7/27/2019 Horrigan - Catholic Book of Prayers
1/198
A BOOK OF CATHOLIC PRAYERS
Free Web Hosting | Web Hosting | Web Hosting
Debt Help
Web Hosting
Domain Names
Free Web Hosting
Credit Card
Merchant Account
Free Credit ReportWeb Hosting
A BOOK OF CATHOLIC
PRAYERS
Compiled by
Paul Gerard Horrigan
COPYRIGHT 2000 By Paul Gerard Horrigan, Ph.D
ll Rights Reserved.
This HTML edition is provided free for noncommercia
ttp://www.bellarmine.150m.com/prayers.htm (1 of 198)1/3/2005 5:27:24 PM
Search
http://www.150m.com/http://www.valueweb.com/http://www.ipowerweb.com/http://www.free-debt-consolidation-debt-management.com/http://www.web-hosting-ratings.com/http://www.100best-domain-names.com/http://www.free-web-space-page.com/http://www.100best-credit-cards.com/http://www.100best-merchant-accounts.com/http://www.100best-free-credit-reports.com/http://www.100best-web-hosting.com/http://www.google.com/http://www.100best-web-hosting.com/http://www.100best-free-credit-reports.com/http://www.100best-merchant-accounts.com/http://www.100best-credit-cards.com/http://www.free-web-space-page.com/http://www.100best-domain-names.com/http://www.web-hosting-ratings.com/http://www.free-debt-consolidation-debt-management.com/http://www.ipowerweb.com/http://www.valueweb.com/http://www.150m.com/7/27/2019 Horrigan - Catholic Book of Prayers
2/198
A BOOK OF CATHOLIC PRAYERS
nd devotional use.
With ecclesiastical approval.
The Sign of the Cross
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The Lords 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. Amen.
The Hail Mary
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among
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.
ttp://www.bellarmine.150m.com/prayers.htm (2 of 198)1/3/2005 5:27:24 PM
7/27/2019 Horrigan - Catholic Book of Prayers
3/198
A BOOK OF CATHOLIC PRAYERS
The Apostles Creed
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. I
believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the
power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under
Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the
dead. On the third day He rose again. He ascended into heaven and is
seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again 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.
The Nicene Creed
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, Maker 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 menand 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
ttp://www.bellarmine.150m.com/prayers.htm (3 of 198)1/3/2005 5:27:24 PM
7/27/2019 Horrigan - Catholic Book of Prayers
4/198
A BOOK OF CATHOLIC PRAYERS
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 and 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.
The 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.
Hail Holy Queen
Hail, holy Queen, Mother of mercy; hail 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, thy eyes of mercy toward us. And after this
our exile show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O
loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.
ttp://www.bellarmine.150m.com/prayers.htm (4 of 198)1/3/2005 5:27:24 PM
7/27/2019 Horrigan - Catholic Book of Prayers
5/198
A BOOK OF CATHOLIC PRAYERS
The Angelus
V. The angel of the Lord declared unto Mary,
R. And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.
Hail Mary, etc.
V. Behold the handmaid of the Lord,
R. Be it done unto me according to Thy word.
Hail Mary, etc.
V. And the Word was made flesh,
R. And dwelt among us.
Hail Mary, etc.
V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.
R. That we may be worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray.
Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts, that we
to whom the Incarnation of Christ Thy Son, was made known by the
message of an angel, may by His Passion and Cross be brought to the
ttp://www.bellarmine.150m.com/prayers.htm (5 of 198)1/3/2005 5:27:24 PM
7/27/2019 Horrigan - Catholic Book of Prayers
6/198
A BOOK OF CATHOLIC PRAYERS
g ory o s esurrect on. roug t e same r st our or . men.
The Regina Coeli
To be said standing during Eastertide instead of the Angelus
Queen of heaven, rejoice; alleluia.
For He whom you did merit to bear; alleluia,
Has risen, as He said; alleluia.
Pray for us to God; alleluia.
V. Rejoice and be glad, O Virgin Mary; alleluia.
R. For the Lord has risen indeed; alleluia.
Let us pray.
O God, who gave joy to the world through the Resurrection of Thy Son,
our Lord Jesus Christ; grant that we may obtain, through His Virgin
Mother, Mary, the joys of everlasting life. Through the same Christ our
Lord. Amen.
The Memorare
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that
anyone who fled to your protection, implored your aid or sought your
ttp://www.bellarmine.150m.com/prayers.htm (6 of 198)1/3/2005 5:27:24 PM
7/27/2019 Horrigan - Catholic Book of Prayers
7/198
A BOOK OF CATHOLIC PRAYERS
intercession, was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly to you,
O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to you I come, before you I stand sinful
and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petition,
but in your mercy hear and answer me. Amen.
Prayer to the Guardian Angel
Angel of God, my guardian dear,
To whom Gods love commits me here,
Ever this day be at my side,
To light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen.
Spiritual Communion
I wish Lord, to receive You with the purity, humility and devotion with
which Your most holy Mother received You; with the spirit and fervor of
the saints.
THE HOLY ROSARY
The Joyful Mysteries (Mondays and Saturdays)
1. The Annunciation
2. The Visitation
ttp://www.bellarmine.150m.com/prayers.htm (7 of 198)1/3/2005 5:27:24 PM
7/27/2019 Horrigan - Catholic Book of Prayers
8/198
A BOOK OF CATHOLIC PRAYERS
3. The Nativity
4. The Presentation
5. The Finding in the Temple
The Luminous Mysteries (Thursdays)
1. The Baptism of Christ
2. The Wedding Feast at Cana
3. The Proclamation of Gods Kingdom and the Call to Conversion
4. The Transfiguration
5. The Institution of the Eucharist
The Sorrowful Mysteries (Tuesdays and Fridays)
1. The Agony in the Garden
2. The Scourging at the Pillar
3. The Crowning with Thorns
4. The Carrying of the Cross
5. The Crucifixion
The Glorious Mysteries (Wednesdays and Sundays)
1. The Resurrection
2. The Ascension
ttp://www.bellarmine.150m.com/prayers.htm (8 of 198)1/3/2005 5:27:24 PM
7/27/2019 Horrigan - Catholic Book of Prayers
9/198
A BOOK OF CATHOLIC PRAYERS
3. The Descent of the Holy Spirit
4. The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
5. The Coronation of the Blessed Virgin Mary as Queen of Heaven
MORNING PRAYERS
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Thy faithful, and kindle in them the
fire of Thy love.
Most holy and adorable Trinity, one God in three Persons, I believe that
Thou art here present; I adore Thee with the deepest humility, and render
to Thee, with my whole heart, the homage which is due to Thy sovereign
majesty.
O my God, I most humbly thank Thee for all the favors Thou hast
bestowed upon me up to the present moment. I give Thee thanks from the
bottom of my heart that Thou hast created me after Thine own image and
likeness, that Thou hast redeemed me by the precious blood of Thy dear
ttp://www.bellarmine.150m.com/prayers.htm (9 of 198)1/3/2005 5:27:24 PM
7/27/2019 Horrigan - Catholic Book of Prayers
10/198
A BOOK OF CATHOLIC PRAYERS
on, an t at ou ast preserve me an roug t me sa e to t e
beginning of another day. I offer to Thee, O Lord, my whole being, and in
particular all my thoughts, words, actions, and sufferings of this day. I
consecrate them all to the glory of Thy name, beseeching Thee that
through the infinite merits of Jesus Christ my Saviour they may all find
acceptance in Thy sight. May Thy divine love animate them, and may
they all tend to Thy greater glory.
Adorable Jesus, my Saviour and Master, model of all perfection, I resolve
and will endeavor this day to imitate Thy example, to be, like Thee, mild,
humble, chaste, zealous, charitable, and resigned. I will redouble my
efforts that I may not fall this day into any of those sins which I have
heretofore committed (here you may name any besetting sin), and which I
sincerely desire to forsake.
O my God, Thou knowest my poverty and weakness, and that I am unable
to do anything good without Thee; deny me not, O God, the help of Thy
grace; proportion it to my necessities; give me strength to avoid
everything evil which Thou forbiddest, and to practice the good which
Thou hast commanded; and enable me to bear patiently all the trials
which it may please Thee to send me.
ttp://www.bellarmine.150m.com/prayers.htm (10 of 198)1/3/2005 5:27:24 PM
7/27/2019 Horrigan - Catholic Book of Prayers
11/198
A BOOK OF CATHOLIC PRAYERS
An Act of Faith
O my God! I firmly believe that Thou art one God in three Divine
Persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; I believe that Thy
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 Thou hast revealed them, who
canst neither deceive nor be deceived.
An Act of Hope
O my God! Relying on Thy infinite goodness and promises, I hope to
obtain pardon of my sins, the help of Thy grace, and life everlasting,
through the merits of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Redeemer.
An Act of Charity
O my God! I love Thee above all things, with my whole heart and soul,
because Thou art all-good and worthy of all love. I love my neighbor asmyself for the love of Thee. I forgive all who have injured me, and ask
pardon of all whom I have injured.
An Act of Contrition
ttp://www.bellarmine.150m.com/prayers.htm (11 of 198)1/3/2005 5:27:24 PM
7/27/2019 Horrigan - Catholic Book of Prayers
12/198
A BOOK OF CATHOLIC PRAYERS
O my God! I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I detest all
my sins, because I dread the loss of heaven and the pains of hell, but most
of all because they offend 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.
O Holy Virgin, Mother of God, my Mother and Patroness, I place myself
under thy protection, I throw myself with confidence into the arms of thy
compassion. Be to me, O Mother of mercy, my refuge in distress, my
consolation under suffering, my advocate with thy adorable Son, now and
at the hour of my death. Amen.
O faithful Guardian and Father of virgins, blessed Joseph, to whom was
confided the care of Jesus, and of Mary the Queen of Virgins, I most
humbly supplicate thee, by the love thou dost bear Jesus and Mary, to
obtain for me that, being preserved from every stain during my whole life,
I may be ever able to serve them with unspotted purity of mind and body.
Amen.
May the power of the Father govern and protect me! May the wisdom of
the Son teach and enlighten me! May the influence of the Holy Spirit
ttp://www.bellarmine.150m.com/prayers.htm (12 of 198)1/3/2005 5:27:24 PM
7/27/2019 Horrigan - Catholic Book of Prayers
13/198
A BOOK OF CATHOLIC PRAYERS
renew and quicken me! May the blessing of the All-holy Trinity, the
Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be with me, now and for evermore.
Amen.
Grace Before Meals
Bless us, O Lord, and these Thy gifts, which we are about to receive from
Thy bounty. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Grace After Meals
We give Thee thanks, O Almighty God, for all Thy mercies. Who livest
and reignest world without end. Amen.
EVENING PRAYERS
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Thy faithful, and kindle in them the
fire of Thy love.
O my God, I present myself before Thee at the end of another day, to
ttp://www.bellarmine.150m.com/prayers.htm (13 of 198)1/3/2005 5:27:24 PM
7/27/2019 Horrigan - Catholic Book of Prayers
14/198
A BOOK OF CATHOLIC PRAYERS
o er ee anew t e omage o my eart. um y a ore ee, my
Creator, my Redeemer, and my Judge! I believe in Thee, because Thou
art Truth itself; I hope in Thee, because Thou art faithful to Thy promises;
I love Thee with my whole heart, because Thou art infinitely worthy of
being loved; and for Thy sake I love my neighbor as myself.
Enable me, O my God, to return Thee thanks as I ought for all Thine
inestimable blessings and favors. Thou hast thought of me, and loved me
from all eternity; Thou hast formed me out of nothing; Thou hast
delivered up Thy beloved Son to the ignominious death of the Cross for
my redemption; Thou hast made me a member of Thy holy Church; Thou
hast preserved me from falling into the abyss of eternal misery, when my
sins had provoked Thee to punish me; and Thou hast graciously
continued to spare me, even though I have not ceased to offend Thee.
What return, O my God, can I make for Thine innumerable blessings, and
particularly for the favors of this day? O all ye Angels and Saints, unite
with me in praising the God of mercies, who is so bountiful to so
unworthy a creature.
Ask of God to discover the sins committed this day.
ttp://www.bellarmine.150m.com/prayers.htm (14 of 198)1/3/2005 5:27:24 PM
7/27/2019 Horrigan - Catholic Book of Prayers
15/198
A BOOK OF CATHOLIC PRAYERS
O my God, sovereign Judge of men, who desirest not the death of a
sinner, but that he should be converted and saved, enlighten my mind,
that I may know the sins which I have this day committed in thought,
word, or deed, and give me the grace of true contrition.
Here examine your conscience, then say:
O my God, I heartily repent, and I am grieved that I have offended Thee,
because Thou art infinitely good, and sin is infinitely displeasing to Thee.
I humbly ask of Thee mercy and pardon, through the infinite merits of
Jesus Christ. I resolve, by the assistance of Thy grace, to do penance for
my sins, and I will endeavor never more to offend Thee.
O God, hear my prayers on behalf of our Holy Father Pope N., our
Bishop N., our clergy, and for all that are in authority over us. Bless, I
beseech Thee, the whole Catholic Church, and convert all heretics and
unbelievers. Pour down Thy blessings, O Lord, upon all my friends,relations, and acquaintances, and upon my enemies, if I have any. Help
the poor and the sick, and those who are in their last agony. O God of
mercy and goodness, have compassion on the souls of the faithful in
purgatory; put an end to their sufferings, and grant to them eternal light,
ttp://www.bellarmine.150m.com/prayers.htm (15 of 198)1/3/2005 5:27:24 PM
7/27/2019 Horrigan - Catholic Book of Prayers
16/198
A BOOK OF CATHOLIC PRAYERS
rest, and happiness. Amen.
O Almighty and Eternal God, who savest all, and willest not that any
should perish, look, we beseech Thee, upon the souls that are led astray
by the deceits of the devil; that, rejecting all errors, the hearts of those
who err may be converted, and return to the unity of Thy truth. Through
Christ our Lord. Amen.
Bless, O Lord, the repose I am about to take, that, my bodily strength
being renewed, I may better be the better enabled to serve Thee. Amen.
O Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of mercy, pray for me, that I may be
preserved this night from all evil, whether of body or soul. Blessed St.
Joseph, and all ye Angels and Saints, especially my guardian angel and
my chosen patron, watch over me. I commend myself to your protection
now and always. Amen.
Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord, God of hosts: the earth is full of Thy glory.
Glory be to the Father, glory be to the Son, glory be to the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
ttp://www.bellarmine.150m.com/prayers.htm (16 of 198)1/3/2005 5:27:24 PM
7/27/2019 Horrigan - Catholic Book of Prayers
17/198
A BOOK OF CATHOLIC PRAYERS
PRAYERS BEFORE CONFESSION
Imploration of Divine Assistance in Order to Make a Good
Confession
O Almighty and most merciful God, who hast made me out of nothing,
and redeeemed me by the Precious Blood of Thine Only Son; who hast
with so much patience borne with me to this day, notwithstanding all my
sins and ingratitude; ever calling after me to return to Thee from the ways
of vanity and iniquity, in which I have been quite wearied out in the
pursuit of empty toys and mere shadows; seeking in vain to satisfy my
thirst in unclean waters, and my hunger with husks of swine: behold, O
most gracious Lord, I now sincerely desire to leave all these my evil
ways, to forsake the region of death where I have so long lost myself, and
to return to Thee, the Fountain of Life. I desire, like the prodigal son, to
enter seriously into myself, and with the like resolution to arise without
delay, and to go home to my Father though I am most unworthy to be
called His child in hopes of meeting with the like reception from His
most tender mercy. But, O my God, though I can go astray from Thee of
ttp://www.bellarmine.150m.com/prayers.htm (17 of 198)1/3/2005 5:27:24 PM
7/27/2019 Horrigan - Catholic Book of Prayers
18/198
A BOOK OF CATHOLIC PRAYERS
myse , yet cannot ma e one step towar s return ng to ee, un ess y
divine grace move and assist me. This grace, therefore, I most humbly
implore, prostrate in spirit before the throne of Thy mercy; I beg it for the
sake of Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who died upon the Cross for my sins; I
know that Thou desirest not the death of a sinner, but that he may be
converted and live; I know Thy mercies are above all Thy works; and I
most confidently hope that as in Thy mercy Thou hast spared me so long,
and hast now given me this desire of returning to Thee, so Thou wilt
finish the work which Thou hast begun, and bring me to a perfect
reconciliation with Thee.
I desire now to comply with Thy holy institution of the Sacrament of
Penance; I desire to confess my sins with all sincerity to Thee and to Thy
minister; and therefore I desire to know myself, and to call myself to an
account by a diligent examination of my conscience. But, O my God, how
miserably shall I deceive myself if Thou assist me not in this great work
by Thy heavenly light. O then remove every veil that hides any of my sins
from me, that I may see them all in their true colors, and may sincerely
detest them. O let me no longer be imposed upon by the Enemy of souls,
or by my own self-love, so as to mistake vice for virtue, to hide myself
from myself, or in any way to make excuses in sins.
ttp://www.bellarmine.150m.com/prayers.htm (18 of 198)1/3/2005 5:27:24 PM
7/27/2019 Horrigan - Catholic Book of Prayers
19/198
A BOOK OF CATHOLIC PRAYERS
But, O my good God, what will it avail me to know my sins, if Thou dost
not also give me a hearty sorrow and repentance for them? Without this
my sins will be all upon me still, and I shall be still Thine enemy and a
child of hell. Thou dost require that contrite heart, without which there
can be no reconciliation with Thee; and this heart none but Thyself can
give. O then, dear Lord, grant it unto me at this time. Give me a lively
faith, and a steadfast hope, in the Passion of my Redeemer; teach me to
fear Thee and to love Thee. Give me, for Thy mercys sake, a hearty
sorrow for having offended so good a God. Teach me to detest my evil
ways; to abhor all my past ingratitude; to hate myself now with a perfect
hatred for my many treasons against Thee. O give me a full and a firm
resolution to lead henceforward a new life; and unite me unto Thee with
an eternal band of love which nothing in life or death may ever break.
Grant me also the grace to make an entire and sincere confession of all
my sins, and to accept the confusion of it as a penance justly due to mytransgressions. Let not the Enemy prevail upon me to pass over anything
through fear or shame; rather let me die than consent to so great an evil.
Let no self-love deceive me, as I fear it has done too often. O grant that
this confession may be good; and for the sake of Jesus Christ, Thy Son,
ttp://www.bellarmine.150m.com/prayers.htm (19 of 198)1/3/2005 5:27:24 PM
7/27/2019 Horrigan - Catholic Book of Prayers
20/198
A BOOK OF CATHOLIC PRAYERS
who died for me and for all sinners, assist me in every part of my
preparation for it; that I may perform it with the same care and diligence
as I should be glad to do at the hour of my death; that so, being perfectly
reconciled to Thee, I may never offend Thee more. Amen.
Prayers Before the Examination of Conscience
O Almighty God, Maker of heaven and earth, King of kings, and Lord of
lords, who hast made me out of nothing in Thine image and likeness, and
hast redeemed me with Thine own Blood; whom I a sinner am not worthy
to name, or call upon, or think of: I humbly pray Thee, I earnestly
beseech Thee, to look mercifully on me, Thy wicked servant. Thou who
hadst mercy on the woman of Chanaan and Mary Magdalen; Thou who
didst spare the publican and the thief upon the cross, have mercy upon
me. Thou art my hope and my trust; my guide and my succor; my comfort
and my strength; my defense and my deliverance; my life, my health, and
my resurrection; my light and my longing; my help and my protection. I
pray and entreat Thee, help me and I shall be safe; direct me and defend
me; strengthen me and comfort me; confirm me and gladden me;
enlighten me and come unto me. Raise me from the dead; I am Thy
creature, and the work of Thy hands. Despise me not, O Lord, nor regard
my iniquities; but according to the multitude of Thy tender mercies have
ttp://www.bellarmine.150m.com/prayers.htm (20 of 198)1/3/2005 5:27:24 PM
7/27/2019 Horrigan - Catholic Book of Prayers
21/198
A BOOK OF CATHOLIC PRAYERS
mercy upon me, the chief of sinners, and be gracious unto me. Turn Thou
unto me, O Lord, and be not angry with me. I implore Thee, most
compassionate Father, I pray Thee meekly, of Thy great mercy, to bring
me to a holy death, and to true penance, to a perfect confession, and to
worthy satisfaction for all my sins. Amen.
O Lord God, who enlightenest every man who cometh into this world,
enlighten my heart, I pray Thee, with the light of Thy grace, that I may
fully know my sins, shortcomings, and negligences, and may confess
them with that true sorrow and contrition of heart which I so much need. I
desire to make full amends for all my sins and to avoid them for the
future to Thy honor and glory, and to the salvation of my soul, through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
I believe in Thee, O God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, my Creator, my
Redeemer, and Sanctifier; I believe that Thou art all-holy, just, and
merciful. I believe that Thou art willing to pardon and to save me, if I
repent and forsake my sins.
O my God, strengthen and increase my faith, and grant me the grace of a
ttp://www.bellarmine.150m.com/prayers.htm (21 of 198)1/3/2005 5:27:24 PM
7/27/2019 Horrigan - Catholic Book of Prayers
22/198
A BOOK OF CATHOLIC PRAYERS
true repentance, or esus r st s sa e. men.
I hope in Thee, O my God, because Thou art almighty, faithful, and long-
suffering. I humbly trust that Thou wilt pardon my sins for the sake of
Thy dear Son Jesus Christ, who suffered and died for me upon the Cross;
and that Thou wilt cleanse my sinful soul in His precious Blood, and
make me holy, and bring me to everlasting life.
O Lord, in Thee have I hoped, let me never be confounded. Amen.
I love Thee, O my God, above all things, because Thou hast been so
good, so patient, so loving to me, notwithstanding all the sins by which I
have so grievously offended Thee. I love Thee, O Blessed Jesus, my
Saviour, because Thou didst suffer so much for love of me, an ungrateful
sinner, and didst die on the Cross for my salvation.
O make me love Thee more and more, and show my love to Thee by
faithfully keeping Thy Commandments all the days of my life. Amen.
O Mary Immaculate, Mother of Fair Love: obtain for me that love of
God, which is so necessary for true contrition. Amen.
ttp://www.bellarmine.150m.com/prayers.htm (22 of 198)1/3/2005 5:27:24 PM
7/27/2019 Horrigan - Catholic Book of Prayers
23/198
A BOOK OF CATHOLIC PRAYERS
Prayer After the Examination of Conscience
O my God, I cry unto Thee with the prodigal: Father, I have sinned
against heaven and before Thee ; I am no longer worthy to be called Thy
Son.
I have gone astray like a sheep that is lost. O seek Thy servant, for I have
not forgotten Thy commandments.
Enter not into judgment with Thy servant, O Lord. O spare me for Thy
mercys sake.
Prove me, O God, and know my heart ; examine me, and know my paths.
Thou whose property is always to have mercy and to spare, O meet me in
pity, embrace me in love, and forgive me all my sin.
I confess my sins unto Thee, O Christ, Healer of our souls, O Lord of
Life. Heal me, heal me of my spiritual sickness, Thou who art long-
suffering and of tender mercy ; heal me, O Lord Christ.
Accept my supplication, O Thou Holy Spirit, unto whom every heart is
open, every desire known, and from whom no secret is hid, and whogivest life to our souls ; hear and answer, O Spirit of God.
O Heavenly Father, who willest not that any sinner should perish, give me
true repentance for this my sin, that I perish not !
To what misery am I come by my own fault ! O merciful God, pity and
ttp://www.bellarmine.150m.com/prayers.htm (23 of 198)1/3/2005 5:27:24 PM
7/27/2019 Horrigan - Catholic Book of Prayers
24/198
A BOOK OF CATHOLIC PRAYERS
forgive me for Jesus sake.
Thine eyes, O God, are as a flame of fire searching my inmost heart. O
pardon my sin, for it is great !
Thou, God, seest me in all the foulness of my sins ! Blessed Jesus, speak
for me, plead for me, come between my soul and my offended God, that I
perish not. Amen.
The 7 Penitential Psalms
Psalm 6
O Lord, reprove me not in your anger, nor chastise me in your wrath.
Have pity on me, O Lord, for I am languishing ; heal me, O Lord, for my
body is in terror ;
My soul, too, is utterly terrified ; but you, O Lord, how long?
Return, O Lord, save my life ; rescue me because of your kindness,
For among the dead no one remembers you ; in the nether world who
gives you thanks?
I am wearied with sighing ; every night I flood my bed with weeping ; I
drench my couch with my tears.
My eyes are dimed with sorrow ; they have aged because of all my foes.
Depart from me, all evildoers, for the Lord has heard the sound of my
ttp://www.bellarmine.150m.com/prayers.htm (24 of 198)1/3/2005 5:27:24 PM
7/27/2019 Horrigan - Catholic Book of Prayers
25/198
A BOOK OF CATHOLIC PRAYERS
weeping ;
The Lord has heard my plea ; the Lord has accepted my prayer.
All my enemies shall be put to shame in utter terror ; they shall fall back
in sudden shame.
Psalm 31
Happy is he whose fault is taken away, whose sin is covered.
Happy is the man to whom the Lord imputes not guilt, in whose spirit
there is no guile.
As long as I would not speak, my bones wasted away with my groaning
all the day,
For day and night your hand was heavy upon me ; my strength was dried
up as by the heat of summer.
Then I acknowledged my sin to you, my guilt I covered not.
I said, I confess my faults to the Lord, and you took away the guilt of
my sin.
For this shall every faithful man pray to you in time of stress.
Though deep waters overflow, they shall not reach him.
You are my shelter ; from distress you will preserve me ; with glad cries
of freedom you will ring me round.
ttp://www.bellarmine.150m.com/prayers.htm (25 of 198)1/3/2005 5:27:24 PM
7/27/2019 Horrigan - Catholic Book of Prayers
26/198
A BOOK OF CATHOLIC PRAYERS
w nstruct you an s ow you t e way you s ou wa ; w counse
you, keeping my eye on you.
Be not senseless like horses or mules: with bit and bridle their temper
must be curbed, else they will not come near you.
Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but kindness surrounds him who
trusts in the Lord.
Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you just ; exult, all you upright of heart.
Psalm 37
O Lord, in your anger punish me not, in your wrath chastise me not ;
For your arrows have sunk deep in me, and your hand has come down
upon me.
There is no health in my flesh because of your indignation ; there is no
wholeness in my bones because of my sin,
For my iniquities have overwhelmed me ; they are like a heavy burden,
beyond my strength.
Noisome and festering are my sores because of my folly,
I am stooped and bowed down profoundly ; all the day I go in mourning,
For my loins are filled with burning pains ; there is no health in my flesh.
I am numbed and severely crushed ; I roar with anguish of heart.
O Lord, all my desire is before you ; from you my groaning is not hid.
ttp://www.bellarmine.150m.com/prayers.htm (26 of 198)1/3/2005 5:27:24 PM
7/27/2019 Horrigan - Catholic Book of Prayers
27/198
A BOOK OF CATHOLIC PRAYERS
My heart throbs ; my strength forsakes me ; the very light of my eyes has
failed me.
My friends and my companions stand back because of my affliction ; my
neighbors stand afar off.
Men lay snares for me seeking my life ; they look to my misfortune, they
speak of ruin, treachery they talk of all the day.
But I am like a deaf man, hearing not, like a dumb man who opens not his
mouth.
I am become like a man who neither hears nor has in his mouth a retort.
Because for you, O Lord, I wait ; you, O Lord my God, will answer
When I say, Let them not be glad on my account who, when my foot
slips, glory over me.
For I am very near to falling, and my grief is with me always.
Indeed, I acknowledge my guilt ; I grieve over my sin.
But my undeserved enemies are strong ; many are my foes without cause.
Those who repay evil for good harass me for pursuing good.
Forsake me not, O Lord ; my God, be not far from me!Make haste to help me, O Lord, my salvation!
Psalm 50 (The Miserere)
Have mercy on me, O God, in your goodness ; in the greatness of your
ttp://www.bellarmine.150m.com/prayers.htm (27 of 198)1/3/2005 5:27:24 PM
7/27/2019 Horrigan - Catholic Book of Prayers
28/198
A BOOK OF CATHOLIC PRAYERS
compassion wipe out my offense.
Thoroughly wash me from my guilt and of my sin cleanse me.
For I acknowledge my offense, and my sin is before me always:
Against you only have I sinned, and done what is evil in your sight
That you may be justified in your sentence, vindicated when you
condemn.
Indeed, in guilt was I born, and in sin my mother conceived me ;
Behold, you are pleased with sincerity of heart, and in my inmost being
you teach me wisdom.
Cleanse me with hyssop, that I may be purified ; wash me, and I shall be
whiter than snow.
Let me hear the sounds of joy and gladness ; the bones you have crushed
shall rejoice.
Turn away your face from my sins, and blot out all my guilt.
A clean heart create for me, O God, and a steadfast spirit renew within me.
Cast me not out from your presence, and your holy spirit take not from
me.
Give me back the joy of your salvation, and a willing spirit sustain in me.
I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners shall return to you.
Free me from blood guilt, O God, my saving God ; then my tongue shall
revel in your justice.
ttp://www.bellarmine.150m.com/prayers.htm (28 of 198)1/3/2005 5:27:24 PM
7/27/2019 Horrigan - Catholic Book of Prayers
29/198
A BOOK OF CATHOLIC PRAYERS
O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall proclaim your praise.
For you are not pleased with sacrifices ; should I offer a holocaust, you
would not accept it.
My sacrifice, O God, is a contrite spirit ; a heart contrite and humbled, O
God, you will not spurn.
Be bountiful, O Lord, to Sion in your kindness by rebuilding the walls of
Jerusalem ;
Then shall you be pleased with due sacrifices, burnt offerings and
holocausts ; then shall they offer up bullocks on your altar.
Psalm 101
O Lord, hear my prayer, and let my cry come to you.
Hide not your face from me in the day of my distress.
Incline your ear to me ; in the day when I call, answer me speedily.
For my days vanish like smoke, and my bones burn like fire.
Withered and died up like grass is my heart ; I forget to eat my bread.
Because of my insistent sighing I am reduced to skin and bone.
I am like a desert owl ; I have become like an owl among the ruins.
I am sleepless, and I moan ; I am like a sparrow alone on the housetop.
All the day my enemies revile me ; in their rage against me they make a
ttp://www.bellarmine.150m.com/prayers.htm (29 of 198)1/3/2005 5:27:24 PM
7/27/2019 Horrigan - Catholic Book of Prayers
30/198
A BOOK OF CATHOLIC PRAYERS
curse o me.
For I eat ashes like bread and mingle my drink with tears,
Because of your fury and your wrath ; for you lifted me up only to cast
me down.
My days are like a lengthening shadow, and I whither like grass.
But you, O Lord, abide forever, and your name through all generations.
You will arise and have mercy on Sion, for it is time to pity her, for the
appointed time has come.
For her stones are dear to your servants, and her dust moves them to pity.
And the nations shall revere your name, O Lord, and all the kings of the
earth your glory,
When the Lord has rebuilt Sion and appeared in his glory ;
When he has regarded the prayer of the destitute, and not despised their
prayer.
Let this be written for the generation to come, and let his future creatures
praise the Lord :
The Lord looked down from his holy height, from heaven he beheld the
earth,
To hear the groaning of the prisoners, to release those doomed to die
That the name of the Lord may be declared in Sion ; and his praise, in
Jerusalem,
ttp://www.bellarmine.150m.com/prayers.htm (30 of 198)1/3/2005 5:27:24 PM
7/27/2019 Horrigan - Catholic Book of Prayers
31/198
A BOOK OF CATHOLIC PRAYERS
When the peoples gather together, and the kingdoms, to serve the Lord.
He has broken down my strength in the way ; he has cut short my days.
I say: O my God,
Take me not hence in the midst of my days ; through all generations your
years endure.
Of old you established the earth, and the heavens are the work of your
hands.
They shall perish, but you remain though all of them grow old like a
garment.
Like clothing you change them, and they are changed, but you are the
same, and your years have no end.
The children of your servants shall abide, and their posterity shall
continue in your presence.
Psalm 129
Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord ; Lord, hear my voice!
Let your ears be attentive to my voice in supplication :If you, O Lord, mark iniquities, Lord, who can stand?
But with you is forgiveness, that you may be revered.
I trust in the Lord ; my soul trusts in his word.
My soul waits for the Lord more than sentinels wait for the dawn.
ttp://www.bellarmine.150m.com/prayers.htm (31 of 198)1/3/2005 5:27:24 PM
7/27/2019 Horrigan - Catholic Book of Prayers
32/198
A BOOK OF CATHOLIC PRAYERS
More than sentinels wait for the dawn, let Israel wait for the Lord,
For with the Lord is kindness and with him is plenteous redemption ;
And he will redeem Israel from all their iniquities.
Psalm 142
O Lord, hear my prayer ; hearken to my pleading in your faithfulness ; in
your justice answer me.
And enter not into judgment with your servant, for before you no living
man is just.
For the enemy pursues me ; he has crushed my life to the ground ; he has
left me dwelling in the dark, like those long dead.
And my spirit is faint within me, my heart within me is appalled.
I remember the days of old ; I meditate on all your doings, the works of
your hands I ponder.
I stretch out my hands to you ; my soul thirsts for you like parched land.
Hasten to answer me, O Lord, for my spirit fails me.
Hide not your face from me lest I become like those who go down into
the pit.
At dawn let me hear of your kindness, for in you I trust.
Show me the way in which I should walk, for to you I lift up my soul.
Rescue me from my enemies, O Lord, for in you I hope.
ttp://www.bellarmine.150m.com/prayers.htm (32 of 198)1/3/2005 5:27:24 PM
7/27/2019 Horrigan - Catholic Book of Prayers
33/198
A BOOK OF CATHOLIC PRAYERS
Teach me to do your will, for you are my God.
May your good spirit guide me on level ground.
For your names sake, O Lord, preserve me ; in your justice free me from
distress,
And in your kindness destroy my enemies ; bring to naught all my foes,
for I am your servant.
Prayer Before Confession
Accept my confession, O my loving, most gracious Lord Jesus Christ, on
whom alone my soul trusts for salvation. Grant me, I beseech Thee,
contrition of heart, and give tears to mine eyes, that I may sorrow deeply
for all my sins with humility and sincerity of heart.
O good Jesus, Saviour of the world, who gavest Thyself to the death of
the Cross to save sinners, look on me, a miserable sinner who calls upon
Thy name. Spare me, Thou that art my Saviour, and pity my sinful soul ;
loose its chains, heal its sores. Lord Jesus, I desire Thee, I seek Thee, I
long for Thee ; show me the light of Thy countenance, and I shall be
saved ; send forth Thy light and Thy truth into my soul, to show me fully
all the sins and shortcomings which I must still confess, and to aid and
ttp://www.bellarmine.150m.com/prayers.htm (33 of 198)1/3/2005 5:27:24 PM
7/27/2019 Horrigan - Catholic Book of Prayers
34/198
A BOOK OF CATHOLIC PRAYERS
teac me to ay t em are w t out reserve an w t a contr te eart ;
Thou who livest and reignest with God the Father, in the unity of the
Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.
O most gracious Virgin Mary, beloved Mother of Jesus Christ, my
Redeemer, intercede for me with Him. Obtain for me the full remission of
my sins, and perfect amendment of life, to the salvation of my soul and
the glory of His name. Amen.
I implore the same grace of thee, O my Guardian Angel ; of you, my holy
Patrons, N. N. ; of you, O blessed Peter and holy Magdalen, and of all the
Saints of God. Intercede for me a sinner, repenting of my sins, firmly
resolving to confess them, and to avoid them for the future. Amen.
Act Before Confession (St. Alphonsus de Liguori)
O God of infinite majesty, behold at Thy feet a traitor, who has offended
Thee over and over again, but who now humbly seeks forgiveness. O
Lord, reject me not ; Thou dost not despise a heart that humbles itself : A
contrite heart and humbled heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise. I thank
Thee that Thou hast waited for me till now, and hast not let me die in sin,
casting me into hell, as I deserved. Since Thou hast waited for me, my
ttp://www.bellarmine.150m.com/prayers.htm (34 of 198)1/3/2005 5:27:24 PM
7/27/2019 Horrigan - Catholic Book of Prayers
35/198
A BOOK OF CATHOLIC PRAYERS
God, I hope that, by the merits of Jesus Christ, Thou wilt pardon me in
this confession for all the offences I have committed against Thee ; I
repent, and am sorry for them, because by them I have merited hell and
lost paradise. But above all, it is not so much on account of hell which I
have merited, but because I have offended Thee, O Infinite Goodness!
that I am sorry from the bottom of my heart. I love Thee, O Sovereign
Good! and because I love Thee, I repent of all the insults I have offered
Thee. I have turned my back upon Thee ; I have not respected Thee ; I
have despised Thy grace and Thy friendship. O Lord! I have lost Thee by
my own free-will ; forgive me all my sins for the love of Jesus Christ,
now that I repent with all my heart ; I hate, detest, and abominate them
above every evil. And I repent not only of mortal sins, but also of venial
sins, because these are also displeasing to Thee. I resolve for the future,
by Thy grace, never more wilfully to offend Thee. Yes, my God, I will
rather die than ever sin again.
PRAYERS AFTER CONFESSION
O most merciful God, who according to the multitude of Thy mercies
dost so put away the sins of those who truly repent that Thou
ttp://www.bellarmine.150m.com/prayers.htm (35 of 198)1/3/2005 5:27:24 PM
7/27/2019 Horrigan - Catholic Book of Prayers
36/198
A BOOK OF CATHOLIC PRAYERS
rememberest them no more: look graciously upon me, Thine unworthy
servant, and accept my confession for Thy mercys sake ; receive my
humble thanks, most loving Father, that of Thy great goodness Thou hast
given me pardon for all my sins. O may Thy love and pity supply
whatsoever has been wanting in the sufficiency of my contrition, and the
fulness of my confession. And do Thou, O Lord, vouchsafe to grant me
the help of Thy grace, that I may diligently amend my life and persevere
in Thy service unto the end, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Psalm 102
Bless the Lord, O my soul ; and all my being, bless His holy name.
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits ;
He pardons all your iniquities, He heals all your ills.
He redeems your life from destruction, He crowns you with kindness and
compassion,
He fills your lifetime with good ; your youth is renewed like the eagles.
The Lord secures justice and the rights of all the oppressed.
He has made known all His ways to Moses, and His deeds to the children
of Israel.
Merciful and gracious is the Lord, slow to anger and abounding in
kindness.
ttp://www.bellarmine.150m.com/prayers.htm (36 of 198)1/3/2005 5:27:24 PM
7/27/2019 Horrigan - Catholic Book of Prayers
37/198
A BOOK OF CATHOLIC PRAYERS
He will not always chide, nor does He keep His wrath forever.
Not according to our sins does he deal with us, nor does He requite us
according to our crimes.
For as the heavens are high above the earth so surpassing is His kindness
toward those who fear Him.
As far as the east is from the west, so far has He put our transgressions
from us.
As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion
on those who fear Him,
For He knows how we are formed ; he remembers that we are dust.
Mans days are like those of grass ; like a flower of the field he blooms ;
The wind sweeps over him and he is gone, and his place knows him no
more.
But the kindness of the Lord is from eternity to eternity toward those who
fear Him,
And His justice toward childrens children among those who keep His
covenant and remember to fulfill His precepts.
The Lord has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules
over all.
Bless the Lord, all you His angels, you mighty in strength, who do His
ttp://www.bellarmine.150m.com/prayers.htm (37 of 198)1/3/2005 5:27:24 PM
7/27/2019 Horrigan - Catholic Book of Prayers
38/198
A BOOK OF CATHOLIC PRAYERS
ng, o ey ng s spo en wor .
Bless the Lord, all you His hosts, His ministers, who do His will.
Bless the Lord, all His works, everywhere in His domain.
Bless the Lord, O my soul!
Psalm 15
Preserve me, O Lord, for in Thee have I put my trust: I have said to the
Lord, Thou art my God, for Thou hast no need of my goods.
To the saints who are in His land: He hath made wonderful all my desires
in them.
Their infirmities were multiplied: afterwards they made haste.
I will not gather together their meetings for blood-offerings: nor will I
make mention of their names with my lips.
The Lord is the portion of my inheritance and of my cup: Thou art He that
will restore my inheritance unto me.
The lines are fallen unto me in goodly places: for my inheritance is
goodly unto me.
I will bless the Lord, who hath given me understanding: moreover my
reins also have corrected me even till night.
I set the Lord always in my sight: for He is at my right hand, that I be not
moved.
ttp://www.bellarmine.150m.com/prayers.htm (38 of 198)1/3/2005 5:27:24 PM
7/27/2019 Horrigan - Catholic Book of Prayers
39/198
A BOOK OF CATHOLIC PRAYERS
Therefore my heart hath been glad, and my tongue hath rejoiced:
moreover my flesh shall rest in hope.
For Thou wilt not leave my soul in hell: nor wilt Thou give Thy holy one
to see corruption.
Thou hast made known unto me the ways of life: Thou shalt fill me with
joy with Thy countenance: at Thy right hand are delights forevermore.
Psalm 19
May the Lord hear thee in the day of trouble: may the name of the God of
Jacob protect thee.
May He send thee help from the sanctuary: and defend thee out of Sion.
May He be mindful of all thy sacrifices: and may thy whole burnt-
offerings be made fat.
May He give unto thee according to thine own heart: and confirm all thy
counsels.
We will rejoice in thy salvation: and in the name of our God we shall be
exalted.The Lord fulfill all thy petitions: now have I known that the Lord hath
saved His anointed.
He will hear him from His holy heaven: the salvation of His right hand is
powerful.
ttp://www.bellarmine.150m.com/prayers.htm (39 of 198)1/3/2005 5:27:24 PM
7/27/2019 Horrigan - Catholic Book of Prayers
40/198
A BOOK OF CATHOLIC PRAYERS
Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will call upon the
name of the Lord our God.
They are entangled and have fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright.
O Lord, save the king: and hear us in the day that we shall call upon Thee.
Prayer Before Performing Penance
Since I have so grievously insulted Thee, O most tender and loving God,
by my manifold sins and negligences, I am ready now to make perfect
satisfaction to Thy divine justice to the utmost of my ability. To this end I
will faithfully and most reverently perform the penance appointed me by
my confessor in Thy name ; and would that I could perform it with so
great devotion and love as to give Thee an honor and delight greater than
the insult and outrage of my sins! And that this may be so, I unite and
blend this my penance with all the works of satisfaction which Thy
beloved Son accomplished during the three-and-thirty years of His life on
earth, and in union with His fastings, His watchings, and His prayers, I
offer Thee this my penance and my prayer. Look down, therefore, O most
loving Father, upon me Thy most bounden debtor, now prostrate at Thy
feet, desiring to make thee adequate satisfaction and reparation for all the
insults and injuries I have done Thee ; and grant me strength and grace to
say this prayer according to Thy most holy will. Amen.
ttp://www.bellarmine.150m.com/prayers.htm (40 of 198)1/3/2005 5:27:24 PM
7/27/2019 Horrigan - Catholic Book of Prayers
41/198
A BOOK OF CATHOLIC PRAYERS
Here perform your sacramental Penance, and then say:
O most holy Father, I offer Thee this my confession and my satisfaction
in union with all the acts of penance which have ever been done to the
glory of Thy holy name: beseeching Thee that Thou wouldst vouchsafe to
accept it, and to render it availing through the merits of the Passion of
Thy beloved Son, and through the intercession of the ever-blessed Virgin
Mary, and of all Thy holy Apostles, Martyrs, Confessors, and Virgins.
Whatever has been lacking to me in sincere and earnest preparation, in
perfect contrition, in frank and clear confession, I commend to the most
loving heart of Thine only-begotten Son, that Treasury of all good and of
all grace, from whose overflowing abundance all debts to Thee are fully
acquitted ; that, through it, all my negligences and defects in the reception
of this holy Sacrament may be fully and perfectly supplied to Thine
everlasting praise and glory: through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth
and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world
without end. Amen.
A Prayer for the Priest
ttp://www.bellarmine.150m.com/prayers.htm (41 of 198)1/3/2005 5:27:24 PM
7/27/2019 Horrigan - Catholic Book of Prayers
42/198
A BOOK OF CATHOLIC PRAYERS
or esus r st, ess, eseec ee, y servant w o as now
ministered to me in Thy name. Help me to remember his good counsel
and advice, and to perform duly what he has rightly laid upon me. And
grant him the abundance of Thy grace and favor, that his own soul may
be refreshed and strengthened for Thy perfect service, and that he may
come at last to the joy of Thy heavenly kingdom. Who livest and reignest
with the Father and the Holy Spirit, ever one God, world without end.
Amen.
Prayers for Pardon and Amendment
I :
O most sweet Lord Jesus Christ, I, an unworthy sinner, would beg Thee to
be mindful of all holy thoughts which have been Thine from eternity until
now ; above all, that one by which Thou, O Eternal Word, didst will to
become man.
Our Father.
O most merciful Lord, I pray Thee, from the bottom of my heart, to
pardon me all the vain, foul, and evil thoughts which, up to this hour, I
have entertained, or in any way have caused others to entertain, against or
beside Thy will.
ttp://www.bellarmine.150m.com/prayers.htm (42 of 198)1/3/2005 5:27:24 PM
7/27/2019 Horrigan - Catholic Book of Prayers
43/198
A BOOK OF CATHOLIC PRAYERS
Our Father.
II.
O most compassionate Lord Jesus Christ, I, a miserable sinner, would beg
Thee to be mindful of all the good and saving words which Thou didst
ever speak when on earth.
Our Father.
I humbly pray Thee, O good Jesus, to forgive me all the words which up
to this hour I have uttered or caused others to utter against Thy holy will.
Our Father.
III.
O most sweet Jesus Christ, I, an unworthy sinner, yet redeemed by Thy
precious Blood, would beg Thee to be mindful of all the good works
which Thou wroughtest on the earth for our salvation. I beseech Thee,
most compassionate Lord, pardon me whatsoever, by my ill deeds, I have
at any time knowingly or unknowingly committed, or have caused othersto commit, against Thy law and the glory of Thy name.
Our Father.
And now, O most gracious Lord, direct and order all my thoughts, words,
and works according to Thy good pleasure, and to the praise of Thy
ttp://www.bellarmine.150m.com/prayers.htm (43 of 198)1/3/2005 5:27:24 PM
7/27/2019 Horrigan - Catholic Book of Prayers
44/198
A BOOK OF CATHOLIC PRAYERS
name ; and conform them to the perfect pattern of Thy most holy life and
conversation. I am Thine, and will be Thine, O Lord, in life and in death ;
into Thy hands I commend myself and all that I have.
Our Father.
Prayers Against the Seven Deadly Sins
Prayer Against Pride
O Lord Jesus Christ, Pattern of humility, who didst empty Thyself of Thy
glory, and take upon Thee the form of a servant: root out of us all pride
and conceit of heart, that, owning ourselves miserable and guilty sinners,
we may willingly bear contempt and reproaches for Thy sake, and,
glorying in nothing but Thee, may esteem ourselves lowly in Thy sight.
Not unto us, O Lord, but to Thy name be the praise, for Thy loving mercy
and for Thy truths sake. Amen.
Prayer Against Covetousness
O Lord Jesus Christ, who though Thou wast rich yet for our sakes didst
become poor, grant that all over-eagerness and covetousness of earthly
goods may die in us, and the desire of heavenly things may live and grow
in us: keep us from all idle and vain expenditures, that we may always
ttp://www.bellarmine.150m.com/prayers.htm (44 of 198)1/3/2005 5:27:24 PM
7/27/2019 Horrigan - Catholic Book of Prayers
45/198
A BOOK OF CATHOLIC PRAYERS
have to give to him that needeth, and that giving not grudgingly nor of
necessity, but cheerfully, we may be loved of Thee, and be made through
Thy merits partakers of the riches of Thy heavenly treasure. Amen.
Prayer Against Lust
O Lord Jesus Christ, Guardian of chaste souls, and lover of purity, who
wast pleased to take our nature and to be born of an immaculate Virgin:
mercifully look upon my infirmity. Create in me a clean heart, O God:
and renew a right spirit within me ; help me to drive away all evil
thoughts, to conquer every sinful desire, and so pierce my flesh with the
fear of Thee that, this worst enemy being overcome, I may serve Thee
with a chaste body and please Thee with a pure heart. Amen.
Prayer Against Anger
O most meek Jesus, Prince of Peace, who, when Thou wast reviled, didst
not revile, and on the Cross didst pray for Thy murderers: implant in our
hearts the virtues of gentleness and patience, that, restraining the
fierceness of anger, impatience, and resentment, we may overcome evil
with good, for Thy sake love our enemies, and as children of our
heavenly Father seek peace and evermore rejoice in Thy love. Amen.
ttp://www.bellarmine.150m.com/prayers.htm (45 of 198)1/3/2005 5:27:24 PM
7/27/2019 Horrigan - Catholic Book of Prayers
46/198
A BOOK OF CATHOLIC PRAYERS
Prayer Against Glutony
O Lord Jesus Christ, Mirror of abstinence, who, to teach us the virtue of
abstinence, didst fast forty days and forty nights, grant that, serving Thee
and not our own appetites, we may live soberly and piously with
contentment, without greediness, gluttony, or drunkenness, that Thy will
being our meat and drink, we may hunger and thirst after justice, and
finally obtain from Thee that food which endureth unto life eternal. Amen.
Prayer Against Envy
O most loving Jesus, Pattern of charity, who makest all the
commandments of the law to consist in love towards God and towards
man, grant to us so to love Thee with all our heart, with all our mind, and
all our soul, and our neighborfor Thy sake, that the grace of charity and
brotherly love may dwell in us, and all envy, harshness, and ill-will may
die in us ; and fill our hearts with love, kindness, and compassion, so that
by constantly rejoicing in the happiness and success of others, by
sympathizing with them in their sorrows, and putting away all harsh
judgments and envious thoughts, we may follow Thee, who art Thyself
the true and perfect love. Amen.
ttp://www.bellarmine.150m.com/prayers.htm (46 of 198)1/3/2005 5:27:24 PM
7/27/2019 Horrigan - Catholic Book of Prayers
47/198
A BOOK OF CATHOLIC PRAYERS
Prayer Against Sloth
O Lord Jesus Christ, eternal Love, who in the garden didst pray so long
and so fervently that Thy sweat was, as it were, drops of blood falling
down to the ground: put away from us, we beseech Thee, all sloth and
inactivity both of body and mind ; kindle within us the fire of Thy love ;
strengthen our weakness, that whatsoever our hand is able to do we may
do earnestly, and that, striving heartily to please Thee in this life, we may
have Thee hereafter as our reward exceedingly great. Amen.
SEVEN THANKSGIVING PRAYERS FOR THE SEVEN
SHEDDINGS OF OUR LORDS BLOOD (AGAINST THE SEVEN
DEADLY SINS)
I.
O most humble Lord and Master, Jesus Christ, true God and true Man,
eternal praise and thanksgiving be to Thee, because in Thy tenderest age,
on the eighth day of Thy mortal life, Thou didst vouchsafe to shed Thyprecious and innocent Blood for us, and as a true Son of Abraham to bear
the pain of circumcision.
By this most holy shedding of Thy Blood, I beg of Thee the grace of
humility against all pride and worldly vanity.
ttp://www.bellarmine.150m.com/prayers.htm (47 of 198)1/3/2005 5:27:24 PM
7/27/2019 Horrigan - Catholic Book of Prayers
48/198
A BOOK OF CATHOLIC PRAYERS
Our Father.
O Saviour of the world, who by Thy Cross and precious Blood hast
redeemed us: save us, and help us, we humbly beseech Thee, O Lord.
II.
O Thou whose love is like the pelicans for her young, Jesus Christ, true
God and true Man, eternal praise and thanksgiving be to Thee, because in
the Garden, out of the exceeding anguish of Thy Heart, Thou didst pour
forth a bloody sweat, and, wholly resigning Thyself to death, didst offer it
to Thy Father.
By this most holy shedding of Thy Blood, I ask of Thee the grace of
liberality against all covetousness and avarice.
Our Father.
O Saviour of the world, etc.
III.
O most chaste Spouse, Jesus Christ, true God and true Man, eternal praise
and thanksgiving be to Thee, because Thou didst suffer Thyself to be
mercilessly bound in Pilates judgment hall, and Thy virginal flesh to be
cruelly scourged and mangled.
By this most holy shedding of Thy Blood, I implore of Thee the grace of
ttp://www.bellarmine.150m.com/prayers.htm (48 of 198)1/3/2005 5:27:24 PM
7/27/2019 Horrigan - Catholic Book of Prayers
49/198
A BOOK OF CATHOLIC PRAYERS
chastity against all sensuality and lust.
Our Father.
O Saviour of the world, etc.
IV.
O most meek Lamb, Jesus Christ, true God and true Man, eternal praise
and thanksgiving be to Thee, because Thou didst suffer Thy sacred Head
to be crowned with piercing thorns and struck with a hard reed.
By this most holy shedding of Thy Blood, I pray Thee for the grace of
meekness against all anger and desire of revenge.
Our Father.
O Saviour of the world, etc.
V.
O most sweet Jesus Christ, Pattern of temperance and self-denial, true
God and true Man, eternal praise and thanksgiving be to Thee, because
Thou didst allow Thy garments to be torn from Thy bleeding body both
before and after the carrying of Thy Cross, which opened Thy wounds
again, and caused them to bleed afresh.
By this most holy shedding of Thy Blood, I beseech of Thee the grace of
ttp://www.bellarmine.150m.com/prayers.htm (49 of 198)1/3/2005 5:27:24 PM
7/27/2019 Horrigan - Catholic Book of Prayers
50/198
A BOOK OF CATHOLIC PRAYERS
temperance an a st nence aga nst a gree ness an g uttony.
Our Father.
O Saviour of the world, etc.
VI.
O good and faithful Samaritan, Jesus Christ, true God and true Man,
eternal praise and thanksgiving be to Thee, because out of Thy burning
love for us Thou didst suffer Thy sacred Hands and Feet to be pierced and
nailed to the Cross for our redemption.
By this most holy shedding of Thy Blood, I beg of Thee the grace of
brotherly love against all envy and jealousy.
Our Father.
O Saviour of the world, etc.
VII.
O most zealous High-Priest, true God and true Man, eternal praise and
thanksgiving be to Thee, because Thou didst suffer Thy sacred side to be
pierced, opened, and wounded with a spear.
By this most holy shedding of Thy Blood, I earnestly pray Thee for the
grace of holy zeal and fervor against all sloth and weariness in Thy
service, and in every religious exercise.
ttp://www.bellarmine.150m.com/prayers.htm (50 of 198)1/3/2005 5:27:24 PM
7/27/2019 Horrigan - Catholic Book of Prayers
51/198
A BOOK OF CATHOLIC PRAYERS
Our Father.
O Saviour of the world, etc.
Act After Confession (St. Alphonsus de Liguori)
My dear Jesus! how much do I not owe Thee. By the merits of Thy blood
I hope that I have this day been pardoned. I thank Thee above all things. I
hope to reach heaven, where I shall praise Thy mercies forever. My God,
if I have hitherto lost Thee so often, I now desire to lose Thee no more.
From this day forward I will change my life in earnest. Thou dost merit
all my love ; I will love Thee truly ; I will no longer see myself separated
from Thee. I have promised Thee this already ; now I repeat my promise
of being ready to die rather than offend Thee again. I promise also to
avoid all occasions of sin, and to use such means as will prevent me from
falling again. My Jesus, Thou knowest my weakness: give me grace to be
faithful to Thee till death, and to have recourse to Thee when I am
tempted. Most holy Mary, help me! Thou art the mother of perseverance ;
I place my hope in thee.
PRAYERS BEFORE HOLY COMMUNION
ttp://www.bellarmine.150m.com/prayers.htm (51 of 198)1/3/2005 5:27:24 PM
7/27/2019 Horrigan - Catholic Book of Prayers
52/198
A BOOK OF CATHOLIC PRAYERS
Prayer for Help
O my God, help me to make a good communion. Mary, my dearest
Mother, pray to Jesus for me. My dear Guardian Angel, lead me to the
altar of God.
Act of Faith
O God, because Thou hast said it, I believe that I shall receive the Sacred
Body of Jesus Christ to eat, and His precious Blood to drink. My God, I
believe this with all my heart.
Act of Humility
My God, I confess that I am a poor sinner ; I am not worthy to receive the
Body and Blood of Jesus on account of my sins. Lord, I am not worthy
that Thou shouldst enter under my roof ; say but the word, and my soul
shall be healed.
Act of Sorrow
My God, I detest all the sins of my life. I am sorry for them, because they
have offended Thee, my God, Who art so good. I resolve never to commit
sin anymore. My good God, pity me, have mercy on me, forgive me.
ttp://www.bellarmine.150m.com/prayers.htm (52 of 198)1/3/2005 5:27:24 PM
7/27/2019 Horrigan - Catholic Book of Prayers
53/198
A BOOK OF CATHOLIC PRAYERS
Amen.
Act of Adoration
O Jesus, great God, present on the Altar, I bow down before Thee, I adore
Thee.
Act of Love and Desire
Sweet Jesus, I love Thee, I desire with all my heart to receive Thee. Most
sweet Jesus, come into my poor soul, and give me Thy flesh to eat and
Thy blood to drink. Give me Thy whole self, Body, Blood, Soul, and
Divinity, that I may live forever with Thee.
Act of Faith
Awake, slumbering soul, to bless the Lord for all His mercies. Remember
that thy God became man for thee ; and remember that the same God
Who was born for thee, Who lived thirty-three years for thee, Who died
for thee, and is now in heaven on His throne, is also really and truly
present in the most Holy Sacrament, nay, is now standing before the door
of thy heart, therein to take His abode.
ttp://www.bellarmine.150m.com/prayers.htm (53 of 198)1/3/2005 5:27:24 PM
7/27/2019 Horrigan - Catholic Book of Prayers
54/198
A BOOK OF CATHOLIC PRAYERS
n ee so t s, my o e eve t rm y t at n rece v ng t e sacre
Host I will receive that very Jesus, Who has redeemed the world.
Act of Adoration
O my soul, what art thou doing ! Yet a little while, and the God that made
heaven and earth will come to dwell within thee. O God, what can I do,
but most humbly adore Thee ! So come then, Mary, my tender mother ;
come, all ye Angels and Saints, and help me to adore my Jesus. Obtain
for me a lively faith, and a profound veneration for the Sacrament I am
about to receive.
Act of Hope
O Jesus, dearest hope of my soul, I rely on Thy divine promises with
unshaken confidence. I hope in Thee with all the hope of my soul. I hope
firmly that Thou, Whom I am about to receive, will sanctify my body and
soul. So come then, my only hope ; come and enrich me !
Act of Love
O Jesus, center of my love ! God of my heart, how worthy art Thou of my
love, and of all the pure affections of my heart ! O God, I love Thee with
all the faculties of my soul. Thou art my Creator ; Thou art my
ttp://www.bellarmine.150m.com/prayers.htm (54 of 198)1/3/2005 5:27:24 PM
7/27/2019 Horrigan - Catholic Book of Prayers
55/198
A BOOK OF CATHOLIC PRAYERS
Redeemer ; Thou art my Sanctifier ; Thou art my only God. O Love ! O
Love ! O eternal Love ! O that I could praise and bless, and love Thee as
the Angels and Saints do in heaven !
O God, inflame my love, that it may be worthy of Thee !
Mary, mother of pure love, pray that I may love my God with all my
strength.
Act of Contrition
My loving Jesus, by my sins I have crowned Thee with a crown of
thorns ; I have fastened Thee to the cross ; I have drenched Thy lips with
vinegar and gall ; I have thrust the spear into Thy side ; I have caused
Thee to die. How could I be worthy to receive Thee ? But my God, Thou
art infinite goodness. For an act of true penance, for a hearty tear of
contrition and love Thou forgivest all my sins, restorest me to Thy favor,
and makest me once more Thy child. Oh, in truth Thou art my God,
infinitely kind, infinitely great, faithful and loving. Ah, how great is Thygoodness in giving Thyself to me a miserable sinner ! O that I had never
offended Thee ! O Jesus, purify with Thy most Precious Blood this sin-
stained soul of mine till it is made a fit tabernacle for Thy majesty.
ttp://www.bellarmine.150m.com/prayers.htm (55 of 198)1/3/2005 5:27:24 PM
7/27/2019 Horrigan - Catholic Book of Prayers
56/198
A BOOK OF CATHOLIC PRAYERS
Act of Humility
O Lord, Thou art that God, before Whom heaven and earth fade into
nothingness. Oh, how unworthy then am I to appear in Thy sight ! Yet I
hasten to receive Thee, for this is Thy will and command. Let the
Seraphim, let the Saints, let the ever blessed Mary satisfy for my defects
and want of devotion. O Lord, I am not worthy to love, and receive Thee,
but Thou deservest to be loved, and received by me.
Act of Desire
So come then, Thou bread of Angels, and satisfy the cravings of my soul.
Come, Thou glowing furnace of charity, and inflame my soul with the fire
of Thy divine love. Come, divine Shepherd, and guide me. Come my
hope, my life, my joy, and source of all of my happiness. Come, Thou
Comforter of the sorrowful ; Thou solace and refreshment of the weary !
Come, and delay not ; come, and heal my miseries ! Come, Jesus, come !
R. P. QUADRUPANI:
Act of Confidence
It is obedience, O my God ! that leads me to Thy Holy Table: the tender
words by which Thou hast invited us would not have sufficed to draw me,
ttp://www.bellarmine.150m.com/prayers.htm (56 of 198)1/3/2005 5:27:24 PM
7/27/2019 Horrigan - Catholic Book of Prayers
57/198
A BOOK OF CATHOLIC PRAYERS
for in the troubled state of my soul I cannot be sure they are addressed to
me. Misery and infirmity are claims for admission to Thy Feast, but
nothing can dispense from the nuptial garment. Therefore when I turn my
eyes on myself, after having raised them to Thee, I doubt, I hesitate, I
tremble ; for if I go from Thee I flee from life, and if I approach
unworthily, to my other sins I add the crime of sacrilege. But Thy
merciful wisdom, O my God, whilst foreseeing our every need, has
forseen all our weaknesses and has prepared helps for us against both
presumption and distrust. For if Thou hast not willed that, certain of Thy
grace, we should ever advance with the assurance of the Pharisee and say
like him: I come to the altar of the Lord because I know I am just in His
eyes : neither hast Thou permitted that a sacrament of love should become
for us a torture and an unavoidable snare. I therefore obey, O my God,
and in the darkness that envelops me I wish to follow implicitly the
guidance of him whom Thou hast appointed to lead me to Thee. I shall
approach the Holy Table without wishing for any other warrant than the
words spoken by my confessor, or rather by Thee: You may receive Holy
Communion. I accept, O my God ! -- be it a well merited punishment or a
salutary trial, -- this privation of light and sensible devotion, this coldness
and distraction, which accompany me even into Thy presence when all
ttp://www.bellarmine.150m.com/prayers.htm (57 of 198)1/3/2005 5:27:24 PM
7/27/2019 Horrigan - Catholic Book of Prayers
58/198
A BOOK OF CATHOLIC PRAYERS
t e acu t es o my sou s ou e a sor e an con oun e n sent ments
of adoration and of love. Faith, hope, and charity seem to be extinct in my
heart, but I know that Thou never withdrawest these virtues when we do
not voluntarily renounce them.
Act of Faith
Notwithstanding, then, the doubts that cross my mind, I wish to believe,
O my God ! and I do believe all that Thy holy Church has taught me. I
have not forgotten that brilliant light of Faith which Thou didst cause to
illumine my soul in the days of mercy in order that the precious
remembrance of it should serve me as support in the days of trial and
temptation.
Act of Hope
In spite of these vague fears that seem to extinguish hope within my soul,
I know that although Thou art the mighty and strong God before whom
the cherubim veil themselves with their wings, the just and all-seeing God
who discovers blemishes in the purest souls, still Thou wishest to be in
the most Holy Sacrament only the Victim whose Blood effaces the sins of
the world ; the Good Shepherd who hastens after the strayed sheep and
carries it tenderly and unreproachfully back to the fold ; the divine
ttp://www.bellarmine.150m.com/prayers.htm (58 of 198)1/3/2005 5:27:24 PM
7/27/2019 Horrigan - Catholic Book of Prayers
59/198
A BOOK OF CATHOLIC PRAYERS
Mediator who comes not to judge but to save. All this I know, O my
God ! and therefore I hope.
Act of Love
Notwithstanding the coldness and insensibility that benumb my soul, I
know that I love Thee, O my God ! since my will prefers Thy service to
all the joys of this world, since Thy grace is the sole good to which I
aspire, and because I suffer so much by reason of my lack of sensible love
for Thee.
Act of Desire
No, I am not indifferent, Thou knowest, O my God ! that I am not
indifferent to this Most Holy Sacrament which I approach unmoved by
any sensible feeling : for Thou seest that although I find in Holy
Communion neither relish nor consolation, I would yet make any
sacrifice in order to receive it.
Act of Contrition
I feel neither hatred nor horror of sins to which the world does not attach
shame and contempt ; I experience no sensible sorrow for the sins I have
committed, but I know, O my God ! that, with the assistance of Thy
ttp://www.bellarmine.150m.com/prayers.htm (59 of 198)1/3/2005 5:27:24 PM
7/27/2019 Horrigan - Catholic Book of Prayers
60/198
A BOOK OF CATHOLIC PRAYERS
grace, my will denounces them, for I am resolved to commit them no
more. I have taken this resolution because sin displeases Thee and
because all that swerves from eternal order is abhorrent to Thy infinite
sanctity. I believe, then, that I am contrite, O my God ! because I believe
in Thy promises, and if Thou dost not always grant us the consolation of
realizing our contrition, Thou wilt never refuse its justifying virtue to
those who humbly implore it ; and this I do.
No, my God, I shall not pray Thee to grant me sensible enjoyment, not
even that of Thy spiritual gifts: what I implore of Thy grace is to keep my
will ever turned towards Thee and never to permit it to fall or wander
anew on the earth. Lord ! into Thy hands I commend my spirit.
ST. LEONARD OF PORT MAURICE:
Prayer
Arise, my soul ; revive thy faith, which tells thee that thy God became
man, that same Jesus Who was born in the stable of Bethlehem, that Jesus
Who rose triumphant from the grave, that Jesus Who now sits glorious at
the right hand of the Father, is now present with thee in the Most Holy
Sacrament. O Faith ! O Faith ! what greater thing can be said and
ttp://www.bellarmine.150m.com/prayers.htm (60 of 198)1/3/2005 5:27:24 PM
7/27/2019 Horrigan - Catholic Book of Prayers
61/198
A BOOK OF CATHOLIC PRAYERS
believed ? God is here, in order to enter my heart and become entirely
mine the Almighty God !
Act of Faith
My Jesus, Thou Truth infallible, since it is part of Thy revelation, I
believe that Thou art present, soul, body, and divinity, in the consecrated
host. I believe that in Communion I receive the same Jesus Who died, and
Who rose again ; and that in Him I receive the Father and the Holy Spirit.
Act of Adoration
O my soul, what art thou about ? What thoughts engage thee ? In a few
minutes, thy God will enter within Thee ! O God, I profoundly humble
myself, and I adore Thee. I adore Thee, beloved Jesus, in the Sacrament.
Most holy Virgin, ye angels, saints, and souls who love God, adore with
me my Jesus ; make up for my defect of worship, beseech for me living
faith and profound veneration, now that I approach and receive Jesus
Christ.
What can be wanting to thee, O my soul, now that the Almighty comes to
visit thee ? He comes to illuminate thee, to unite Himself heart to heart
ttp://www.bellarmine.150m.com/prayers.htm (61 of 198)1/3/2005 5:27:24 PM
7/27/2019 Horrigan - Catholic Book of Prayers
62/198
A BOOK OF CATHOLIC PRAYERS
w t t ee, n or er to g ve t ee a ve y p e ge o t at g ory w c e
keeps prepared for thee in heaven. Up ! arise ! enlarge thy heart, increase
thy confidence ; know that so much as thou hath promised to hear thee,
and, bound by His word, He can give thee every good thing ; it costs Him
no more than the opening of his hand. Thy Jesus is to thee as a Father ;
much He loveth thee, and wishes to bestow on thee every sort of benefit.
Thy Jesus, who is faithful, hath promised to hear thee, and, bound by His
word, He will do thee great favors. Well, then, to grow rich in soul you
need only to seek His graces, and ardently to hope.
Act of Hope
My Jesus, my hope, confiding in Thy promises through the blood which
Thou hast shed for me, I hope, O Infinite Pity, I hope that in receiving
Thee, Thou wilt sanctify my soul, and enkindle within it heavenly
desires ; so that I may live and die loving only Thee, O Infinite Good.
Yes, O my dearest God, God of all my hopes, Sanctifier of souls, sanctify
me.
What more could God do, in order to get loved by thee ? God has made
Himself man, was born in a stable, died upon a cross and dwells in the
Sacrament for love of thee. Nay, that infinite love invites thee to receive
ttp://www.bellarmine.150m.com/prayers.htm (62 of 198)1/3/2005 5:27:24 PM
7/27/2019 Horrigan - Catholic Book of Prayers
63/198
A BOOK OF CATHOLIC PRAYERS
Him, calls thee to Himself with a desire so strong that He cannot endure
thy delays. O ingenious devices of love ! The great God of infinite beauty
and majesty wishes this morning to confer upon me such a favor as He
hath never bestowed on the seraphim. He purposes to come to dwell in
my heart ; He wishes to unite Himself to me. And thou, my soul, dost
thou not burn and flame with love toward a God Who is all love toward
thee ?
Act of Love
O my Jesus, my love, God of my soul, how good Thou art, how loving,
how every way dear and worthy to be loved ! My God, I love Thee with
all my soul, my life, my heart, my mind, and all my faculties and strength.
I love Thee more than myself, Thou one object of all my desires, my
beginning and my last end. O that I had infinite tongues with which to
praise and bless Thee ! O that I could at any sacrifice carry Thy most holy
name through the world, to make Thee known and loved ! O God ! I
would willingly waste myself away in labors for the love of Thee. I desireto burn with love, I desire to bless Thee, to thank Thee, to love Thee, with
the love that the most holy Mary bore to Thee ; I desire to love Thee more
than all created beings united. I love Thee, my Jesus, my treasure, my
Father, my life, my hope, my heaven. Spouse of my soul, I love Thee,
ttp://www.bellarmine.150m.com/prayers.htm (63 of 198)1/3/2005 5:27:24 PM
7/27/2019 Horrigan - Catholic Book of Prayers
64/198
A BOOK OF CATHOLIC PRAYERS
because Thou deservest to be loved because Thou art God ! Ah, Lord !
would that I were all love, would that I did nothing but love Thee ! My
soul, created by God to love God, love Him then, love thy God ; my
heart, which can find no peace or satisfaction out of God, drive from thee
every mere earthly attachment, and give welcome to thy God. Ah, Mary,
mother of holy love, obtain for me to love my God !
How shouldst thou burn, my soul, to receive a God of infinite purity,
holiness, and majesty, thou art an abyss of vice, ingratitude, and sins !
Hast thou forgotten all thou hast done against thy God ? Ah, how often
hast thou been more cruel, more afflicting to Jesus than Calvary itself !
Jesus has been crucified in thee, so often as thou hast mortally sinned.
Act of Contrition
Dear Lord Jesus, by my sins I have crowned Thee with thorns, I have
nailed Thee on the cross, I have given Thee gall to drink, I have pierced
Thy side, I have put Thee to death ! I am not worthy to live, far less to
receive Thee. I deserve that the earth should swallow me, that heaven
should hurl thunderbolts on my head, that all created things should turn in
anger upon me. But, O my God, how good Thou art ! How often have I
trodden under foot Thy blood, insulted Thy name, dishonored Thy
ttp://www.bellarmine.150m.com/prayers.htm (64 of 198)1/3/2005 5:27:24 PM
7/27/2019 Horrigan - Catholic Book of Prayers
65/198
7/27/2019 Horrigan - Catholic Book of Prayers
66/198
A BOOK OF CATHOLIC PRAYERS
serap o ove, t ou a st t e ove e t y a t e ange s, t e v rtues o
all the saints, wouldst thou even then be worthy of even once receiving
God ?
An Act of Humility
Behold, O my Jesus, the hour is come when Thou shalt be put into the
power of this great sinner. O have patience with me ; endure me by the
bowels of Thy compassion ! Ah, Lord, Thou art that God before the
splendor of Whose holiness heaven and earth vanish into nothing. I
confess the truth, in looking at Thy Majesty and at my unworthiness ; I
am so confounded and ashamed, that I should wish to hide myself in the
abyss of my own nothingness. Yes, I must needs approach to receive
Thee, for Thou incitest and commandest me, and like a son, I must obey
Thee, O my King. Let the seraphim make up, let the saints make up, let
Mary make up above all, let Thine own infinite goodness make up for
all my shortcomings in right devotion and love. O Lord, if I do not
deserve to receive Thee and to love Thee, Thou deservest to be received
and loved by me !
Dispose of me for Thine own honor, make me worthy of so great a favor,
give me all that I am wanting in, make me altogether Thine.
ttp://www.bellarmine.150m.com/prayers.htm (66 of 198)1/3/2005 5:27:24 PM
7/27/2019 Horrigan - Catholic Book of Prayers
67/198
A BOOK OF CATHOLIC PRAYERS
The hour is come, my soul, the blessed moment is come, when thou hast
to receive thy dearest Jesus. Behold the King of kings, behold the Lord of
lords, behold the Friend, behold the Father, behold the Spouse, behold the
Joy of paradise, behold the Delight of heaven, behold thy God Himself,
behold all the Most Holy Trinity in the Divine Sacrament !Ecce Sponsus
venit, exite obviam ei. Behold the Bridegroom cometh ; go forth to meet
Him.
[1]
But how, my soul, how standest thou thus so frozen, without
one burning desire to feed upon that sacred body ? Ah, should not the
overflowing of the divine compassion all enkindle thee with love ? And
here Shepherd, guide me. Come, O my Father, my Spouse, my Treasure,
my Life, my Bliss, and my Rest. Come, Thou one end of all my longings.
Come, light of souls, refreshment of hearts, consoler of the sorrowing.
Come, Thou expected One of all nations, sighed for by the holy
patriarchs, desire of the eternal hills, joy of angels, delight of heaven,
beatitude of the saints. Come, art thou all frozen ! If it wert to do only
once in all thy life, with what fervor wouldst thou not do it ! But now,
while the Infinite Goodness waits ever ready at thy pleasure, thou goest
up so tepid, so dull of heart, to receive a God so great ! Enamoured souls
have burned with desire of this Communion, and have run like thirsty
ttp://www.bellarmine.150m.com/prayers.htm (67 of 198)1/3/2005 5:27:24 PM
7/27/2019 Horrigan - Catholic Book of Prayers
68/198
A BOOK OF CATHOLIC PRAYERS
stags to t at ount v ne. Up, up, my sou ; awa e, n e n t yse a
most ardent longing to receive Jesus ; sigh after that Supremest Good,
desire Him, call on Him with tears and with sighs, and with a heart in
flames of holy love.
An Act of Desire
Come, O thou divine food, and nourish my hungry soul. Come, furnace of
charity, and kindle me ; come, flaming fire of love, inflame me by thy
flames. Come, heavenly for Thou hast wounded me with love ; come,
delay not, for my heart is failing, and I feel that life would not be life
without Thee. Arise for pity, O my Jesus, and come.
Most holy Virgin, already I am at hand, and about to receive thine and my
Jesus. From thy hands I purpose to receive Him. Hold Him forth to me, as
thou didst to the shepherds, and the holy kings and to holy Simeon.
Prepare me to receive Him with love. Give Him to me quickly, and pray
to Him to fill me with His dearest benediction ; and do thou accompany it
with thine.
An Act of Offering
I protest, O my God, that I purpose to unite this my Communion with the