Catholic prayers
The Catholic Church has many prayers which are used prayed individually or in group liturgies. In some cases, these prayers are shared in common with numerous groups of Christians—as is the case with the "Our Father" or "The Lord's Prayer."[1] Some prayers exclusively characterize Catholic worship.
The Hail Mary
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the Fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.[2]
The Sign of the Cross
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.[2]
This prayer is traditionally accompanied by a gesture. The right hand is touched to the forehead upon saying the word "Father," to the chest when saying "Son," to the left shoulder when saying "Holy," and to the right shoulder when saying "Spirit." Thus, the shape of a cross is traced upon the front of the body as the prayer is recited. This easily recognizable gesture is typically taken to characterize Catholics. It is said before every prayer.[3]
Novenas
Novenas are devotional prayers also distinctive to Catholic practice, although they are not as ubiquitous as the Hail Mary. These prayers typically involving repetition over time and sometimes other requirements, as in the example below.
3 Day Novena to Our Lady of Mount Carmel; Never Known to Fail
Oh, most beautiful flower of Mount Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of Heaven. Blessed Mother of the Son of God; Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity.
Oh, Star of the Sea, help me and show me you are my Mother.
Oh, Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succour me in my necessity. (Mention your request here).
There are none that can withstand your power.
Oh, Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee. (3x).
Holy Mary, I place this prayer in your hands. (3x). Amen.
Say this prayer for 3 consecutive days and then you must publish it and it will be granted to you.
References
- ↑ "Basic Prayers: Explanation of traditional prayers". Catholic.net. Retrieved 7 March 2011.
- 1 2 Tucker, James. "Traditional Catholic: Prayers A Short Cyberbook of Traditional Prayers". Catholic.net. Retrieved 7 March 2011.
- ↑ Cunningham, Kathryn. "Marked". Catholic.net. Retrieved 7 March 2011.