New Study Release: Mourning into Dancing: We Do Not Grieve as Those Without Hope

Litanies

Litany of the Most Holy Trinity

Blessed be the holy Trinity and undivided Unity; We will give glory to Him, because He hath shown His mercy to us.

O Lord our Lord, how wonderful is Thy Name in all the earth! O the depth of the riches of the wisdom and of the knowledge of God!

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Blessed Trinity, hear us. Adorable Unity, graciously hear us.

God the Father of Heaven, Have mercy on us. God the Son, Redeemer of the world, R. God the Holy Ghost, R. Holy Trinity, One God, R. Father from Whom are all things, R. Son through Whom are all things, R. Holy Ghost in Whom are all things, R. Holy and undivided Trinity, R. Father everlasting, R. Only-begotten Son of the Father, R. Spirit Who proceedeth from the Father and the Son, R. Co-eternal Majesty of Three Divine Persons, R. Father, the Creator, R. Son, the Redeemer, R. Holy Ghost, the Comforter, R. Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of hosts, R. God Most High, who inhabits eternity, R. To Whom alone are due all honor and glory, R. Who alone doest great wonders, R. Power infinite, R. Wisdom, incomprehensible, R. Love unspeakable, R. Be merciful, Spare us, O Holy Trinity.

Be merciful, graciously hear us, O Holy Trinity.

From all evil, Deliver us, O Holy Trinity. From all sin, R. From all pride, R. From all love of riches, R. From all uncleanness, R. From all sloth, R. From all inordinate affection, R. From all envy and malice, R. From all anger and impatience, R. From every thought, word, and deed contrary to Thy holy law, R. From Thine everlasting malediction, R. Through Thy plenteous loving-kindness, R. Through the exceeding treasure of Thy goodness and love, R. Through the depths of Thy wisdom and knowledge, R. Through all Thy unspeakable perfections, R.

We sinners, Beseech Thee, hear us. That we may ever serve Thee alone, R. That we may worship Thee in spirit and in truth, R. That we may love Thee with all our heart, with all our soul, and with all our strength, R. That, for Thy sake, we may love our neighbor as ourselves, R. That we may faithfully keep Thy holy commandments, R. That we may never defile our bodies and souls with sin, R. That we may go from grace to grace, and from virtue to virtue, R. That we may finally enjoy the sight of Thee in glory, R. That Thou wouldst vouchsafe to hear us, R.

O Blessed Trinity, we beseech Thee, deliver us. O Blessed Trinity, we beseech Thee, save us. O Blessed Trinity, Have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Our Father...

Hail Mary...

V. Blessed art Thou, O Lord, in the firmament of Heaven,

R. And worthy to be praised, and glorious, and highly exalted forever.

Let Us Pray:

Almighty and everlasting God, who hast granted Thy servants in the confession of the True Faith, to acknowledge the glory of an Eternal Trinity, and in the power of Thy majesty to adore a Unity: we beseech Thee that by the strength of this faith we may be defended from all adversity. Through Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen.

Litany of the Blessed Virgin

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 Trinity, one God, Have mercy on us.

Holy Mary, R. pray for us. Holy Mother of God, R. Holy Virgin of virgins, R. Mother of Christ, R. Mother of divine grace, R. Mother most pure, R. Mother most chaste, R. Mother inviolate, R. Mother undefiled, R. Mother most amiable, R. Mother most admirable, R. Mother of good counsel, R. Mother of our Creator, R. Mother of our Savior, R. Virgin most prudent, R. Virgin most venerable, R. Virgin most renowned, R. Virgin most powerful, R. Virgin most merciful, R. Virgin most faithful, R. Mirror of justice, R. Seat of wisdom, R. Cause of our joy, R. Spiritual vessel, R. Vessel of honor, R. Singular vessel of devotion, R. Mystical rose, R. Tower of David, R. Tower of ivory, R. House of gold, R. Ark of the Covenant, R. Gate of Heaven, R. Morning star, R. Health of the sick, R. Refuge of sinners, R. Comforter of the afflicted, R. Help of Christians, R. Queen of Angels, R. Queen of patriarchs, R. Queen of prophets, R. Queen of apostles, R. Queen of martyrs, R. Queen of confessors, R. Queen of virgins, R. Queen of all saints, R. Queen conceived without Original Sin, R. Queen assumed into Heaven, R. Queen of the most holy Rosary, R. Queen of peace, R.

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, Graciously hear us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us.

Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God,

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

Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord God, that we Thy Servants may enjoy perpetual health of mind and body and by the glorious intercession of the Blessed Mary, ever Virgin, be delivered from present sorrow and enjoy eternal happiness. Through Christ Our Lord. Amen.

Hail, Joseph

Hail, Joseph, image of the Eternal Father;

Hail, Joseph, guardian of the Eternal Son;

Hail, Joseph, temple of the Eternal Spirit;

Hail, Joseph, beloved of the Trinity.

Hail, Joseph, spouse and companion of the Mother of God.

Hail, Joseph, friend of angels.

Hail, Joseph, believer in miracles.

Hail, Joseph, follower of dreams.

Hail, Joseph, lover of simplicity.

Hail, Joseph, exemplar of righteousness;

Hail, Joseph, model of meekness and patience;

Hail, Joseph, model of humility and obedience.

Blessed are the eyes that have seen what you saw.

Blessed are the ears that have heard what you heard.

Blessed are the arms that have embraced what you embraced.

Blessed is the lap that has held what you held.

Blessed is the heart that has loved what you loved.

Blessed is the Father who chose you;

Blessed is the Son who loved you:

Blessed is the Spirit who sanctified you.

Blessed is Mary, your spouse, who honored and loved you.

Blessed is the angel who guarded and led you.

And blessed be forever all who remember and honor you. Amen

Litany of St. Joesph

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Christ, hear us. Christ, hear us.

Christ, graciously hear us. Christ, graciously hear us.

God the Father in heaven, have mercy on us.

God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.

God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.

Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.

Holy Mary, pray for us.

Saint Joseph, pray for us.

Illustrious son of David, pray for us.

Light of Patriarchs, pray for us.

Spouse of the Mother of God, pray for us.

Guardian of the Redeemer, pray for us.

Pure Guardian of the Virgin, pray for us.

Provider for the Son of God, pray for us.

Zealous defender of Christ, pray for us.

Servant of Christ, pray for us.

Minister of salvation, pray for us.

Head of the Holy Family, pray for us.

Joseph, most just, pray for us.

Joseph, most chaste, pray for us.

Joseph, most prudent, pray for us.

Joseph, most brave, pray for us.

Joseph, most obedient, pray for us.

Joseph, most loyal, pray for us.

Mirror of patience, pray for us.

Lover of poverty, pray for us.

Model for workers, pray for us.

Glory of family life, pray for us.

Guardian of virgins, pray for us.

Cornerstone of families, pray for us.

Support in difficulties, pray for us.

Comfort of the sorrowing, pray for us.

Hope of the sick, pray for us.

Patron of exiles, pray for us.

Patron of the afflicted, pray for us.

Patron of the poor, pray for us.

Patron of the dying, pray for us.

Terror of demons, pray for us.

Protector of the Holy Church, pray for us.

Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, hear us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.

He made him master of his house, and ruler of all his possessions.

Let us pray.

O God, who in your inexpressible providence were pleased to choose Saint Joseph as spouse of your most holy Mother, grant, we pray, that we, who revere him as our protector on earth, may be worthy of his heavenly intercession. Who live and reign for ever and ever.

R. Amen.

Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

V. Lord, have mercy R. Lord, have mercy

V. Christ, have mercy R. Christ have mercy

V. Lord, have mercy R. Lord, have mercy

V. Christ, hear us, R. Christ, hear us

V. Christ, graciously hear us. R. 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 Spirit, have mercy on us.

Holy Trinity, One God, have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, Son of the Eternal Father, have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, formed by the Holy Spirit in the womb of the Virgin Mother, have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, substantially united to the Word of God, have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, of Infinite Majesty, have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, Sacred Temple of God, have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, Tabernacle of the Most High, have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, House of God, and Gate of Heaven, have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, burning furnace of charity, have mercy on us

Heart of Jesus, abode of justice and love, have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, full of goodness and love, have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, abyss of all virtues, have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, most worthy of all praise, have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, king, and center of all hearts, have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, in whom are all treasures of wisdom and knowledge, have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, in whom dwells the fullness of divinity, have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, in whom the Father was well pleased, have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, of whose fullness we have all received, have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, desire of the everlasting hills, have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, patient and most merciful, have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, enriching all who invoke Thee, have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, fountain of life and holiness, have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, propitiation for our sins, have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, loaded down with opprobrium, have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, bruised for our offenses, have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, obedient to death, have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, pierced with a lance, have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, source of all consolation, have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, our life and resurrection, have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, our peace and our reconciliation, have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, victim for our sins, have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, salvation of those who trust in Thee, have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, hope of those who die in Thee, have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, delight of all the Saints, have mercy on us.

Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world, have mercy on us, O Lord.

V. Jesus, meek and humble of heart. R. Make our hearts like to Thine.

Let us pray;

Almighty and eternal God, look upon the Heart of Thy most beloved Son and upon the praises and satisfaction which He offers Thee in the name of sinners; and to those who implore Thy mercy, in Thy great goodness, grant forgiveness in the name of the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who lives and reigns with Thee forever and ever. Amen.

Litany of the Childlike

From the fear of failure that keeps me from trying new things, deliver me, Jesus.

From the fear of rejection that keeps me from being myself, deliver me, Jesus.

From the fear of inadequacy that leads me to despair, deliver me, Jesus.

From the fear that it will be too hard to change, deliver me, Jesus.

From the fear that God is asking too much, deliver me, Jesus.

From the fear that my emotional baggage, past sins, or family brokenness taint me, deliver me, Jesus.

From pretending to have it all together, deliver me, Jesus.

From pretending to be someone I'm not, deliver me, Jesus.

From the desire to appear sophisticated or pious, deliver me, Jesus.

From the desire to impress, deliver me, Jesus.

From self-reliance, deliver me, Jesus.

From the poison of comparison, deliver me, Jesus.

From the shame that leads to self-condemnation, deliver me, Jesus.

From rumination on the past, deliver me, Jesus.

From anxiety about the future, deliver me, Jesus.

From the illusion that I am in control, deliver me, Jesus.

From complaining negativity and cynicism, deliver me, Jesus.

From resentment of my brethren because of their achievements and gifts, deliver me, Jesus.

From finding my worth and externals, deliver me, Jesus.

From doubting that You really care about me, deliver me, Jesus.

From the lie that I must earn Your love, deliver me, Jesus.

From the lie that I'm a burden or an inconvenience, deliver me, Jesus.

From the line that I should try harder, deliver me, Jesus.

From the lie that I am not enough, deliver me, Jesus.

From the lie that Your grace is not enough, deliver me, Jesus.

From the lie that You want only my strengths and not my weaknesses, deliver me, Jesus.

From the lie that I must stop sinning before I approach can approach You, deliver me, Jesus.

From the lie that I am alone, deliver me, Jesus.

From the lie that I am the only one with these struggles, deliver me, Jesus.

From the temptation to give up, deliver me, Jesus.

Jesus, grant me trust in Your father's providential care for me

Jesus, grant me trust in Your desire to inability to heal me

Jesus, grant me trust that the Holy Spirit is constantly guiding me

Jesus, grant me simplicity of heart.

Jesus, grant me tranquility, confidence, and the peace that only You can give.

Jesus, grant me a heart full of gratitude.

Jesus, grant me the conviction that success in this life depends more on You than it does me.

Jesus, grant me the conviction that my worth comes from being the father’s son and not from what I do.

Jesus, grant me the conviction that Your grace is enough.

Jesus, grant me the conviction that Your power is made perfect in my weakness.

Jesus, grant me the conviction that I am known, and I am loved.

Jesus, grant me the conviction that You are healing my memories passions, and desires.

Jesus, grant me the conviction that You are that You have a plan that is just for me.

Jesus, grant me the conviction that You delighted me.

Jesus, grant me the humility to see myself as You see me.

Jesus, grant me the magnanimity to see my brothers as You see them.

Jesus, grant me the freedom to be myself.

Jesus, grant me the freedom to try and to fail.

Jesus, grant me the freedom to rejoice in my brothers’ achievements and gifts.

Jesus, grant me the grace to run to You in times of temptation.

Jesus, grant me the grace to immediately turn back to You when I sin.

Jesus, grant me Your grace to share with You everything that is on my heart.

Jesus, grant me the grace to rest in Your loving arms.

Jesus, grant me the desire to work and to play alongside You.

Jesus makes me small so that I can receive everything from You. Amen. Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us!

Litany of Humility

O Jesus! meek and humble of heart, Hear me.

From the desire of being esteemed, Deliver me, Jesus.

From the desire of being loved, Deliver me, Jesus.

From the desire of being extolled, Deliver me, Jesus.

From the desire of being honored, Deliver me, Jesus.

From the desire of being praised, Deliver me, Jesus.

From the desire of being preferred to others, Deliver me, Jesus.

From the desire of being consulted, Deliver me, Jesus.

From the desire of being approved, Deliver me, Jesus.

From the fear of being humiliated, Deliver me, Jesus.

From the fear of being despised, Deliver me, Jesus.

From the fear of suffering rebukes, Deliver me, Jesus.

From the fear of being calumniated, Deliver me, Jesus.

From the fear of being forgotten, Deliver me, Jesus.

From the fear of being ridiculed, Deliver me, Jesus.

From the fear of being wronged, Deliver me, Jesus.

From the fear of being suspected, Deliver me, Jesus.

That others may be loved more than I, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.

That others may be esteemed more than I, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.

That, in the opinion of the world, others may increase and I may decrease, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.

That others may be chosen and I set aside, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.

That others may be praised and I unnoticed, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.

That others may be preferred to me in everything, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.

That others may become holier than I, provided that I may become as holy as I should, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it. Amen.

Litany of Trust

From the belief that I have to earn Your love; Deliver me, Jesus.

From the fear that I am unlovable; Deliver me, Jesus.

From the false security that I have what it takes; Deliver me, Jesus.

From the fear that trusting You will leave me more destitute; Deliver me, Jesus.

From all suspicion of Your words and promises; Deliver me, Jesus.

From the rebellion against childlike dependency on You; Deliver me, Jesus.

From refusals and reluctances in accepting Your will; Deliver me, Jesus.

From anxiety about the future; Deliver me, Jesus.

From resentment or excessive preoccupation with the past; Deliver me, Jesus.

From restless self-seeking in the present moment; Deliver me, Jesus.

From disbelief in Your love and presence; Deliver me, Jesus.

From the fear of being asked to give more than I have; Deliver me, Jesus.

From the belief that my life has no meaning or worth; Deliver me, Jesus.

From the fear of what love demands; Deliver me, Jesus.

From discouragement; Deliver me, Jesus.

That You are continually holding me sustaining me, loving me; Jesus, I trust in you.

That Your love goes deeper than my sins and failings, and transforms me; Jesus, I trust in you.

That not knowing what tomorrow brings is an invitation to lean on You; Jesus, I trust in you.

That you are with me in my suffering; Jesus, I trust in you.

That my suffering, united to Your own, will bear fruit in this life and the next; Jesus, I trust in you.

That You will not leave me orphan, that You are present in Your Church; Jesus, I trust in you.

That Your plan is better than anything else; Jesus, I trust in you.

That You always hear me and in Your goodness always respond to me; Jesus, I trust in you.

That You give me the grace to accept forgiveness and to forgive others; Jesus, I trust in you.

That You give me all the strength I need for what is asked; Jesus, I trust in you.

That my life is a gift; Jesus, I trust in you.

That You will teach me to trust You; Jesus, I trust in you.

That You are my Lord and my God; Jesus, I trust in you.

That I am Your beloved one; Jesus, I trust in you.

Amen.

Litany of Saints

Petitions to God

Lord, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

-or-

God our Father in heaven, have mercy on us.

God the Son, our redeemer, have mercy on us.

God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.

Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.

Petitions to the Saints:

Holy Mary, R: pray for us.

Mother of God, R

Most honored of all virgins,R

Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, R

Angels of God, R

1. Prophets and Fathers of our Faith

Abraham, Moses and Elijah, R

[Isaac, Jacob and Joseph, R

Aaron and Joshua, R

Samuel and David, R

Isaiah and Jeremiah, R

Ezekiel and Daniel, R

Three Holy Children, R

Hosea, Joel and Amos, R

Obadiah, Jonah and Micah, R

Nahum, Habakuk and Zephaniah, R

Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi], R

St. John the Baptist, R

St. Joseph, R

Holy patriarchs and prophets, R

1. Apostles and Followers of Christ

St. Peter and St. Paul, R

St. Andrew, R

St. John and St. James, R

St. Thomas, R

[St. Philip and St. James, R

St. Bartholomew, R]

St. Matthew, R

[St. Simon and St. Jude, R

St. Matthias, R]

All holy apostles, R

St. Luke, R

St. Mark, R

St. Barnabas, R

[St. Lazarus, R

St. Joseph and St. Nicodemus, R

St. Simon and St. Cleopas, R

St. Ananias, R]

St. Mary Magdalene, R

[St. Mary and St. Martha, R

St. Mary Cleopas and St. Salome, R]

All disciples of the Lord, R

1. Martyrs

St. Stephen, R

[Holy First Martyrs of Rome, R]

St. Ignatius (of Antioch), R

St. Polycarp, R

[St. Hippolytus, R]

St. Justin [and St. Appolonius], R

St. Lawrence, R

[St. Tarcisus, R]

St. Cyprian, R

[St. Sebastian, R]

St. Boniface, R

[St. Stanislaus, R]

St. Thomas (Becket), R

St. John (Fisher) and St. Thomas (More), R

St. Paul Miki, R

St. Isaac (Jogues) and St. (John de Brebeuf), R

St. Peter (Chanel), R

St. Charles (Lwanga), R

[St. Maximillian Mary Kolbe, R]

St. Perpetua and St. Felicity, R

[St. Agatha, R

St. Lucy, R]

St. Agnes, R

[St. Cecilia, R

St. Anasthasia, R

St. Eugenia, R]

St. Maria Goretti, R

All holy martyrs for Christ, R

[In litanies said in relation to a Pope or Papal event, the names of the Roman Pontiffs may be invoked separately as follows. The names are then omitted where they occur in other lists:

St. Clement, R

St. Callixtus, R

St. Fabian, R

St. Cornelius, R

St. Sixtus, R

St. John, R

St. Martin, R

St. Damasus, R

St. Leo the Great, R

St. Gregory (the Great), R

St. Leo IX, R

St. Pius X, R

All holy Popes, R]

1. Bishops and Doctors

St. Leo and St. Gregory, R

St. Ambrose, R

St. Jerome, R

St. Augustine, R

St. Athanasius, R

St. Basil and St. Gregory, R

St. John Chrysostom, R

[St. Polycarpe, R

St. Anselm, R

St. Isidore (of Seville), R

St. Peter (Chrysoslogus), R

St. Cyril (of Alexandria), R

St. Cyril (of Jerusalem), R

St. John (Damascene), R

St. Hilary, R

St. Albert, R]

St. Martin (of Tours), R

St. Patrick, R

[St. Boniface, R]

St. Cyril and St. Methodius, R

[St. Gregory (the Illuminator), R

St. Remigus, R

St. Willibrord, R

St. Denis, R

St. Saturninus, R

St. Adalbert, R

St. Ninian, R

St. Otto, R

St. Columba, R]

St. Charles Borromeo, R

St. Francis de Sales, R

[St. Alphonsus (Liguori), R

St. Thuribo, R]

St. Pius, R

1. Priests and Religious

St. Anthony, R

St. Benedict, R

St. Bernard, R

St. Francis and St. Dominic, R

St. Thomas Aquinas, R

[Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order, R

St. Philip Benzini, R

St. Raymond Nonantus, R

St. John de Matha, R

St. Bonaventure, R

St. Lawrence of Brindisi, R

St. Anthony (of Padua), R

St. Bernardine (of Sienna)], R

St. Ignatius Loyola, R

St. Francis Xavier, R

[St. Peter (Canisius), R]

St. Vincent de Paul, R

St. John Vianney, R

St. John Bosco, R

[St. Bede, R

St. Ephrem, R

St. Vincent Ferrer, R

St. John Baptist de la Salle, R

St. Louis Marie de Monfort, R

St. Charbel (Makluf), R

St. Anthony Mary Claret], R

St. Catherine (of Sienna), R

St. Theresa (of Avila), R

[St. Therese (of Liesieux), R

St. Scholastica, R

St. Frances (of Rome), R

St. Bridget, R]

St. Rose (of Lima), R

1. Laity

[St. Louis, R

St. Wenceslaus, R

St. Prosper (of Aquitaine), R

St. Isidore, R

St. Juan Diego, R

St. Dominic Savio, R]

St. Lucy, R

St. Monica, R

St. Elizabeth, R

[St. Helena, R

St. Catherine of Genoa, R

St. Gemma Galgani, R]

Petitions to Christ

Lord be merciful. Lord, R: save your people.

From all evil, R

From every sin, R

From the snares of the devil, R

From anger and hatred, R

From every evil intention, R

From everlasting death, R

By your coming as man, R

By your birth, R

By your baptism, R

By your suffering, R

By your death and burial, R

By your rising to new life, R

By your return in glory to the Father, R

By your coming again in glory, R

-or-

Christ, Son of the living God, have mercy on us.

You came into this world, R

You suffered for us on the cross, R

You died to save us, R

You lay in the tomb, R

You rose from the dead, R

You returned in glory to the Father, R

You sent the Holy Spirit upon Your apostles, R

You are seated at the right hand of the Father, R

You will come again to judge the living and the dead, R

Petitions for Various Needs

Either A & C or B & C

Lord, be merciful to us. R: Lord, hear our prayer.

Give us repentance, R

Strengthen us in your service, R

Reward with eternal life all who do good to us, R

Bless the fruits of the earth and of man's labor, R

Lord, show us your kindness. R: Lord, hear our prayer.

Raise our thoughts and desires to you, R

Save us from final damnation, R

Save our friends and all who have helped us, R

Grant eternal rest to all who have died in the faith, R

Spare us from disease, hunger, and war, R

Bring all peoples together in trust and peace, R

-and C (always)-

Guide and protect you holy Church, R

Keep the pope and all the clergy in faithful service to your church, R

Bring all Christians together in unity, R

Lead all men to the light of Gospel, R

Conclusion

Christ, hear us.

Christ hear us.

Lord Jesus, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, hear our prayer

-or-

Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.

PRAYER

God of love,

our strength and protection,

hear the prayers of your Church.

Grant that when we come to you in faith,

our prayers may be answered

through Christ our Lord.

R. Amen.

Or:

Lord God,

you know our weakness.

In your mercy

grant that the example of your Saints

may bring us back to love and serve you

through Christ our Lord.

R. Amen.

Litany of the Guardian Angel

Lord, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

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 Spirit, Have mercy on us.

Holy Trinity, One God, Have mercy on us.

Holy Mary, Queen of the Angels, pray for us.

Holy Angel, my guardian, pray for us.

Holy Angel, my prince, pray for us.

Holy Angel, my monitor, pray for us.

Holy Angel, my counselor, pray for us.

Holy Angel, my defender, pray for us.

Holy Angel, my steward, pray for us.

Holy Angel, my friend, pray for us.

Holy Angel, my negotiator, pray for us.

Holy Angel, my intercessor, pray for us.

Holy Angel, my patron, pray for us.

Holy Angel, my director, pray for us.

Holy Angel, my ruler, pray for us.

Holy Angel, my protector, pray for us.

Holy Angel, my comforter, pray for us.

Holy Angel, my brother, pray for us.

Holy Angel, my teacher, pray for us.

Holy Angel, my shepherd, pray for us.

Holy Angel, my witness, pray for us.

Holy Angel, my helper, pray for us.

Holy Angel, my watcher, pray for us.

Holy Angel, my conductor, pray for us.

Holy Angel, my preserver, pray for us.

Holy Angel, my instructor, pray for us.

Holy Angel, my enlightener, pray for us.

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sin of the world, Spare us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sin of the world, Gracously hear us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sin of the world, Have mercy on us.

Christ, hear us, Christ graciously hear us.

Lord, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us.

V. Pray for us, O holy Guardian Angel,

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

Let Us Pray

Almighty and everlasting God, Who in the counsel of Thine ineffable goodness has appointed to ail the Faithful, from their mother's womb, a special Angel Guardian of their body and soul, grant that I may so love and honor him whom Thou hast so mercifuily given me that, protected by the bounty of Thy grace and by his assistance, I may merit to behold, with him and all the angelic hosts, the glory of Thy countenance in the heavenly kingdom, Thou Whom livest and reignest world without end. Amen.

Litany of Thanksgiving

A Vivat Agnus Dei original

For the Individual

Use a rosary and name blessings beginning with Thank you, Jesus for each intention mentioned, end with "For Trails and Joys", and add intercessions based on the intentions of the group at the end if desired.

-Alternatively-

Thank you, Jesus, for my stupidity, for as a gift from you it humbles me and prevents me from thinking too highly of myself.

Thank you, Jesus, for my weaknesses, that your power may be shown through them.

Thank you Jesus, for your love which gives me my worth.

Thank you Jesus, for the penances of my natural body (one's which are temporary or permanent), that I may never be too comfortable and have to worry about the appropriateness of the Penances of our own making but in obedience humbly accept this you give us.

Thank you Jesus, for those who frustrate me that I may not forget where my home is.

Thank you Jesus,for my life that I have something to offer You.

Thank you Jesus, for death, that I may have an opportunity to be closer to You.

Thank you Jesus, for my spiritual smallness that it may grow through You.

Thank you Jesus, for your Church; my family and the means of finding You. Your Church which brings me friends to strengthen me, teachers to help me know you, examples who show me how to live by your commands, priests to help me praise You, and truth to see you.

Thank you Jesus, for life's difficulties which strengthen me.

Thank you Jesus, for life's joys that show me your grace and love.

Thank you Jesus, for your mother that cares so much for me and, by her merits and created nature, draws me nearer to thee.

Thank you Jesus, for your spirit, light and presence in my soul that I cannot accidentally or uncontrollably be separated from, distanced from, or removed from you, your love, or grace.

Thank you Jesus, for your mercy that I may have recourse even if angels don't, for who would be just in Your sight.

Thank you Jesus, for your Fatherly care which draws me to You.

Thank you Jesus, for making me human to help me understand my helplessness and fallibility

Thank you Jesus, for dying for me that I may live and know the extent of Your love.

Thank you Jesus for living for me that I may know and understand You.

Thank you Jesus, for remaining with me till the end of the age forging, healing, sustaining, guiding, nourishing, and many more acts of mercy.

Thank you Jesus, for the beauty of your creation that I may have a taste of Your beauty.

Thank you Jesus, for my patron saints who pray for me, that I may see you in them and hear their prayer.

Thank you Jesus, for my family and their love for me.

Thank you Jesus, for my parents, who have guided me by both their successes and failings.

For Trials and Joys:

Thank you Jesus, for those who resent me, doubt me, hate me, curse me, hurt me, abuse me, don't understand me, test me, tempt me from You, those who hurt those I love, who don't listen to me, who don't care about my pain, discourage me, take credit for my work, assume it is anything but my fault in my success, falsely accuse me, misinterpret my word when quoting me, say I blaspheme when I speak truth, only see me for my failings, alienate me for who I am, judge me for my sins, don't see the graces of conversion in me, don't see my identity as Your son in me, don't treat me as a person, wish evil upon me, are pleased by my suffering, laugh at my tears, scoff at my joy, scowl at me, have mercy for others but not me, try to offend You because I don't like it, break Your or my heart because they like the way it feels, betray me, hate You because You loved me, act rudely to me, exclude me, don't forgive me, steal from me, and treat me as scum of the Earth because of my words, deeds, and/or beliefs; that I understand Your suffering better, be united to You through it, and am given an opportunity to participate in and choose my sanctification and that of the whole world.

Thank you Jesus, those who: abide with me, love me, care about and for me, nurture me as their own offspring because I am Yours, encourage me, bring me to You, help me heal, care for my loved ones, guide those I love to you, think highly of me, understand me, watch me grow, praise You because of me, heed my words, love me as Your creation, see you in me, love me because I am Yours, rightly praise God in my success, care for my emotions, love You as I do or better, long to be with You, precede me in virtue, smile at me, laugh with me, would rather die than offend You, cry with me, only see me for my strengths, believe in me, help me in suffering, forgive my failings, follow me, answer my needs, wish the best for me, and listen to my thoughts; that through them I may know: I am not alone, I am not the enemy, what You are like, Your tender love for me, that I am you Son/Daughter, that You heal me, You restore me, and You want me more than I could ever want You.

Let us pray,

O God, Who gives me life and all it contains. I pray for the grace to be thankful for even the worst hardships that, knowing and loving You and my brethren in them, I may attain eternal salvation. I thank You for the consolations in life that reveal Your goodness. Help me to see Your love in every situation and thereby accept the challenge to love those who are difficult to love, especially myself.

For a Group

-Alternatively-

Thank you, Jesus, for my stupidity, for as a gift from you, it humbles us and prevents us from thinking too highly of ourselves.

Thank you, Jesus, for our weaknesses, that your power may be shown through them.

Thank you, Jesus, for your love which gives us our worth.

Thank you, Jesus, for the penances of our natural bodies (ones which are temporary or permanent), that we may never be too comfortable and have to worry about the appropriateness of the Penances of our own making but in obedience humbly accept what you give us.

Thank you, Jesus, for those who frustrate me that we may not forget where our home is.

Thank you, Jesus, for our lives that we have something to offer You.

Thank you, Jesus, for death, that we may have an opportunity to be closer to You.

Thank you, Jesus, for our spiritual smallness that may grow through You.

Thank you, Jesus, for your Church; our family and the means of finding You. Your Church which brings us friends to strengthen us, teachers to help us know you, examples who show us how to live by your commands, priests to help us praise You, and truth to see you.

Thank you, Jesus, for life's difficulties which strengthen us.

Thank you, Jesus, for life's joys that show us your grace and love.

Thank you, Jesus, for your mother that cares so much for us and, by her merits and created nature, draws us nearer to thee.

Thank you, Jesus, for your spirit, light, and presence in our souls that we cannot accidentally or uncontrollably be separated from, distanced from, or removed from you, your love, or grace.

Thank you, Jesus, for your mercy that we may have recourse even if angels don't, for who would be just in Your sight.

Thank you, Jesus, for your Fatherly care which draws us to You.

Thank you, Jesus, for making us human to help us understand our helplessness and fallibility.

Thank you, Jesus, for dying for us that we may live and know the extent of Your love.

Thank you, Jesus, for living for us that we may know and understand You.

Thank you, Jesus, for remaining with us till the end of the age, forging, healing, sustaining, guiding, nourishing, and many more acts of mercy.

Thank you, Jesus, for the beauty of your creation that we may have a taste of Your beauty.

Thank you, Jesus, for our patrons who pray for us, that we may see you in them and hear their prayer.

Thank you, Jesus, for our families and their love for us.

Thank you, Jesus, for our parents, who have guided us by both their successes and failings.

For Trials and Joys:

Thank you, Jesus, for those who resent us, doubt us, hate us, curse us, hurt us, abuse us, don't understand us, test us, tempt us from you, those who hurt those we love, who don't listen to us, who don't care about our pain, discourage us, take credit for our work, assume it is anything but our fault in our success, falsely accuse us, misinterpret our words when quoting us, say we blaspheme when we speak truth, only see us for our failings, alienate us for who we are, judge us for our sins, don't see the graces of conversion in us, don't see our identity as Your sons/daughters, don't treat us as persons, wish evil upon us, are pleased by our suffering, laugh at our tears, scoff at our joy, scowl at us, have mercy for others but not us, try to offend You because we don't like it, break Your or our hearts because they like the way it feels, betray us, hate You because you loved us, act rudely to us, exclude us, don't forgive us, steal from us, and treat us as scum of the Earth because of our words, deeds, and/or beliefs; that we understand your suffering better, be united to you through it, and are given an opportunity to participate in and choose our sanctification and that of the whole world.

Thank you, Jesus, for those who abide with us, love us, care about and for us, nurture us as their own offspring because we are Yours, encourage us, bring us to You, help us heal, care for our loved ones, guide those we love to you, think highly of us, understand us, watch us grow, praise You because of us, heed our words, love us as Your creation, see you in us, love us because we are Yours, rightly praise God in our success, care for our emotions, love You as we do or better, long to be with You, precede us in virtue, smile at us, laugh with us, would rather die than offend You, cry with us, only see us for our strengths, believe in us, help us in suffering, forgive our failings, follow us, answer our needs, wish the best for us, and listen to our thoughts; that through them we may know: how we are called, we are not alone, we are not the enemy, what You are like, Your love for us, that You heal us, You restore us, and You want us more than we could ever want You.

Let us pray, O God, Who gives us life and all it contains. We pray for the grace to be thankful for even the worst hardships that, knowing and loving You directly and indirectly in our brethren, we may attain eternal salvation. We thank You for the consolations in life that reveal Your goodness. Help us to see Your love in every situation and thereby accept the challenge to love those who are difficult to love, especially ourselves. Amen.

Litany of Christian Leadership

A Vivat Agnus Dei combination of the Litany of the Childlike, Trust, and Humility organized into in the order of brother, servant, and then leader.

From anything that withholds me from accepting Your love and the love of others, Deliver me, Jesus.
From disbelief in Your love and presence, deliver me, Jesus.
From the belief that my life has no meaning or worth, deliver me, Jesus.
From discouragement, deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of my crosses in its supposed shame and difficulty, deliver me, Jesus.
From anxiety about the future, deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of failure, deliver me, Jesus.
From self-reliance, deliver me, Jesus.
From the lie that I am not enough, deliver me, Jesus.
From pride and self-serving interests, deliver me, Jesus.
From anything that prevents me from discerning your will accurately, deliver me, Jesus.
From anything that hinders me the ability to serve You and my neighbor, deliver me, Jesus.
From restless self-seeking in the present moment, deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being asked to give more than I have, deliver me, Jesus.
From refusals and reluctance in accepting Your will, deliver me, Jesus.
From the rebellion against childlike dependency on You, deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being esteemed, deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being loved, deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of suffering rebukes, deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being ridiculed, deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being despised, deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being approved, deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being vulnerable, deliver me, Jesus.
From selfish intent, deliver me, Jesus.
From that which prevents me from being the leader you call me to be, deliver me, Jesus.
From the false security that I have what it takes, deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear that efforts will inadvertently lead someone away from the Church, deliver me, Jesus.
From negativity, complaining, and cynicism, deliver me, Jesus.
From the lie that I am alone, deliver me, Jesus.
From the temptation to give up, deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire to impress, deliver me, Jesus.
From pretending to be someone I am not, deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire to look sophisticated or pious, deliver me, Jesus.

Jesus, grant me…

...Trust in God’s providence.
...Trust in God’s desire to heal me.
...Simplicity of heart
...Self-knowledge.
...Trust that my sufferings contribute to my salvation and that of others.
...Willingness to accept the sufferings you offer me.
...The grace to carry my “cross daily” with joy and love.
...The grace to desire others to be holier than I provide that I become as holy as I should.
...The conviction that your power is made perfect in weakness.
...The grace to return to You immediately when I sin.
...The magnanimity to see my brethren as you see them.
...The grace to share everything that is on my heart with You and with others as prudence allows.
...The freedom to try and fail.
...The grace/freedom to give fully of myself.
...The freedom to be myself.
...Trust that the Holy Spirit is guiding me.
...The grace to desire others being preferred to me.
...The grace to desire other praised and I unnoticed.
...Trust that your love is greater than my finitude.
...Trust that you love me despite my failure.
...Trust that you are transforming and multiplying my efforts.
...The willingness to do anything for you.
...A great love for those I serve and lead.
...The strength I need to do what you will me to.
...The courage to accept correction/help where it is needed.
...Fulfillment in sacrifice.
...Intercession from all the Saints.
...The care of your loving Mother.
...The protection of your foster Father.
...The Protection of the angels especially my guardian.
...The needs of my mission
...Clarity in discernment
...The Presence of the Holy Spirit in my life.
...The chance to be a saint and the grace to get me there.
...The ability to use time prudently.

Let us pray. Eternal Father, we pray that You will give every leader strength, so they do not grow weary in their role. Father, the tasks may seem overwhelming and exhausting, but we pray that every Christian leader will recognize that they are assigned to do Your will. Therefore, we know that at the right time, we will reap the harvest/rewards if we do not give up. Father, we pray for divine strength for every leader and that they will not rely on themselves, but on You. Our Father…

Mary, you were the first and perfect reflection of Christ, perfect follower of God’s Will, and most faithful disciple of Our Lord Jesus, make us in Your likeness. Hail Mary…

Most of all make us to be like yourself, Lord, Who even in being God came to be with us in Brotherhood, Servitude, and thereby, showed us what you expect from a Christian leader. May our docility to your holy will bring perfect conversion in our lives, that we may be purged of our sins and transformed into who we were created to be, that is, individual reflections of you in mind and heart. May your grace, love, and mercy envelop us as we carry our crosses, and go forth to complete our mission and your mission in harmony with other leaders. Glory be…

Joseph, Head of the Holy Family and Model for Workers, Pray for us. Saints Peter, James, John, and Paul, Pray for us. Amen

Prayer for our Leaders

Litany of Healing and Repentance in the Eucharist

Written by Fr. Boniface Hicks, O.S.B. view original

Guided in one-on-one setting (discipleship, spiritual direction, counseling, etc.)

See original or...
Jesus, we all have places in our hearts and in our histories that have been hurting for a long time. Some wounds might be self-inflicted, but the wounds caused by others tend to cut most deeply. At the same time, there is also a sacred place in each of us where we can be alone with You and the whole Trinity. The most powerful healing can begin by bringing those painful places into a relationship with You, Who love us infinitely. And right now, You are here with us in all Your power and glory in the Eucharist. Nothing is lacking in Your Presence with us. It can be hard to open tender places in our hearts. You respect us and You honor our experience through Your offer of healing. We are here together and here with the communion of Saints, and we lean on each other for support as we seek to open our hearts to you. We want to be gentle with ourselves and allow the Holy Spirit to descend with all the gentleness of the dewfall onto our thirsty hearts. We pray for courage now as we hold all the hurting places in our hearts before Your loving gaze.

Close your eyes (if you are comfortable doing so). Take a deep breath. Breathe in the Holy Spirit. Come, Holy Spirit. Breathe out negativity. Breathe in the Holy Spirit. Come, Holy Spirit. Breathe out all that is not of Him. Notice your heartbeat. Each heartbeat is a gift. God wants you. He made you. He knit you together with love, with His own hands in your mother’s womb. You are a masterpiece of His loving creativity. He has chosen you. He sees you. He gazes on you with love. He delights in you. Now I want to invite you on a journey of healing and reconciliation. Jesus wants to lift you up to see your whole life through His eyes of healing and hope. Try to zoom out, letting yourself be lifted up away from the details. He wants to lift you up so you can see your whole life from your conception in your mother’s womb to this very moment. He is lovingly drawing near to you with the Father. There is only love. Together He looks on your whole life with you. He looks on you and your whole life with love. Through your whole life there is a golden thread of goodness. You are made in His image. Even where there are deep sorrows, the Holy Spirit weaves a golden thread of goodness.

As you look together on your life, you may see some darker moments, clouded moments, and harder moments. Some of those moments might be too hard to enter into right now and that is ok. There are some sins and failures. There are times of weakness. There are times you were hurt. He wants to bring healing to your whole life: healing for your hurts, healing for your failures. He has only compassion for you, loving care.

He honors you and wants to protect you. Try to open your heart to Jesus’s healing love. If any of these heart movements are difficult, that’s ok. You can still let Jesus draw close.

Please repeat after me:

Jesus, I believe in you.

Jesus, I believe in your Real Presence in the Eucharist.

Jesus, I believe you are here with me.

Jesus, I believe you are in my heart.

Jesus, I believe in your love for me.

Jesus, I believe your love is greater than every sin.

Jesus, I believe your love is greater than all evil.

Jesus, I believe your love can free me from my sin.

Let’s practice the response several times: Jesus, heal my heart with Your love.

For the times I’ve felt abandoned, Jesus, heal my heart with Your love.

For the times I’ve been betrayed, Jesus, heal my heart with Your love.

For the times I’ve been rejected, Jesus, heal my heart with Your love.

For the times I’ve been forgotten, Jesus, heal my heart with Your love.

For the times I’ve been disappointed, Jesus, heal my heart with Your love.

For the times I’ve been let down by the Church, Jesus, heal my heart with Your love.

For the times I’ve been lonely, Jesus, heal my heart with Your love.

For the times I’ve been desperate, Jesus, heal my heart with Your love.

For the times I’ve been lost, Jesus, heal my heart with Your love.

For the times I’ve been dejected, Jesus, heal my heart with Your love.

For the times I’ve been used, Jesus, heal my heart with Your love.

For the times I’ve been neglected, Jesus, heal my heart with Your love.

For the times I’ve been starved for love, Jesus, heal my heart with Your love.

For the times I’ve been deprived of affirmation, Jesus, heal my heart with Your love.

For the times I’ve lost my way, Jesus, heal my heart with Your love.

For the times I’ve gone astray, Jesus, heal my heart with Your love.

For the times I’ve made the wrong choice, Jesus, heal my heart with Your love.

Let’s practice the response several times: Jesus, come close to me.

Whenever I feel unseen, Jesus, come close to me.

Whenever I feel ignored, Jesus, come close to me.

Whenever I feel unimportant, Jesus, come close to me.

Whenever I feel useless, Jesus, come close to me.

Whenever I feel alone, Jesus, come close to me.

Whenever I feel abandoned, Jesus, come close to me.

Whenever I feel like it would be better if I didn’t exist, Jesus, come close to me.

Whenever I feel misunderstood, Jesus, come close to me.

Whenever I feel used, Jesus, come close to me.

Whenever I feel forgotten, Jesus, come close to me.

Whenever I feel angry, Jesus, come close to me.

Whenever I feel anxious, Jesus, come close to me.

Whenever I feel depressed, Jesus, come close to me.

Whenever I feel envious, Jesus, come close to me.

Whenever I feel lustful, Jesus, come close to me.

Whenever I feel afraid, Jesus, come close to me.

Let’s practice the response several times: Please forgive me, Jesus.

For the times I’ve used others, Please forgive me, Jesus.

For the times I’ve failed to see, Please forgive me, Jesus.

For the times I’ve hardened my heart to a person in need, Please forgive me, Jesus.

For the times I’ve failed to do the right thing, Please forgive me, Jesus.

For the times I’ve given in to peer pressure, Please forgive me, Jesus.

For the times I’ve lied when someone needed me to tell the truth, Please forgive me, Jesus.

For the times I’ve looked away when someone needed my help, Please forgive me, Jesus.

For the times I’ve closed my ears to the cries of the helpless, Please forgive me, Jesus.

For the times I’ve chosen comfort over courage, Please forgive me, Jesus.

For the times I’ve turned my back on someone who was hurting, Please forgive me, Jesus.

For the times I’ve ignored my feelings, Please forgive me, Jesus.

For the times I’ve silenced the cry of my heart, Please forgive me, Jesus.

For the times I haven’t been God’s mercy for others, Please forgive me, Jesus.

For the times I’ve invalidated my own feelings, Please forgive me, Jesus.

For the times I’ve believed the lies of others, Please forgive me, Jesus.

For the times I’ve repeated the lies of others, Please forgive me, Jesus.

For the times I’ve suppressed righteous anger, Please forgive me, Jesus.

For the times I’ve given up in despair, Please forgive me, Jesus.

For the times I’ve failed to share You with someone who needed You, Please forgive me, Jesus.

For the times I’ve wrongly hid my faith from others, Please forgive me, Jesus.

For the times I’ve misrepresented You in my words and actions, Please forgive me, Jesus.

For the times I’ve caused scandal by my words or actions, Please forgive me, Jesus.

For the times I’ve brought hatred instead of love, Please forgive me, Jesus.

For the times I’ve brought division instead of peace, Please forgive me, Jesus.

For the times I’ve brought gossip instead of charity, Please forgive me, Jesus.

For the times I’ve torn down when I could have built up, Please forgive me, Jesus.

Let’s practice the response several times: Jesus, help me to believe.

When I doubt the power of God’s love, Jesus, help me to believe.

When I doubt God’s love for me, Jesus, help me to believe.

When I struggle to trust, Jesus, help me to believe.

When I doubt that I am worthy of love, Jesus, help me to believe.

When I doubt that I have a place in anyone’s heart, Jesus, help me to believe.

When I wonder if I am enough, Jesus, help me to believe.

When I doubt I have what it takes, Jesus, help me to believe.

When I feel helpless, Jesus, help me to believe.

When I feel useless, Jesus, help me to believe.

When I doubt that I have anything to offer, Jesus, help me to believe.

When I doubt that I can make a change, Jesus, help me to believe.

When I doubt that my efforts matter, Jesus, help me to believe.

When I feel hopeless, Jesus, help me to believe.

When I want to give up on my neighbor, Jesus, help me to believe.

When I want to give up on my enemy, Jesus, help me to believe.

When I want to give up on the Church, Jesus, help me to believe.

When I want to give up on myself, Jesus, help me to believe.

When I want to give up on God, Jesus, help me to believe.

Jesus, I need you.

Jesus, I trust in you.

Jesus, I love you.

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

Let us pray. Lord Jesus Christ, You are the Good Shepherd who rescues the lost. You are the Divine Physician who heals the sick. You are the Savior Who washes away our sin in your Blood. You are the Beloved Son who shares your sonship with us along with the love of the Father. We know that even if we do not feel it, you will continue this work of healing in our hearts. We trust that you love us and desire our wholeness and flourishing. Fill each of our hearts as we worship you and receive You in all your love in this Holy Eucharist. We make this prayer in your Name, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Alone with Christ

Jesus, I have places in my heart and in my history that have been hurting for a long time. Some wounds might be self-inflicted, but the wounds caused by others tend to cut most deeply. At the same time, there is also a sacred place in me where I can be alone with You and the whole Trinity. The most powerful healing can begin by bringing those painful places into relationship with You, Who love me infinitely. And right now, You are here with me in all Your power and glory in the Eucharist. Nothing is lacking in Your Presence with me. It can be hard to open tender places in my heart. You respect me and You honor my experience through Your offer of healing. I am here together with the communion of Saints, and I lean on their support as I seek to open my heart to you. I want to be gentle with myself and allow the Holy Spirit to descend with all the gentleness of the dewfall onto my thirsty heart. I pray for courage now as I hold all the hurting places in my heart before Your loving gaze.

Close your eyes (if you are comfortable doing so). Take a deep breath. Breathe in the Holy Spirit. Come, Holy Spirit. Breathe out negativity. Breathe in the Holy Spirit. Come, Holy Spirit. Breathe out all that is not of Him. Notice your heartbeat. Each heartbeat is a gift. God wants me. He made me. He knit me together with love, with His own hands in my mother’s womb. I am a masterpiece of His loving creativity. He has chosen me. He sees me. He gazes on me with love. He delights in me. Now I want to invite myself on a journey of healing and reconciliation. Jesus wants to lift me up to see my whole life through His eyes of healing and hope. Try to zoom out, letting myself be lifted up away from the details. He wants to lift me up so I can see my whole life from my conception in my mother’s womb to this very moment. He is lovingly drawing near to me with the Father. There is only love. Together He looks on my whole life with me. He looks on me and my whole life with love. Through my whole life there is a golden thread of goodness. I am made in His image. Even where there are deep sorrows, the Holy Spirit weaves a golden thread of goodness.

As I look together on my life, I may see some darker moments, clouded moments, harder moments. Some of those moments might be too hard to enter into right now and that is ok. There are some sins and failures. There are times of weakness. There are times I was hurt. He wants to bring healing to my whole life: healing for my hurts, healing for my failures. He has only compassion for me, loving care.

He honors me and wants to protect me. Try to open my heart to Jesus’s healing love. If any of these heart movements are difficult, that’s ok. I can still let Jesus draw close.