s light and love.

One of those present or the leader reads a text of sacred Scripture, for example, Luke 19:1-9:

Listen to the words of the holy Gospel according to Luke:
Jesus came to Jericho and intended to pass through the town. Now a man there named Zacchaeus, who was a chief tax collector and also a wealthy man, was seeking to see who Jesus was; but he could not see him because of the crowd, for he was short in stature. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree in order to see Jesus, who was about to pass that way.> When he reached the place, Jesus looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down quickly, for today I must stay at your house.” And he came down quickly and received him with joy. When they all saw this, they began to grumble, saying, “He has gone to stay at the house of a sinner.” But Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, “Behold, half of my possessions, Lord, I shall give to the poor, and if I have extorted anything from anyone I shall repay it four times over.” And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house because this man too is a descendant of Abraham.”

The intercessions are then said:

Leader: The Son of God made his home among us. With thanks and praise let us call upon him.
R/. Stay with us, Lord.
Leader: Lord Jesus Christ, with Mary and Joseph you formed the Holy Family: remain in our home, that we may know you as our guest and honor you as our Head.
We pray:
R/. Stay with us, Lord.
Leader: Lord Jesus Christ, you had no place to lay your head, but in the spirit of poverty accepted the hospitality of your friends: grant that through our help the homeless may obtain proper
housing.
We pray:
R/. Stay with us, Lord.
Leader:Lord Jesus Christ, the three kings presented their gifts to you in praise and adoration: grant that those living in this house may use their talents and abilities to your greater glory.
We pray:
R/. Stay with us, Lord.

After the intercessions the leader invites all present to say the Lord’s Prayer.
The leader says the prayer of blessing with hands joined:

Lord God of heaven and earth,
you revealed your only-begotten Son to every nation
by the guidance of a star.
Bless this house
and all who inhabit it.
Fill them (us) with the light of Christ,
that their (our) concern for others may reflect your love.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
R/. Amen.

The leader concludes the rite by signing himself or herself with the sign of the cross and saying:

May Christ Jesus dwell with us,
keep us from all harm,
and make us one in mind and heart,
now and forever.
R/. Amen.

It is preferable to end the celebration with a suitable song, for example, “O Come, All Ye Faithful” or “We Three Kings.”


Source: Catechism of the Catholic Church 

HOW TO FULFILL THE FIVE FIRST SATURDAYS DEVOTION

THE FIVE FIRST SATURDAYS DEVOTION



May we offer this first Saturday in love to Our Lady even without the chance for confession and communion



By Fr Richard Heilman May 6, 2016

HOW TO PRECISELY FULFILL THE FIVE FIRST SATURDAYS DEVOTION

AS REQUESTED BY OUR LADY OF FATIMA

Our Lady of Fatima Promises all the Graces Necessary for Heaven if a Catholic Finishes the Five First Saturdays Devotion:

“Whether the world has war or peace depends on the practice of this devotion, along with the consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. This is why I desire its propagation so ardently, especially because this is also the will of our dear Mother in Heaven.” -Sr. Lucy (March 19, 1939)

During her July apparition at Fatima, Our Lady said to Lucia,

“I shall come to ask… that on the First Saturday of every month, Communions of reparation be made in atonement for the sins of the world.” Although she made no further mention of this devotion at Fatima, on December 10, 1925, our Blessed Mother again appeared to Lucia at Pentevedra, Spain, where the seer had been sent to the Dorothean Sisters to learn to read and write. It was there Our Lady completed her request for the Five First Saturdays and gave her great promise.

Appearing with the Queen of Heaven in that apparition was the Infant Jesus, Who said to Lucia:

“Have pity on the Heart of your Most Holy Mother. It is covered with thorns with which ungrateful men pierce it at every moment, and there is no one to remove them with an act of reparation.”

Our Lady then spoke:

“See, my daughter, my Heart encircled by thorns with which ungrateful men pierce it at every moment by their blasphemies and ingratitude. Do you, at least, strive to console me. Tell them that I promise to assist at the hour of death with the graces necessary for salvation all those who, in order to make reparation to me, on the First Saturday of five successive months, go to confession, receive Holy Communion, say five decades of the Rosary, and keep me company for a quarter of an hour, meditating on the fifteen mysteries of the Rosary.”

The elements of this devotion, therefore, consist in the following four points, all of which must be offered in reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. One should make this intention before carrying out Our Lady’s requests. A renewal of the actual intention at the time is best; however, if such an intention is made now, it will fulfill the requirements if, for instance, the actual intention is forgotten at the time of confession.

Confession: This confession can be made before the First Saturday or afterward, provided that Holy Communion be received in the state of grace. In 1926, Christ in a vision explained to Lucia that this confession could be made a week before or even more, and that it should be offered in reparation.

Holy Communion: Before receiving Holy Communion, it is likewise necessary to offer it in reparation to Our Lady. Our Lord told Lucia in 1930, “This Communion will be accepted on the following Sunday for just reasons, if my priests allow it so.” So if work or school, sickness, or another just reason prevents the Communion on a First Saturday, with this permission it may be received the following Sunday. If Communion is transferred, any or all of the other acts of the devotion may also be performed on Sunday if the person so desires.

Rosary: The Rosary is a vocal prayer said while meditating upon the mysteries of Our Lord’s life and Passion and Our Lady’s life. To comply with the request of our Blessed Mother, it must be offered in reparation and said properly while meditating.

15-minute meditation: Also offered in reparation, the meditation may embrace one or more mysteries; it may include all, taken together or separately. This meditation should be the richest of any meditation, because Our Lady promised to be present when she said “…those who keep me company….”

To those who faithfully follow Our Lady’s requests for the Five First Saturdays, she has made a wonderful promise which she, as Mediatrix of All Graces, will certainly fulfill: “I promise to assist at the hour of death with the graces necessary for salvation.” This means that our Blessed Mother will be present at the hour of death with the actual grace of final perseverance, (which after the gift/grace of Faith), is the most important grace.

After completing the Five First Saturdays, one may continue the devotion simply to console the Immaculate Heart of Our Lady. A tender love of our Blessed Mother will lead one to do all he can to make reparation for the sins which pierce her Immaculate Heart. Let us remember, too, that although Our Lady made this promise to those who would observe five such First Saturdays in succession, in her July apparition she asked simply that Communions of reparation be made on every First Saturday to atone for the sins of the world.

MOST POWERFUL PRAYERS

Catholics 15 Most Powerful Prayers

Prayer may be the most powerful

force that we possess. Clement of

Alexandria said, "Prayer is keeping

company with God." By making

prayer a part of your daily life,

you will feel the divine presence

that holds the key to peace and love.

-

"And Satan trembles, when he sees

The weakest saint upon his knees."

~William Cowper

-

THE 15 MOST POWERFUL PRAYERS

-

(I)

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven,

Hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done in earth,

as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts,

as we forgive our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom,

and the power, and the glory, for ever.

Amen.

Matthew 6:9-13

-

(II)

Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit,

that my thoughts may all be holy.

Act in me, O Holy Spirit,

that my work too may be holy

Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit,

that I love but what is holy

Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit,

to defend all that is holy

Guide me then, O Holy Spirit,

that I always may be holy.

Amen

Mother Teresa

-

(III)

The Psalm of David

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:

he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the

paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of

the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for

thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they

comfort me. Thou preparest a table before

me in the presence of mine enemies: thou

anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth

over. Surely goodness and mercy shall

follow me all the days of my life: and I

will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Psalm 23

-

(IV)

Prayer of Saint Benedict

O gracious and holy Father,

Give us wisdom to perceive you,

intelligence to understand you,

diligence to seek you,

patience to wait for you,

eyes to see you,

a heart to meditate on you,

and a life to proclaim you,

through the power of the spirit

of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Saint Benedict

-

(V)

Morning Prayer

Thank you for keeping me safe through

the night, please watch over me during

the day, and keep me safe from harm.

Give me strength, O Lord,

so that I may make the right choices,

be kind and good to others.

Please keep my family and friends safe,

throughout the day and into the night,

and please let me always know you are

always with me,

guiding me and loving me.

In Jesus Christ's name, I pray

Amen.

-

(VI)

Prayer of Saint Patrick

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 where I lie, Christ where I sit,

Christ where I arise,

Christ in the heart of everyone who

thinks of me, Christ in the mouth

of everyone who speaks of me,

Christ in every eye that sees me,

Christ in every ear that hears me.

Saint Patrick

-

(VII)

The Serenity Prayer

God grant me the serenity

To accept the things I cannot change;

Courage to change the things I can;

And wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time;

Enjoying one moment at a time;

Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;

Taking, as He did, this sinful world

As it is, not as I would have it;

Trusting that He will make all things right

If I surrender to His Will;

So that I may be reasonably happy in this life,

And supremely happy with Him

Forever and ever in the next.

Reinhold Niebuhr

-

(VIII)

Prayers of The Early Church

Bless all who worship thee,

from the rising of the sun,

unto the going down of the same.

Of thy goodness, give us;

with thy love, inspire us;

by thy spirit, guide us;

by thy power, protect us;

in thy mercy, receive us,

now and always.

5th-century prayer

-

(IX)

Saint francis' Prayer

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.

Where there is hatred, let me sow love,

Where there is injury, pardon,

Where there is doubt, faith,

Where there is despair, hope,

Where there is darkness, light,

Where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so

much seek to be consoled, as to console,

not so much to be understood, as to

understand, not so much to be loved, as

to love; for it is in giving that we receive,

it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,

it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

St. Francis of Assisi

-

(X)

Prayer of Trust

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills.

From whence cometh my help?

My help cometh from the Lord,

who made heaven and earth.

He will not suffer thy foot to be moved:

he that keepeth thee will not slumber.

Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall

neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy

shade upon thy right hand.

The sun shall not smite thee by day,

nor the moon by night.

The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil:

he shall preserve thy soul. The Lord shall

preserve thy going out and thy coming in

from this time forth, and even for evermore.

Psalm 121:1-8

-

11)

Soul of Christ, sanctify me.

Body of Christ, heal me.

Blood of Christ, drench me.

Water from the side of Christ, wash me.

Passion of Christ, strengthen me.

Good Jesus, hear me.

In your wounds shelter me.

From turning away keep me.

From the evil one protect me.

At the hour of my death call me.

Into your presence lead me,

to praise you with all your saints

forever and ever. Amen.

Saint Ignatius of Loyola

-

(XII)

Traditional Irish Blessing

May there always be work

for your hands to do.

May your purse always hold

a coin or two.

May the sun always shine

upon your windowpane.

May a rainbow be certain

to follow each rain.

May the hand of a friend

always be near to you, and

may God fill your heart

with gladness to cheer you.

Irish Prayer

-

(XII)

Prayer of Blessing 

May the strength of God pilot me,

the power of God preserve me today.

May the wisdom of God instruct me,

the eye of God watch over me,

the ear of God hear me,

the word of God give me sweet talk,

the hand of God defend me,

and the way of God guide me.

Saint Patrick

-

(XIV)

Prayer for All Times

I do not ask to walk smooth paths

Nor bear an easy load.

I pray for strength and fortitude

To climb the rock-strewn road.

Give me such courage I can scale

The hardest peaks alone,

And transform every stumbling block

Into a steppingstone.

Gail Brook Burkett

-

(XV)

Prayer To The Holy Spirit

O Holy Spirit,

descend plentifully

into my heart.

Enlighten the dark

corners of this

neglected dwelling

and scatter your

cheerful beams.

St. Augustine of Hippo

ANGELUS

 

Angelus

This devotion reminds us of the Angel Gabriel's annunciation to Mary, Mary's fiat, the Incarnation and Our Lord's passion and resurrection. It is repeated as a holy invitation, calling us to prayer and meditation. 

Leader – The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary.

Response – And she conceived by the Holy Spirit.

(Hail Mary….)

Leader – Behold the handmaid of the Lord.

Response – Be it done unto me according to thy word.

(Hail Mary….)

Leader – And the Word was made Flesh.

Response – And dwelt among us.

(Hail Mary….)

Leader – Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God.

Response – That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

LET US PRAY:

Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts;

that, we to whom the Incarnation of Christ, Thy Son,

was made known by the message of an Angel,

may by His Passion and Cross,

be brought to the glory of His Resurrection

through the same Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Glory be...(3x)

HOW TO PRAY THE CHAPLET OF SAINT ANTHONY OF PADUA

How to pray the Chaplet of St. Anthony of Padua

St. Anthony is the Patron Saint of Lost Items, the Poor and Travelers.  The Chaplet of St. Anthony consists of thirteen sets of three beads, usually attached to this chaplet is a medal of St. Anthony and the Child Jesus.

Begin by making the Sign of The Cross...” On each set of three beads  pray one "our Father" on the first bead, one "Hail Mary" on the second  bead, and one "Glory Be" on the third bead.

The Our Father (The Lord's prayer):

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

For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen.

The Hail Mary:

 Hail Mary. Full of grace, The Lord is with thee; Blessed are thou  among women, And blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary,  Mother of God, Pray for us sinners, now, and at the hour of our death.  Amen.

The Glory Be:

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Sprit. As it was  in the beginning is now and ever shall be world with out end. Amen.

During each of the thirteen sets of three beads meditate on the following themes:

1. St. Anthony, who raised the dead, pray for those Christians now in their agony, and for our dear departed.

2. St. Anthony, zealous preacher of the Gospel, fortify us against the  errors of the enemies of God, and pray for the Holy Father and the  Church.

3. St. Anthony, powerful with the Heart of Jesus, preserve us from the calamities which threaten us on account of our sins.

4. St. Anthony, who drove away devils, make us triumph over their snares.

5. St. Anthony, lily of heavenly purity, purify us from the stains of the soul and preserve our bodies from all dangers.

6. St. Anthony, healer of the sick, cure our diseases and preserve us in health.

7. St. Anthony, guide of travelers, bring to safe harbor those who are  in danger of perishing and calm the troubled waves of passion which  agitate our souls.

8. St. Anthony, liberator of captives, deliver us from the captivity of evil.

9. St. Anthony, who restores to young and old the use of their limbs,  obtain for us the perfect use of the senses of our body and the  faculties of our soul.

10. St. Anthony, finder of lost things, help us to find all that we have lost in the spiritual and temporal order.

11. St. Anthony, protected by Mary, avert the dangers which threaten our body and our soul.

12. St. Anthony, helper of the poor, help us in our needs and give bread and work to those who ask.

13. St. Anthony, we thankfully proclaim thy miraculous power, and we beseech thee to protect us all the days of our life. Amen

To complete this chaplet pray the Miraculous Repository by Saint Bonaventure

The Miraculous Repository

If miracles thou fain would see, Lo, error, death, calamity. The  leprous stain, the demon flies, from beds of pain the sick arise. (The  hungry seas forgo their prey, The prisoner's cruel chains give way;  While palsied limbs and chattels lost Both young and old recovered  boast.)

And perils perish, plenty's hoard, Is heaped on hunger's famished  board; Let those relate who know it well, Let Padua on her patron tell.  (The hungry seas forgo their prey, the prisoner's cruel chains give way;  While palsied limbs and chattels lost Both young and old recovered  boast.)

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Sprit. As it  was in the beginning is now and ever shall be world with out end. Amen.

(The hungry seas forgo their prey, The prisoner's cruel chains give  way; While palsied limbs and chattels lost Both young and old recovered  boast.)

V - Pray for us, blessed Anthony;

R - That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray. O God, let the votive commendation of Blessed Anthony,  Thy Confessor, be a source of joy to Thy Church, that she may always be  fortified with spiritual assistance, and may deserve to possess eternal  joy. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Sign of the Cross:

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

PRAYER OF PROTECTION: BREASTPLATE OF SAINT PATRICK

 

Have you ever read the Breastplate of St. Patrick (also known as St. Patrick's Hymn)? Such a beautiful prayer and especially fitting during these times! 

Here are some things you might not know about this famous prayer, often known as The Breastplate of St Patrick

☘️It is a prayer of protection, which is why it’s called the “breastplate”— a protective piece of armor for battle. 

☘️Madeleine L’Engle used it as the basis for her book, A Swiftly Tilting Planet (my favorite of the time quartet— any other fans of Madeleine L’Engle 

☘️The prayer is said to have been written in approximately 433AD by St Patrick himself! 

ST. PATRICK OF IRELAND (MARCH 17TH) 

On the 17th of March, we celebrate the life, miracles, and continued intercessions of St. Patrick, Apostle to Ireland, Enlightener of the Celtic People, and Patron Saint of the Irish! 

Though enslaved by the pagan Irish as a child in the 5th Century AD, St. Patrick escaped and later became a bishop and missionary to the Irish, and established a great Church in Ireland that stands into the present day. His life was characterized by forgiveness, bravery, faithfulness to the Gospel, and great miracles done through him by God’s grace. May we learn to be like St. Patrick in our continued calling to share an Orthodox Christian Gospel all around the world! 

First Version Of the Prayer

ST. PATRICK’S BREASTPLATE

I arise today

Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,

Through a belief in the Threeness,

Through confession of the Oneness

Of the Creator of creation.




I arise today

Through the strength of Christ's birth and His baptism,

Through the strength of His crucifixion and His burial,

Through the strength of His resurrection and 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 service of archangels,

In the hope of resurrection to meet with reward,

In the prayers of patriarchs,

In preachings of the apostles,

In faiths of confessors,

In innocence of virgins,

In deeds of righteous men.



I arise today

Through the strength of heaven;

Light of the sun,

Splendor of fire,

Speed of lightning,

Swiftness of the wind,

Depth of the sea,

Stability of the earth,

Firmness of the 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 hosts to save me

From snares of the devil,

From temptations of vices,

From every one who desires me ill,

Afar and anear,

Alone or in a mulitude.



I summon today all these powers between me and evil,

Against every cruel merciless power that opposes my body and soul,

Against incantations of false prophets,

Against black laws of pagandom,

Against false laws of heretics,

Against craft of idolatry,

Against spells of women and smiths and wizards,

Against every knowledge that corrupts man's body and soul.



Christ shield me today

Against poison, against burning,

Against drowning, against wounding,

So that reward may come to me in abundance.



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 when I lie down, Christ when I sit down,

Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,

Christ in the mouth of every man who speaks of me,

Christ in the eye that sees me,

Christ in the ear that hears me.



I arise today

Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,

Through a belief in the Threeness,

Through a confession of the Oneness

Of the Creator of creation



Almighty God, in Thy providence Thou chosest Thy servant, St. Patrick, to be the Apostle to the Irish people, to bring those who were wandering in darkness and error to the true light and knowledge of Thy Holy Gospel, and to enter into Thy Holy Orthodox Church: Grant us so to walk in the way, so as to imitate Thy blessed servant; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who livest and reignest with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.


St. Patrick, pray for us!




Second Version of the Prayer

The Breastplate of St. Patrick


I bind unto myself today

The strong Name of the Trinity,

By invocation of the same,

The Three in One and One in Three.




I bind this day to me for ever.

By power of faith, Christ's incarnation;

His baptism in the Jordan river;

His death on Cross for my salvation;

His bursting from the spicèd tomb;

His riding up the heavenly way;

His coming at the day of doom;*

I bind unto myself today.




I bind unto myself the power

Of the great love of the cherubim;

The sweet 'well done' in judgment hour,

The service of the seraphim,

Confessors' faith, Apostles' word,

The Patriarchs' prayers, the Prophets' scrolls,

All good deeds done unto the Lord,

And purity of virgin souls.




I bind unto myself today

The virtues of the starlit heaven,

The glorious sun's life-giving ray,

The whiteness of the moon at even,

The flashing of the lightning free,

The whirling wind's tempestuous shocks,

The stable earth, the deep salt sea,

Around the old eternal rocks.




I bind unto myself today

The power of God to hold and lead,

His eye to watch, His might to stay,

His ear to hearken to my need.

The wisdom of my God to teach,

His hand to guide, His shield to ward,

The word of God to give me speech,

His heavenly host to be my guard.




Against the demon snares of sin,

The vice that gives temptation force,

The natural lusts that war within,

The hostile men that mar my course;

Or few or many, far or nigh,

In every place and in all hours,

Against their fierce hostility,

I bind to me these holy powers.




Against all Satan's spells and wiles,

Against false words of heresy,

Against the knowledge that defiles,

Against the heart's idolatry,

Against the wizard's evil craft,

Against the death wound and the burning,

The choking wave and the poisoned shaft,

Protect me, Christ, till Thy returning.




Christ be with me, Christ within me,

Christ behind me, Christ before me,

Christ beside me, Christ to win me,

Christ to comfort and restore me.

Christ beneath me, Christ above me,

Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,

Christ in hearts of all that love me,

Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.




I bind unto myself the Name,

The strong Name of the Trinity;

By invocation of the same.

The Three in One, and One in Three,

Of Whom all nature hath creation,

Eternal Father, Spirit, Word:

Praise to the Lord of my salvation,

Salvation is of Christ the Lord.




St. Patrick, pray for us!




Third Version of the prayer :

Breastplate of St. Patrick

I bind N. today to a strong virtue, an invocation of the Trinity.

I believe in a Threeness, with confession of a Oneness in the Creator of the Universe.




I bind N. today to the virtue of Christ’s birth with His baptism,

to the virtue of His crucifixion with His burial,

to the virtue of His resurrection with His ascension,

to the virtue of His coming to the Judgment of Doom.




I bind N. today to the virtue of ranks of Cherubim, in obedience of Angels,

[in service of Archangels],

in hope of resurrection for reward,

in prayers of Patriarchs, in preaching of Apostles,

in faiths of Confessors,

in innocence of Holy Virgins,

in deeds of righteous men.




I bind N. today to the virtue of Heaven,

in light of Sun,

in brightness of Snow,

in splendor of Fire,

in speed of Lightning,

in swiftness of Wind,

in depth of Sea,

in stability of Earth,

in compactness of Rock.




I bind N. today to God’s Virtue to pilot him/her,

God’s might to uphold him/her,

God’s wisdom to guide him/her,

God’s eye to look before him/her,

God’s ear to hear him/her,

God’s Word to speak to him/her,

God’s hand to guard him/her,

God’s way to lie before him/her,

God’s shield to protect him/her,

God’s host to secure him/her,

Against snares of demons,

Against seductions of vices,

Against lusts of nature,

Against everyone who wishes ill to him/her,

Afar and anear, Alone and in a multitude.

So have I invoked all these virtues between N.

Against every cruel, merciless power which may come

Against his/her body and his/her 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 druids,

Against every knowledge that defiles men’s souls.




Christ to protect N. today,

Against poison,

Against burning,

Against drowning,

Against death-wound, until a multitude of rewards come to N.!

Christ with him/her,

Christ before him/her,

Christ behind him/her,

Christ in him/her!

Christ below him/her,

Christ above him/her.

Christ at his/her right,

Christ at his/her left!

Christ in breadth,

Christ in length,

Christ in height!

Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of him/her,

Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks to him/her,

Christ in every eye that sees him/her,

Christ in every ear that hears him/her!




I bind N. today to a strong virtue, an invocation of the Trinity. I

believe in a Threeness with confession of a Oneness, in the Creator of

[the universe.]

Salvation is the Lord’s, salvation is the Lord’s, salvation is Christ’s.

May Thy salvation, O Lord, be always with us.

#stpatricksday #stpatrick #saintpatricksday #saintpatrick #stpattysday #prayer #orthodoxprayer #ancientfaith #irishsaint