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Christ on the Cross Adored by St. Dominic

PRAYERS, CREEDS, &  INVOCATIONS

The Sign of the Cross

In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. Amen

Note that Catholic prayer begins and ends with the Sign of the Cross. Ideally, prayer should be offered facing East when possible.

The Our Father (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.
 

Note:The Catholic version prayed in the liturgy does not include the concluding Doxology said by Protestants and which is not found in Scripture: "For Thine is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever, amen." This doxology, though, or at least variations of it, are found as early as the first century, for example, in the Didache.

Also, some Catholics strike their breast at the words "forgive us our trespasses" (striking the breast is the classic sign of repentance, made formally during the Confiteor, the Nobis Quoque Peccatoribus, the Agnus Dei, and the Domine, Non Sum Dignus at the Mass, and informally any time to express regret.)

The English line "lead us not into temptation" is actually a bad translation, as God does not and would not actively "lead us" into temptation, a notion that would make Him the Author of evil. Though the Pater has been prayed this way in English for hundreds of years and there is no need to change it now, one must keep in mind that a more literal translation would be "allow us not to succumb to temptation." James 1:13-14: "Let no man, when he is tempted, say that he is tempted by God. For God is not a tempter of evils: and He tempteth no man. But every man is tempted by his own concupiscence, being drawn away and allured."  Text Courtesy of APOLOGIA

The Apostles' Creed

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord: Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into Hell: on the third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into Heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.

Note: The Apostles' Creed is said during Baptisms, during the Rosary, at the Divine Office, etc.

Regarding the line, "He descended into Hell": "Hell" refers to "Sheol" (Hebrew) or "Hades" (Greek) -- the only "realm of the dead" before Heaven was opened. Sheol consists of different areas, or levels: The Apostles' Creed refers to the Limbo of the Patriarchs.

The Nicene Creed

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, maker of Heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God. Born of the Father before all ages. God of God, Light of Light, true God of true God. Begotten, not made: consubstantial with the Father; by Whom all things were made. Who for us men and for our salvation, came down from Heaven: [kneel] and was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary: and was made man. [stand] He was crucified also for us, suffered under Pontius Pilate, and was buried. And on the third day He rose again according to the Scriptures. And He ascended into Heaven and sitteth at the right hand of the Father. And He shall come again with glory to judge the living and the dead: of Whose kindgom there shall be no end.

And in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and Giver of life: Who proceedeth from the Father and the Son. Who together with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified: Who spoke through the Prophets.

And in One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. I confess one Baptism for the remission of sins. And I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen
 

Athanasian Creed

Whoever wishes to be saved must, above all, keep the Catholic faith. For unless a person keeps this faith whole and entire, he will undoubtedly be lost forever. This is what the catholic faith teaches: we worship one God in the Trinity and the Trinity in unity. Neither confounding the Persons, nor dividing the substance. For there is one Person of the Father, another of the Son, another of the Holy Spirit.

But the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit have one divinity, equal glory, and coeternal majesty. What the Father is, the Son is, and the Holy Spirit is.

The Father is uncreated, the Son is uncreated, and the Holy Spirit is uncreated. The Father is boundless, the Son is boundless, and the Holy Spirit is boundless. The Father is eternal, the Son is eternal, and the Holy Spirit is eternal.

Nevertheless, there are not three eternal beings, but one eternal being. So there are not three uncreated beings, nor three boundless beings, but one uncreated being and one boundless being. Likewise, the Father is omnipotent, the Son is omnipotent, the Holy Spirit is omnipotent.

Yet there are not three omnipotent beings, but one omnipotent being. Thus the Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy Spirit is God.

However, there are not three gods, but one God. The Father is Lord, the Son is Lord, and the Holy Spirit is Lord. However, there are not three lords, but one Lord. For as we are obliged by Christian truth to acknowledge every Person singly to be God and Lord, so too are we forbidden by the Catholic religion to say that there are three Gods or Lords.

The Father was not made, nor created, nor generated by anyone. The Son is not made, nor created, but begotten by the Father alone. The Holy Spirit is not made, nor created, nor generated, but proceeds from the Father and the Son. There is, then, one Father, not three Fathers; one Son, not three sons; one Holy Spirit, not three holy spirits. In this Trinity, there is nothing before or after, nothing greater or less. The entire three Persons are coeternal and coequal with one another. So that in all things, as is has been said above, the Unity is to be worshiped in Trinity and the Trinity in Unity.

He, therefore, who wishes to be saved, must believe thus about the Trinity. It is also necessary for eternal salvation that he believes steadfastly in the incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ. Thus the right faith is that we believe and confess that our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is both God and man. As God, He was begotten of the substance of the Father before time; as man, He was born in time of the substance of His Mother. He is perfect God; and He is perfect man, with a rational soul and human flesh. He is equal to the Father in His divinity, but inferior to the Father in His humanity. Although He is God and man, He is not two, but one Christ. And He is one, not because His divinity was changed into flesh, but because His humanity was assumed unto God. He is one, not by a mingling of substances, but by unity of person. As a rational soul and flesh are one man: so God and man are one Christ. He died for our salvation, descended into Hell, and rose from the dead on the third day. He ascended into Heaven, sits at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there He shall come to judge the living and the dead. At His coming, all men are to arise with their own bodies; and they are to give an account of their own deeds. Those who have done good deeds will go into eternal life; those who have done evil will go into the everlasting fire.

This is the Catholic faith. Everyone must believe it, firmly and steadfastly; otherwise He cannot be saved. 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. Amen

The Divine Praises

O, God We Praise Thee (Te Deum)

Note: This longer title of this partially indulgenced prayer, which dates to at least A.D. 502, is "Te Deum Laudamus." This prayer is a part of the Divine Office, prayed at the end of Matins, and is also sung in thanksgiving to God for some special blessing (e.g. the election of a pope, the consecration of a bishop, the canonization of a saint, the profession of a religious, the publication of a treaty of peace, a royal coronation, etc.) -- usually after Mass or Divine Office, or as a separate religious ceremony.

The Te Deum is also called the "Ambrosian Hymn" and its authorship has been attributed by various writers to St. Ambrose, St. Augustine, St. Hilarius, St. Abundius, St. Sisebutus, and St. Nicetus. An 8th century legend attributes it to both St. Ambrose and St. Augustine: they, according to the story, both sang it spontaneously on the night the latter was baptized (A.D. 387).

If the Te Deum is recited on the last day of the year, one may, under proper conditions, receive a plenary indulgence. Note Courtesy of APOLOGIA

Out of the Depths

Note: This partially indulgenced prayer is Psalm 129, one of the 7 Penitential Psalms, the others being Psalms 6, 31, 37, 50, 101, and 142.

Have mercy on me, O God

Note: The Miserere is Psalm 50, one of the 7 Penitential Psalms, the others being Psalms 6, 31, 37, 101, 129, and 142. The Catholic Encyclopedia: "It has a prominent place in the Divine Office and in various ceremonies. It is the first psalm at Lauds in all the ferial (week-day) Offices throughout the year, outside of Paschal Time, and in the Sunday Offices from Septuagesima to Palm Sunday inclusive. It holds the same place in the Office of the Dead. It is the psalm chosen for the preces feriales at Vespers for all the weekdays in Lent with the exception of the triduum of Holy Week, for those in Advent, for the ember-days except those of the Pentecostal season, and for all vigils, except those of Christmas, Epiphany, the Ascension, and Pentecost...It is very prominent in the ceremony of the Asperges, during which the choir sings the antiphon 'Asperges me, Domine, hyssopo'...The Miserere is found in many other ceremonial functions; at the Burial of the Dead, with the antiphon "Exultabunt Domino ossa humiliata", taken from the 9th (Vulg., 10th) verse of the psalm; at the episcopal visitation of parishes, the blessing of a bell; the consecration of an altar-stone; the laying of the corner-stone of a church; the blessing of a church, of a cemetery, of a house, of congregations, and fields; the reconciliation of a profaned church (whether consecrated or merely blessed) or of a profaned cemetery. "

Come, Holy Ghost

Note: This prayer is attributed to Rabanus Maurus (776-856) and is used when the Holy Ghost is solemnly invoked. It is a partially indulgenced prayer at most times, but on January 1 and on the Feast of the Pentecost, however, one may, under the proper conditions, receive a plenary indulgence for reciting it. Note Courtesy of APOLOGIA

Soul of Christ

Soul of Christ, sanctify me.
Body of Christ, save me.
Blood of Christ, inebriate me.
Water from the side of Christ, wash me.
Passion of Christ, strengthen me.
O good Jesus, hear me.
Within Thy wounds, hide me.
Separated from Thee let me never be.
From the malignant enemy, defend me.
At the hour of death, call me.
To come to Thee, bid me,
That I may praise Thee in the company
Of Thy Saints, for all eternity. Amen.

Note:This prayer, one of St. Ignatius of Loyola's favorites, is prayed after receiving Communion. It dates to at least A.D. 1334.

Note Courtesy of APOLOGIA

Prayer Before A Crucifix

Behold, O good and most sweet Jesus, I fall upon my knees before Thee, and with most fervent desire beg and beseech Thee that Thou wouldst impress upon my heart a lively sense of faith, hope and charity, true repentance for my sins, and a firm resolve to make amends. And with deep affection and grief, I reflect upon Thy five wounds, having before my eyes that which Thy prophet David spoke about Thee, o good Jesus: "They have pierced my hands and feet, they have counted all my bones." Amen.
 

Note: This prayer is a partially indulgenced prayer. However, if one recites it before an image of Christ crucified, and under the usual conditions, on any of the Fridays in Lent (including Passiontide), one may receive a plenary indulgence. Note Courtesy of APOLOGIA

Down in Adoration Falling

Down in adoration falling,
Lo! the sacred Host we hail,
Lo! oe'r ancient forms departing
Newer rites of grace prevail;
Faith for all defects supplying,
Where the feeble senses fail.

To the everlasting Father,
And the Son Who reigns on high
With the Holy Spirit proceeding
Forth from each eternally,
Be salvation, honor blessing,
Might and endless majesty.
Amen.

V. Thou hast given them bread from heaven [Alleluia]

R. Having within it all sweetness [Alleluia]

Let us pray: O God, who in this wonderful Sacrament left us a memorial of Thy Passion: grant, we implore Thee, that we may so venerate the sacred mysteries of Thy Body and Blood, as always to be conscious of the fruit of Thy Redemption. Thou who livest and reignest forever and ever.

R. Amen

Note: This prayer and hymn by St. Thomas Aquinas is a partially indulgenced prayer. When recited on Maundy Thursday (the Thursday before Easter) or on the Feast of Corpus Christi, one may receive a plenary indulgence. Note Courtesy of APOLOGIA

The Confiteor (I Confess)

I confess to Almighty God, to blessed Mary ever Virgin, to blessed Michael the Archangel, to blessed John the Baptist, to the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, and to all the Saints, that I have sinned exceedingly, in thought, word, and deed, through my fault [strike breast], through my fault [strike breast], through my most grievous fault [strike breast].

Therefore I beseech blessed Mary ever Virgin, blessed Michael the Archangel, blessed John the Baptist, the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, and all the Saints to pray to the Lord our God for me. Amen.
 

Act of Contrition

O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee and I detest all my sins because of Thy just punishments, 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 sin no more and avoid the near occasions of sin. Amen.
 

Note: This prayer is said during Confession, just before absolution is given, in front of the confessor priest. This traditional act of contrition isn't necessary, but some form of overt act of contrition (i.e., a traditional prayer or one's own words expressing remorse for having offended God) is necessary.

Note Courtesy of APOLOGIA

(original picture of the given vision: note the altar was not the Novus Ordo table that is now depicted in the "updated" picture.)

Fatima Prayers

"to save poor sinners, God wishes to establish in the world devotion to my Immaculate Heart."

The Decade Prayer

O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of Hell, lead all souls to Heaven, especially those in most need of Thy mercy.
Note: This prayer is often added to the Rosary, due to Our Lady's request, right after each "Glory Be" prayer. This practice springs from the instructions of Mary given to the young children at Fatima.

The Sacrifice Prayer

O Jesus, it is for the love of You, for the conversion of sinners, and in reparation for the sins committed against the Immaculate Heart of Mary that I pray.

The Pardon Prayer

My God, I believe, I adore, I trust and I love Thee! I beg pardon for all those that do not believe, do not adore, do not trust and do not love Thee.

The Eucharistic Prayer

Most Holy Trinity, I adore Thee! My God, my God, I love Thee in the Most Blessed Sacrament

Note: Say three times in imitation of the Fatima children

The Conversion Prayer

By your pure and Immaculate Conception, O Mary, obtain the conversion of the whole world!

The Salvation Prayer

Sweet Heart of Mary, be my salvation

The Angel's Prayer

O Most Holy Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Ghost, I adore Thee profoundly. I offer Thee the most precious Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ present in tabernacles of the world, in reparation for the outrages, sacrileges and indifferences by which He is offended. By the infinite merits of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary I beg the conversion of poor sinners and the alleviation and deliverance of the holy souls in Purgatory.

Prayer to Saint Michael (1888 Version)

Prayer to St. Michael (1886 Version)

St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in the day of Battle; Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the Devil; may God rebuke Him, we humbly pray; and do Thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the power of God, cast into hell Satan and all evil spirits who wander through the world, seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

(An Indulgence of 3 years. A plenary indulgence once a month on the usual conditions, if this prayer is repeated daily S.P. Ap., Nov, 12, 1932)

Queen of Heaven (Regina Coeli)

See Angelus above. This prayer, said standing, is used to replace that prayer during Paschaltide. (The partial indulgence may be gained if one who does not know the words to this prayer replaces it with 5 Hail Marys). Note Courtesy of APOLOGIA

Hail Star of the Ocean

Memorare

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly to thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to thee do I come; before thee I kneel, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.

Note:The Memorare is believed to have been written by St. Bernard of Clairvaux (A.D. 1090-1154) of the Cistercian Order. Note Courtesy of APOLOGIA

My Soul Doth Magnify the Lord (Magnificat)

My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior. For He hath regarded the humility of His handmaiden.

For behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For He that is mighty hath done great things to me, and holy is His Name. And His Mercy is from generation unto generations upon them that fear Him.

He hath shewed might in His arm, He hath scattered the proud in the conceit of their heart. He hath put down the mighty from their seat, and hath exalted the humble. He hath filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He hath sent empty away.

He hath received Israel, His servant, being mindful of His mercy. As He spoke to our Fathers, Abraham and His seed forever.

 

Canticle of Simeon

Now dismiss Thy servant, O Lord,
In peace, according to Thy word:
For mine own eyes hath seen Thy salvation,
Which Thou hast prepared in the sight of all the peoples,
A light to reveal Thee to the nations
And the glory of Thy people Israel.

Note: This canticle consists of the words of Simeon, recorded in Luke 2, when Jesus was presented at the Temple. They've been a part of Compline since the 4th century. Note Courtesy of APOLOGIA
 

Prayer to St. Joseph

To thee, O Blessed Joseph, we have recourse in our tribulations, and while imploring the aid of thy most holy Spouse, we confidently invoke thy patronage also. By that love which united thee to the Immaculate Virgin, Mother of God, and by the fatherly affection with which thou didst embrace the Infant Jesus, we humbly beseech thee graciously to regard the inheritance which Jesus Christ purchased with His Blood and to help us in our necessities, by thy powerful intercession.

Protect, O most provident Guardian of the Holy Family, the chosen children of Jesus Christ; ward off from us, O most loving Father, all taint of error and corruption; graciously assist us from Heaven, O most power protector, in our struggle with the powers of darkness; and as thou didst once rescue the Child Jesus from imminent peril to His life, so now defend the Holy Church of God from the snares of her enemies and from all adversity.

Shield each one of us with thy unceasing patronage that, imitating thy example and sported by thy aid, we may be enabled to live a good life, die a holy death, and secure everlasting happiness in Heaven. Amen.

Note: This prayer was written by Leo XIII and attached to his encyclical, Quamquam Pluries. It is to be included at the end of the Rosary, especially during the month of October.   Courtesy of APOLOGIA

Eternal Rest Prayer

Eternal rest grant unto him/her (them), O Lord; and let perpetual light shine upon him/her (them). May he/she (they) rest in peace. Amen.

Note: This short prayer is a simple invocation for the dead, often prayed when passing cemeteries, and on All Souls Day (during the period of eight days from All Souls Day, Catholics who visit a cemetery and pray for the dead may gain a plenary indulgence, under the usual conditions, on each day of the Octave, applicable only to the dead). This prayer is also inserted after each decade of the Rosary (replacing the Fatima Prayer) during the month of November, which is dedicated to the Holy Souls in Purgatory. It is used in the Rosary, too, during the Vigil of a Catholic funeral.

Short Invocations

These short "mini-prayers," also called "aspirations" or "ejaculations," are to be said throughout the day to keep our minds focused on Heavenly things and to consecrate our efforts. It is good to adopt one of these as your own so that in times of stress, words that can focus your attention back to the holy come easily. These are all indulgenced prayers.

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner!
(Note: this prayer is known as the "Jesus Prayer")

We adore Thee, O Christ, and we bless Thee; because by Thy holy Cross Thou hast redeemed the world. (Roman Breviary)

May the Holy Trinity be blessed. (Roman Missal)

Christ conquers! Christ reigns! Christ commands!

O Heart of Jesus, burning with love for us, inflame our hearts with love for Thee.

O Heart of Jesus, I place my trust in Thee.

O Heart of Jesus, all for Thee.

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us.

My God and my all.

O God, have mercy on me, a sinner. (Luke 18:13)

Grant that I may praise thee, O sacred Virgin; give me strength against thine enemies. (Roman Breviary)

Teach me to do Thy will, because Thou art my God. (Psalm 142:10)

O Lord, increase our faith. (Luke 17:5)

O Lord, may we be of one mind in truth and of one heart in charity.

O Lord, save us, we are perishing. (Matthew 8:25)

My Lord and my God. (John 20:28)

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. (Roman Missal)

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.

Jesus, Mary, Joseph, I give you my heart and my soul. Jesus, Mary, Joseph, assist me in my last agony. Jesus, Mary, Joseph, may I sleep and rest in peace with you. (Roman Ritual)

May the Most Blessed Sacrament be praised and adored forever.

Stay with us, O Lord. (Luke 24:29)

Mother of Sorrows, pray for us.

My Mother, my Hope.

Send, O Lord, laborers into Thy harvest. (see Matthew 9:38)

May the Virgin Mary together with her loving Child bless us. (Roman Breviary)

Hail, O Cross, our only hope. (Roman Breviary)

All you holy men and women of God, intercede for us. (Roman Ritual)

Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. (Roman Ritual)

Father, into Thy hands I commend my spirit. (Luke. 23:46; Psalm 30:6)

Merciful Lord Jesus, grant them everlasting rest. (Roman Missal)

Queen conceived without original sin, pray for us. (Roman Ritual)

Holy Mother of God, Mary ever Virgin, intercede for us. (Roman Breviary)

Holy Mary, pray for us. (Roman Ritual)

Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. (Matthew 16:16)

Blessed be God!

All for thee, Most Sacred Heart of Jesus!

Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make my heart like unto thine! (Roman Ritual)

My Jesus, mercy!

Thanks be to God! (Deo gratias!)

O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee!

Hail Mary! (Ave Maria!)

Sacred Heart of Jesus, I trust in Thee!

Sacred Heart of Jesus, Thy kingdom come!

Sweet Heart of Jesus, be my love!

Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us!

From all sin deliver me, O Lord!

As the Lord wills!

Thy will be done!

Christian Greeting outside of the Octave of Easter

Note: Pope Sixtus V, on 2 July, 1587, granted an indulgence of fifty days to this ejaculation and response. Note Courtesy of APOLOGIA

Christian Greeting during the Octave of Easter

Note: Since very ancient times, Christians greet each other during the Easter Octave (the 8 days of Easter) with "Christ is risen!" The one greeted replies with "Indeed He is risen!" Another version has the greeting "Surrexit Dominus vere!" (the Lord is truly risen!) with the response "Deo gratias!" (thanks be to God!). The Greek greeting is "Christos anesti!" to which comes the response, "Alithos anesti!" Note Courtesy of APOLOGIA

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