PrayersPrayers
A prayer to Our Lady of Czestochowa
O Mary, our dear Lady of Czestochowa, look graciously upon your children in this troubled and sinful world. Embrace us all in your loving and Motherly protection. Protect our young from godless ways; assist our dear ones grown old with age to prepare for their journey home; shield our defenceless unborn from the horrors of abortion, and be our strength against all sin. Spare your children from all hatred, discrimination and war. Fill our hearts, our homes and our world with that peace and love which comes only from your Son, whom you so tenderly embrace. O, Queen and Mother, be our comfort and strength! In Jesus' name we pray. Amen
Prayer for Healing
God, our Father, you sent your Son, Jesus Christ to offer your love, forgiveness, healing and compassion for all people. In your Son, you brought light to those who live in darkness and under the shadow of death to guide our feet into the way of peace.
Father, bring close to yourself all people who are suffering from AIDS and other illnesses.
Look at them with love, bring light to the darkness of their hearts. Be the loving Father to the children. Give the light of your Spirit to doctors to find the medicine to heal the sick. When the life of the sick seems to be too heavy, because of pain, fear and alienation, may they feel your closeness and love through our compassion and care. And thus make us grow in your uncoditional love. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Our Lady of Centocow, Queen of Peace and Healer of the sick,
Pray for us.
The Chaplet of Divine Mercy
(on ordinary rosary beads)
Begin with:
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 trepasses as we forgive those who trepass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
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.
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 Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of the sins, the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting. Amen.
On the large bead before each decade:
Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.
On the 10 small beads of each decade:
For the sake of His sorrowful Passion have mercy on us and on the whole world.
Conclude with (after five decades):
Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world. (3 times)
Jesus dictated the Chaplet of Divine Mercy to Sister Faustina in Vilnius in 1935. In the revelations that followed He disclosed to her its value and efficacy, as well as the promises He attached to it.
In this prayer we are offering "the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity" of Jesus Christ to God the Father. We are uniting ourselves with His sacrifice offered on the Cross for the salvation of the world. By offering God the Father His "most dearly beloved Son", we are using the most convincing argument with which to be heard. We are asking for mercy "for us and for the whole world." The word "us" refers to the person reciting the chaplet and those for whom he desires to offer it or for whom he should pray. The "whole world" indicates all people living on earth and the souls in Purgatory. By praying the words of this chaplet we are performing an act of love towards our neighbour, which along with trust, is the indispensable condition for obtaining graces.
Jesus promised, It pleases Me to grant everything they ask of Me by saying the chaplet (1541) and He added, if (it) ... be compatible with My will. (1731)
The special promises pertain to the hour of death; that is, the grace of happy and peaceful death. This grace may be obtained not only by those who recite the chaplet with confidence and perseverance but also by the dying, at whose bedside others will pray it.
Priests, Jesus said, will recommend it to sinners as their last hope of salvation. Even if there were a sinner most hardened, if he were to recite this chaplet only once, he would receive grace from My infinite mercy. (687) Jesus promised to grant grace to those who recite this prayer at least once in their lifetime, providing it is said with an attitude of complete trust, humility, and a sincere, deep sorrow for sin.
In
the beginning:
Hail, Holy
Queen, Mother of Mercy; our life, our sweetness and our hope! To you do we cry,
poor banished children of Eve, to you we send our sighs, mourning and weeping
in this valley of tears. Turn, then, most gracious advocate, your eyes of mercy
towards us; and after this, our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of your
womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.
On
the large beads:
Mary,
Mother of Grace and Mother of Mercy,
Protect us
from our enemies and receive us at the hour of death.
On
the small beads:
Mary,Mother of Mercy,
Concluding
prayer:
You open
your arms wide before us, Most Merciful Mother, and extend your hands filled
with every grace and gift. Your motherly heart longs to bestow on us everything
that we need. Encouraged by your goodness, we turn to you with confidence.
Obtain for us, Mother, all that we need in our life. But above all, by your
powerful intercession, grant that we guard our purity of heart, grant that we
guard our chastity and innocence; that we faithfully and perseveringly nurture
a childlike love toward you; and that we bear in our heart the image of your
Son’s Heart. May that Heart protect us, guide us, and lead us to everlasting
light. Amen.
The Sacred
heart of Jesus symbolizes our Lord’s great love for all people, which led him
to give his life for us and continue to watch over us from his seat at God’s
right hand in heaven.
The
Twelve Promises of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
St. Margaret Mary Alacoque (1647-1690) was a Visitation nun. The visions of Christ, with which she had been favoured in her youth continued, and he made known to her that she was to be the apostle of the Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. He requested her to reveal to mankind the favours prepared for those practicing it, and inspired her to establish the Holy Hour and the custom of receiving Holy Communion on the first Friday of each month.
Jesus confided to St. Margaret Mary twelve promises in behalf of those who would honour and love his Sacred Heart.
In the twelfth promise, called the “Great Promise”, Jesus says: “I will grant to all those who receive Communion on the First Friday of the Month, for nine consecutive month, the grace of final repentance; they shall not die… without receiving the Sacraments.”
Be faithful to the practice of devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus – especially on the First Friday of each month. He will give you an assured refuge in his Sacred Heart during life and especially when death approaches.
1st PROMISE
“I will give to my faithful all the graces necessary in their state of life.”
“ I thrice besought the Lord that my infirmity might leave me. And he said to me: ‘My grace is sufficient for you’”. (2Cor 12:9)
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I believe that at Holy Mass, the graces that you merited for us, reach my soul. Holy Communion gives me an increase of sanctifying grace – the life of my soul that makes it holy and pleasing God. It also gives me actual graces – helps from God that enlighten my mind and strengthen my will to do good and avoid evil.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I pray for the fulfilment of this promise that you made to Saint Margaret Mary: “I will give to my faithful all the graces necessary in their state of life.”
Give me your help that I may make frequent use of the Sacraments of Penance and the Holy Eucharist, and that I may pray much, so that through your Divine grace I may faithfully carry out the obligations of may state of life.
2nd PROMISE
“I will bring peace to their homes”.
“Rejoice in the Lord, always; again I say, rejoice… May the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 4:4-7)
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I know that mortal sin is the destroyer of peace. Preserve my home from mortal sin that your peace may reign therein.
Give our family the peace of which you spoke: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you” (Jn 14:27)
Sacred Heart of Jesus, establish the right order in our family, based on your own peace and charity. Fill our hearts with the love of which your heart is the source.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I pray for the fulfilment of this promise that you made to Saint Margaret Mary: “I will bring peace to their homes”. Grant that we may enjoy your peace in our family circle here on earth, so that we may be reunited in your Kingdom forever.
3rd PROMISE
“I will comfort them in all their sufferings.”
“You have sorrow now. But I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and your joy no one shall take from you.” (Jn 16:22)
I need grace and courage to bear my daily cross, and I believe your Sacred Heart is eager to give me these blessings for my soul. May prayer, and especially daily or frequent Mass and Holy Communion, impart to my soul strength and consolation. I unite the sacrifice of my life – my actions and sufferings – with your own sacrifice in the Holy Mass.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I pray for the fulfilment of this promise that you made to Saint Margaret Mary: “I will comfort them in all their sufferings.” Be my support in all the crosses of life.
4th PROMISE
“I will be
their safe Refuge against all the snares of their enemies in life, and above
all in death.”
“When anxieties are multiplied in my heart, your consolations delight my soul… The Lord will certainly be my protector, and my God, the Rock of my refuge.” (Ps 94:19-22)
Sacred Heart of Jesus, may the peace and love of your Sacred Heart be my comfort and strength in every temptation. Help me to fight bravely against my evil desires and temptations through which devil seeks to overpower me.
The reason why I fall into sin is that I do not make full use of the graces offered to me, especially through prayer and Holy Communion, and that I do not rely on you enough. Unite my will to the Divine Will, so that your strength may be mine, especially when I shall need you most, at the hour of death.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I pray for the fulfilment of this promise that you made to saint Margaret Mary: “I will be their safe Refuge against all the snares of their enemies in life, and above all in death.”
5th PROMISE
“I will bestow
abundant blessings upon all their undertakings.”
“Nothing is impossible with God.” (Lk 1:37)
“I can do all things in him who strengthens me.” (Phil 4:13)
Sacred Heart of Jesus, without your help, my efforts to do good bear little fruit. Without you I can do nothing; but with you I can do all things. Since it is especially through Holy Communion that you live in me and I in you, help me to receive the Bread of Life often. Jesus, do not let me labour for a material reward or for praises of others, but for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I pray for the fulfilment of this promise that you made to saint Margaret Mary: “I will bestow abundant blessings upon all their undertakings.” May my whole life be spent in spreading the Kingdom of your Sacred Heart by offering up my daily prayers, works, joys and sufferings for this intention.
6th PROMISE
“Sinners shall
find in my Heart the source and the infinite ocean of mercy.”
“The Lord arises as a light in darkness; merciful and kind and just.” (Ps 112:4)
“O God, be merciful to me a sinner.” (Lk 18:13)
Sacred Heart of Jesus, you filled my heart with peace and joy once more when my sin was pardoned after a good Confession and when I approached the Banquet of Divine Love in Holy Communion.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I will to spend my life praising your infinite mercy towards me. Let me never leave you again by wilful sin. In return may I appreciate the Sacraments of Penance and the Holy Eucharist by making frequent use of them.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I pray for the fulfilment of this promise that you made to Saint Margaret Mary: “Sinners shall find in my Heart the source and the infinite ocean of mercy.” Have mercy on the sinners of the world and draw them to your Sacred Heart. Have mercy on me!
7th PROMISE
“Lukewarm Souls shall become fervent.”
“For your sake I have become a reproach, and confusion has covered my face… For the zeal of your house has eaten me up.” (Ps 69:8-10)
Sacred Heart of Jesus, do not let me neglect my immortal soul. If I lose it, all is lost. Since you died for my soul, can I do less than to try my utmost to save it? Help me through your all-powerful grace.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, give me the grace ever to grow in your love. May my life’s conduct be a proof that I truly love you, for you said: “If you love me, keep my commandments” (Jn 14:15). Make known to me your wonderful and lovable Self: and knowing you, may I love you and the Father and the Holy Spirit with all my heart.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I pray for the fulfilment of this promise that you made to Saint Margaret Mary: “Lukewarm Souls shall become fervent.” Forgive me for my carelessness. Inflame my heart with you Divine Love.
8th PROMISE
“Fervent souls shall quickly mount to
high perfection.”
“Be perfect as your heavenly Father is Perfect.” (Mt 5:48)
“If you will be perfect, go sell what you have, and give to the poor, and come follow me.” (Mt 19:21)
Sacred Heart of Jesus, help me to be poor in spirit, that I may seek heavenly riches; to me meek, that I may curb my anger; to seek consolation in my sorrows and labours in your Sacred Heart; to hunger and thirst for holiness - union with God through love; to be merciful towards my neighbour that I myself may deserve your forgiveness.
Help me to be pure of heart, that I may be loved by you in this life, and merit to behold you in heaven; to be a peace-maker by keeping peace with myself and my neighbour; to bear my sufferings of life patiently and lovingly.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I pray for the fulfilment of this promise that you made to Saint Margaret Mary: “Fervent souls shall quickly mount to high perfection.” May I be one of those fervent souls!
9th PROMISE
“I will bless every home in which an
image of my heart will me honoured.”
“Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of Heart; and you will find rest for your souls.” (Mt 11:29)
Sacred heart of Jesus, bless with peace and happiness the family that you chose for me on earth. In your mercy look upon the family of which I am a member.
We wish to dedicate ourselves to you in a special way, and to honour your Sacred Heart in our home. Preserve us from danger, give us help in time of need, grant us the grace to preserve to the end in the imitation of your Holy Family, so that having revered you and loved your Sacred Heart on earth, we may praise you eternally in heaven.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I pray for the fulfilment of this promise that you made to Saint Margaret Mary: “I will bless every home in which an image of my heart will me honoured.” may your Sacred Heart live an reign in our family!
10th PROMISE
I will give to priests the gift of
touching the most hardened hearts.”
“On behalf of Christ, therefore, we are acting as ambassadors, as if God were appealing through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled with Christ.” (2 Cor 5:20)
Sacred Heart of Jesus, Divine and Eternal High Priest, let the life-giving water of your love flow into the hearts of your priests and transform them into living images of you. By your grace make them true apostles of your Sacred Heart.
Save souls through your priests; accompany them through life. Give them the special grace of drawing sinners to your Sacred Heart, Refuge of sinners, that they may find forgiveness and salvation.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I pray for the fulfilment of this promise that you made to Saint Margaret Mary: “I will give to priests the gift of touching the most hardened hearts.”
May your Kingdom come to the hearts of all people through the activity of truly saintly priests.