Litany of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus

Lord, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

Christ, hear us.

Christ, graciously hear us.

God, the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us.

God, the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.

God, the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.

Holy Trinity, One God, have mercy on us.

Blood of Christ, Incarnate Word of God, save us.

Blood of Christ, of the New and Eternal Testament, save us.

Blood of Christ, falling upon the earth in the Agony, save us.

Blood of Christ, flowing forth in the Crowning of Thorns, save us.

Blood of Christ, poured out on the Cross, save us.

Blood of Christ, price of our salvation, save us.

Blood of Christ, without which there is no forgiveness, save us.

Blood of Christ, Eucharistic drink and refreshment of souls, save us.

Blood of Christ, stream of mercy, save us.

Blood of Christ, victor over demons, save us.

Blood of Christ, courage of martyrs, save us.

Blood of Christ, strength of confessors, save us.

Blood of Christ, bringing forth virgins, save us.

Blood of Christ, help of those in peril, save us.

Blood of Christ, relief of the burdened, save us.

Blood of Christ, solace in sorrow, save us.

Blood of Christ, hope of the penitent, save us.

Blood of Christ, consolation of the dying, save us.

Blood of Christ, peace and tenderness of hearts, save us.

Blood of Christ, pledge of eternal life, save us.

Blood of Christ, freeing souls from purgatory, save us.

Blood of Christ, most worthy of all glory and honor, save us.

Lamb of God, You Who take away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, You Who take away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, You Who take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.

V. You have redeemed us, O Lord, in Your Blood.

R. And made us, for our God, a kingdom.

Let us pray:

Almighty and eternal God, You have appointed Your only-begotten Son the Redeemer of the world, and willed to be appeased by His Blood. Grant we beg of You, that we may worthily adore this price of our salvation, and through its power be safeguarded from the evils of the present life, so that we may rejoice in its fruits forever in heaven. Through the same Christ, Our Lord. Amen.

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Chaplet of the Precious Blood of Jesus

Each red bead of the Precious Blood Chaplet represents a chalice filled with the Divine Blood of Jesus, uplifted by Our Lady to the Eternal Father, imploring every grace necessary for your soul and body.

This Chaplet is divided into 7 groups, containing 33 "Our Father's" in honor of the 33 years during which the Precious Blood flowed through the veins of Jesus Christ, before It was all poured out on the Cross for our salvation. After each group, a "Glory Be" is recited in thanksgiving to the Holy Trinity for this great gift of the Precious Blood. While reciting these prayers, meditate on the 7 blood sheddings of Jesus:

First Mystery: Jesus shed His Blood in the Circumcision.

Let us ask for chastity of body and soul.

Recite the "Our Father" 5 times, "Glory Be" once.

V/. We pray You, Lord, help your servants.

R/. Whom You have redeemed with Your Precious Blood.

Second Mystery: Jesus shed His Blood in the Agony while praying

in the Garden of Olives.

Let us ask for the spirit of prayer.

Recite the "Our Father" 5 times, "Glory Be" once.

V/. We pray You, Lord, help your servants.

R/. Whom You have redeemed with Your Precious Blood.

Third Mystery: Jesus shed His Blood in the Scourging at the Pillar.

Let us ask for patience and self-control.

Recite the "Our Father" 5 times, "Glory Be" once.

V/. We pray You, Lord, help your servants.

R/. Whom You have redeemed with Your Precious Blood.

Fourth Mystery: Jesus shed His Blood in the Crowning with Thorns.

Let us ask for humility to atone for pride.

Recite the "Our Father" 5 times, "Glory Be" once.

V/. We pray You, Lord, help your servants.

R/. Whom You have redeemed with Your Precious Blood.

Fifth Mystery: Jesus shed His Blood while carrying His Cross to Calvary.

Let us ask for acceptance of our daily crosses.

Recite the "Our Father" 5 times, "Glory Be" once.

V/. We pray You, Lord, help your servants.

R/. Whom You have redeemed with Your Precious Blood.

Sixth Mystery: Jesus shed His Blood in the Terrible Crucifixion.

Let us ask for contrition.

Recite the "Our Father" 5 times, "Glory Be" once.

V/. We pray You, Lord, help your servants.

R/. Whom You have redeemed with Your Precious Blood.

Seventh Mystery: Jesus shed Blood and water from His Side pierced by a lance.

Let us ask for perseverance.

Recite the "Our Father" 3 times, "Glory Be" once.

V/. We pray You, Lord, help your servants.

R/. Whom You have redeemed with Your Precious Blood.

THE SEVEN OFFERINGS OF THE PRECIOUS BLOOD

Eternal Father, I offer Thee the merits of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus, Thy Beloved Son and my Divine Redeemer, for the propagation and exaltation of my dear Mother the Holy Church, for the safety and prosperity of her visible Head, the Holy Roman Pontiff, for the cardinals, bishops, and pastors of souls, and for all the ministers of the sanctuary.

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.

Blessed and praised forevermore be Jesus Who hath saved us by His Precious Blood!

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Eternal Father, I offer Thee the merits of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus, Thy Beloved Son and my Divine Redeemer, for the peace and concord of nations, for the conversion of the enemies of our holy Faith, and for the happiness of all Christian people.

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.

Blessed and praised forevermore be Jesus Who hath saved us by His Precious Blood!

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Eternal Father, I offer Thee the merits of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus, Thy Beloved Son and my Divine Redeemer, for the repentance of unbelievers, the extirpation of all heresies, and the conversion of sinners.

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.

Blessed and praised forevermore be Jesus Who hath saved us by His Precious Blood!

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Eternal Father, we offer Thee the merits of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus, Thy Beloved Son and my Divine Redeemer, for all my relations, friends and enemies, for the poor, the sick, and those in tribulation, and for all those for whom Thou willest I should pray, or knowest that I ought to pray.

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.

Blessed and praised forevermore be Jesus Who hath saved us by His Precious Blood!

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Eternal Father, I offer Thee the merits of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus, Thy Beloved Son and my Redeemer, for all those who shall this day pass to another life, that Thou mayest preserve them from the pains of Hell and admit them the more readily to the possession of Thy glory.

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.

Blessed and praised forevermore be Jesus Who hath saved us by His Precious Blood!

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Eternal Father, I offer Thee the merits of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus, Thy Beloved Son and my Divine Redeemer, for all those who are lovers of the Treasure of His Blood, and for all those who join with me in adoring and honoring It, and for all those who try to spread devotion to it.

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.

Blessed and praised forevermore be Jesus Who hath saved us by His Precious Blood!

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Eternal Father, I offer Thee the merits of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus, Thy Beloved Son and my Divine Redeemer, for all my wants, spiritual and temporal, for the Holy Souls in Purgatory, and particularly for those most forgotten, the Souls of priests, and for those who in their lifetime were most devoted to this Price of our Redemption, and to the Sorrows and pains of our dear Mother, Most Holy Mary.

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.

Blessed and praised forevermore be Jesus Who hath saved us by His Precious Blood!

Novena to the Precious Blood

Honoring the 7 bloodsheddings of Jesus Christ :

1.  Circumcision.

2.  Agony in the Garden.

3.  Scourging.

4.  Crowning with thorns.

5.  Carrying of the cross. 

6.  Crucifixion.

7.  The piercing of His Heart. 

Lord, Thou bearest me written in Thy Hands in letter of indelible red which are Thy Holy Wounds, and to inspire me with confidence, Thou gently sayest:  "I have written thee in My Hands with the marks of My most Holy Wounds."

Therefore, will I ever say to Thee:  "Read, Lord Jesus, read that handwriting and save me through Thy Precious Blood."

O Sacred Heart of Jesus, I have asked Thee for many favors, but I plead for this one.

Take it, place it in Thine open, broken Heart, and when the Eternal Father sees it, covered with the mantle of Thy most Precious Blood, He will not refuse it, if, in His infinite and farseeing wisdom, He sees it is best for my spiritual and temporal welfare.  It is not alone my prayer, but Thine. 

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The 7 Blood sheddings

1.  The Circumcision.  The Circumcision calls me to a life of union with God; "Abide in Me and I in you!"  Jesus receives His name in a Baptism of Blood.  He shares in our human life, that we might share in His Divine Life. 

R/. By the merits of Thy Precious Blood, shed seven times, keep me ever united to Thee; save me at death from the agonizing memory of a wasted life. 

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2.  The Agony in the Garden.  The Agony in the Garden shows sin as the destroyer of our life of union with God.  Jesus sweated Blood because He foresaw me rejecting Him for sin.  My many sins have crushed His Bleeding Heart. 

R/. By the merits of Thy Precious Blood, shed seven times, keep me ever united to Thee; save me at death from the agonizing memory of a wasted life. 

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3.  The Scouring.  The Scourging warns me against being separated frm union with God, forever in Hell.  As my Savior, He suffers scourges, instead of me who deserves them; to save me from the scourages of sin, both in this world, and in Hell.

R/. By the merits of Thy Precious Blood, shed seven times, keep me ever united to Thee; save me at death from the agonizing memory of a wasted life. 

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4.  The Crowing with Thorns.  The Crowing with Thorns counsels mental prayer as a means of preserving my life of union with God.  Spiky thorns almost scalped His Head.  As they crowned Him Fool and bent the knee before Him in mock prayer and worship, what mental sufferings Our Lord endured.

R/. By the merits of Thy Precious Blood, shed seven times, keep me ever united to Thee; save me at death from the agonizing memory of a wasted life. 

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5.  The Carrying of the Cross.  The carrying of the Cross emphasizes patience in carrying my cross through life, as the second mens of keeping my life of union with God.  His Cross crushed Him to the ground, old Wounds were widened.  New Wounds were opened in His Hands and Knees.  To carry my cross patiently in union with Him, is my best penance for past sin and the best protection against future sin. 

R/. By the merits of Thy Precious Blood, shed seven times, keep me ever united to Thee; save me at death from the agonizing memory of a wasted life. 

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6.  The Crucifixion.  The Crucifixion urges:  never give up the ideal of a life united with God.  Jesus now clings to His Eternal Ideal.  Whenever I am tempted to give up my old ideals of prayer, sacrifice, and purity, I must plead with Him to raise these dead ideals to life. 

R/. By the merits of Thy Precious Blood, shed seven times, keep me ever united to Thee; save me at death from the agonizing memory of a wasted life. 

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7.  The Piercing of the Heart.  The Piercing of the Heart inspires me to final perseverance in my life of union with God.  His Love for me persevered until His Heart was emptied unto the last Drop.  "Take courage", He says, "I have overcome the world."  I reply, "Lord, what would Thou have me do?" 

R/. By the merits of Thy Precious Blood, shed seven times, keep me ever united to Thee; save me at death from the agonizing memory of a wasted life. 

From The New Revised Jesus, Mary, Joseph Novena Manual by Fr. Stedman, published by the Confraternity of the Precious Blood, Brooklyn, N.Y.

NOVENA TO THE PRECIOUS BLOOD

By the Voice of Thy Blood, O Jesus! I would press Thee, solicit Thee, importune Thee, though Thou seemest to reject my supplications. I will not leave Thy bleeding feet until Thou hearest me. Too many graces, too many mercies have come from Thy Blood, for me not to hope, even to the end in its efficacy.

Then, O Jesus! by the Precious Blood seven times shed for the welfare of men, by each drop of that Sacred Price of our redemption, by the tears of Thy Immaculate Mother, I conjure Thee, I supplicate Thee, hear my earnest prayer. (Here, specify your request).

O Thou, who during all the days of Thy mortal life, consoled so many sufferings, healed so many infirmities, raised so often a sinking courage; Thou will not fail to have pity on a soul who cries to Thee from the depths of her anguish! Oh, no, it is impossible! Another sigh from my heart, and from the wound in Thine own, there will flow to me, upon a wave of Thy merciful Blood, the grace so ardently desired. O Jesus, Jesus! hasten the moment when Thou wilt change my tears into joy, my sighs into thanksgivings.

Holy Mary, Source of the Divine Blood! I conjure Thee not to lose this occasion of glorifying the Blood which made Thee Immaculate. Amen.

Prayer to Our Crucified Lord

Heavenly Father, in the Holy Name of Your Son Jesus, crucified for my sins, and in the love of the Holy Spirit, I come very humbly before You, with sorrow for my sins. I acknowledge that You suffered so much for me and for all, and that we are indebted to You forever.

Father, I appreciate very much Your sufferings for me and for the rest of humanity. I thank You for saving me through Your crushing pain, through Your many wounds, through Your tiredness and agony and through Your Precious Blood shed with so much pain and love for us; through Your difficulty to breath, through Your sweat and tears, through Your merciful patience, through every effort that You made and through Your total offering for my sins and for the sins of the whole world.

Lord, I complain sometimes when I have a little misfortune, a wound or when I am sick or tired, rejected, despised or prosecuted. But You were covered through Your entire Body with painful wounds; You were pierced with pain by the crown of thorns, You were stripped of Your Flesh by the scourging, You were insulted with terrible blasphemies, You were spat upon, You were humiliated, You were inflicted new wounds upon Your wounded shoulder by the crushing weight of the cross, You were inflicted more wounds upon Your wounds by the brutal stripping of Your garments, You were pierced painfully by the nails on the cross, You were hanged upon the cross to bleed painfully to death, You suffered asphyxiation as You found it very painful to breathe, and yet Your physical agony was only part of Your suffering compared to Your spiritual agony because You are God, and Your Holy Soul was sorrowful unto death as You surrendered Your life in exchange for our eternal life.

You saw the ingratitude of men for Your great sacrifice, and You suffered for the pride of our sins, for the aggressiveness of those whom You created with so much love, for the hatred of men who always receive all Your love if only they come to You. My Lord Jesus, I come humbly before You, everlasting fountain of healing and life, Powerful Source of our Resurrection, food for our souls, eternal refuge of Divine Light, gate to the Majesty and Glory of the Father and our only hope and salvation.

Divine Merciful Lord, I pray and beseech on behalf of all humanity for Your Mercy and compassion, for Your healing and blessings and for Your Salvation.

O Precious Treasure from Heaven, You who are hidden to the proud, fill my heart with humility and purity that I may be worthy to receive the promises of everlasting life in Your Glory with the Father and the Holy Spirit.

Lord into Your Sacred Heart I place my heart united to all my needs and desires, I present humbly my petitions, please listen to my plea, embrace me with Your love, respond to my soul, look at me Your child who comes attracted by Your love.

Father, in Your crucified Body I reverently place my sinfulness, my sicknesses and those of the people that I pray for; since You bore our diseases and infirmities, since You endured our sufferings and paid for our sins. Please dissolve them in Your mercy; grant me these petitions in Your Holy Name. Amen.

Litany in Honor of the True Cross

Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. 

Lord, have mercy. 

Christ, hear us. 

Christ, graciously hear us.

God, the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us. 

God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us. 

God, the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us. 

Holy Trinity, One God, have mercy on us.

The word of the Cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. God forbid that I should glory save in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

Jesus has many who love His Kingdom in Heaven, but few who bear His Cross. He has many who desire comfort, but few who desire suffering. He finds many to share His feast, but few His fasting. All desire to rejoice with Him, but few are willing to suffer for His sake. God forbid that I should glory save in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

Why do you fear to take up the Cross, which is the road to the Kingdom? In the Cross is salvation and life, protection against our enemies, infusion of Heavenly sweetness; in the Cross is strength of mind, joy of spirit, excellence of virtue, perfection of holiness. There is no salvation of soul, nor hope of eternal life, save in the Cross. God forbid that I should glory save in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

Take up the Cross, therefore, and follow Jesus, and go forward into eternal life. Christ has gone before you, bearing His Cross; He died for you on the Cross, that you also may bear your cross, and desire to die on the Cross with Him. For if you die with Him, you will also live with Him. And if you share His sufferings, you will also share His glory. God forbid that I should glory save in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

See how in the Cross all things consist, and in dying on it all things depend. There is no other way to life and to true inner peace, than the way of the Cross. Go where you will, seek what you will; you will find no higher way above nor safer way below than the road of the Holy Cross. God forbid that I should glory save in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

The Cross always stands ready, and everywhere awaits you. You cannot escape it, wherever you flee; for wherever you go, you bear yourself, and always find yourself. Look up or down, without you or within, and everywhere you will find the Cross. And everywhere you must have patience, if you wish to attain inner peace, and win an eternal crown. God forbid that I should glory save in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

Lamb of God, Who take away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord!. 

Lamb of God, Who take away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord!. 

Lamb of God, Who take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.

Let us pray: Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen us to follow Thee not only to the Breaking of Bread but also to the drinking of the Cup of Thy Passion. Help us to love Thee for Thine own sake and not for the sake of comfort for ourselves. Make us worthy to suffer for Thy name, Jesus, our Crucified and Risen Lord and Savior, now and forever. Amen.

Litany of the Holy Cross

Lord, have mercy. 

Lord, have mercy. 

Christ, have mercy. 

Christ, have mercy. 

Lord, have mercy. 

Lord, have mercy. 

Christ, hear us. 

Christ, graciously hear us. 

God the Father of Heaven, Have mercy on us. 

God the Son, Redeemer of the world, Have mercy on us. 

God the Holy Ghost, our Advocate, Have mercy on us. 

Holy Trinity, one God, Have mercy on us.

Holy Cross whereon the Lamb of God was offered, Save us, O Holy Cross. 

Hope of Christians, Save us, O Holy Cross. 

Pledge of the resurrection of the dead, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Shelter of persecuted innocence, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Guide of the blind, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Way of those who have gone astray, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Staff of the lame, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Consolation of the poor, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Restraint of the powerful, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Destruction of the proud, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Refuge of sinners, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Trophy of victory over Hell, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Terror of demons, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Mistress of youth, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Succor of the distressed, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Hope of the hopeless, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Star of the mariner, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Harbor of the wrecked, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Rampart of the besieged, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Father of orphans, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Defense of widows, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Counsel of the just, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Judge of the wicked, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Rest of the afflicted, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Safeguard of childhood, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Strength of manhood, Save us, O Holy Cross. 

Last hope of the aged, Save us, O Holy Cross. 

Light of those who sit in darkness, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Splendor of kings, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Civilizer of the world, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Shield impenetrable, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Wisdom of the foolish, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Liberty of slaves, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Knowledge of the ignorant, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Sure rule of life, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Heralded by Prophets, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Preached by Apostles, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Glory of Martyrs, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Study of hermits, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Chastity of virgins, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Joy of priests, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Foundation of the Church, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Salvation of the world, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Destruction of idolatry, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Stumbling block to the Jews, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Condemnation of the ungodly, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Support of the weak, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Medicine of the sick, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Health of the leprous, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Strength of the paralytic, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Bread of the hungry, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Fountain of those who thirst, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Clothing of the naked, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Lord. 

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Hear us, O Lord. 

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us. 

Christ, hear us. Christ, graciously hear us. 

Lord, have mercy. 

Christ, have mercy. 

Lord, have mercy.

V. We adore Thee, O Christ, and we bless Thee, 

R. Because by Thy Holy Cross Thou hast redeemed the world.

Behold the Cross of the Lord! Begone ye evil powers! 

The Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, has conquered! Alleluia! 

Let Us Pray: O God, Who for the redemption of the world, wast pleased to be born in a stable and to die upon a cross; O Lord Jesus Christ, by Thy holy sufferings, which we, Thy unworthy servants, call to mind: by Thy Holy Cross, and by Thy death, deliver us from the pains of Hell, and vouchsafe to conduct us whither Thou didst conduct the good thief who was crucified with Thee, Who livest and reignest eternally in Heaven. Amen. 

Sweet the wood, sweet the nails, sweet the Burden which thou bearest, for thou alone, O Holy Cross, 

wast worthy to bear the King and Lord of Heaven. Amen. 

Meditations and Prayers on the Seven Last Words of Jesus

V. O God, come to my assistance.

R. O Lord, make haste to help me.

V. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be. Amen.

First Word: "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."

Dear Jesus, Who for my love, suffered upon the Cross in order to pay with Your sufferings the debt of my sins and opened Your Divine Lips to obtain for me their remission from the eternal justice of God, have pity on me and on all the faithful who are in their last agony. When I come to that last hour, by the merits of Your most Precious Blood, which was shed for my salvation, give me such a lively sorrow for my sins that my soul will then expire in the bosom of Your Divine Mercy. My God, I believe in You, I hope in You, and I love You. I repent of having offended You by my sins. Amen.

Second Word: "This day you shall be with Me in paradise."

Dear Jesus, Who for my love hung in agony upon the Cross, and with such readiness and bounty responds to the Good Thief when he acknowledges You to be the Son of God, and assures him of paradise, have pity on me and all the faithful who are in their last agony. When I shall come to the end of my life, by the merits of Your most Precious Blood, inspire in my soul a faith so firm and constant that it shall not waver at any suggestions of the evil one, so I may obtain the reward of holy paradise. My God, I believe in You, I hope in You, and I love You. I repent of having offended You by my sins. Amen.

Third Word: "Behold your mother; behold your son."

Dear Jesus, Who for my love hung in agony upon the Cross and Who, forgetting Your own sufferings, gifted me with Your Holy Mother as a pledge of Your love through her, I pray that I will be enabled to call upon You with confidence in my greatest need. Have pity on me and all the faithful who are in their last agony. Through the interior martyrdom of Your dear Mother, inspire in my heart a firm trust in the infinite merits of Your most Precious Blood, so that I may be able to escape the eternal damnation, which I have merited by my sins. My God, I believe in You, I hope in You, and I love You. I repent of having offended You by my sins. Amen.

Fourth Word: "My God, my God, why have You forsaken Me?"

Dear Jesus, Who for my love hung in agony upon the Cross and Who, adding suffering to suffering, in addition to Your bodily pains, endured with infinite patience the most painful affliction of spirit at being abandoned by Your Eternal Father, have pity on me and all the faithful who are in their last agony. When I come to the hour of my own death, by the merits of Your Precious Blood, grant me the grace of suffering with true patience all the pains and agony of my death struggle, so that by uniting my sufferings to Yours, I may be able at last to share Your glory in paradise. My God, I believe in You, I hope in You, and I love You. I repent of having offended You by my sins. Amen.

Fifth Word: "I thirst."

Dear Jesus, Who for my love hung in agony upon the Cross, and Who, not yet satisfied with so many reproaches and sufferings, suffered even more so that all people might be saved. The whole torrent of Your Passion is not enough to slake the thirst of Your Loving Heart. Have pity on me and all the faithful who are in their last agony, and upon me, so when I arrive at my final hour I will have lighted within me a fire of love so great that my heart will be filled with the desire of being united with You for all of eternity. My God, I believe in You, I hope in You, and I love You. I repent of having offended You by my sins. Amen.

Sixth Word: "It is finished."

Dear Jesus, Who for my love hung in agony upon the Cross, and from that pulpit of truth proclaimed that You had finished the work of our redemption, whereby humankind, from being children of wrath and perdition, have been made children of God and heirs of heaven, have pity on me and all the faithful who are in their last agony. When I arrive at my final hour, by the merits of Your most Precious Blood, detach me completely from the world and from myself, granting me the grace to offer You from my heart the sacrifice of my life in expiation of my sins. My God, I believe in You, I hope in You, and I love You. I repent of having offended You by my sins. Amen.

Seventh Word: "Father, into Your Hands I commend My Spirit."

Dear Jesus, Who for my love hung in agony upon the Cross, and in order to complete the great sacrifice embraced the Will of Your Eternal Father, resigning Your Spirit into His Hands and then bowing Your Head and dying. Have pity on all the faithful who are in their last agony and upon me. When I have come to my final moment, by the merits of Your Precious Blood, grant me a perfect conformity to Your Divine Will, so that I may be ready to live or die as it pleases You. I desire nothing else except the perfect fulfillment in me of Your Divine Will. Amen.

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Prayer of the Seven Last Words

O Divine Jesus, Incarnate Son of God, for our salvation You consented to be born in a stable, to spend Your whole life amid poverty, trials, and misery, and to die surrounded by sufferings on the Cross. At the hour of my death, please tell Your Father, "Father, forgive them." Tell Your Mother, "Behold your child." Tell my soul, "This day you shall be with Me in paradise."

My God, my God, do not forsake me in that hour. I thirst, yes, my soul thirsts for You Who are the fountain of living waters. My life passes away like a shadow; in a short while everything will be accomplished. Therefore, my adored Saviour, from this moment and for all eternity, into Your Hands I commend my spirit. Lord Jesus, receive my soul. Amen.

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Litany in Honor of the True Cross

Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. 

Lord, have mercy. 

Christ, hear us. 

Christ, graciously hear us.

God, the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us. 

God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us. 

God, the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us. 

Holy Trinity, One God, have mercy on us.

The word of the Cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. God forbid that I should glory save in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

Jesus has many who love His Kingdom in Heaven, but few who bear His Cross. He has many who desire comfort, but few who desire suffering. He finds many to share His feast, but few His fasting. All desire to rejoice with Him, but few are willing to suffer for His sake. God forbid that I should glory save in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

Why do you fear to take up the Cross, which is the road to the Kingdom? In the Cross is salvation and life, protection against our enemies, infusion of Heavenly sweetness; in the Cross is strength of mind, joy of spirit, excellence of virtue, perfection of holiness. There is no salvation of soul, nor hope of eternal life, save in the Cross. God forbid that I should glory save in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

Take up the Cross, therefore, and follow Jesus, and go forward into eternal life. Christ has gone before you, bearing His Cross; He died for you on the Cross, that you also may bear your cross, and desire to die on the Cross with Him. For if you die with Him, you will also live with Him. And if you share His sufferings, you will also share His glory. God forbid that I should glory save in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

See how in the Cross all things consist, and in dying on it all things depend. There is no other way to life and to true inner peace, than the way of the Cross. Go where you will, seek what you will; you will find no higher way above nor safer way below than the road of the Holy Cross. God forbid that I should glory save in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

The Cross always stands ready, and everywhere awaits you. You cannot escape it, wherever you flee; for wherever you go, you bear yourself, and always find yourself. Look up or down, without you or within, and everywhere you will find the Cross. And everywhere you must have patience, if you wish to attain inner peace, and win an eternal crown. God forbid that I should glory save in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

Lamb of God, Who take away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord!. 

Lamb of God, Who take away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord!. 

Lamb of God, Who take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.

Let us pray: Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen us to follow Thee not only to the Breaking of Bread but also to the drinking of the Cup of Thy Passion. Help us to love Thee for Thine own sake and not for the sake of comfort for ourselves. Make us worthy to suffer for Thy name, Jesus, our Crucified and Risen Lord and Savior, now and forever. Amen.

NOVENA PRAYERS FOR THE SALVATION OF SOULS AND THE CONVERSION OF SINNERS

After each invocation say : 

My Jesus, pardon and mercy through Thy Sacred Wounds

O Jesus, Thou didst suffer and die that all mankind might be saved and brought to eternal happiness. Through the Agony of Thine Crown of Thorns I offer it to Thy Eternal Father that Thou wilt hear our pleas for further the grace of final perseverance for the just and mercy on sinners:

My dear parents and grandparents, 

My brothers and sisters and other near relatives, 

My godparents and sponsors of Confirmation, 

My spiritual and temporal benefactors, 

My friends and neighbors, 

All for whom love or duty bids me pray, 

Those who have offended me, 

Those who will offend me, 

Those who have suffered disadvantage of harm through me, 

Those whom I, still a sinner, will offend,  

Those who are especially beloved by Thee, 

Those whose death is near at hand, 

Those who desire most to be united to Thee, 

Those who endure the greatest sufferings and trials, especially spiritual torments, 

Those whose death is most remote, 

Those sinners have no one to pray for them, 

Those who are most deserving on account of their services to the Church, 

The rich who do not need Thee and are thus the most destitute, 

The mighty who spurn Thee, 

The spiritually blind, that they might see their folly, 

The frivolous, who spend their time in idleness, 

The poor, who do not seek the treasures of Heaven, 

The tepid, who devote little time to prayer, 

The indolent, who neglect to perform good works, 

Those of little faith, who neglect the frequent reception of the Sacraments, 

The habitual sinners, who require for their salvation to a miracle of grace, 

Parents who fail to watch over their children, 

Superiors who are not solicitous for the salvation of those entrusted to them, 

Those who strive for worldly riches and pleasures, 

The worldly minded, who fail to use their wealth and talents in the service of God, 

Those who witness the death of others, but do not think of their own, 

Those who blaspheme and commitsacrilege, 

Those who violate the dignity of the human body and mind through impurity, 

Those who sin because of my sins and bad example, 

Those who do not provide for the life hereafter, 

Those whose judgment will be severe because of the great things entrusted to them, 

The pope, kings and rulers, 

The bishops and their counselors, 

My teachers and spiritual advisors, 

The priests of this diocese, 

The priests and religious of the Catholic Church, 

The defenders of the holy Catholic Faith, 

Those who die on the battlefield, 

Those who fight for their country, 

Those who will be buried in the sea, 

Those who are to die suddenly, in accidents and from other causes, 

Those who will die of heart attacks, 

Those who suffer with cancer, 

Those who suffer with AIDS, 

Those who shall die without the last rites of the Church, 

Those who shall die within the next twenty-four hours, 

For Catholic apostates, heretics, and other unbelievers, 

For Catholics who hold Masonic membership or in other secret societies, 

For the conversion of the Jews, Thy chosen people of old, 

For abortionsists and those who aid them, 

For women who seek abortions, 

For those who promote or practicre contraception, 

For those who give scandal, especially to children, 

My own poor soul when I shall have to appear before Thy judgment seat.

PRAYER

Final perseverance and pardon grant unto all of these, O Lord; 

and let Thy graces through these petitions flow unto them and be fruitful.  Amen.

Prayer to the Wound of Jesus' Shoulder

(It is related in the annals of Clairvaux that St. Bernard asked Our Lord which was His greatest unrecorded suffering, and Our Lord answered: "I had on My Shoulder, while I bore My cross on the Way of Sorrows, a grievous Wound, which was more painful than the others, and which is not recorded by men. Honor this Wound with thy devotion, and I will grant thee whatsoever thou dost ask through Its virtue and merit. And in regard to all those who shall venerate this Wound, I will remit to them all their venial sins, and will no longer remember their mortal sins.")

O most loving Jesus, meek Lamb of God, I, a miserable sinner, salute and worship the most sacred Wound of Thy Shoulder on which Thou didst bear Thy heavy cross, which so tore Thy Flesh and laid bare Thy Bones as to inflict on Thee an anguish greater than any other wound of Thy most blessed Body. I adore Thee, O Jesus most sorrowful; I praise and glorify Thee, and give Thee thanks for this most sacred and painful Wound, beseeching Thee by that exceeding pain, and by the crushing burden of Thy heavy cross, to be merciful to me, a sinner, to forgive me all my mortal and venial sins, and to lead me on toward heaven along the Way of the Cross. Amen.