Prayer Corner (or Rectangle?)

For handy reference, here are some of my favorite prayers:

Anime Christe

Soul of Christ, Sanctify me
Body of Christ, Save me
Blood of Christ, Inebriate me
Water from the side of Christ, wash me
Passion of Christ, strengthen me
Oh good Jesus, hear me
Within Thy wounds, hide me
Suffer me not to be separated from Thee
From the malignant enemy defend me
In the hour of my death, call me and bid me come to Thee
That with Thy Saints I may praise Thee for ever and ever
Amen

Prayer For Spiritually Adopted Child

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph
I love you very much
I beg you to spare the unborn baby that I have spiritually adopted
Who is in danger of abortion
Amen.

Invoked through Our Lady of Guadalupe – we trust that if this prayer is said every day for a year, a baby who would otherwise have been aborted will be saved.

How to Pray the Rosary
There are many variations of prayers to include at the beginning and/or end of the Rosary, and even at the end of each decade. The following is what our family does. The brackets are used when there is a family or group. Bracketed parts are for the leader’s recitation, while all others respond to the non-bracketed parts.

Sign of the Cross
In the name of the Father (touch forehead), and of the Son (touch heart), and of the Holy (touch left shoulder) Spirit (touch right shoulder)

On the crucifix
Apostle’s Creed
[I believe in God the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and earth
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, Our Lord
Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary,
Suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried
He descended into Hell
On the third day He rose again from the dead
He ascended into Heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty
From thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead]
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the Communion of Saints,
The forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting
Amen.

On first large bead above crucifix, for the intentions of the Holy Father
Our Father

[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

The next three small beads, recite a Hail Mary on each bead for the intention of an increase of Faith, Hope, and Charity.
Hail Mary

[Hail Mary, full of grace
The Lord is with thee
Blessed art thou amongst 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.

After the three Hail Marys, recite a Glory Be
Glory Be

[Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit]
As it was in the beginning
Is now, and ever shall be
World without end
Amen

Each decade includes a meditation of a mystery of our faith (described below) on the large bead, followed by an Our Father. Then, on each of the ten beads, a Hail Mary is recited. Following the tenth Hail Mary, the Glory Be is recited. After the Glory Be, the short prayer requested by Our Lady of Fatima is recited – the Oh My Jesus prayer
Oh, My Jesus

Oh, My Jesus
Forgive us our sins, and save us from the fires of Hell
Lead all souls to Heaven
Especially those in most need of Your mercy
Amen.

After the fifth decade is completed, our family recites the “Hail Holy Queen” and a closing prayer, as follows:
Hail Holy Queen

Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of mercy
Our life, our sweetness, and our hope
To thee do we cry
Poor, banished children of Eve
To thee do we send up our sighs, mourning, and weeping in this valley of tears
Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy towards us
And after this, our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus
O Clement, o loving, o sweet Virgin Mary

[Pray for us, O holy Mother of God]
That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ

Closing Prayer for Rosary

[O God, Whose only begotton Son
Through His life, death, and Resurrection has purchased for us the rewards of eternal life
Grant, we beseech Thee
That meditating on these mysteries of the most holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary
That we may imitate what they contain
And obtain what they promise
Through the same Christ our Lord]
Amen

The mysteries of the Rosary are simply a remembrance and meditation of important elements of our faith. There are four sets of mysteries. You can find special prayers related to these mysteries if you wish, or you can simply meditate on their meaning. The mysteries are as follows, with the decades represented by number (First decade = 1, …):

The Joyful Mysteries:
1 – The annunciation (the angel Gabriel appears to Mary to proclaim the news that she shall bear God’s Son)
2 – The visitation (Mary visits Elizabeth, who is to miraculously bear John the Baptist)
3 – The Nativity (Birth of Our Lord)
4 – Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, in accordance with Jewish Law
5 – The finding of Jesus in the Temple, after having been missing for three days

The Luminous Mysteries (instituted by Pope John Paul II):
1 – The Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan
2 – The Miracle at the Wedding in Cana (turning the water into wine)
3 – The Proclamation of the Kingdom of God
4 – The Transfiguration
5 – The Institution of the Eucharist at the Last Supper

The Sorrowful Mysteries:
1 – The agony of Jesus in the garden
2 – The scourging of Jesus at the pillar
3 – The crowning of Jesus with thorns
4 – Jesus carries His cross
5 – The crucifixion and death of Jesus

The Glorious Mysteries:
1 – The Resurrection of Jesus
2 – The Ascension of Jesus into Heaven
3 – The descent of the Holy Spirit (Pentecost – the birthday of the Church)
4 – The Assumption of Mary into heaven, body and soul
5 – The crowning of Mary Queen of Heaven and Earth

The traditional days of recitation are: Joyful: Monday and Saturday; Luminous: Thursday; Sorrowful: Tuesday and Friday; Glorious: Sunday and Wednesday. However, this is not necessary. You may choose the mysteries based on mood or circumstance as well. If there are other important aspects of Christ’s life you wish to meditate upon, you may meditate on those as well. Intentions may be offered up per complete Rosary, per decade, or even per prayer. Our family typically offers one intention per decade for the first four decades, and then offers up individual intentions for each prayer of the final decade.Some who do not fully understand why we recite prayers over and over object to the perception of “piling up of words” that Jesus admonishes with the pagan prayers. However, Jesus was admonishing the idea that simply “rambling on” incessantly built up favor in their God’s eyes. In other words, quantity mattered. But that is not the point of the Rosary at all. You can focus in three different ways while saying the Rosary. First, you can concentrate on the words of the prayers that you are saying intimately. While memorized prayers, they are beautiful and powerful. Second, you can say the prayers as a way of meditating. Instead of focusing as much on the words of the prayers you are saying, they serve as a backdrop to meditating and focusing on mysteries, which focus on the life of Christ. With memorized prayer, then, you can be reciting the prayers without much thought, and redirect your thoughts to the mysteries. Third, you can likewise direct your thoughts towards your intentions while reciting the prayers. Again, the prayers serve as a method of meditating. If you are simply saying the Rosary and your mind is wandering elsewhere, then those who criticize probably have a point in that case.There are many promises associated with the recitation of the Rosary, which can be found elsewhere. Also, certain indulgences can be associated as well.DIVINE MERCY Opening Prayer (optional): on the crucifix

We do not say the Divine Mercy every day, but it is an important part of our prayer life. It has its foundation in Christ’s appearances to St. Faustina. Pope John Paul II officially recognized these apparitions and granted Christ’s request that Mercy Sunday be celebrated the week after Easter Sunday. Beginning on Good Friday and ending the following Saturday (nine days – or a novena), the Divine Mercy Chaplet is said once per day, with a related intention for each day. There are a couple optional prayers which we always say during this novena. Then, on Mercy Sunday, many parishes celebrate the day with different speakers and activities focusing on the Mercy of Christ and the Father, and reciting the Chaplet – or singing it in one of its various settings. During the rest of the year, we will occasionally recite this instead of the Rosary if it’s a bit later in the evening. It’s also much quicker and easier for the small children, and they can even lead rather effectively. We generally will not say the optional prayers or the novena intentions outside of the period from Good Friday to Mercy Sunday. Because of that, we don’t have these optional prayers memorized, but you can certainly choose to learn them and include them as part of your chaplet whenever you recite it.

The chaplet can be recited on the Rosary.

You expired, Jesus, but the source of life gushed forth for souls, and the ocean of mercy opened up for the whole world. O Fount of Life, unfathomable Divine Mercy, envelop the whole world and empty Yourself out upon us.

O Blood and Water, which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a fountain of mercy for us, I trust in You.

Begin the chaplet on the three small beads on the string of the Rosary with the “Our Father,” the “Hail Mary,” and the “Apostles Creed.” All can be found above.

The next five decades are as follows: On the Large Bead recite

[Eternal Father,

I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity

Of Your dearly beloved Son,

Our Lord Jesus Christ]

In atonement for our sins and those of the whole world

On the ten small beads:

[For the sake of His sorrowful Passion]

Have Mercy on us and on the whole world

After fifth decade, on large bead, recite the following three times:

Holy God,

Holy Mighty One

Holy Immortal One

Have mercy on us and on the whole world

Closing Prayer (optional):

Eternal God, in whom mercy is endless and the treasury of compassion inexhaustible, look kindly upon us and increase Your mercy in us, that in difficult moments we might not despair nor become despondent, but with great confidence submit ourselves to Your holy will, which is Love and Mercy itself.

During the novena period:

Prayers for each day in the novena: when it says “Today bring to me…” this is the intention as requested by Jesus to St. Faustina. You will see each of the prayer intentions addresses the Mercy of Jesus first, and then turns to the Mercy of the Father.

Day 1 – Today bring to Me All Mankind, especially all sinners. Most merciful Jesus, whose very nature it is to have compassion on us and to forgive us, do not look upon our sins but upon our trust which we place in Your infinite goodness. Receive us all into the abode of Your Most compassionate Heart, and never let us escape from it. We beg this of You by Your love which unites You to the Father and the Holy Spirit. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon all mankind and especially upon poor sinners, all enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. For the sake of His sorrowful Passion show us Your mercy, that we may praise the omnipotence of Your mercy for ever and ever. Amen.

Day 2 – Today bring to Me the Souls of Priests and Religious, and immerse them in My unfathomable mercy. It was they who gave me strength to endure My bitter Passion. Through them as through channels My mercy flows out upon mankind. Most Merciful Jesus, from whom comes all that is good, increase Your grace in men and women consecrated to Your service, that they may perform worthy works of mercy; and that all who see them may glorify the Father of Mercy who is in heaven. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the company of chosen ones in Your vineyard — upon the souls of priests and religious; and endow them with the strength of Your blessing. For the love of the Heart of Your Son in which they are enfolded, impart to them Your power and light, that they may be able to guide others in the way of salvation and with one voice sing praise to Your boundless mercy for ages without end. Amen.

Day 3 – Today bring to Me all Devout and Faithful Souls,and immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. These souls brought me consolation on the Way of the Cross. They were a drop of consolation in the midst of an ocean of bitterness. Most Merciful Jesus, from the treasury of Your mercy, You impart Your graces in great abundance to each and all. Receive us into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart and never let us escape from It. We beg this grace of You by that most wondrous love for the heavenly Father with which Your Heart burns so fiercely. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon faithful souls, as upon the inheritance of Your Son. For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, grant them Your blessing and surround them with Your constant protection. Thus may they never fail in love or lose the treasure of the holy faith, but rather, with all the hosts of Angels and Saints, may they glorify Your boundless mercy for endless ages. Amen.

Day 4 – Today bring to Me those who do not believe in God and those who do not know Me, I was thinking also of them during My bitter Passion, and their future zeal comforted My Heart. Immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. Most compassionate Jesus, You are the Light of the whole world. Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who do not believe in God and of those who as yet do not know You. Let the rays of Your grace enlighten them that they, too, together with us, may extol Your wonderful mercy; and do not let them escape from the abode which is Your Most Compassionate Heart. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls of those who do not believe in You, and of those who as yet do not know You, but who are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Draw them to the light of the Gospel. These souls do not know what great happiness it is to love You. Grant that they, too, may extol the generosity of Your mercy for endless ages. Amen.

Day 5 – Today bring to Me the Souls of those who have separated themselves from My Church, and immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. During My bitter Passion they tore at My Body and Heart, that is, My Church. As they return to unity with the Church My wounds heal and in this way they alleviate My Passion. Most Merciful Jesus, Goodness Itself, You do not refuse light to those who seek it of You. Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who have separated themselves from Your Church. Draw them by Your light into the unity of the Church, and do not let them escape from the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart; but bring it about that they, too, come to glorify the generosity of Your mercy. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls of those who have separated themselves from Your Son’s Church, who have squandered Your blessings and misused Your graces by obstinately persisting in their errors. Do not look upon their errors, but upon the love of Your own Son and upon His bitter Passion, which He underwent for their sake, since they, too, are enclosed in His Most Compassionate Heart. Bring it about that they also may glorify Your great mercy for endless ages. Amen.

Day 6 – Today bring to Me the Meek and Humble Souls and the Souls of Little Children, and immerse them in My mercy. These souls most closely resemble My Heart. They strengthened Me during My bitter agony. I saw them as earthly Angels, who will keep vigil at My altars. I pour out upon them whole torrents of grace. I favor humble souls with My confidence. Most Merciful Jesus, You yourself have said, “Learn from Me for I am meek and humble of heart.” Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart all meek and humble souls and the souls of little children. These souls send all heaven into ecstasy and they are the heavenly Father’s favorites. They are a sweet-smelling bouquet before the throne of God; God Himself takes delight in their fragrance. These souls have a permanent abode in Your Most Compassionate Heart, O Jesus, and they unceasingly sing out a hymn of love and mercy. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon meek souls, upon humble souls, and upon little children who are enfolded in the abode which is the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. These souls bear the closest resemblance to Your Son. Their fragrance rises from the earth and reaches Your very throne. Father of mercy and of all goodness, I beg You by the love You bear these souls and by the delight You take in them: Bless the whole world, that all souls together may sing out the praises of Your mercy for endless ages. Amen.

Day 7 – Today bring to Me the Souls who especially venerate and glorify My Mercy, and immerse them in My mercy. These souls sorrowed most over my Passion and entered most deeply into My spirit. They are living images of My Compassionate Heart. These souls will shine with a special brightness in the next life. Not one of them will go into the fire of hell. I shall particularly defend each one of them at the hour of death. Most Merciful Jesus, whose Heart is Love Itself, receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who particularly extol and venerate the greatness of Your mercy. These souls are mighty with the very power of God Himself. In the midst of all afflictions and adversities they go forward, confident of Your mercy; and united to You, O Jesus, they carry all mankind on their shoulders. These souls will not be judged severely, but Your mercy will embrace them as they depart from this life. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls who glorify and venerate Your greatest attribute, that of Your fathomless mercy, and who are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. These souls are a living Gospel; their hands are full of deeds of mercy, and their hearts, overflowing with joy, sing a canticle of mercy to You, O Most High! I beg You O God: Show them Your mercy according to the hope and trust they have placed in You. Let there be accomplished in them the promise of Jesus, who said to them that during their life, but especially at the hour of death, the souls who will venerate this fathomless mercy of His, He, Himself, will defend as His glory. Amen.

Day 8 – Today bring to Me the Souls who are in the prison of Purgatory, and immerse them in the abyss of My mercy. Let the torrents of My Blood cool down their scorching flames. All these souls are greatly loved by Me. They are making retribution to My justice. It is in your power to bring them relief. Draw all the indulgences from the treasury of My Church and offer them on their behalf. Oh, if you only knew the torments they suffer, you would continually offer for them the alms of the spirit and pay off their debt to My justice. Most Merciful Jesus, You Yourself have said that You desire mercy; so I bring into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls in Purgatory, souls who are very dear to You, and yet, who must make retribution to Your justice. May the streams of Blood and Water which gushed forth from Your Heart put out the flames of Purgatory, that there, too, the power of Your mercy may be celebrated. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls suffering in Purgatory, who are enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. I beg You, by the sorrowful Passion of Jesus Your Son, and by all the bitterness with which His most sacred Soul was flooded: Manifest Your mercy to the souls who are under Your just scrutiny. Look upon them in no other way but only through the Wounds of Jesus, Your dearly beloved Son; for we firmly believe that there is no limit to Your goodness and compassion. Amen.

Day 9 – Today bring to Me the Souls who have become Lukewarm, and immerse them in the abyss of My mercy. These souls wound My Heart most painfully. My soul suffered the most dreadful loathing in the Garden of Olives because of lukewarm souls. They were the reason I cried out: ‘Father, take this cup away from Me, if it be Your will.’ For them, the last hope of salvation is to run to My mercy. Most compassionate Jesus, You are Compassion Itself. I bring lukewarm souls into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart. In this fire of Your pure love, let these tepid souls who, like corpses, filled You with such deep loathing, be once again set aflame. O Most Compassionate Jesus, exercise the omnipotence of Your mercy and draw them into the very ardor of Your love, and bestow upon them the gift of holy love, for nothing is beyond Your power. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon lukewarm souls who are nonetheless enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Father of Mercy, I beg You by the bitter Passion of Your Son and by His three-hour agony on the Cross: Let them, too, glorify the abyss of Your mercy. Amen.