Spiritual Corner -- Finding the Root of Prayer

A parishioner came to look for the traditional prayers of old for his parents. This reminds me that when I was newly baptized, I found a prayer book in classical Chinese, which I love so much. I wish to share with you some of these classical Chinese prayers which are so profound.

Five Praises and Worship
First — Faith in God, forsake all things of evil.
Second — Hope in God, ask for forgiveness of all my transgressions.
Third — Love and worship the most supreme and holy God above all things.
Fourth — Heartfelt repentance for my sins and determination not to sin against God.
Fifth — Ask Mother Mary’s intercession to God for a good death.

Foremost Prayer

I pray to thee O LORD, bestow thy grace upon me, lead me towards thee. May my prayers and my acts be done according to thy holy will. May I totally depend on you O LORD. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Morning Thanksgiving Prayer

Thank you O LORD my God for a peaceful night without sinning. Thank you for giving life to me this day to see all things of beauty through your mighty grace. Today I beg for your true light to shine upon me and lead me away from all temptations. And if I sin and fall, O LORD make haste to lift me up, save me, help me to repent and focus on you. Bestow your grace upon me, to always keep you in my heart. For your grace is enough for me and there is nothing that I want. Lord teach me to hear not, see not, and speak not things of licentious. Guide me from obtaining things unlawful and treading grounds forbidden. Keep me away from vile thoughts and improper acts. Help me to focus on you, love you and obey your commandments till the end of my life. Amen.

Act of Penitence

I confess to Almighty God, to blessed Mary ever Virgin, to blessed Michael the Archangel, to blessed John the Baptist, to the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, to all the Saints, and to you, brethren, that I have sinned exceedingly in thought, word and deed: through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault. Therefore I beseech blessed Mary ever Virgin, blessed Michael the Archangel, blessed John the Baptist, the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, all the Saints, and you, brethren, to pray for me to the Lord our God.

Act of Contrition

O most gracious and merciful one, Lord of the universe, true God who rules over every man and all beings. I, a great sinner, who loves thee above all things, am heartily sorry for having offended Thee. I will renounce all worldly blessings and bear all sufferings so as not to again offend Thee who art all good. I firmly resolve to obey Thy commandments, to keep away from all temptations and not to sin again all through my life. I beg Thee, for the sake of Thy son, Jesus, and my heartfelt contrition of my sins, grant me Thy forgiveness and help me to amend my sins till the end of my life. Amen.

I have always been impressed by the profoundness of these classical prayers of old. Hope that you will also like them!

Yours,
Sr. Magdalena Yang