Saint Philip Catholic Church

PRAYERS

Important Prayers for Catholics
What is Prayer?
Why Pray?
How Often Should We Pray?
How Should We Pray?
What are Obstacles to Prayer in Our Time?
What are the Results of Prayer?
Prayer Framework
Additional prayer info from findinggod.org

Prayers for the Sick
Prayer for those in Trial [or Sickness]
Prayer for Doctors and Nurses
Prayers Before/After Surgery
Prayers for Healing
Prayers for the Dying
Prayers for the Souls in Purgatory

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Important Prayers for Catholics

The Sign of the Cross

In the name of the Father, and of the son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Our Father (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.

Hail Mary

Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Prayer of Praise

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever. Amen.

Prayer of the Holy Spirit

Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, and enkindle in us the fire of your divine love. Send forth your spirit and we shall be created, and you shall renew the face of the earth.

O God who instructed the hearts of the faithful by the light of your divine Spirit, grant us by that same spirit to be truly wise and to rejoice in your holy consolation through the same Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Act of Contrition

O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended thee, and I detest all my sins because of thy just punishments. But most of all because they offended thee my God who art all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of thy grace to confess my sins, to do penance, and to amend my life. Amen.

Nicene Creed (Profession of Faith)

We believe in one God, the Father, the almighty,
make of heaven and earth, of all that is seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, light from light,
true God from true God,
begotten not made, one in being with the Father.
Through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven:
by the power of the Holy Spirit
he was born of the virgin Mary, and became man.

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered, died, and was buried.
On the third day, he rose again
in fulfillment of the Scriptures;
he ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son,
with the Father and the son he is worshipped and glorified.
He has spoken through the prophets.
We believe in one holy, catholic, apostolic church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead
and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Act of Faith

O my God, I firmly believe that you are one God in three divine persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit; I believe that your Divine Son became man and died for our sins, and that he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe these and all the truths which the holy Catholic Church teaches, because you revealed them, who can neither deceive nor be deceived. Amen.

Act of Hope

O my God, relying on your infinite goodness and promises, I hope to obtain pardon of my sins, the help of your grace, and life everlasting, through the merits of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Redeemer. Amen.

The Rosary

The rosary is an important prayer in Catholic tradition. It involves vocal prayers (Nicene Creed, Our Father, Hail Mary, Prayer of Praise), meditative prayer (on the mysteries of the rosary), and usually the use of rosary beads as a person or a group of people say the rosary.

Mysteries of the Rosary

Joyful Mysteries - events surrounding the birth and early life of Jesus

• Annunciation
• Visitation
• Birth of Jesus
• Presentation in the Temple
• Finding the Child Jesus in the Temple

Luminous Mysteries - events surrounding the public life of Jesus

• Baptism in the Jordan
• Cana Wedding
• Proclamation of the Kingdom
• Transfiguration
• First Eucharist

Sorrowful Mysteries - events surrounding the passion and death of Jesus

• Agony in the Garden
• Scourging at the Pillar
• Crowning with Thorns
• Jesus Carries His Cross
• Death of Jesus on the Cross

Glorious Mysteries - events and faith of the early Church’s experience

• Resurrection of Jesus from the Tomb
• Ascension into Heaven
• Descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles
• Assumption of Mary into Heaven
• Coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth

Please see http://www.familyrosary.org for additional details and how to pray the rosary.

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What is Prayer?

Prayer is described as a covenant relationship between God and a person living in Christ. (CCC2564) It is the raising of the mind and should to God. It can be in conversation, in word, or in silence. Praying is drawing nearer to God and opening our hearts to Him. God desires our fellowship—this may surprise you! We sometimes picture prayer as a need in us to benefit us and bring satisfaction. This picture changes when we approach prayer as a wish from God to be with us.

Prayer can be a worshipping and praising to God for His sacrifice and His seeking to give rather than receive. It can be classified by purpose:

• Worship or Adoration - Gift of his relationship; creature before creator
• Praise - God as God; Happiness of the pure of heart
• Thanksgiving - For every event and need
• Petition - Wanting, needing, asking, crying out
• Intercession - As Jesus prayed on behalf of all people

Prayer brings us in relationship to the Trinity.

• It is properly addressed to God the Father (Matt: 6:6, EPH. 1:17, 3:14-16) and the Son. (ACTS 7:59, 2 COR. 12:8).
• It is offered in the name of Lord Jesus (John 16:23).
• The Holy Spirit within us interprets the need of our hearts and makes it known (1 Cor. 2:10-11) CCC2563

Two dimensions of prayer are:

1. Personal - alone before God
2. Liturgical - one accompanies the body of believers

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Why Pray?

• It expresses love and praise - after we have submitted to Christ it is a natural response to return His love for us. We see this example in the Psalms where David gives praise to God. (Psalm 19)
• Because of trials, tribulation, hardships - if anyone among you is suffering hardship; he must pray. (James 5:13)
• To intercede for each other - my prayer for you (Phil. 1:9), pray for us... (Heb. 13:18), pray for each other (James 5:16)
• To grow strong in faith (Jude 20)
• To petition a need (Phil 4:6,7)
• To ask for Wisdom (James 1:5)
• To give thanks (1 Thess. 5:18, Eph 5:20, Phil 4:6)
• Because it was Jesus’ example to us (Luke 6:12. Luke 11:1, Luke 22:41-44, John 17)
• Because of the power in prayer - the effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much (James 5:16)
• If you feel you can’t pray, you are in distress, pray Psalms 107 (God satisfies the longing soul) or Psalm 145 (Lord Gracious and merciful, slow to anger, compassionate toward all His work)

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How Often Should We Pray?

• Without ceasing (1 Thess. 5:17)
• Keep watching and praying (Matt. 26:41)
• Always pray and not faint (Luke 18:1)
• Pray at all times in spirit (Eph. 6:18)

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How Should We Pray?

• Faith is essential to prayer. Pray with belief. “But let him ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts are like the surf of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man expect that he will receive anything from the Lord.” (James 1:6-8, John 14:14, Matt. 21:22, Matt. 9:29)
• Make time
• Find a quiet place (Luke 11:1, Matt. 26:36-69, 6:6-7)
• Let your heart be still (Psalm 46:10, Is 30:15)
• Begin with worship and praise - “Our Father who art in heaven hallowed be thy name…” (Matt. 6:9-13)
• Deal with any sin - “Forgive us our trespasses” )Matt. 6:9-13)
• Give thanks for all He has done for you (1 Thess. 5:18)
• Intercession for others - family, friends, leaders, the sick, marriages, pastors
• Petition for your own needs. Paul did. (Eph., 1:15-16, 6::19)
• Be persistent (Luke 11:5-9)
• Pray in the name of the Lord Jesus (John 15:13, 16:24)

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What are Obstacles to Prayer in Our Time?

The three greatest are:

1. Distractions - time, the world (CCC2729)
2. Vigilance - steadfastness (CCC2730)
3. Dryness - due to lack of roots. Battle may be conversion! (CCC2731)

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What are the Results of Prayer?

• God hears and answers - we pray according to the will of God, so the answer reveals the will of God for us. It may be a loving no as well as a loving yes. “Answered prayer is a fruit of abiding in Christ.” (John 15:7)
• We have an intercessor, Jesus, who sits at the right hand of the Father pleading for us. He has experienced all we have experienced. (Heb. 2:16-18)
• It brings us into a close relationship to the Father because we share ourselves with Him and it brings us into total dependence upon Him.
• We receive the peace of God - This surpasses all our comprehension but it shall guard our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:6-7)

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Prayer Framework

Framework for an hour of prayer
1st 5 min - praise
2nd 5 min - wait
3rd 5 min - confess
4th 5 min - read the Word
5th 5 min - intercession (probably need more time on this one)
6th 5 min - petition, for self and family; one suggestion - list out character qualities you desire for your kids
7th 5 min - pray the Word; (you can refer to where your were reading in 4th 5 min)
8th 5 min - thanksgiving
9th 5 min - sing
10th 5 min - meditation - 1 passage
11th 5 min - listening
12th 5 min - praise

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PRAYERS FOR THE SICK

For a Sick Child

St. Gerard, who, like the Savior, loved children so tenderly and by your prayers freed many from disease and even death, listen to us who are pleading for our sick child.  We thank God for the great gift of our son (daughter) and ask him to restore our child to health if such be his holy will.  This favor, we beg of you through your love for all children and mothers. Amen.

Prayer for the Sick

Dear Jesus, Divine Physician and Healer of the sick, we turn to you in this time of illness.  O dearest comforter of the troubled, alleviate our worry and sorrow with your gentle love, and grant us the grace and strength to accept this burden.  Dear God, we place our worries in your hands. We place our sick under your care and humbly ask that you restore your servant to health again. Above all, grant us the grace to acknowledge your will and know that whatever you do, you do for the love of us. Amen.

Prayer for the Sick

Watch, O Lord, with those who wake, or watch, or weep tonight, and give your angels charge over those who sleep.

Tend your sick ones, O Lord Christ.
Rest your weary ones.
Bless your dying ones.
Soothe your suffering ones.
Pity your afflicted ones.
Shield your joyous ones.
And for all your love's sake. Amen.

Saint Augustine

Prayer for the Sick

Omnipotent and eternal God, the everlasting Salvation of those who believe, hear us on behalf of Thy sick servant, N., for whom we beg the aid of Thy pitying mercy, that, with his bodily health restored, he may give thanks to Thee in Thy church.  Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

To Saint Peregrine

O great St. Peregrine, you have been called "The Mighty," "The Wonder-Worker," because of the numerous miracles which you have obtained from God for those who have had recourse to you. For so many years you bore in your own flesh this cancerous disease that destroys the very fiber of our being, and who had recourse to the source of all grace when the power of man could do no more.  You were favored with the vision of Jesus coming down from His Cross to heal your affliction.  Ask of God and Our Lady, the cure of the sick whom we entrust to you. (Pause here and silently recall the names of the sick for whom you are praying)

Aided in this way by your powerful intercession, we shall sing to God, now and for all eternity, a song of gratitude for His great goodness and mercy. Amen.

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PRAYER FOR THOSE IN TRIAL [OR SICKNESS]

Prayer in Time of Trial [or Sickness]

O good Jesus, I accept willingly this trial [or sickness] which it has pleased you to lay upon me. I confide all my pains to your Sacred Heart, and beg you to unite them with your bitter sufferings, and thus perfect them by making them your own.

Since I cannot render you the praise due to you because of the multitude of my sorrows and afflictions, I ask you to praise God the Father for all I suffer, with the same tribute of praise you offered him when your agony on the Cross was at its height.

As you thanked him with all the powers of your soul for all the sufferings and injustice which he willed you should endure, so, I pray you, give him thanks for my trials also.  Offer my sufferings, physical and spiritual, to him together with your most holy pains to his eternal honor and glory. Amen.

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PRAYER FOR DOCTORS AND NURSES

Prayer for Doctors and Nurses

O merciful Father, who have wonderfully fashioned man in your own image, and have made his body to be a temple of the Holy Spirit, sanctify, we pray you, our doctors and nurses and all those whom you have called to study and practice the arts of healing the sick and the prevention of disease and pain.  Strengthen them in body and soul, and bless their work, that they may give comfort to those for whose salvation your Son became Man, lived on this earth, healed the sick, and suffered and died on the Cross. Amen.

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PRAYERS BEFORE/AFTER SURGERY

Prayer Before Surgery

Loving Father, I entrust myself to your care this day; guide with wisdom and skill the minds and hands of the medical people who minister in your Name, and grant that every cause of illness be removed, I may be restored to soundness of health and learn to live in more perfect harmony with you and with those around me.  Through Jesus Christ. Amen.

Into your hands, I commend my body and my soul. Amen.

Prayer After An Surgery

Blessed Savior, I thank you that this operation is safely past, and now I rest in your abiding presence, relaxing every tension, releasing every care and anxiety, receiving more and more of your healing life into every part of my being.  In moments of pain I turn to you for strength, in times of loneliness I feel your loving nearness.  Grant that your life and love and joy may flow through me for the healing of others in your name. Amen.

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PRAYERS FOR HEALING

Prayer for Healing

O God who are the only source of health and healing, the spirit of calm and the central peace of this universe, grant to me such a consciousness of your indwelling and surrounding presence that I may permit you to give me health and strength and peace, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayer for Healing

Lord, look upon me with eyes of mercy, may your healing hand rest upon me, may your lifegiving powers flow into every cell of my body and into the depths of my soul, cleansing, purifying, restoring me to wholeness and strength for service in your Kingdom. Amen.

Prayer for Healing

Lord, You invite all who are burdened to come to You. Allow your healing hand to heal me.  Touch my soul with Your compassion for others.  Touch my heart with Your courage and infinite love for all.  Touch my mind with Your wisdom, that my mouth may always proclaim Your praise.  Teach me to reach out to You in my need, and help me to lead others to You by my example.  Most loving Heart of Jesus, bring me health in body and spirit that I may serve You with all my strength.  Touch gently this life which You have created, now and forever.  Amen.

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PRAYERS FOR THE DYING

Prayer for the Sick near Death

Almighty and Everlasting God, preserver of souls, who dost correct those whom Thou dost love, and for their betterment dost tenderly chastise those whom Thou dost receive, we call upon Thee, O Lord, to grant Thy healing, that the soul of Thy servant, at the hour of its departure from the body, may by the hands of Thy holy Angels be presented without spot unto Thee. Amen.

Plenary Indulgence at the Hour of Death

My Lord God, even now resignedly and willingly, I accept at Thy hand, with all its anxieties, pains, and sufferings, whatever kind of death it shall please Thee to be mine.

By a decree of the Congregation of Indulgences of 9 March 1904, His Holiness Pope Pius X, has granted a plenary indulgence at the moment of death to all the faithful who, on any day they may choose, will receive the sacraments of Penance and Holy Eucharist and make this act for the love of God.

To Our Lord for a Happy Death

Lord Jesus Christ, who willest that no man should perish, and to whom petition is never made without the hope of mercy, for Thou saidst with Thine own holy and blessed lips: "All things whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, shall be done unto you"; I beg of Thee, O Lord, for Thy holy Name's sake, to grant me at the hour of my death full consciousness and the power of speech, sincere contrition for my sins, true faith, firm hope and perfect charity, that I may be able to say unto Thee with a clean heart: Thou has redeemed me, O God of truth, who art blessed for ever and ever.  Amen.

Prayer for a Happy Death

O God, great and omnipotent judge of the living and the dead, we are to appear before You after this short life to render an account of our works.  Give us the grace to prepare for our last hour by a devout and holy life, and protect us against a sudden and unprovided death.  Let us remember our frailty and mortality, that we may always live in the ways of Your commandments.  Teach us to "watch and pray" (Luke 21, 36), that when Your summons comes for our departure from this world, we may go forth to meet You, experience a merciful judgment, and rejoice in everlasting happiness.  We ask this through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Prayer for the Dying

Most merciful Jesus, lover of souls, I pray you by the agony of your most sacred heart, and by the sorrows of your Immaculate mother, to wash in your most Precious Blood the sinners of the world who are now in their agony, and who will die today.

Heart of Jesus, once in agony, have mercy on the dying.

Jesus, Mary and Joseph, I give you my heart and my soul.  Assist me in my last agony, and grant that I may breath forth my soul in peace with you. Amen.

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PRAYER FOR THE SOULS IN PURGATORY

Prayer for the Souls in Purgatory

O gentle Heart of Jesus, ever present in the Blessed Sacrament, ever consumed with burning love for the poor captive souls in Purgatory, have mercy on them, especially N.. N..

Be not severe in Your judgments, but let some drops of Your Precious Blood fall upon the devouring flames.

And, Merciful Savior, send Your angels to conduct them to A place of refreshment, light and peace.  Amen.

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