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With
ecclesiastical approval.
In
the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
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.
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 the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the
communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of
the body, and life everlasting. Amen.
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 men and for our salvation He came down
from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit He was born of the
Virgin Mary and became man. For our sake He was crucified under
Pontius Pilate; He suffered, died, and was buried. On the third
day He rose again in fulfillment of the Scriptures; He ascended
into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He
will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and
His kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the
Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the
Son. With the Father and the Son He is worshipped and glorified.
He has spoken through the Prophets. We believe in one holy
Catholic 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, 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.
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 glory of His Resurrection. Through the same Christ our
Lord. Amen.
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.
Remember,
O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone
who fled to your protection, implored your aid or sought your
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.
Angel
of God, my guardian dear,
To
whom God’s love commits me here,
Ever
this day be at my side,
To
light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen.
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
Joyful Mysteries (Mondays and Saturdays)
1.
The Annunciation
2.
The Visitation
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 God’s 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
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
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 Son, and that Thou hast preserved me
and brought me safe to the 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.
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.
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.
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 as myself for the love of Thee. I forgive all who have
injured me, and ask pardon of all whom I have injured.
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 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.
Bless
us, O Lord, and these Thy gifts, which we are about to receive
from Thy bounty. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
We
give Thee thanks, O Almighty God, for all Thy mercies. Who livest
and reignest world without end. Amen.
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 offer Thee anew the homage of my heart. I humbly adore Thee,
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.
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, 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.
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
myself, yet I cannot make one step towards returning to Thee,
unless Thy 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.
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 mercy’s 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 my transgressions. 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, 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.
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 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 true repentance, for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.
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.
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
mercy’s 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 who
givest 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 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.
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
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.
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.
I
will instruct you and show you the way you should walk ; I
will counsel 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 curse of 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,
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.
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.
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.
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.
Teach
me to do your will, for you are my God.
May
your good spirit guide me on level ground.
For
your name’s 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.
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 teach me to lay them bare without reserve and with a contrite
heart ; O 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 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
rememberest them no more: look graciously upon me, Thine unworthy
servant, and accept my confession for Thy mercy’s
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.
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 eagle’s.
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.
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.
Man’s
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 children’s 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
bidding, obeying His spoken word.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Some
trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will call upon the
name of the Lord our God.
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