The Catholic Prayer Book

Synopsis

A treasury of Catholic worship from ancient times to the present day.

Summary

Chapter 1: Morning Prayer

* Introduction to morning prayer as a way to start the day in communion with God.
* Example: "Morning Offering" prayer: "O my God, I offer Thee all my thoughts, words, actions, and sufferings of this day, for all the intentions of Thy Sacred Heart."

Chapter 2: Evening Prayer

* Significance of evening prayer for reflection and reconciliation at the end of the day.
* Example: "Night Prayer" prayer: "O my Lord, I commend my soul and body into Thy hands. Into Thy hands I commend my spirit, for Thou hast redeemed me, O Lord, God of truth."

Chapter 3: Night Prayer

* Prayers for protection and guidance during the night.
* Example: "Blessing of the Bed" prayer: "May the almighty Lord bless this bed, and all who lie therein. May He give them quiet rest and peace, and preserve them from all dangers."

Chapter 4: The Mass

* Guide to the Catholic Mass, explaining its structure and significance.
* Example: Eucharistic Prayer: "Humbly we pray that you accept this offering from your servants and from your entire holy people. May it be for their redemption and ours, and for the salvation of all the world."

Chapter 5: The Sacraments

* Explanation of the seven sacraments and their role in Catholic life.
* Example: Baptism: "I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."

Chapter 6: Prayer for the Sick

* Prayers and devotions for the sick and suffering.
* Example: "Prayer for the Sick" prayer: "O God, Father of mercies, I commend to you this your sick servant, that being restored to bodily health, he may give you thanks."

Chapter 7: Prayers for the Dead

* Prayers for the departed and for the repose of their souls.
* Example: "Prayer for the Dead" prayer: "Into your hands, O Lord, I commend the soul of your servant, who has gone to his rest. Remember him with favor."

Chapter 8: Prayers for Special Occasions

* Prayers for various special events and milestones.
* Example: "Grace before Meals" prayer: "Bless us, O Lord, and these thy gifts, which we are about to receive from thy bounty."

Chapter 9: Prayers to the Saints

* Prayers to the saints, asking for their intercession and inspiration.
* Example: "Prayer to Saint Anthony" prayer: "O holy Anthony, glorious worker of miracles, whose faithful intercession is never vainly sought, obtain for me the grace to find what I need."

Chapter 10: Devotions

* Guide to various Catholic devotions, including the rosary, the Stations of the Cross, and others.
* Example: "Angelus" prayer: "The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary, and she conceived by the Holy Spirit."