Sunday, November 17, 2013

Holy Spirit, love of my heart


Holy Spirit, Love of my heart by Cardinal Mercier

Holy Spirit, Love of my heart, I adore You. Enlighten me, guide me; strengthen me, console me. Tell me what I must do -- command me. I promise to submit myself to all that You will of me, and accept all You permit to befall me. Let me only know Your will. Amen.

Sunday, November 3, 2013

Franciscan Crown Rosary


How to Pray The Franciscan Crown

1. Using beads for the Franciscan Crown (seven decades), announce the First Mystery and pray the Our Father on the single bead just before the medallion.

2. Pray one Hail Mary for each of the ten beads. (It seems most fitting to proceed around the beads in a clockwise direction.)

3. On the single bead between the decades, announce the next Mystery and then pray the Our Father. Continue as in Step 2 for the remaining Mysteries.

4. After the last Mystery, pray one Hail Mary each on the fourth and third beads from the Cross to complete 72 years of Mary’s Joy.

5. Pray the Our Father and the Glory to the Father (Gloria Patri) for the intention of the Holy Father on the 2nd bead from the Cross.

6. Pray a Hail Mary on the single bead closest to the Cross.

Friday, November 1, 2013

All Saints Day


All Saints Day

Dear Father, You have given the saints in Heaven eternal happiness and they now live in the fullness of Your glory. Because of their holy love for You, they also care about me and my family, my friends, my church, and my neighbors. Thank You for the gift of their friendship and the witness of their holy lives. I ask our patron saints and every saint who has become especially dear to me to intercede for us. I ask them to help us journey safely on the narrow path that leads to Heaven. O Lord, give us their protection. Grant us their assistance in overcoming temptation and gaining the fullness of life with You. Amen

Sunday, October 27, 2013

Saints Jude & Simon, Apostles


Sts. Jude & Simon, Apostles

Dear Savior, Saint Simon was zealous about preaching the Good News. His partner, Saint Jude, was known for exorcising pagan idols, which crumbled as the demons fled. Saint Jude is the patron saint of desperate situations and lost causes, and I ask them both to pray against the demons who are working to influence me or any members of my family, my church, or my friends. Remind us, O Lord, that no one is a lost cause and that You can turn even the most terrible situation into good. Help us to find protection in Your love as we reject Satan by purifying our souls and leading holy lives. Saints Simon and Jude, pray for us. Amen.

prayer for the 7 gifts of the Holy Spirit


PRAYER FOR THE SEVEN GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Saint Bonaventure

WE BEG the all-merciful Father through thee, his only-begotten Son made man for our sake, crucified and glorified for us, to send upon us from his treasure-house the Spirit of sevenfold grace, who rested upon thee in all his fullness:

the spirit of wisdom, enabling us to relish the fruit of the tree of life, which is indeed thyself;

the gift of understanding: to enlighten our perceptions;

the gift of prudence, enabling us to follow in thy footsteps;

the gift of strength: to withstand our adversary’s onslaught;

the gift of knowledge: to distinguish good from evil by the light of thy holy teaching;

the gift of piety: to clothe ourselves with charity and mercy;

the gift of fear: to withdraw from all ill-doing and live quietly in awe of thy eternal majesty.

These are the things for which petition. Grant them for the honor of thy holy name, to which, with the Father and the Holy Ghost, be all honor and glory, thanksgiving, renown, and lordship for ever and ever. Amen.

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Saint Edward the Confessor


St. Edward the Confessor

Blessed Lord, Saint Edward was one of the most popular English kings, because he trusted in You and greatly loved his people. By relying on You, he was able to rule wisely and maintain peace. I ask him to pray for world leaders and for those serving in my nation's governmental offices. Lord, help us to elect Godly men and guide our politicians to make wise decisions inspired by the Holy Spirit. Bless the leaders of every country and all religions and fill them with a high sense of values. Raise up new leaders who build peace, protect life, and promote the fair and just treatment of all people. Saint Edward, pray for us. Amen.

Prayer to St. Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows


Prayer to St. Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows, Patron of Clerics

Dear Saint, your very name recalls your particular devotion to Christ the Man of Sorrows and to Mary the Afflicted Mother. You died young as a Passionist religious but left to us all an example of a life of Christlike sacrifice. Intercede for our seminarians and young religious who are in desperate need of your patronage amid today's sensual and selfish world. Amen.