Prayer Thread for Pope Benedict XVI's Apostolic Journey to Turkey November 28-December 1

Various | November 26, 2006 | Various

[Carolina]

Prayer Thread for His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI, on his apostolic journey to Turkey.

"I am not alone. I do not have to carry alone what in truth I could never carry alone. All the Saints of God are there to protect me, to sustain me and to carry me. And your prayers, my dear friends, your indulgence, your love, your faith and your hope accompany me.

" My dear friends -- at this moment I can only say: pray for me, that I may learn to love the Lord more and more.

"Pray for me, that I may learn to love his flock more and more -- in other words, you, the holy Church, each one of you and all of you together. Pray for me, that I may not flee for fear of the wolves. Let us pray for one another, that the Lord will carry us and that we will learn to carry one another."

~from the homily for his installation as the 265th Pope of the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church, April 25, 2005
 

"I ask you all to accompany me with prayer that this pilgrimage may bring all the fruits that God desires."

~from the Angelus, November 26, 2006

[Carolina]

 + + +

Sign of the Cross:  In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen.

The Apostles Creed:  I BELIEVE in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day He rose again. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty. From thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

The Lord's Prayer:  OUR Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Hail Mary:  HAIL Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now, and in the hour of our death. Amen. (Three times)

Glory Be:  GLORY be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.

[Carolina]

The Joyful Mysteries of the Holy Rosary

The First Joyful Mystery:  The Annunciation of Gabriel to Mary

Reflections for each Hail, Mary:

1. The time for the Incarnation is at hand.
2. Of all women God prepared Mary from her conception to be the Mother of the Incarnate Word.
3. The Angel Gabriel announces: "Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with thee."
4. Mary wonders at this salutation.
5. The Angel assures her: "Fear not . . . you shall conceive in your womb, and give birth to a Son."
6. Mary is troubled for she has made a vow of virginity.
7. The Angel answers that she will conceive by the power of the Holy Spirit, and her Son will be called the Son of God.
8. The Incarnation awaits Mary's consent.
9. Mary answers: "Behold the handmaid of the Lord. Be it done unto me according to your word."
10. The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us.

Hail Mary...(ten times)
Glory be...
O, my Jesus...

 

The Second Joyful Mystery:  The Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth

Reflections for each Hail, Mary:

1. Mary's cousin Elizabeth conceived a son in her old age . . . for nothing is impossible with God.
2. Charity prompts Mary to hasten to visit Elizabeth in the hour of her need.
3. The journey to Elizabeth's home is about eighty miles requiring four or five days.
4. Though long and arduous, the journey is joyous, for Mary bears with her the Incarnate Word.
5. At Mary's salutation, John the Baptist is sanctified in his mother's womb.
6. Elizabeth exclaims: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb."
7. "How have I deserved that the mother of my Lord should come to me?"
8. "Blessed is she who believed that the Lord's words to her would be fulfilled."
9. Mary replies: "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, and my spirit finds joy in God my Savior."
10. Mary serves her cousin in all humility for three months until the birth of John the Baptist. . 

Hail Mary...(ten times)
Glory be...
O, my Jesus... 

 

[Carolina]

The Third Joyful Mystery:  The Nativity of Our Lord

Reflections for each Hail, Mary:

1. Joseph and Mary go to Bethlehem to comply with the decree of Caesar Augustus.
2. The hour for Mary to give birth is near, but there is no room in the inn.
3. In the stillness of the night, the Savior is born in a cave, Mary remaining a Virgin.
4. She wraps Him in swaddling clothes and lays Him in a manger.
5. In unspeakable joy Mary gathers to her bosom the Flower of her virginity.
6. Jesus enters the world in poverty to teach the lesson of detachment from earthly things.
7. The angel announces to the shepherds: "Today there is born to you in the town of David a Savior, Who is Christ the Lord."
8. The angelic chorus sing: "Glory to God in the highest, and peace to His people on earth."
9. The shepherds come to the stable to pay homage to the Infant Jesus.
10. The Magi come to adore the Holy Child and offer Him gifts.

Hail Mary...(ten times)
Glory be...
O, my Jesus... 

 

The Fourth Joyful Mystery:  The Presentation of  Our Lord

Reflections for each Hail, Mary:

1. Observing the law of Moses they take Jesus to the temple to present Him to the Lord.
2. According to the Law the firstborn male child of every family should be consecrated to the Lord.
3. Mary offers her Son to the Father, then ransoms Him back at the price paid by the poor.
4. Jesus is not subject to the law of Moses, yet to teach obedience, submits to it.
5. Mary is not subject to the law of purification, yet in humility she submits to it.
6. God had revealed to Simeon that he would not see death until he had seen the Messiah.
7. Recognizing the Child, he prays: "Now you can dismiss your servant in peace. You have fulfilled your word."
8. "This Child is destined to be the downfall and rise of many in Israel, a sign that will be opposed."
9. And to Mary Simeon reveals: "And your own soul a sword shall pierce."
10. After they fulfill all the Law requires they return to Nazareth.

Hail Mary...(ten times)
Glory be...
O, my Jesus... 

[Carolina]

The Fifth Joyful Mystery:  The Finding of Our Lord in the Temple

Reflections for each Hail, Mary:

1. When Jesus is twelve years old, He goes with His parents to Jerusalem for the feast of the Passover.
2. After the feast of the Passover, Joseph and Mary unknowingly set out for Nazareth without Jesus.
3. At the end of the first day's journey they discover Jesus is missing.
4. His parents return immediately looking for Him.
5. This loss causes grief and anxiety beyond our understanding to the hearts of Mary and Joseph.
6. On the third day they find Jesus in the Temple among the Doctors who were astonished at His wisdom.
7. Mary: "Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been searching for you in sorrow."
8. Jesus: "Why did you search for me? Did you not know that I must be about my Father's business?"
9. Jesus goes down with them to Nazareth, and is subject to them.
10. Mary keeps all these things in her heart.

Hail Mary...(ten times)
Glory be...
O, my Jesus... 

[Carolina]

The Sorrowful Mysteries of the Holy Rosary

The First Sorrowful Mystery:  The Agony of Our Lord in the Garden of Gethsemane


 

Reflections for each Hail, Mary:

1. Jesus comes with his disciples to Gethsemani: "Stay here, while I go yonder and pray."
2. Entering the garden with Peter, James, and John, Jesus prays, "My soul is sorrowful unto death."
3. Jesus sees the sins of all mankind, whose guilt He has taken upon Himself.
4. He sees the wrath of the Father which His sufferings must appease.
5. So great is his anguish that His sweat becomes as drops of blood falling to the ground.
6. An angel appears to Him from heaven to strengthen Him.
7. "Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet, not My will but Yours be done."
8. Finding the disciples asleep: "Could you not watch one hour with me?"
9. Jesus is betrayed by Judas, cruelly bound and led away.
10. Father, by the merits of the agony of Jesus in the Garden, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

Hail Mary...(ten times)
Glory be...
O, my Jesus...

 

The Second Sorrowful Mystery:  The Flagellation of Our Lord

 

Reflections for each Hail, Mary:

1. Jesus is taken before the High Priest where He is falsely accused, buffeted and insulted.
2. The Jewish leaders take Jesus before Pilate, for only he can impose the death penalty.
3. The robber, Barabbas, is preferred to Jesus.
4. Pilate can "find no cause in Him", yet to appease the Jews, he orders Jesus to be scourged.
5. The scourge is made of leather thongs to which are attached small sharp bones.
6. Jesus is bound to a pillar and cruelly scourged until His whole body is covered with deep wounds.
7. The Lamb of God offers His suffering for the sins of mankind.
8. Jesus suffers so much in His sacred flesh to satisfy, especially, for sins of the flesh.
9. The prophesy of Isiah is fulfilled: "He was wounded for our iniquities, He was bruised for our sins."
10. Father, by the merits of Jesus in this painful scourging, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

Hail Mary...(ten times)
Glory be...
O, my Jesus... 

 

[Carolina]

The Third Sorrowful Mystery:  The Crowning of Thorns

Reflections for each Hail, Mary:

1. Pilate asks, "Are You a king?" Jesus answers: "I am a King, but My kingdom is not of this world."
2. In the praetorium, the soldiers place an old purple robe on Jesus in mockery of His claim to be a king.
3. They fashion a crown out of thorns, and forcefully press it down upon His head.
4. In His bound hands they place a reed, as a sceptre, in mockery of His kingship.
5. Kneeling before Him in derision, they spit on Him, and cry out: "Hail, King of the Jews!"
6. Taking the reed from His hand they strike Him on the head, driving the thorns more deeply into His scalp.
7. Pilate brings Jesus before the people, hoping His pitiful sight will soften them: "Behold the man!"
8. Their response: "Crucify Him! Crucify Him!"
9. Our Blessed Lord submitted to this terrible humiliation to make reparation for our pride.
10. Father, by the merits of this painful humiliation, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

Hail Mary...(ten times)
Glory be...
O, my Jesus... 

  

The Fourth Sorrowful Mystery:  The Carrying of the Cross to Calvary

Reflections for each Hail, Mary:

1. One condemned to death by crucifixion is forced to carry the cross to the place of execution.
2. The suffering of Jesus is intense as the cross is laid on His bruised and wounded back and shoulders.
3. Weak and exhausted from loss of blood, lack of food and rest, Jesus falls three times under the cross.
4. Jesus meets His afflicted Mother causing untold anguish in the Hearts of Son and Mother.
5. The countenance of Jesus is disfigured with blood and sweat, with dust and spittle.
6. Veronica wipes His face, leaving on her towel the image of His countenance.
7. Fearing that Jesus might die on the way, the soldiers force Simon of Cyrene to carry the cross behind Jesus.
8. Jesus speaks to weeping women; "Weep not for Me, but for yourselves and your children."
9. "If anyone is to be My disciple, let him take up his cross and follow Me."
10. Father, by the merits of this painful journey to Calvary, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

Hail Mary...(ten times)
Glory be...
O, my Jesus... 

[Carolina]

The Fifth Sorrowful Mystery:  The Crucifixion of Our Lord

Reflections for each Hail, Mary:

1. The hands and feet of Jesus are nailed to the cross in the presence of His afflicted Mother.
2. "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do."
3. "This day you will be with Me in paradise."
4. "Woman, behold your Son. Son, behold your Mother."
5. "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?"
6. "I thirst."
7. "It is finished."
8. "Father, into Your hands I commend My spirit."
9. The side of Jesus is pierced with a lance. His body is taken down and placed in the arms of His Mother.
10. Father, by the merits of the crucifixion and death of Jesus, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

Hail Mary...(ten times)
Glory be...
O, my Jesus... 

[Carolina]

The Glorious Mysteries of the Holy Rosary

The First Glorious Mystery:  The Resurrection of Our Lord

Reflections for each Hail, Mary:

1. The body of Jesus is placed in the tomb on the evening of Good Friday.
2. His soul descends into the realm of the dead to announce to the Just the tidings of their redemption.
3. Fearing the body of Jesus will be taken, the chief priests place guards at the tomb.
4. On the third day Jesus rises from the dead, glorious and immortal.
5. The earth quakes as the angel rolls back the stone, the guards flee in terror.
6. The holy women coming to anoint the body of Jesus are amazed and frightened to find the tomb open.
7. An angel calms their fears: "He is not here. He has risen as He said."
8. Jesus appears to Mary Magdalen and Peter and two disciples on the way to Emmaus.
9. That evening He appears to the apostles behind locked doors: "Peace be unto you ... do not be afraid."
10. Jesus breathes on them and gives them the power to forgive sin.

Hail Mary...(ten times)
Glory be...
O, my Jesus..

The Second Glorious Mystery:  The Ascension of Our Lord

Reflections for each Hail, Mary:

1. Jesus remains on earth forty days after His Resurrection to prove He has truly risen from the dead.
2. He commissions the apostles to preach the gospel to every creature, and promises to be with them forever.
3. He will not leave them orphans, but will send the Holy Spirit to enlighten and strengthen them.
4. Jesus proceeds to Mt. Olivet accompanied by His Mother and the apostles and disciples.
5. Extending His pierced hands over all in a last blessing, He ascends into heaven.
6. As He ascends a cloud takes Him from their sight.
7. Jesus ascends to take His place at the right hand of the Father.
8. What jubilation there must be amid the angels of heaven at the triumphant entry of Jesus.
9. The wounds in His glorified body are an endless plea before the Father on our behalf.
10. The disciples leave Mt. Olivet and "return to Jerusalem with great joy."
     

Hail Mary...(ten times)
Glory be...
O, my Jesus..

[Carolina]

The Third Glorious Mystery:  The Descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost

 

Reflections for each Hail, Mary:

1. The apostles are gathered in the upper room where Jesus had held the Last Supper.
2. They are persevering in prayer with Mary the Mother of Jesus.
3. A sound comes from heaven like the rush of a mighty wind, and it fills the whole house.
4. The Holy Spirit descends on each of them in the form of tongues of fire.
5. Filled with the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, they are enlightened and strengthened to spread the gospel.
6. Having lost all fear of the Jewish leaders, the apostles boldly preach Christ crucified.
7. The multitudes are confounded because every man hears them speak in his own tongue.
8. The Holy Spirit comes upon the Infant Church never to leave it.
9. That first day Peter goes forth to preach and baptizes three thousand.
10. The feast of Pentecost is the birthday of the Church, for on that day it begins to grow.

 

Hail Mary...(ten times)
Glory be...
O, my Jesus...

The Fourth Glorious Mystery:  The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Reflections for each Hail, Mary:

1. After the apostles have dispersed, the Blessed Mother goes to live with John, the beloved disciple.
2. Mary lives many years on earth after the death of Christ.
3. She is a source of comfort, consolation and strength to the apostles.
4. As she had nourished the infant Jesus, so she nourishes spiritually the infant Church.
5. Mary dies, not of bodily infirmity, but is wholly ravished in a rapture of divine love.
6. Her body as well as her soul is taken up into heaven.
7. After her burial the apostles go to the tomb and find only fragrant lilies.
8. Jesus does not permit the sinless body of His Mother to decay in the grave.
9. Corruption of the body is an effect of original sin from which Mary is totally exempted.
10. The bodies of all mankind, at the last judgment, will be brought back and united again to the soul.

Hail Mary...(ten times)
Glory be...
O, my Jesus...

[Carolina]

The Fifth Glorious Mystery:  The Coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth

Reflections for each Hail, Mary:

1. As Mary enters heaven, the entire court of heaven greets with joy this masterpiece of God's creation.
2. Mary is crowned by her divine Son as Queen of heaven and earth.
3. More than we can ever know the Hearts of Jesus and Mary overflow with joy at this reunion.
4. Only in heaven will we know the great majesty of that coronation, and the joy it gave to the angels and saints.
5. Even the angels, who by nature are greater than humans, hail Mary as their Queen.
6. Mary shares so fully in the glory of Christ because she shared so fully in His suffering.
7. Only in heaven will we see how central is the role of Mary in the divine plan of redemption.
8. The angels and saints longed for the coming of her whose heel crushes the head of the serpent.
9. Mary pleads our cause as a most powerful Queen and a most merciful and loving Mother.
10. A great sign appeared in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars.

Hail Mary...(ten times)
Glory be...
O, my Jesus...

[Carolina]

At the end of the decades:

Hail, Holy Queen:  HAIL holy Queen, Mother of mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope. To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious Advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us. And after this our exile show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus.  O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary. Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God.  That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Amen.

Closing:  O God whose only begotten Son has purchased for us the rewards of eternal life, Grant that we beseech Thee while meditating upon these mysteries of the Most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may both imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise, through the same Christ our Lord Amen.

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us.

Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us.

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.  AMEN.

 

[Carolina]

For the Intentions of the Holy Father

General: That, everywhere in the world, an end be put to all forms of terrorism

Missionary: That through the effort of believers, together with the living forces of society, the new and old chains which prevent the development of the African continent may be broken.

[Carolina]

Invocation For The Sovereign Pontiff

LORD JESUS, shelter our Holy Father the Pope under the protection of Thy Sacred Heart. Be Thou his light, his strength and his consolation.

[Carolina]

Versicle and Response for the Sovereign Pontiff

LET US PRAYER for our Pontiff Benedict.
R. The Lord preserve him, and give him life, and make him to be blessed upon the earth, and deliver him not up to the will of his enemies.
Our Father…, Hail Mary….

[Carolina]

Prayer For The Pope From The Roman Missal

O GOD, THE Shepherd and Ruler of all Thy faithful people, mercifully look upon Thy servant Benedict, whom Thou hast chosen as the chief Shepherd to preside over Thy Church; grant him, we beseech Thee, so to edify, both by word and example, those over whom he hath charge, that he may attain unto everlasting life, together with the flock committed unto him. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

[Carolina]

Prayer For The Pope From The Roman Ritual

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, have mercy upon Thy servant Benedict, our Supreme Pontiff, and direct him, according to Thy loving-kindness, in the way of eternal salvation; that, of Thy gift, he may ever desire that which is pleasing unto Thee and may accomplish it with all his might. Through Christ Our Lord. Amen.

[Carolina]

PRAYER TO SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL

Most glorious Prince of the Heavenly Armies, Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in "our battle against principalities and powers, against the rulers of this world of darkness, against the spirits of wickedness in the high places". Come to the assistance of men whom God has created to His likeness and whom He has redeemed at a great price from the tyranny of the devil. Holy Church venerates thee as her guardian and protector; to thee, the Lord has entrusted the souls of the redeemed to be led into heaven. Pray therefore the God of Peace to crush Satan beneath our feet, that he may no longer retain men captive and do injury to the Church. Offer our prayers unto the Most High, that without delay they may draw His mercy down upon us; take hold of "the dragon, the old serpent, which is the devil and Satan." Bind him and cast him into the bottomless pit "so that he may no longer seduce the nations". Amen.

[Carolina]

Pope Leo XIII's Prayer of Consecration for the Human Race

Most sweet Jesus, Redeemer of the human race, look down upon us humbly prostrate before Your altar. We are Yours, and Yours we wish to be; but, to be more surely united with You, behold each one of us freely consecrates himself today to Your Most Sacred Heart. Many indeed have never known You; many too, despising Your precepts, have rejected You. Have mercy on them all, most merciful Jesus, and draw them to Your Sacred Heart.

You are King, O Lord, not only of the faithful who have never forsaken You, but also of the prodigal children who have abandoned You; grant that they may quickly return to their Father's house lest they die of wretchedness and hunger.

You are King of those who are deceived by erroneous opinions, or whom discord keeps aloof; call them back to the harbor of truth and unity of faith, so that soon there may be but one flock and one Shepherd.

You are King of all those who are still involved in the darkness of idolatry or of Islamism; refuse not to draw them all into the light and kingdom of God. Turn Your eyes of mercy toward the children of that race, once Your chosen people. Of old they called down upon themselves the Blood of the Savior; may it now descend upon them a laver of redemption and of life.

Grant, O Lord, to Your Church assurance of freedom and immunity from harm; give peace and order to all nations, and make the earth resound from pole to pole with one cry: Praise to the Divine Heart that wrought our salvation; to It be glory and Honor forever. Amen. 

[mware]

Saint Michael the Archangel,
defend us in battle.
Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray;
and do Thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host -
by the Divine Power of God -
cast into hell, satan and all the evil spirits,
who roam throughout the world seeking the ruin of souls.

Amen.

[Carolina]

Dear Keepers of the Catholic ping lists....combined thread for the week. Please keep bumping the thread. Post your prayers and well wishes for Papa. And most of all, don't let up with your fervent prayers as he goes into the den of lions.