Saturday, 9 April 2005 - A new prayer

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for a new prayer.

During Pope John Paul II's funeral, I was deeply touched by the moving performance of the Litany of the Saints - a call and response prayer. I've decided to recite it in my daily prayers.

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen.

Below is a version of the prayer I found at http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/litany19.htm. The response is italicized.

Litany of the Saints

Lord, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Holy Mary, Mother of God.
Pray for us.
Saint Michael,
Pray for us.
Holy angels of God,
Pray for us.
Saint Joseph,
Pray for us.
Saint John the Baptist,
Pray for us.
Saint Peter and Saint Paul,
Pray for us.
Saint Andrew,
Pray for us.
Saint John,
Pray for us.
Saint Mary Magdalene,
Pray for us.
Saint Stephen,
Pray for us.
Saint Ignatius,
Pray for us.
Saint Lawrence,
Pray for us.
Saint Perpetua and Saint Felicity,
Pray for us.
Saint Agnes,
Pray for us.
Saint Gregory,
Pray for us.
Saint Augustine,
Pray for us.
Saint Athanasius,
Pray for us.
Saint Basil,
Pray for us.
Saint Martin,
Pray for us.
Saint Benedict,
Pray for us.
Saint Francis and Saint Dominic,
Pray for us.
Saint Francis Xavier,
Pray for us.
Saint John Vianney,
Pray for us.
Saint Catherine,
Pray for us.
Saint Theresa,
Pray for us.
All you saints of God,
Pray for us.

Lord, be merciful,
Lord, save us.
From all harm,
Lord, save us.
From every sin,
Lord, save us.
From all temptations,
Lord, save us.
From everlasting death,
Lord, save us.
By Your coming among us,
Lord, save us.
By Your death and rising to new life,
Lord, save us.
By Your gift of the Holy Spirit,
Lord, save us.

Be merciful to us sinners,
Lord, hear our prayer.
Guide and protect Your Holy Church,
Lord, hear our prayer.
Keep our Pope and all the clergy in faithful service to Your Church.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Bring all people together in trust and peace.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Strengthen us in Your service.
Lord, hear our prayer.

Amen.