Prayers and Devotions 
Various general prayers.
Asking for His Mercy
Through the passion and death of Jesus, an infinite ocean of mercy was made available for all of us. But God, who created us free, will not force anything on us, not even His mercy. He must wait for us to turn from our sinfulness and ask: “Ask and it will be given to you… Read More ›
Prayer to be Freed of the Seven Deadly Sins
This is one of the most popular posts on the site. It is repeated for this Lenten period O Jesus, meek Savior and Prince of Peace, implant in me the virtues of gentleness and patience. Let me curb the fury of anger and restrain all resentment and impatience so as to overcome evil with good,… Read More ›
Litany of Our Lady of Lourdes
Lord have mercy; Lord have mercy. Christ have mercy; Christ have mercy. Lord 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,… Read More ›
Prayer Before Study
Ineffable Creator who, from the treasures of Your wisdom, have established three hierarchies of angels, have arrayed them in marvelous order above the fiery heavens, and have marshaled the regions of the universe with such artful skill, You are proclaimed the true font of light and wisdom, and the primal origin raised high beyond all… Read More ›
Padre Pio’s Christmas Meditation
Far into the night, at the coldest time of the year, in a chilly grotto, more suitable for a flock of beasts than for humans, the promised Messiah – Jesus – the savior of mankind, comes into the world in the fullness of time. There are none who clamor around him: only an ox and… Read More ›
Ave Maris Stella
Hail thou star of the ocean, God’s own mother blest, Ever sinless Virgin, Gate of heavenly rest. Oh! by Gabriel’s Ave Uttered long ago, Eva’s name reversing, Establish peace below. Break the captive’s fetters, Light on blindness pour; All our ills expelling, Every bliss implore. Show thyself a Mother; May the Word divine, Born for… Read More ›
Prayer for Advent
Lord, I entreat, be pleased to rescue me, for I am weak, for I was stolen away out of my homeland and, being innocent, was cast here into this pit. No, not entirely innocent, yet innocent enough in comparison with the one who led me astray. I was taken in by a life, Lord. Let… Read More ›
Evergreens and The Advent Wreath
The Advent wreath is an increasingly popular symbol of the beginning of the Church year in many churches as well as homes. It is a circular evergreen wreath (real or artificial) with five candles, four around the wreath and one in the center. Since the wreath is symbolic and a vehicle to tell the Christmas… Read More ›
George Washington and the First Thanksgiving
Most Americans know that George Washington issued the first Thanksgiving Day proclamation, but I wonder how many have read it. Perhaps this Thanksgiving we should not only read but pray it and submit ourselves and our Nation to the God of our fathers, both Abraham and Washington. [New York, 3 October 1789] By the President… Read More ›
Thomas Merton: A Prayer
… Grant us prudence in proportion to our power, Wisdom in proportion to our science, Humaneness in proportion to our wealth and might. And bless our earnest will to help all races and peoples to travel, in friendship with us, Along the road to justice, liberty and lasting peace: But grant us above all to… Read More ›