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Catholic Book of Prayers


Synopsis


The Catholic Book of Prayers is printed in giant size type and especially helpful for use in dimly lit churches and for those with limited vision. Today's most popular general prayer book, the Catholic Book of Prayers offers prayers for every day, as well as many special prayers including prayers to the Blessed Trinity, Our Lady, and the Saints. Compiled and edited by Rev. Maurus FitzGerald, O.F.M., this giant type book has a brown vinyl cover with a ribbon for convenient place-keeping and can be carried easily in a purse or pocket. With a helpful summary of our Catholic Faith, this useful prayer book will prove invaluable for making regular prayer easy and meaningful.

Maurus Fitzgerald

Summary

Chapter 1: Morning Prayers

This chapter provides prayers to begin the day, including:

* Morning Offering - A prayer to dedicate oneself to God and offer up the day's actions for His glory.
* Prayer to the Holy Spirit - An invocation to the Holy Spirit for guidance and strength.
* Litany of Trust - A prayer to express trust in God's providence and protection.

Example: "My God, I offer You this day with all that I am and have. May Your Holy Spirit guide and strengthen me in all my actions."

Chapter 2: Evening Prayers

Prayers for the end of the day include:

* Night Prayer - A prayer of gratitude for the day's blessings and protection against evil.
* Examen of Conscience - A reflection on the day's actions and thoughts to identify areas for growth.
* Commendation of the Soul - A prayer entrusting oneself to God's care as sleep approaches.

Example: "Lord, as I close my eyes to sleep, I thank You for Your protection throughout the day. Please watch over me and keep me safe from all harm."

Chapter 3: Mass and Sacraments

This chapter contains prayers related to the Catholic sacraments, including:

* Prayers Before Mass - Prayers to prepare for the reception of the Eucharist.
* Prayers of Thanksgiving After Mass - Prayers to express gratitude for God's presence and grace in the sacrament.
* Prayers of Penance - Prayers to seek forgiveness for sins and receive the sacrament of Reconciliation.

Example: "My Lord Jesus Christ, I adore You in the Most Blessed Sacrament of the Altar. I believe You are truly present here, body and soul."

Chapter 4: Daily Devotions

This chapter includes prayers for specific devotions, such as:

* Rosary - Prayers recited on a rosary, consisting of the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be.
* Divine Mercy Chaplet - A prayer for mercy and forgiveness, attributed to Saint Faustina Kowalska.
* Novena to Saint Anthony - A nine-day prayer to ask for Saint Anthony's intercession for lost objects and difficult situations.

Example: "Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus."

Chapter 5: Prayers for Special Intentions

This chapter provides prayers for specific needs and occasions, including:

* Prayers for Healing - Prayers to ask for God's healing power for physical, emotional, or spiritual ailments.
* Prayers for Protection - Prayers to seek God's protection against danger, temptation, and evil.
* Prayers for the Departed - Prayers to pray for the souls of the deceased and comfort their loved ones.

Example: "Lord, I lift up to You my sick friend, John. Grant him Your healing power and restore him to good health."

Chapter 6: Liturgical Calendar

This chapter contains prayers and devotions associated with the liturgical seasons and feasts of the Catholic Church, such as:

* Advent - Prayers of preparation for the birth of Jesus Christ.
* Lent - Prayers of penance and fasting during the 40 days before Easter.
* Easter - Prayers of joy and celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Example: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men of good will." (Christmas Day)