A BOOK OF CATHOLIC PRAYERS

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                Compiled by

 

 

                                                       Paul Gerard Horrigan

 

 

 

 

                                                           

                                            COPYRIGHT © 2000 By Paul Gerard Horrigan, Ph.D, All Rights Reserved.

          

                                   This HTML edition is provided free for noncommercial and 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 Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. 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.

 

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 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

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. 

 

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 glory of His Resurrection. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

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 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 God’s 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

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

 

 

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 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.

 

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 as myself 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

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.

 

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 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.

 

 

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 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.

 

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 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.

 

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 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.

 

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 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.

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.

 

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.

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.

 

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 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.

 

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.

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.

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.

 

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 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.

 

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 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!

 

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.

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.

Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will call upon the name of the Lord our God.

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