The Path To Heaven/Daily Devotions
Daily Devotions
INSTRUCTIONS AND DEVOTIONS FOR MORNING.
As soon as you awake, make the sign ✠ of the cross, saying:
Glory be to the Father, who hath created me.
Glory Be to the Son, who hath redeemed me.
Glory, be to the Holy Ghost, who hath sanctified me.
Blessed be the holy and undivided Trinity now and forever. Amen.
On rising from your bed say,
In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, I arise. May he bless, preserve, and govern me, and bring me to everlasting life. Amen.
While you are dressing, occupy yourself with pious thoughts and meditations on some point in the life or passion of your Saviour, on God's mercies, on your own sins, on the temptations of the world, on the shortness of life, on eternity, &c.; or say some psalm or hymn. See Index.
As soon as you are dressed, prepare to say your morning prayers. There is no duty of greater importance than this; none has greater influence upon our lives. According as it is well on ill performed will be the character of the day; and our life is made up of days. Before you begin your prayers, therefore recollect yourself, and compose your mind. Think who you are, and what He is whom you are about to address; and endeavour to clothe yourself with those sentiments of humility, reverence, and awe which become you on such an occasion, and at such a time. Then, kneeling, down in the quietest and most retired spot you can find, if possible in some room or part of the room devoted to the purpose, begin your prayers.
Our prayers and devotions must consist of acts of adoration, praise, and thanksgiving to God for his mercies, of confession of our sins, resolution of amendment, oblation of ourselves to God's service, prayers for pardon and grace, and prayers in behalf of others, &c.
All forms of prayer are composed, more or less, in these parts, though not always in the same order. Each person is at liberty to please himself both as to the form and arrangement of his prayers. Some forms are useful if not necessary for all. We shall give several of those forms which have been most approved, and are most used, to suit the different tastes of different minds, and to afford to all the advantage of occasional variety. A greater variety may be gained by adding at choice one or more of the "Occasional Prayers."
Morning Prayer
Make the sign of the cross; saying,
In the name of the ✠ Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Blessed be the holy and undivided Trinity now and for ever. Amen.
Come, Holy Ghost, fill the hearts of thy faithful, and kindle in them the fire of thy love.
Send forth thy Spirit, and they shall be created, and thou shalt renew the face of the earth.
O God, who on this day didst instruct the hearts of the faithful by the light of the Holy Spirit; grant us in the same Spirit to relish what is right, and ever to rejoice in his consolation. Through Jesus Christ, &c. Amen.
1. An Act of Faith in the Presence of God.
O my God! I firmly believe that thou art here present, and perfectly seest me, and observest all my actions, all my thoughts, and the most secret motions of my heart, I acknowledge that I am not worthy to come into thy presence, nor to lift up my eyes unto thee, because I hare so often sinned against thee. But thy goodness and mercy invite me to come unto thee. Assist me, therefore, with thy Holy Spirit, and teach me to pray to thee as I ought.
Our Father, &c. Hail, Mary, &c. I believe, &c.
2. An Act of Adoration and Thanksgiving,
O eternal God! Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; the beginning and end of all things; in whom we live, and move, and have our being: prostrate before thee in body and soul, I adore thee with the most profound humility. I praise and bless thee, and give thee thanks for all the benefits which thou hast conferred upon me; that thou hast created me out of nothing, made me after thine own image and likeness, redeemed me with the precious blood of thy Son, and sanctified me with thy Holy Spirit. I thank thee that thou hast called me into thy Church, assisted me by thy grace, so often admitted me to thy sacraments, borne with my ingratitude so long, watched over me by thy special providence; blessed me, notwithstanding my sins and utter unworthiness, with the continuance of thy gracious protection; and for all the innumerable blessings which I owe to thy undeserved bounty. Particularly this morning, I thank thee for having preserved me during the night past, and for bringing me in safety to the beginning of another day. O my God, how good art thou unto me! What return can I make unto thee for all that thou hast done unto me? I will bless thy holy name, and serve thee truly all the days of my life. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and let all that is within me praise his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all that he hath done for thee.
Here call to mind the chief sins of your past life, and make resolutions against the temptations and dangerous occasions you may probably meet with this day.
3. An Act of Contrition with good Resolutions
O my God, how little have I served thee in time past! how greatly have I sinned against thee ! I acknowledge my iniquity, and my sin is always before me. But I repent, O Lord, I repent. I am heartily sorry that I have lost that time in offending thee which thou gavest me to be employed in thy service, in advancing the good of my own soul, and obtaining everlasting life. I detest all the sins which I have committed against thy divine Majesty, and I resolve never to commit them any more.
I am sorry, above all things, that I have offended thee, because thou art infinitely good, and sin is infinitely displeasing to thee. I love thee with my whole heart,—at least I desire so to do; and I firmly purpose, by the help of thy grace, to serve thee more faithfully for the time to come.
Receive, I beseech thee, the offering I now make to thee of the remainder of my life. I renew the vows and promises made in my baptism. I renounce the devil, and all his works; the world, and all its pomps. I now begin, and will endeavour to spend this day according to thy holy will, performing all my actions so that they may be pleasing unto thee. I will take particular care to avoid the failings I am so apt to commit, and to exercise the virtues most agreeable to my state and employment.
4. An Oblation.
I offer to thee, O my God, the life and death of thy only Son; and with them these my affections and resolutions, my thoughts, words, deeds, and sufferings of this day, and of all my life, in honour of thy adorable Majesty; in thanksgiving for all thy benefits, in satisfaction for my sins, and to obtain the assistance of thy grace; that, persevering to the end in doing thy holy will, I may love and enjoy thee for ever in thy glory.
5. A Petition.
Thou knowest, O God, how weak and unable I am to do good. Leave me not to myself, but take me under thy protection, and give me grace faithfully to comply with these holy resolutions. Enlighten my understanding with a lively faith, raise up my will to a firm hope, and inflame it with an ardent charity. Strengthen my weakness, and cure the corruption of my heart; grant that, overcoming my enemies, both visible and invisible, I may make good use of thy grace; - and vouchsafe to add to these blessings the inestimable gift of final perseverance.
V. Unto thee, O Lord, I have lifted up my voice.
R. And early in the morning my prayer shall come before thee.
V. Let my mouth be ever filled with thy praises.
R. That I may sing of thy glory, and all the day long of thy greatness,
V. Turn away thy face, O Lord, from sins.
R. And blot out all my iniquities.
V. Create in me a clean heart, O God.
R. And renew a right spirit within me.
V. Cast me not away from thy presence.
R. And take not thy Holy Spirit from me.
V. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation.
R. And strengthen me with a perfect spirit.
V. Our help is in the name of the Lord.
R. Who hath made heaven and earth.
V. Vouchsafe, O Lord, this day,
R. To keep us without sin.
V. Have mercy upon us, O Lord.
R. Have mercy upon us.
V. Let thy mercy be upon us, O Lord.
R. As we have put our trust in thee.
V. O Lord, hear my prayer.
R. And let my cry come unto thee.
A Collect.
Lord God Almighty, who hast brought us to the beginning of this day, let thy powerful grace so conduct us through it, that we may not fall into any sin, but that all our thoughts, words, and works may be guided by the rules of thy heavenly justice, and tend to the observance of thy holy law, through our Lord Jesus Christ thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
O Lord God, King of heaven and earth, vouchsafe this day to direct and sanctify, to rule and govern, our hearts and bodies, our thoughts, words, and deeds, in thy law, and in the works of thy commandments; that henceforth and for ever, O Saviour of the world, we may be protected and saved, through thy mighty help, who livest and reignest for ever and ever. Amen.
O God, who, out of thy unspeakable providence, art pleased to appoint thy holy angels for our guardians; give ear to the supplications which we make for a continuance of their protection, and that we may be added to their joyful number for all eternity. Amen.
May the blessed Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, and all the saints, be our intercessors with the Lord, that we may be succoured and secured by him who liveth and reigneth to everlasting ages. Amen.
May our Lord bless us, and preserve us from all evil, and bring us to life everlasting; and may the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
A SECOND FORM OF MORNING PRAYER.
✠ In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, crucified, I arise; bless me, O Lord; govern me, protect me, and confirm me in all good works, this day and for ever; and after this short and miserable pilgrimage, bring me to everlasting happiness. Amen.
O God the Father, who saidst in the beginning, Let there be light, and it was made; enlighten my eyes, that I may never sleep in sin, lest at any time the deceits of the enemy, or my own corruption, should prevail against me.
O God the Son, most beautiful and true light, shining in darkness, and enlightening every one that comes into this world ; dispel all clouds of ignorance, and give me a right understanding, that in thee, and through thee, I may see and know the Father; whom to know is to live; and to serve, is to reign for ever.
O God the Holy Ghost, who inflamest the wills of all those in whom thou vouchsafest to dwell with heavenly affection ; pour into my mind the gifts of holy charity, that, despising all vain and transitory things, I may, with a continual desire, long for the true and everlasting joys of thy heavenly kingdom.
O holy Trinity, one God, defend me this day from the deceits and temptations of the devil, keep me from all sin, and preserve me from sudden and unprovided death. Raise up, O God, my body from sleep and drowsiness, and my soul from sin, that I may praise and glorify thy holy name, to whom belongs all benediction, and honour, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, now and for ever. Amen.
In the name of the Father, &c.
Blessed be the holy and undivided, &c.
Our Father, &c. Hail, Mary, &c. I believe, &c.
I confess to Almighty God, to the 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, through my fault, through my most grievous fault. Therefore I beseech the 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.
May Almighty God have mercy on me, forgive me my sins, and bring me to life everlasting. Amen.
May the Almighty and merciful Lord grant me ✠ pardon, absolution, and remission of all my sins. Amen.
Lord God Almighty, who hast brought us to the beginning of this day, let thy powerful grace so conduct us through it, that we may not fall into any sin, but that all our thoughts, words, and works may be guided by the rules of thy heavenly justice, and tend to the observance of thy holy law, through our Lord Jesus Christ thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
O most sweet Saviour Jesus Christ, open thou my heart and lips, to praise and glorify thy holy name which is blessed above all names; purify my soul from all evil and perverse thoughts, that my mind may continually meditate on thee, my lips bless thee, and my life glorify thee. And because, through thy goodness alone, I have been created, to the praise and glory of thy holy name, grant, I beseech thee, that I may faithfully serve thee here, and eternally rejoice with thee hereafter; who, with the Father and the Holy Ghost, livest and reignest, one God, world without end. Amen.
Almighty God, who, dwelling in the highest heavens, vouchsafest to regard the lowest creature on earth; I humbly adore thy sacred Majesty, and with all the powers of my soul exalt and praise thy name for the infinite blessings thou hast so freely bestowed on me; for electing me in thy love, and creating me in thy own image; for redeeming me by thy Son, and sanctifying me with thy holy Spirit; for preserving me in all the chances and accidents of this life, and raising up my thoughts to the hope of a better; and particularly this morning, that thou hast protected me from the dangers of the night, and hast brought me safely to the beginning of this day. Continue, O Lord, thy mercy to me; and as thou hast awakened my body from sleep, so raise my soul from sin, that I may walk soberly and chastely, as in the day, in all holy obedience before thy face.
Deliver me, O merciful God, from the evils of this day, and guide my feet in the way of peace; strengthen my resolution to embrace with gladness all opportunities of doing good, and carefully to avoid all occasions of sin, especially those which I have found, by experience, to be most dangerous to my soul; and when, through frailty, I forget thee, do thou, in thy mercy, remember me; that as I often fall by the evil propensity of my nature, I may always rise again by the assistance of thy grace. Make me diligent in the duties of my calling and station, and not too solicitous about the things of this life; but in all the miseries and crosses of the world, absolutely to submit to thy divine pleasure, and wholly to rely on thy merciful providence. Let thy blessings be upon my actions, and thy grace direct my intentions ; that the whole course of my life, and the principal design of my heart, may always tend to the advancement of thy glory, the good of others, and the eternal salvation of my own soul, through Jesus Christ our Lord and only Saviour, who, with thee and the Holy Ghost, liveth and reigneth ever one God, world without end. Amen.
Give me grace, O Lord, to do what thou commandest, and command what thou pleasest.
Give me grace to suffer what thou permittest, and permit what thou pleasest.
O holiest Virgin, Mother of my God, and my especial Patroness, shew thyself my mother, and take me under thy protection this day.
Angel of God, who art my guardian, enlighten, guard, direct, and govern me, who have been committed to thee by the supernatural clemency. Amen.
And ye, O holy saints (N.N.), my chosen and beloved patrons, intercede for me to God, that, by the guidance of his grace, I may love and serve him here; and hereafter, with you, behold his face for all eternity. Amen.
The blessing of God Almighty, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, descend upon me, and dwell in my heart for ever. Amen.
HYMNS FOR MORNING.[1]
O Lord of perfect purity .... 80
The star that heralds in the morn ... 81
Now doth the sun ascend the sky ... 82
The darkness fleets ... 84
Again the holy morn (Sunday or Feast-day) ... 83
Jesus, the very thought of thee .... 57
Come, Holy Ghost, or, Come, O Creator .... 47, 14
A THIRD FORM OF MORNING PRAYER.
Awaking in the morning, say:
O my God, my only God, the author of my being and my last end, I offer thee my heart. Praise, honour, and glory be to thee for ever and ever.
I will arise from this bed of sleep to adore my God, and to labour for the salvation of my soul. Oh, may I arise in the last day to life everlasting
When clothed, kneel and say
✠ In the name of the Father, &c.
Place yourself in the presence of God.
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.
Thank God, and offer yourself to Him.
My God, I most humbly thank thee for all the favours 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.
Resolve to avoid Sin, and to practise Holiness.
Adorable Jesus, my Saviour and Master, model of all perfection, I resolve and will endeavour 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.
Implore the necessary Graces.
O my God, thou knowest my poverty and weakness, and that I am unable to do any thing good without thee; deny me not, O God, the help of thy grace; proportion it to my necessities; give me strength to avoid every thing evil which thou forbiddest, and to practise the good which thou hast commanded; and enable me to bear patiently all the trials which it may please thee to send me.
Our Father. Hail Mary. I believe. I confess, &c.
An Act of Faith.
O my God, I firmly believe all that thou hast revealed, and which the holy Catholic Church proposes to me to be believed, because thou art truth itself, which can neither deceive nor be deceived. In this faith I desire to live and die.
An Act of Hope.
O my God, relying on thy gracious promises, I hope, by the merits of Jesus Christ, for the pardon of my sins, grace to serve thee faithfully in this life by doing the good works which thou hast commanded, and eternal happiness in the world to come, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
An Act of Love.
O my God, I love thee with my whole heart, and above all things, because thou art infinitely good in thyself and infinitely to be loved; and for the love of thee I love my neighbour as myself.
An Act of Contrition.
O my God, I repent with my whole heart of having offended thee; I detest my sins for the love of thee; I firmly resolve never to offend thee again, and by the help of thy grace to avoid every occasion of sin.
Ask the Prayers of the Saints.
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.
Angel of heaven, my faithful and loving guide, obtain for me grace to be obedient to thy holy inspirations, and so to direct my steps that I may not in any thing depart from the will and commandments of my God.
O great Saint, whose name I bear, protect me, pray for me, that like you I may serve God faithfully on earth, and glorify him eternally with you in heaven. Amen.
Angelus Domini, see p. 30. PRAYER OF ST. IGNATIUS.
Take, O Lord, and accept all my liberty; my memory, my understanding, and my will. Take me, and all that I have and am. Thou hast given me all; behold, I restore all to thee, to be disposed of according to thy good pleasure. Give me only thy grace and thy love; this is sufficient for me; I will not ask any thing else of thee but this. Amen.
A DEVOUT RECOMMENDATION,
Which may be used every Morning, or at any other time.
I adore and glorify thee, O blessed Trinity, God Almighty, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; I offer myself to thy divine Majesty, humbly beseeching thee to take from me, and from all the faithful, whatever displeases thee, and to give us that which is grateful in thy sight. Grant that we may here do what thou commandest, and hereafter receive what thou promisest.
To thee, O Lord, I commend my soul and body [my wife and children, my father and mother, my brothers and sisters]; all my relations, benefactors, friends, and acquaintances; all who have injured or offended me; and all whom I have in any way scandalised, injured, or offended; all who have asked my prayers, or for whom I am accustomed or bound to pray: supply all their necessities, comfort and support them in all their trials and afflictions, deliver them from all temptations, make them in this world truly to know, love, and serve thee, and to enjoy thee hereafter in heaven.
I pray also for thy holy Catholic Church; for its chief Pastor, Pius IX., our Pope, that the spirit of wisdom, fortitude, and piety, may rest upon him; for the Bishops [especially N. our Bishop], and for all the Pastors and Clergy of thy Church, that they may direct the faithful in the way of salvation; for all religious orders of men and women (to whose prayers and good works I desire to be associated); and for all the faithful. I pray for all heretics, that they may be enlightened; and for all poor sinners, that they may be converted; and for the universal spread of truth and righteousness. I pray for this our country, that thou wouldst deliver us from all those evils which we most justly have deserved by our sins, and bring us back into the ways of truth, peace, and godliness. I pray for the Queen, and all who are in authority, that they may fear thee, and promote the good of thy Church; for the poor, and all who are tempted or afflicted; and for all who are in their last agony. Lastly, I commend all universally to thy divine protection, that thou mayest vouchsafe to the living forgiveness of their sins, and to the souls departed, rest and peace, Amen.
At going forth
Shew me, O Lord, thy ways, and teach me thy paths. Direct my steps according to thy word, that no injustice may rule over me. Make perfect my walking in thy paths, that my footsteps may not be moved.
O divine wisdom, the eternal word of the Father, I humbly beseech thee, by thy grace, to purge my lips from all wicked and unprofitable words, that my mouth may never open but to thy praise and honour, and to the benefit of others.
On going into Church.
O Lord, in the multitude of thy mercies, I will enter into thy house, and worship thee in thy holy temple, and praise thy name.
At taking Holy Water.
Sprinkle me, O Lord, with hyssop, and I shall be cleansed; wash me, and I shall be made whiter than the
snow. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. GRACE BEFORE MEAT.
V. Bless us, O Lord, and these thy gifts, which of thy bounty we are about to receive; through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
GRACE AFTER MEAT.
We give thee thanks, almighty God, for all thy benefits; who livest and reignest, world without end. Amen.
Vouchsafe, O Lord, to render to all who do us good for thy name's sake, life everlasting. Amen.
May the souls of the faithful, &c.
The Angelus
I. The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary, and she conceived of the Holy Spirit.
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
II. Behold the handmaid of the Lord. Be it done to me according to thy word. Ave, Maria, &c.
III. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us.
Ave, Maria, &c.
IV. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
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.
[In Paschal time the Regina Cali is said instead of the above. See end of Compline.]
Evening Prayers
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Blessed be the holy and undivided Trinity, now and for ever.
Amen. Come, Holy Ghost, fill the hearts of thy faithful, and kindle in them the fire of thy love.
Send forth thy Spirit, and they shall be created, and thou shalt renew the face of the earth,
Our Father, &c.
Hail, Mary, &c.
I believe, &c.
1. Place yourself in the Presence of God.
O almighty and eternal God, whose majesty filleth heaven and earth, I firmly believe that thou are here present; that thy adorable eye is on me; that thou seest and knowest all things, and art most intimately present in the very centre of my soul. I desire to bow down all the powers of my soul to adore thee; I desire to join my voice with all thy blessed angels and saints, to praise thee and glorify thee now and for ever.
2. Give Thanks.
I give thee thanks, from the bottom of my heart, for all thy mercies and blessings bestowed upon me and upon thy whole Church; and particularly for those I have received from thee this day, in thy watching over me, and preserving me from so many evils, and favouring me with so many graces and inspirations, &c. [Here pause, and meditate on God's mercies.] Oh, let me never more be ungrateful unto thee, my God, who art so good and gracious unto me.
3. Ask for Light to discover your Sins.
And now, dear Lord, add this one blessing to the rest: that I may clearly discover the sins which I have committed this day, by thought, word, and deed, or by any omission of any part of my duty to thee, to my neighbour, or to myself; that no part of my guilt may be hidden from my own eyes, but that I may see my sins in their true colour, and may detest them as they ought to be detested.
4. Daily Examination.
How have you performed your prayers, and other spiritual exercises? Have you neglected them, or shortened them, or said them with hurry and in devotion ? Have you endeavoured to live as in God's presence this day, and tried in all things to please him? Have you been guilty of murmuring or impatience under the will and appointments of God ? Have you diligently performed all your ordinary duties, without sloth, carelessness, or procrastination ? Have you been guilty of any act or word contrary to truth, honesty, or purity ? Have you given way to any evil temper - pride, passion, vanity, envy, hatred, &c. ? Have you spoken evil of any one, or unnecessarily of other persons' faults ? Have you striven against your besetting sins? Have you carefully avoided all dangerous occasions of sin ?
Are you endeavouring to make advances in the spiritual life, in holiness, love of God, and superiority to the world, and not only abstaining from actual sin ?
Are you using the necessary means of a holy life, prayer, meditation, and the reading of the word of God and devout books?
(Whenever you find that you have been guilty of any sin, note it, with its aggravating circumstances, in order to make full confession of it when you next go to confession.)
Having carefully examined yourself, and called to mind your faults, recollect the chief sins of your past life also, and make an act of contrition for all.
5. An Act of Contrition.
O Father of mercies! who desirest not the death of sinners; look upon me, a miserable sinner, according to the multitude of thy mercies. I acknowledge and confess, and am heartily sorry for all the sins of my past life, and of this day in particular. I cast myself at thy feet, and beseech thee to cover all my sins with that infinite love with which thou hast loved us from all eternity. I grieve from the bottom of my heart that I have been so ungrateful to thee for thy benefits, and have so often offended thee, my God and my chief good. Spare me, I beseech thee, by the death and love of Jesus Christ thy Son; and mercifully forgive me whatsoever sins I have this day, or heretofore, committed against thee, my neighbour, or myself.
(Here you may say the 50th Psalm, or any other act of penance.)
6. A Resolution of Amendment.
O Almighty God! I firmly resolve, here in thy presence, and before the whole company of heaven, to live more exactly in conformity to thy will, and to the rule of thy commandments, hereafter. I resolve to keep a more strict watch over myself; to correct my faults and evil habits; to attend more diligently to my duties; and to avoid more carefully all sin, and all temptations and occasions of sin.
But without thy assistance, O Lord, there is no strength in man. "Thou, therefore, who makest me to will that which is good, give me also the power to perform it. Give what thou commandest, and command what thou wilt, that I may live soberly, righteously, and piously in this world, and praise thee for ever with thy saints in the world to come.
Despise not, O Lord, my petitions, for thine infinite mercies' sake, but accept this my evening sacrifice, and let it ascend as incense in thy sight.
And you, my holy patrons, pray for me. Thou first, O holy Virgin, mother of my God; thou too, my angel guardian; and ye, my chosen patrons, N. and N., and all ye heavenly citizens, angels, and saints, who praise God unceasingly, even while we sleep; take me under your protection, and commend me to God; that I may be protected from all the snares of our enemies, who are ever ready to hurt us while we sleep.
7. Intercession.
O Lord God, grant us an increase of faith, hope, and charity. Root out from among us all sin and vice, infidelity, dissensions, and erroneous opinions. Reprove the wandering; correct the unbelieving; shew to all in schism the light of thy grace, and restore them to the unity of thy Church. Preserve the pastors and rulers of thy Church, and all kings, princes, and rulers in the same, from all adversities, both of mind and body, Give to all sinners true repentance. Preserve the just in righteousness; establish all their thoughts, words and works for good. Confirm all who are dedicated to thy name in their holy resolutions. Have mercy upon all, O Lord. Give food to those who labour; comfort those who are oppressed with sorrow; heal the sick; supply the necessities of the needy; give a safe return to all who travel, whether by land or sea; grant liberty to the captive; and consolation to all women labouring with child.
Forgive all who have sinned with me, or whom I have led into sin. Repay a hundred-fold with good all whom I have injured, offended, or scandalised. Direct in the way of salvation all my relations and friends (my parents, brothers, sisters, &c.); all who pray for me, all who have commended themselves to my prayers, all who think kindly of me. Hear them, O Lord, when they cry unto thee in any tribulation.
Bestow perpetual charity both on us and on our enemies. May all be filled with patience, kindness, and mercifulness. May envy, hatred, and all bitterness, be put away. Have mercy, also, O merciful Father, on all who sleep in Christ, especially on [my parents], and those with whom I have been familiarly acquainted. Eternal rest give to them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.
O eternal Father, I beseech thee, by the life and death of thy beloved Son, and by the bowels of thy mercies, grant that I may persevere unto the end in good works, and die in thy grace.
O good Jesus, I beseech thee, by the love of the eternal Father, and by the last words with which thou didst commend thy Spirit to him upon the cross, receive my soul at my last hour.
O Holy Spirit, have mercy on me, and by thy holy inspiration strengthen me always, but especially at the hour of my death.
O most holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on me now and at the hour of my death. Amen.
HYMNS FOR EVENING.
O blest Creator
As fades the glowing orb.
The shadows of the evening hours
Sweet Saviour, bless us
Now with the fast-departing light
O thou true life
The west'ring sun roils down
The sun is sinking fast ANOTHER FORM OF EVENING PRAYER.
In the name of the Father, &c.
Blessed be the holy and undivided, &c.
Our Father, &c.
Hail, Mary, &c.
I believe, &c.
O eternal, infinite, and almighty God, whose glory the heaven of heavens cannot contain; look down on thy unworthy servant, prostrate at the feet of thy mercy, and humbly confessing to thee, in the sight of all thy holy angels and blessed saints, the sinfulness and vanity of my life, and especially the transgressions of this day.
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, through my fault, through my most grievous fault.
Here examine diligently what sins you may have fallen into this day, by thought, word, deed, or omission; and humbly confessing them, proceed thus:
Of these, and all my other sins, now or at any former time committed, I most sincerely repent, and am heartily sorry for every thought, word, and deed, by which I have displeased the eyes of thy glory, and provoked thy wrath and indignation against me; especially for my disobedience to so holy a law, and extreme ingratitude to so gracious and bountiful a God. Have mercy upon me, o God, according to thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my iniquity. Wash me yet more from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. Create a clean heart in me, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. I beseech thee, O Lord, to hear me, and have mercy upon me, And I beseech the blessed Mary ever Virgin, the blessed Michael the Archangel, the blessed John the Baptist, the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, and all the saints, to pray to the Lord our God for me. May Almighty God have mercy on me, forgive me my sins, and bring me to life everlasting, through Christ our Lord.
Amen. May the almighty and merciful Lord grant me pardon, absolution, and remission of all my sins. Amen.
And now, O most gracious Benefactor, I praise and magnify thy holy name for thy great and innumerable benefits, proceeding purely from thy bounty, and intended wholly for my good; particularly for preserving me this day in the midst of so many dangers incident to my condition, and delivering me from the many calamities and miseries which are due to my sins.
Thou art my Creator, O my God, and kind Protector; thou art the ultimate end of my being, and supreme perfection of my nature. Under the shadow of thy wings is perpetual repose, and from the light of thy countenance flows eternal joy and felicity. To thee be glory and honour, to thee adoration and obedience, from all thy creatures for ever. Amen.
And since thou hast ordained the day to labour, and the night to take our rest, as I praise thee for the blessings of the day, so I implore thy protection during this night. Let the eyes of thy providence watch over me, and thy holy angels pitch their tents about me; that being safely delivered from all dangers, and comfortably refreshed with moderate sleep, I may the better be enabled to perform the employments of my calling and state of life, and faithfully persevere in the discharge of the duties of thy service; and so daily advance to new victories over my passions, and to a more perfect observance of thy commandments: till, having passed my days in thy fear, I may end them in thy favour, and rejoice with thee for ever in thy heavenly kingdom, through Jesus Christ, our Lord and only Saviour; who with thee and the Holy Ghost liveth and reigneth, one God, world without end. Amen.
Prayer for the Dead.
O God, the Creator and Redeemer of all the faithful, give to the souls of thy servants departed the remission of all their sins; that, through pious supplications, they may obtain the pardon which they have always desired : who livest and reignest, world without end. Amen.
V. Eternal rest give unto them, O Lord.
R. And let perpetual light shine upon them.
V. May they rest in peace.
R. Amen.
Prayer of St. Aloysius to the Blessed Virgin.
To thee, O holy Mary, my sovereign Mistress, to thy blessed trust and special charge, and to the bosom of thy mercy, this day and every day, and at the hour of my death, I commend myself, my soul and my body; to thee I commit all my hope and all my consolation, my distresses and my miseries, my life and the end thereof; that through thy most holy intercession, and through thy merits, all my works may be directed and disposed, according to thy will and the will of thy Son. Amen.
A Prayer to your Guardian Angel.
Angel of God, who art my guardian, enlighten, guard, direct, and govern me, who have been committed to thee by the supernal clemency.
The Blessing.
God the Father, bless me; Jesus Christ, defend and keep me; the virtue of the Holy Ghost enlighten and sanctify me this night and for ever. Amen.
Into thy hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit. Lord Jesus, receive my soul.
When you go to Bed, say:
In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ crucified, I lay me down to rest. Bless me, O Lord, defend and govern me; and, after this short and miserable pilgrimage, bring me to everlasting happiness. Amen.
A Prayer at settling to Sleep.
O Lord Jesus Christ, whose unwearied eye neither slumbers nor sleeps, but continually watches in defence of thy servants; take me and mine, I beseech thee, into thy protection, and grant, that whilst my body is asleep, my soul may be awake to thee, and that I may hereafter behold thee in that blessed and heavenly country, where thou, with the Father and the Holy Ghost, rulest eternally, and where all the angels, with the blessed saints, are citizens for ever. Amen.
The Trisagium.
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 Ghost.
Act of resignation to the will of God.
May the most just, most high, and most amiable will of God be done, praised, and eternally exalted in all things. Amen.
A THIRD FORM OF EVENING PRAYER.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Come, O Holy Ghost, fill the hearts of thy faithful, and kindle in them the fire of thy love.
Place yourself in the presence of God, and humbly adore him.
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 neighbour as myself.
Return thanks to God for all his Mercies.
Enable me, O my God, to return thee thanks as I ought for all thine inestimable blessings and favours. 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 thy innumerable blessings, and particularly for the favours of this day? O all ye saints and angels, unite with me in praising the God of mercies, who is so bountiful to so unworthy a creature.
Our Father. Hail Mary. I believe.
Ask of God light 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 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 endeavour never more to offend thee. I confess to Almighty God, &c.
Pray for the Church of Christ.
O God, hear my prayers on behalf of our holy father Pope Pius, our Bishops, our clergy, and for all that are in authority over us. Bless, I beseech thee, the whole Catholic Church; convert all heretics and unbelievers; have mercy upon this country, and restore it again to the ancient faith and communion of thy Church. 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 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 all those for whom I am particularly bound to pray, eternal light, rest, and happiness. Amen.
Bless, O Lord, the repose I am about to take, that, my bodily strength being renewed, I may be the better enabled to serve thee.
O holy Virgin Mary, Mother of mercy, preserve me this night from all evil, whether of body or soul. Holy St. Joseph, St. Michael, and all ye saints and angels of Paradise, especially my guardian angel and my chosen patron, watch over me. I commend myself to your protection now and always. Amen. Family Prayers for Morning and Evening.[2]
Morning Prayer.
In the name of the Father, ✠ and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. R. Amen.
V. Blessed be the holy and undivided Trinity, now and for ever.
R. Amen.
V. Come, Holy Ghost, fill the hearts of thy faithful.
R. And kindle in them the fire of thy love.
V. Send forth thy Spirit, and they shall be created.
R. And thou shalt renew the face of the earth.
V. O Lord, open thou our lips.
R. And our mouth shall shew forth thy praise.
V. O God, come to our assistance.
R. O Lord, make haste to help us.
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 them that 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.
R. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of cur death. Amen.
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, dead, and buried; He descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead, he ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come 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 the life everlasting. Amen.
All this we firmly believe: we believe also all other doctrines which thy holy Church proposes to be believed, because thou, O God, who art the sovereign truth, hast promised to guide her into all truth, and hast revealed all these things unto her. In this faith and for this faith we are resolved, by thy grace, to live and die.
R. In this faith and for this faith, &c.
An Act of Hope.
Most merciful God, we hope, through the merits and death of Jesus Christ, that thou wilt grant us here thy grace and the forgiveness of our sins, and hereafter eternal life; because thou, O God, art almighty, and infinitely good unto us, and faithful in thy promises.
R. In thee, O Lord, have we hoped; let us not be confounded everlastingly,
An Act of Charity.
We love thee, O God, with our whole soul, and above all things, because thou art infinitely worthy of all love. We love thee for thine own sake; and for thy sake also we love our neighbour as ourselves. Make us to love thee ever more and more.
R. We love thee, O God, with our whole soul, and above all things. Make us to love thee ever more and more,
An Act of Contrition.
O Lord God, we grieve, from the bottom of our hearts, for the sins which we have committed against thee, because by them we have offended thee, whom we ought to love above all things, and we detest them, because they are displeasing to thee. We firmly resolve, by thy grace, to sin no more; and henceforth to avoid all occasions of sin.
R. Wash us yet more from our iniquities, and cleanse us from our sin.
An Act of Thanksgiving.
We give thee thanks, Almighty God, for thy care and preservation of us in the night past; for having brought us in safety to the beginning of another day; and for all the manifold blessings which thou hast bestowed upon us. Grant that we may pass the remainder of our lives in worthy acts of praise and thanksgiving:
R. We give thee thanks, O Lord, for all thy mercies.
V. Unto thee, O Lord, have we lifted up our voice;
R. And early in the morning our prayer shall come before thee.
V. Vouchsafe, O Lord, this day,
R. To keep us without sin.
V. Have mercy upon us, O Lord.
R. Have mercy upon us.
V. Our help is in the name of the Lord;
R. Who hath made heaven and earth.
Let us pray.
Lord God Almighty, who hast brought us to the beginning of this day, let thy powerful grace so conduct us through it, that we may not fall into any sin, but that all our thoughts, words, and works may be guided by the rules of thy heavenly justice, and tend to the observance of thy holy law, through our Lord Jesus Christ thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
O God, the Creator and Governor of all men, in whom we live, and move, and have our being, and without whom we have no power to do any thing of ourselves; we consecrate all our thoughts, words, deeds, and sufferings, of this day, to the glory of thy name, and of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Here may be said the Litany of the Holy Name, or any other Litany that may be selected from those given in this book, p. 296; or at least the concluding prayer of the Litany of the Holy Name, Lord Jesus Christ, &c., should be said; after which:
We fly to thy patronage, O holy Mother of God! despise not our petitions in our necessities, but deliver us always from all dangers, O glorious and blessed Virgin.
R. Despise not our petitions in our necessities, O holy Mother of God.
Holy Michael, the Archangel,
R. Defend us from our enemies.
Saint Joseph, our patron saints, and all the saints of God,
R. Intercede for us.
O holy angel-guardians, to whose care we have been committed by the divine goodness, enlighten, preserve, and govern us this day; defend us from all spot of sin, and obtain for us all needful grace, that we may love God, and serve him here, until we come with you to love, praise, and enjoy him hereafter, in life everlasting. Amen.
May the Lord bless us, and preserve us from all evil, and bring us to everlasting life; and may the souls of the faithful, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
Evening Prayer.
In the name of the Father, ✠ and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. R. Amen.
V. Blessed be the holy and undivided Trinity, now and for ever.
R. Amen.
V. Come, Holy Ghost, fill the hearts of thy faithful.
R. And kindle in them the fire of thy love.
V. Send forth thy Spirit, and they shall be created.
R. And thou shalt renew the face of the earth,
V. O Lord, open thou our lips.
R. And our mouth shall shew forth thy praise.
V. O God, come to our assistance.
R. O Lord, make haste to help us. Prevent, we beseech thee, O Lord, our actions, by thy inspirations, and further them with thy continual help, that every prayer and work of ours may always begin from thee, and through thee be likewise ended. Through our Lord Jesus Christ thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Our Father, &c. Hail Mary, &c. I believe, &c.
Let us give thanks to God for all his mercies, especially for those which we have received this day. (A pause.)
We give thee thanks, Almighty God, for all thy mercies bestowed upon us, especially for those which we have received this day. (A short pause.).
V. What shall we render unto the Lord for all that he hath rendered unto us?
R. We will take the chalice of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord.
V. We will pay our vows unto the Lord,
R. Before all his people.
V. We will walk in the ways of the Lord,
R. And serve him all the days of our life.
V. Blessed be the name of the Lord,
R. Henceforth and for ever. Amen.
Let us pray for light to see into our conscience.
V. Enlighten our eyes, O Lord.
R. That we sleep not in the sleep of sin.
V. Prove us, O God, and know our hearts.
R. Examine us, and know our paths.
V. See if there be in us any evil way;
R. And lead us in the way everlasting. (A pause.)
We confess unto thee, Almighty God, that we have sinned exceedingly in thought, word, and deed, through our fault, through our fault, through our own most grievous fault. We are heartily sorry for all our sins, especially those which we have committed this day (a pause); and we resolve, by thy grace, never more to sin against thee. Therefore we beseech thee, O Lord, to have mercy upon us, and to forgive us all our sins, and to bring us to life everlasting. And we beseech the blessed Mary ever Virgin, the blessed Michael the Archangel, the blessed John the Baptist, the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, and all the saints, to pray to the Lord our God for us.
R. Have mercy upon us, O Lord, and forgive us our sins, and bring us to life everlasting.
V. Wash us yet more from our iniquity;
R. And cleanse us from our sin.
V. Create in us a clean heart, O God;
R. And renew a right spirit within us.
Here may be said any occasional Prayer, or the following:
Look down, we beseech thee, O Lord, upon this thy family, for which our Lord Jesus Christ hesitated not to be delivered into the hands of sinners, and to undergo the torment of the cross; who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.
O God, from whom all holy desires, all right counsels, and all just works do come, give to thy servants that peace which the world cannot give, that our hearts being given up to obey thy commandments, and the fear of our enemies being taken away, the times, by thy protection, may be peaceful, through our Lord Jesus Christ. who liveth, &c.
For Peace.
Give peace, O Lord, in our days; for there is none other that fighteth for us but only thou, our God.
V. Let peace be in thy strength.
R. And plenteousness in thy towers.
Then may follow the Litany of the Blessed Virgin, or any other appropriate Litany for the day or season; after which,
Let us pray for the Dead.
Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O Lord: Lord, hear my voice. Oh, let thine ears consider well the voice of my supplication.
If thou, O Lord, shalt mark iniquities, Lord, who shall abide it?
For with thee there is propitiation: and because of thy law, I have waited for thee, O Lord.
My soul hath waited on his word: my soul hath hoped in the Lord.
From the morning-watch even until night, let Israel hope in the Lord.
For with the Lord there is mercy; and with him is plenteous redemption.
And he shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities.
V. Eternal rest give unto them, O Lord.
R. And let perpetual light shine upon them.
V. May they rest in peace.
R. Amen.
O God, the Creator and Redeemer of all the faithful, grant to the souls of thy servants departed, the remission of all their sins, that through our pious supplications they may obtain the pardon which they have always desired; who livest and reignest with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
V. Let us pray for our Sovereign Pontiff, N.
R. The Lord preserve him, and give him life, and make him blessed upon the earth, and deliver him not up to the will of his enemies.
V. Let us pray for our benefactors.
R. Vouchsafe, O Lord, for thy name's sake, to reward with eternal life all them that do us good.
V. Let us pray for our absent brethren.
R. Save thy servants, who hope in thee, O my God.
V. Send them help from thy holy place,
R. And defend them out of Sion.
V. O Lord, hear our prayer,
R. And let our cry come unto thee. We fly to thy patronage, O holy Mother of God! despise not our petitions in our necessities, but deliver us always from all dangers, O glorious and blessed Virgin.
R. Despise not our petitions in our necessities, O Holy Mother of God.
Holy Michael, the Archangel, R. Defend us from our enemies.
Saint Joseph, our patron saints, and all the saints of God,
R. Intercede for us.
O holy angel-guardians, to whose care we have been committed by the divine goodness, defend us this night from all evil.
R. Amen.
The Compline hymn, or any other, may be here said or sung.
V. Save us, O Lord, when we are awake, and keep us while we sleep; that we may watch with Christ, and rest in peace.
R. Amen.
V. Preserve us as the apple of thine eye.
R. And protect us under the shadow of thy wings.
V. Vouchsafe, O Lord, this night,
R. To keep us without sin.
V. Have mercy upon us, O Lord.
R. Have mercy upon us.
V. Let thy mercy be upon us, O Lord.
R. As we have hoped in thee.
V. O Lord, hear our prayer.
R. And let our cry come unto thee.
Visit, we beseech thee, O Lord, this habitation, and drive far from it all snares of the enemy. Let thy holy angels dwell herein to preserve us in peace, and may thy blessing be always upon us; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
May the Lord bless us, and keep us, and deliver us from all evil; and may the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
R. Amen. Night Prayers.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Blessed be the holy and undivided Trinity, now and for ever. Amen.
Our Father, &c.
Hail, Mary, &c.
I believe in God, &c.
Let us place ourselves in the presence of God, and give him thanks for all the benefits which we have received from him, particularly this day.
O my God, I firmly believe that thou art here present, and perfectly seest me, and that thou observest all my actions, all my thoughts, and the most secret motions of my heart. Thou watchest over me with an incomparable love, every moment bestowing favours, and preserving me from evil. Blessed be thy holy name; and may all creatures bless thy goodness for the benefits which I have ever received from thee, and particularly this day. May the saints and angels supply my defect in rendering thee due thanks. Never permit me to be so base and wicked as to repay thy bounties with ingratitude, and thy blessings with offences and injuries.
Let us ask of our Lord Jesus Christ grace to discover the sins which we have committed this day; and beg of him a true sorrow for them, and a sincere repentance.
O my Lord Jesus Christ, Judge of the living and the dead, before whom I must appear one day to give an exact account of my whole life; enlighten me, I beseech thee, and give me an humble and contrite heart, that I may see wherein I have offended thine infinite Majesty; and judge myself now with such a just severity, that then thou mayest judge me with mercy and clemency.
Let us here examine what sins we have committed this day, by thought, word, deed, or omission. (If nothing occur to your mind wherein you have offended, renew your sorrow for the sins of your past life.)
Let us conceive a great sorrow for having offended God.
O my God, I detest these and all other sins which I have comınitted against thy divine Majesty. I am extremely sorry that I have offended thee, because thou art infinitely good, and sin displeaseth thee. I love thee with my whole heart; and firmly purpose, by the help of thy grace, never more to offend thee. I resolve to avoid the occasions of sin; I will confess my sins, and will endeavour to make satisfaction for them. Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy, and pardon me, a wretched sinner. In the name of thy beloved. Son Jesus, I humbly beg of thee so to wash me with his precious blood, that my sins may be entirely remitted.
Let us endeavour, as much as possible, to put ourselves in the dispositions in which we desire to be found at the hour of death.
O my God, I accept of death as a homage and adoration which I owe to thy divine Majesty, and as a punishment justly due to my sins, in union with the death of my dear Redeemer, and as the only means of coming to thee, my beginning and last end.
I firmly believe all the sacred truths which the Catholic Church believeth and teacheth, because thou hast revealed them. And by the assistance of thy holy grace, I am resolved to live and die in the communion of this thy Church.
Relying upon thy goodness, power, and promises, I hope to obtain pardon of my sins, and life everlasting, through the merits of thy Son Jesus Christ, my only Redeemer, and by the intercession of his blessed Mother, and all the saints.
I love thee with all my heart and soul, and desire to love thee as the blessed do in heaven. I adore all the designs of thy divine Providence, resigning myself entirely to thy will.
I also love my neighbour for thy sake, as I love myself. I sincerely forgive all who have injured me, and ask pardon of all whom I have injured. I renounce the devil, with all his works; the world, with all its pomps; the flesh, with all its temptations.
I desire to be dissolved, and to be with Christ. Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.
R. Lord Jesus, receive my soul.
May the blessed Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, and all the saints, pray for us to our Lord, that we may be preserved this night from sin and all evils. Amen.
Blessed St. Michael, defend us in the day of battle, that we may not be lost at the dreadful judgment. Amen.
O my good Angel, whom God, by his divine mercy, hath appointed to be my guardian, enlighten and protect me, direct and govern me this night. Amen.
May almighty God have mercy on us, and forgive us our sins, and bring us to life everlasting. Amen.
May the almighty and merciful Lord grant us pardon, absolution, and remission of all our sins. Amen.
V. Vouchsafe, O Lord, this night,
R. To keep us without sin.
V. Have mercy upon us, O Lord.
R. Have mercy upon us.
V. Let thy mercy be upon us, O Lord.
R. As we have hoped in thee.
V. O Lord, hear my prayer.
R. And let my cry come unto thee.
Let us pray:
Visit, we beseech thee, O Lord, this habitation, and drive far from it all snares of the enemy. Let thy holy angels dwell herein, to preserve us in peace; and may thy blessing be always upon us, through our Lord, &c.
Save us, O Lord, when we are awake; and keep us while we sleep; that we may watch with Christ, and rest in peace.
R. Amen.
Evening Hymns, see p. 35.
Compline Hymns, p. 407. Short Forms for those who have little time.
MORNING.
In the name of the Father, ✠ and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Oʻmy God, I believe that thou art here present; I adore thee, and I love thee with all my heart.
Thou hast created me out of nothing, redeemed me by the death of thy Sen, sanctified me by the grace of thy Holy Spirit; thou hast preserved me the night past, and given me this present day; I humbly thank thee for these and all other benefits which thou hast bestowed on me.
I offer to thee all my thoughts, words, actions, and sufferings; and I beseech thee to give me thy grace that I may not offend thee this day, but that I may do thy holy will in all things.
Our Father. Hail, Mary. I believe in God.
An Act of Faith.
I firmly believe there is one God; and that in this one God there are three Persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost: that the Son took to himself the nature of man, from the Virgin Mary's womb, by the power of the Holy Ghost; and that in this our human nature he was crucified and died for us; that afterwards he rose again and ascended into heaven, from thence he shall come to repay the just everlasting glory, and the wicked everlasting punishment; moreover I believe whatsoever else the Catholic Church proposes to be believed, and this because God, who is the sovereign truth, who can neither deceive nor be deceived, has revealed all these things to this his Church.
An Act of Hope.
O my God, relying on thy almighty power and thy infinite mercy and goodness, and because thou art faithful to thy promises, I trust in thee that thou wilt grant me forgiveness of my sins, through the merits of Jesus Christ thy Son; and that thou wilt give me the assistance of thy grace, with which I may labour to continue to the end in the diligent exercise of all good works, and may deserve to obtain the glory which thou hast promised in heaven.
An Act of Charity.
An Act of Contrition.
O my God, who art infinitely good, and always hatest sin, I beg pardon from my heart for all my offences against thee; I detest them all and am heartily sorry for them, because they offend thy infinite goodness, and I firmly resolve by the help of thy grace never more to offend thee, and carefully to avoid the occasions of sin. Holy Mary, be a mother to me. O my good Angel, guard me in all my ways. All ye Angels and Saints of God, pray for me.
May our Lord bless us, and preserve us from all evil, and bring us to life everlasting; and may the souls of the faithful, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
EVENING.
In the name of the Father, ✠ and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
O my God, I believe that thou art here present; I adore thee, and I love thee with all my heart.
I return thee thanks for all the benefits which I have ever received from thee, and particularly this day. Give me light, O my God, to see what sins I have committed this day, and grant me grace to be truly sorry for them.
Here examine whether you have offended God during the day, by any thought, word, deed, or by the neglect of any duty.
O my God, who art infinitely good, and always hatest sin, I beg pardon from my heart for all my offences against thee. I detest them all and am heartily sorry for them, because they offend thy infinite goodness, and I firmly resolve by the help of thy grace never more to offend thee, and carefully to avoid the occasions of sin.
Our Father. Hail, Mary. I believe in God.
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, through my fault, through my most grievous fault. Therefore, I beseech the blessed Mary ever Virgin; the blessed Michael the Archangel, the blessed John the Baptist, the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, and all the Saints, to pray to the Lord our God for me.
Into thy hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit: Lord Jesus, receive my soul.
Holy Mary, be a mother to me.
O my good Angel, watch over me this night.
All ye Angels and Saints of God, pray for me.
May our Lord bless us, and preserve us from all evil, and bring us to life everlasting; and may the souls of the faithful, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen. Pater noster.
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.
Credo in Deum.
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 Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into Hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into Heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God, the Father almighty; from thence He shall come 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.
Ave Maria
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. Gloria Patri.
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.
Salve Regina.
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 vale of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine 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.
Memorare.
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided.
Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Occasional Prayers.
For the Holy Catholic Church.
DEFEND, O Lord, thy servants, we beseech thee, from all dangers both of body and soul; and, by the intercession of the blessed and glorious Virgin Mary, Mother of God, of the blessed Apostles Peter and Paul, of blessed N., and of all thy saints, mercifully grant us the blessings of peace and safety; that all adversities and errors being removed, thy Church may freely and securely serve thee; through our Lord, &c.
For all Degrees of Men in the Church.
Almighty and everlasting God, by whose Spirit the whole body of the Church is sanctified and governed; mercifully hear our humble supplications for all degrees and orders therein; that by the gift of thy grace all in their several stations may faithfully serve thee; through, &c.
For the Pope.
O God, the Pastor and Governor of all the faithful, mercifully look upon thy servant N., whom thou hast been pleased to appoint the pastor of thy Church; grant, we beseech thee, that both by word and example he may edify those over whom he is set; and, together with the flock committed to his care, may attain everlasting life; through, &c.
For the King or Queen.
We beseech thee, O almighty God, that thy servant Victoria our Queen, who, by thy mercy, has received the government of this kingdom, may receive also an increase of all virtues; wherewith being adorned, she may be able both to avoid the enormity of sin (vanquish her enemies], and being made acceptable in thy sight, may come unto thee, who art the way, the truth, and the life; through, &c.
Another.
O God, by whom kings reign, and the princes of the earth exercise their power; O God, who art the strength and support of those kingdoms that serve thee; mercifully hear our prayers, and defend thy servant Victoria our Queen from all dangers; and grant that her safety may conduce to the peace and welfare of thy people; through, &c.
For Bishops, and the People committed to them.
Almighty and everlasting God, who alone doest great marvels, send down upon thy servants, the Bishops of thy Church (especially N. our Bishop], and all congregations committed unto them, the spirit of thy saving grace; and that they may truly please thee, pour upon them the continual dew of thy blessing; through, &c.
For a Congregation or Family.
Defend, we beseech thee, O Lord, by the intercession of the blessed Mary, ever Virgin, this thy family from all adversity; and mercifully protect us, now prostrate before thee with our whole hearts, from all the snares of our enemies; through, &c.
For the Preservation of Concord in a Congregation.
O God, who art the giver of peace and lover of charity, grant to thy servants true concord and union with thy holy will, that we may be delivered from all temptations which assault us; through, &c.
Against the Persecutors of the Church.
In any Necessity.
O God, our refuge and strength, the author of all godliness, give ear to the fervent prayers of thy Church, that what we ask in faith we may effectually obtain; through, &c.
In any Tribulation.
O almighty God, despise not thy people who cry unto thee in their affliction; but for the glory of thy name, turn away thine anger, and help us in our tribulations; through, &c.
In Time of Famine or Pestilence.
Grant, we beseech thee, O Lord, an answer to our hearty supplications; and, thy wrath being appeased, turn away from us this famine (or pestilence); that the hearts of men may know that these scourges proceed from thine anger, and cease by thy mercy; through, &c.
For Forgiveness of Sins.
O God, who rejectest none that come unto thee, but in pity art appeased even with the greatest sinners who repent; mercifully regard our prayers in our humiliation, and lighten our hearts; that we may be able to fulfil thy commandments; through, &c.
For the Tempted and Afflicted.
O God, who justifiest the ungodly that repent, and wouldst not the death of a sinner; we humbly entreat thy Majesty to protect thy servants with thy heavenly assistance, who trust in thy mercy, and preserve them by thy continual protection; that they may constantly serve thee, and by no temptation be separated from thee; through, &c.
A Prayer for Perseverance in Goodness.
Grant, O my Lord Jesus Christ, that I may persevere in good purposes, and in thy holy service, to my death; and that I may this day perfectly begin, for all I have hitherto done is nothing. Amen.
For Heretics and Schismatics.
O almighty and everlasting God, who hast compassion on all, and wouldst not that any should perish; favourably look down upon all those who are seduced by the deceit of Satan; that all heretical impiety being removed, the hearts of such as err may repent, and return to the unity of thy truth; through, &c.
For Jews.
O almighty and everlasting God, who repellest not from thy mercy even the perfidious Jews; hear the prayer which we offer for the blindness of that people; that the light of thy truth, Christ our Lord, being known to them, they may be delivered from their darkness; through, &c.
For Pagans.
O almighty and everlasting God, who desirest not the death but the life of sinners; mercifully accept our prayers, and, delivering pagans from the worship of idols, unite them to thy Church, to the praise and honour of thy glorious name; through, &c.
For our Friends.
O God, who, by the grace of the Holy Spirit, hast poured into the hearts of thy faithful the gifts of charity; grant to thy servants, for whom we implore thy mercy, health both of body and soul; that they may love thee with all their strength, and cheerfully perform those things which are pleasing unto thee; through, &c.
A short Recommendation to God.
For the Sick.
V. Heal thy servants, O Lord, who are sick, and who put their trust in thee.
R. Send them help, O Lord, and comfort them from thy holy place.
O almighty and everlasting God, the eternal salvation of them that believe in thee, hear us in behalf of thy servants who are sick; for whom we humbly crave the help of thy mercy; that, their health being restored to them, they may render thanks to thee in thy Church;. through, &c.
For the Dead.
O almighty and eternal God, who hast dominion over the living and the dead, and art merciful to all, whom thou foreknowest shall be thine by faith and good works; we humbly beseech thee, that they for whom we have determined to offer up our prayers, whether this present world still detain them in the flesh, or the world to come hath already received them out of their bodies, may, by the clemency of thy goodness (all thy saints interceding for them), obtain pardon and full remission of their sins; through our Lord Jesus Christ, thy Son, who, with thee and the Holy Ghost, liveth and reigneth one God, world without end. Amen.
A Prayer before Study or Instructions.
For a Husband or Wife.
O God, who hast ordained and sanctified the holy estate of matrimony, for replenishing the earth, for mutual consolation, and as a type of the union of Christ and his Church; give me grace both thankfully to accept its blessings, and carefully to fulfil its duties. I beseech thee continually to bless our union, and to enable us to live together in peace and love, in the faithful discharge of all our duties to thee, and to each other. Deliver us from every evil temper, from every heedless action, which may in any way weaken or embitter the sacredness of that tie by which thou hast bound us together, and which can never be severed. Make me faithful and affectionate, studious to please, and ready to deny my own will and inclination in all things. Let not the trials and crosses of this life induce me to murmur, nor any earthly blessings cause me to forget thee, the Author and Giver of all; but by patience and meekness, by prayer and thankfulness, may all things be sanctified unto me, and fit me for eternal union with thee, through Jesus Christ. Amen.
A Prayer for Parents, for themselves and for their Children.
O Father of mankind, who hast given unto me these my children, and committed them to my charge, to bring them up for thee, and to prepare them for everlasting life; assist me with thy heavenly grace, that I may be able to fulfil this most sacred duty and stewardship. Teach me both what to give, and what to withhold; when to reprove, and when to forbear : make me to be gentle, yet firm; considerate and watchful; and deliver me equally from the weakness of indulgence, and excess of severity; and grant that, both by word and example, I may be careful to lead them in the ways of wisdom and true piety; so that at last I may, with them, be admitted to the unspeakable joys of our true home in heaven, in the unity of the blessed angels and saints, where thou, O Father, with Jesus, thy only-begotten Son, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, livest and reignest one God, for ever and ever.
O Heavenly Father, I commend my children unto thee. Be thou their God and Father; and mercifully supply whatever is wanting in me, through frailty or negligence. Strengthen them to overcome the corruptions of the world, to resist the solicitations of evil, whether from within or without; and deliver them from the secret snares of the enemy. Pour thy grace into their hearts, and confirm and multiply in them the gifts of thy Holy Spirit, that they may daily grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ; and so faithfully serving thee here, may come to rejoice before thee hereafter; through the merits of the same our Lord Jesus Christ, who with thee and the Holy Ghost livest and reignest. Amen.
For a Child.
O Almighty God, who hast given unto me my father and mother, and made them to be an image of thy authority, and love, and tender watchfulness, and hast commanded me to love, and honour, and obey them in all things; give me grace cheerfully and with my whole heart to keep this thy law. Help me to love them fervently, to honour them truly, to yield a ready obedience to all their commands, to comply with all their wishes, to study their happiness in every thing, and to bear with patience and humility all their rebukes. Deliver me, o God, from pride, rebellion, and wilfulness, from passion and stubbornness, from sloth and carelessness.
Make me diligent in all my duties and studies, and patient in all my trials; that so living, I may deserve to be thy child, who art our Father in heaven, througlı Jesuis Christ, thine only Son our Lord. Amen. A Prayer for choosing a State of Life
O Lord, I beseech thee to grant me thy divine light, that I may know the designs of thy providence concerning me, and that, filled with a sincere desire for my soul's salvation, I may say, with the young man in the Gospel: “ What must I do to be saved ?" All states of life are before me; but, still undecided what to do, I await thy commands, I offer myself to thee without restriction, without reserve, with a most perfect submission.
Far be it from me, O Lord, to oppose the order of thy wisdom, and, unfaithful to the inspiration of thy grace, to strive to subject the will of the Creator to the caprice of the creature. It is not for the servant to choose the way in which he will serve his master: do thou lay upon me what commands thou pleasest. “ My lot is in thine hands." I make no exception, lest perchance that which I except be that which thou willest, and because I am too short-sighted to discover in the future the different obstacles I shall meet with, if, without thy guidance, I make myself the arbiter of my own conduct. Speak, Lord, to my soul; speak to me as thou didst to the youthful Samuel : “Speak to me, Lord; for thy servant heareth.” I cast myself at thy feet, and I am ready, if it be thy will, to sacrifice myself as a victim to thee for the remainder of my days, in such wise as thou shalt deem most worthy of thy greatness.
O my God, overrule the affections of my parents, and guide their projects according to the counsels of thine eternal wisdom. Lord, I desire to consult thee as the oracle of truth, sincerely and without preference; grant that they also may submit themselves to its decrees, faithfully and without reserve.
A Prayer in Times of threatened Calamity.
For our Enemies.
(St. Gertrude.)
O Lord Jesus, in union with that love and that surpassing sweetness with which, amidst the unutterable anguish and sorrows of thy Passion, thou didst pray for those who crucified thee, saying, “Father, forgive them,” I beseech thee with all the love of my heart that thou wouldst now vouchsafe to forgive all who have ever or in any way offended against me. Amen.
A Prayer in Sickness or Affliction.
O Lord Jesus Christ, I receive this sickness [or, this affliction], with which thou art pleased to visit me, as coming from thy fatherly hand. It is thy will, and therefore I submit; my will, but thine be done.” May it be to the honour of thy holy name, and for the good of my soul. I here offer myself with an entire submission to all thine appointments; to suffer whatever thou pleasest, as long as thou pleasest, and in what manner thou pleasest; for I am a creature, O Lord, who has often and most ungratefully offended thee, and whom thou mightst justly have visited with thy severest punishments. Oh, let thy justice be tempered with mercy, and let thy heavenly grace come to my assistance to support me under this affliction! Confirm my soul with strength from above, that I may bear with true Christian patience all the uneasiness, pains, disquiets, and troubles under which I labour; preserve me from all temptations and murmuring thoughts, that in this time of affliction I may in no way offend thee; and grant that this and all other earthly trials may be the means of preparing my soul for its passage into eternity, that, being purified from all my sins, I may believe in thee, hope in thee, love thee above all things, and finally, through thy infinite merits, be admitted into the company of the blessed in heaven, there to praise thee for ever and ever. Amen.
Daily Intention.
(B. Leonard.)
O my eternal God, behold me now prostrate before thy immense majesty in humblest adoration. I offer thee all my thoughts, words, and actions of this day; and I intend to do all for thy love, for thy glory, to fulfil thy divine will, to serve thee, to praise thee, and to bless thee; to be enlightened in the mysteries of the holy faith, to secure my salvation, and to hope in thy mercy; to satisfy thy divine justice for my sins, so many and most grievous; to give suffrage to the holy souls in Purgatory, and to obtain the grace of a true conversion for all sinners; in a word, I intend to do this day every thing in union with those most pure intentions which Jesus and Mary had in life, and all the Saints who are in heaven, and all the just who are upon earth; and I should wish to be able to subscribe with my own blood this my intention, and to repeat it as many times every moment as there will be moments in eternity. Accept, O my beloved God, this my good desire; give me thy holy benediction, with an efficacious grace not to commit mortal sin throughout the whole course of my life, but particularly on this day, on which I desire, and intend to gain, all the Indulgences which I can gain, and to assist at all the Masses which shall be celebrated to-day throughout the whole world, applying them all in suffrage for the holy souls in Purgatory, that they may be freed from those pains. Amen.
Covenant with God.
(St. Gertrude.)
O Almighty God, I sanctify, dedicate, and consecrate to thee every beating of my heart, and every pulsation of my blood; and I desire to make this compact with thee, that their every beating shall say to thee: Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of Sabaoth; and I beseech thee to impute this meaning to them, so that they may be before thy divine Majesty as the unceasing echo of that heavenly canticle, which seraphim sing without ceasing unto thee. Amen, amen.
A more extended Covenant, to be renewed every week.
(From the same.)
O Lord God, my Creator, all my desire is before thee, and my groaning is not hidden from thee; but inasmuch as the necessities of this life prevent the constant application of my mind to thy praise, I make with thee this covenant, earnestly desiring that it may remain in force throughout this week.
Whenever I look up towards heaven, I desire and intend to rejoice with thee in thine infinite perfections; that thou art what thou art, supremely strong and wise and loving and just.
As often as I open or close my eyes, I desire and intend to approve and concur in all the holy actions which thine only-begotten Son, and all the saints in heaven and just on earth, have ever done, or shall ever hereafter do, to thy glory, and desire to be held a partaker in them all.
As often as I draw my breath, I offer to thee the Life and Passion and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the merits and sufferings of all the saints, to thine eternal glory, for the welfare and peace of all the whole world, and in satisfaction for the sins of all men.
Whenever I sigh, I intend to detest and abhor every sin, as well my own sins as those which have ever been committed from the beginning of the world against the honour of thy Name. Would that the slight and worthless offering of my blood might be accepted in satisfaction for them !
Lastly, as often as I move my hand or my foot, so often do I cast myself with entire resignation upon thy most holy will, desiring that thou wouldst dispose of me in time and in eternity, according to thine adorable good pleasure.
And, lest this fivefold covenant should be in any way made void, I seal it with the seals of thy five most Sacred Wounds, earnestly desiring that it may have its full force with thee, even though in any one of these actions it be not actually present to my mind.
For a Happy Death.
(To be said before a crucifix.)
O sweet Lord Jesus Christ, by that sad bitterness of death thou didst endure for me upon the cross, and chiefly in the hour when thy most glorious soul did make its egress from thy ever-blessed body, I beseech thee, Lord, have pity on my soul, now and at the moment of its departure hence, and take it to thee unto eternal life. Amen.
Prayer in a Burial ground.
Hail, all ye faithful souls of Christ; may he give you rest, who is himself the one true Rest. May Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God, who for our salvation and for that of all mankind was born of the Immaculate Virgin, and redeemed you with his precious Blood, bless you, release you from your pains, raise you up in the day of judgment, and place you with his holy angels.
Prayer for all Virtues needful to a Christian Man.
(St. Thomas Aquinas.)
O merciful God, grant that I may eagerly desire, carefully search out, truthfully acknowledge, and ever perfectly fulfil all things which are pleasing unto thee. Order all my state for the glory and honour of thy Name alone; and grant me to know what thou dost require me to do, and give me to do it as is fitting, and profitable to my salvation. Grant that I may not fail or swerve either in prosperity or in adversity; that I be not lifted up by the one, nor cast down by the other. Let me joy in nothing but what leads to thee, nor grieve for any thing but what leads away from thee; let me neither seek to please, nor fear to displease, any but thee alone. May all transitory things grow vile in my eyes, O Lord, and may all that is thine be dear to me for thy sake, and thou, O my God, dear above them all. May all joy be irksome to me that is without thee, nor may I desire any thing that is apart from thee. May all labour and toil delight me which is for thee, and all rest be weariness which is not in thee. Grant me, O Lord, continually to lift up my heart towards thee, and to bring sorrowfully to my mind my many shortcomings, with full purpose of amendment. Make me, O Lord, obedient without demur, poor without repining, chaste without stain, patient without murmur, humble without pretence, joyous without frivolity, fearful without abjectness, truthful without disguise, given to good works without presumption, faithful to rebuke my neighbour without arrogance, and ever careful to edify him both by word and example without pretension.
Give me, O Lord God, an ever-watchful heart, which no subtle speculation may lure from thee; a noble heart, which no unworthy affection can draw downwards to the earth; an upright heart, which no insincere intention can warp aside; an unconquerable heart, which no tribulation can crush or quell; a free heart, which no perverted or impetuous affection can claim for its own. Bestow on me, O Lord, my God, understanding to know thee, diligence to seek thee, wisdom to find thee, a life and conversation which may please thee, perseverance in waiting patiently for thee, and a hope which may embrace thee at the last. Grant me to be pierced with compunction by thy sorrows through true repentance, to improve all thy gifts and benefits during this my pilgrimage through thy grace, and so at length to enter into thy full and consummate joy in thy glory. Through our Lord Jesus Christ thy Son, who liveth and reigneth, &c.
An Universal Prayer for all things necessary to salvation.
O my God, I believe in thee; do thou strengthen my faith. All my hopes are in thee; do thou secure them. I love thee; teach me to love thee daily more and more. I am sorry that I have offended thee; do thou increase my sorrow.
I adore thee as my first beginning; I aspire after thee as my last end. I give thee thanks as my constant benefactor; I call upon thee as my sovereign protector.
Vouchsafe, O my God, to conduct me by thy wisdom, to restrain me by thy justice, to comfort me by thy mercy, to defend me by thy power.
To thee I desire to consecrate all my thoughts, words, actions, and sufferings; that henceforward I may think only of thee, speak of thee, refer all my actions to thy greater glory, and suffer willingly whatever thou shalt appoint.
Lord, I desire that in all things thy will may be done, because it is thy will, and in the manner that thou willest.
I beg of thee to enlighten my understanding, to inflame my will, to purify my body, and to sanctify my soul.
Give me strength, O my God, to expiate my offences, to overcome my temptations to subdue my passions, and to acquire the virtues proper for my state. Fill my heart with tender affection for thy goodness, hatred of my faults, love of my neighbour, and contempt of the world.
Let me always remember to be submissive to my superiors, condescending to my inferiors, faithful to my friends, and charitable to my enemies.
Assist me to overcome sensuality by mortification, avarice by alms-deeds, anger by meekness, and tepidity by devotion.
O my God, make me prudent in my undertakings, courageous in dangers, patient in affliction, and humble in prosperity.
Grant that I may be ever attentive at my prayers, temperate at my meals, diligent in my employments, and constant in my resolutions.
Let my conscience be ever upright and pure, my exterior modest, my conversation edifying, and my comportment regular.
Assist me, that I may continually labour to overcome nature, to correspond with thy grace, to keep thy commandments, and to work out my salvation.
Discover to me, O my God, the nothingness of this world, the greatness of heaven, the shortness of time, and the length of eternity.
Grant that I may prepare for death; that I may fear thy judgments, escape hell, and in the end obtain heaven; through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen.