LITTLE PRAYERS

There has been a long and cherished tradition of saying “Little Prayers” throughout the day that dates back to the earliest days of Christianity. Many, but not all of them, are scriptural passages or derived from them. Examples, some of which can be found in The Priesthood of the Faithful: Key to a Living Church, by Father Paul J. Philibert (Liturgical Press: 2005) include:

Rise up, O LORD! Deliver me, O my God! Ps 3:7
Turn, O LORD, save my life; deliver me for the sake of your steadfast love. Ps 6:4
LORD my God, in you I take refuge; save me from all my pursuers, and deliver me, Ps 7:1
Though I walk of death I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff — they comfort me. Ps 23:4
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD my whole life long. Ps 23:6
Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me; O LORD, make haste to help me. Ps 41:13
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Ps 51:1
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. Ps 51:10
Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Mt 11:29-30
If God is for us, who is against us? Rom 8:31
Lord, be with me always.
Jesus, Mary and Joseph
Lord, be present to me in my work and in my weariness.
Loving God, take this busy day as a sign of my love for you.
God, grant me the strength to be patient (with whatever stretches your patience). I trust you to help me do what is loving and kind.