I hold in my hand a small, leather-bound missal entitled “Blessed be God” published pre-Vatican II, which belonged to my father. If you have any chance to poke around used book stores, old Catholic charity or Salvation army stores, used books sales at old libraries…gosh, I don’t know where, but ANY of these pre-Vatican II prayer books are precious. There are many beautiful, poetic, deeply meaningful prayers I have never heard or seen in contemporary books.
A few samples:
“Prayer in Time of War”
O God, Who bringest wars to naught and shieldest by Thy power all who hope in Thee, overthrowing those that assail them, help Thy servants who implore Thy mercy, so that the fierce might of their enemies may be brought low and we may never cease to praise and thank Thee. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
“Prayer for Light”
May the Comforter Who proceedeth from Thee, O Lord, enlighten our minds, and even as Thy Son hath promised, may He lead us into all truth. Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of hte same Holy Ghost forever and ever. Amen.
“Prayer for Chastity”
My Queen! My Mother! I give myself entirely to thee; and to show my devotion to thee, I consecrate to thee this day my eyes, my ears, my mouth, my heart, my whole being, without reserve. Wherefore, good Mother, as I am thine own, keep me, guard me, as thy property and possession. Amen.
(Try breaking your celibacy after saying THAT every morning! Good one for teenagers…?)
Finally, this is famous, but since we have so many converts, perhaps it may be new to them, and possibly even to younger Catholics. I hope I type it perfectly:
*** The Cardinal Newman Prayer! ***
Lead, kindly Light, amid the encircling gloom.
Lead Thou me on!
The night is dark, and I am far from home.
Lead Thou me on!
Keep Thou my feet; I do not ask to see
The distant scene, – one step enough for me.
I was not ever thus, nor pray’d that Thou
Shouldst lead me on.
I loved to choose and see my path, but now
Lead Thou me on!
I loved the garish day, and, spite of fears,
Pride ruled my will: remember not past years.
So long Thy power hath blest me, sure it still
Will lead me on.
O’er moor and fen, o’er crag and torrent, till
The night is gone;
And with the morn those angel faces smile
Which I have loved long since, and lost awhile.
One more, in closing, pretty much covers everything in a way!:
Grant, O Lord, to Your Church assurance of freedom and immunity from harm; give tranquility of order to all nations; 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 for ever! Amen.
