Here are some little-known prayers that you may want to add to your spiritual repertoire:
1. The Prayer of St. Francis: This beautiful prayer is attributed to St. Francis of Assisi and is a timeless reminder of the power of love and compassion. It begins with the words, “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,” and goes on to ask for understanding, forgiveness, faith, hope, light, and joy.
2. The Prayer of St. Michael: This is a powerful prayer of protection that is often recited by Catholics. It calls upon the Archangel Michael to defend us against evil and to shield us from harm. The prayer begins with the words, “St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil.”
3. The Prayer of Jabez: This prayer is based on a brief passage in the Bible in which a man named Jabez asks for God’s blessing and protection. The prayer goes, “Oh that you would bless me indeed and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” This prayer is often used by those seeking prosperity and abundance in their lives.
4. The Prayer of St. Therese: This prayer, also known as the “Little Flower” prayer, is a beautiful expression of devotion to God. It is inspired by St. Therese of Lisieux, a French nun who believed in the power of small acts of love and kindness. The prayer goes, “May today there be peace within. May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.”
5. The Prayer of the Most Holy Name of Jesus: This prayer is a powerful affirmation of the divinity of Christ and his role in our salvation. It begins with the words, “Jesus, the name above all names, the only name by which we can be saved.” It is often used by Christians as a way of calling upon the name of Jesus for protection, guidance, and healing.
6. The Prayer of St. Jude: St. Jude is the patron saint of desperate cases, and this prayer is often used by those who are facing difficult challenges or seeking miraculous healings. The prayer goes, “Most holy Apostle, St. Jude, servant and friend of Jesus, the Church honors and invokes you universally, as the patron of hopeless cases, of things almost despaired of.”
7. The Prayer of Protection: This prayer is a simple yet powerful way of invoking the protection of God in our lives. It goes, “The light of God surrounds us, the love of God enfolds us, the power of God protects us, the presence of God watches over us. Wherever we are, God is.”
Prayer is a personal and intimate practice that can bring us closer to God and to each other. By incorporating some of these little-known prayers into your spiritual practice, you can deepen your faith and find comfort, guidance, and healing in times of need. Give them a try and see how they can enrich your spiritual journey.