Prayer and Devotion
There is a distinctively Franciscan way of praying. It centers strongly on Christ, and on the world. Where some ways of praying ask the one praying to close their eyes to concentrate on the things of God, Francis and Clare opened their eyes wide to gaze on God and on his world. They prayed, as they lived, passionately, holding back nothing of themselves.
You are holy, Lord, the only God, and Your deeds are wonderful.
You are strong.
- You are great.
- You are the most high.
- You are almighty.
- You, Holy Father, are
- King of heaven and earth.
You are Three and One,
- Lord God, all good.
- You are good, all good, supreme good,
- Lord God; living and true.
You are love,
- You are wisdom,
- You are humility,
- You are endurance,
- You are rest,
- You are peace,
- You are joy and gladness,
- You are justice and moderation,
- You are all our riches
- And you suffice for us.
You are beauty,
- You are gentleness,
- You are our protector,
- You are our guardian and defender,
- You are courage,
- You are our refreshment and our hope.
You are our faith,
- Our great consolation,
- You are our eternal life:
- Great and wonderful Lord,
- God almighty,
- Merciful Savior.
Great God of all glory and you my Lord Jesus Christ, I beseech you to illuminate me and to dissipate the darkness of my spirit, to give me a pure faith, firm hope and perfect charity.
O my God, grant me to know You well and to do all things according to Your light and in conformity with Your most holy will.
Please, O Lord, let the sweet fierce honey of Your love lap up my spirit from everything there is under heaven, so that I may die for love of Your love, Who deigned to die for love of my love. Amen
We adore You, O most Holy Lord Jesus Christ, here and in all Your churches which are in the whole world, and we bless You, because by Your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world.
O Sacred Banquet, in which Christ is received, the memory of His Passion is renewed, the mind is filled with grace, and a pledge of future glory is given to us.
V. You have given them bread from heaven.
R. Containing in itself all sweetness
Let us pray: O God, You who in this wondrous Sacrament have left us a memorial of Your Passion, grant us, we pray, so to venerate the sacred mysteries of Your Body and Blood that we may ever experience the fruits of your redemption. You who live and reign world without end. Amen.
V. Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.
R. Your Kingdom come.
V. Immaculate Heart of Mary
R. Pray for us.
O most Holy Trinity, we adore You, we praise You, we glorify You, we offer You the entire love of our hearts. We thank You for all the benefits we have received from Your tender goodness, particularly that You have preserved us this night and blessed us with a new day. Help us to spend this day for Your greater honor and glory and increase ever more in Your holy love. Amen.
O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer You my prayers, works, joys, and sufferings of this day for all the intentions of Your Sacred Heart, in union with the holy sacrifice of the Mass, throughout the world, in reparation for my sins, for the intentions of all our associates, and in particular (for our Holy Father’s monthly intention). Amen.
I desire to gain all possible indulgences of this day and to assist all the Holy Masses offered throughout Christendom. Amen.
V. O Sacrament most holy, O Sacrament divine.
R. All praise and all thanksgiving be every moment Thine.
V. O Mary, conceived without sin
R. Pray for us, who have recourse to thee.
O my God, I thank you with my whole heart for the blessings I have received from Your loving bounty. You have created me and cared for me; You have given me the true faith and sanctifying grace. Besides this, as a sign of Your loving providence, You have granted me so many graces, particularly on this day. Every moment of my life is a new proof of Your love and Your desire for my salvation. What can I render to You, O Lord, for all the mercy You have shown me? I have nothing to offer You but my most ardent and sincere thanks, with the firm resolution henceforth to live for You alone. Amen.
(The following are prayed three times) Eternal Father, I offer You the Sacred Heart of Jesus with all Its love, all Its sufferings, and all Its merits, to expiate all the sins I have committed this day, as well as those of my past life.
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.