Blessing Prayers
Blessing and Investiture with Miraculous Medal
Priest vests in surplice and white stole +. Our help is in the name of the Lord R. Who made heaven and earth +. The Lord be with you R. And also with you Let us pray. Almighty and merciful God, Who by the many appearances on earth of the Immaculate Virgin Mary were pleased to work miracles again and again for the salvation of souls; kindly pour out Your blessing + on this medal, so that all who devoutly wear it and reverence it may experience the patronage of Mary Immaculate and obtain mercy from You; through Christ our Lord. AMEN. Priest sprinkles Miraculous Medal(s) with Holy Water, then presents it to person(s) saying: Take this holy medal; wear it with faith, and handle it with due devotion, so that the holy and Immaculate Queen of Heaven may protect and defend you. And as she is ever ready to renew her wondrous acts of kindness, may she obtain for you in her mercy whatever you humbly ask of God, so that both in life and in death you may rest happily in her motherly embrace. AMEN. Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Our Father... +. And lead us not into temptation R. But deliver us from evil +. Queen conceived without Original Sin R. Pray for us who have recourse to thee +. O, Lord, hear my prayer R. And let my cry come unto thee +. The Lord be with you R. And also with you Let us pray. Lord Jesus Christ, Who willed that Your Mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary conceived without sin, should become illustrious through countless miracles; grant that we who ever seek her patronage may finally possess everlasting joys. We ask this of You, Who lives and reigns forever and ever, AMEN. from Roman Ritual
Blessing for the Sprouting Seed
To Thee, O Lord, we cry and pray: bless this sprouting seed, strengthen it in the gentle movement of soft winds, refresh it with the dew of heaven, and let it grow to full maturity for the good of body and soul. Translated by Most Reverend J. H. Schlarman Bishop of Peoria
Blessing of a Bedroom
V. Our help is in the name of the Lord. R. Who has made heaven and earth. V. The Lord be with you. R. And with your spirit. Let us pray. Bless this bedroom, Lord, so that all who live in it may remain firm in Your peace and persevere in Your will. May they live a long life and have children for many days to come, and finally arrive at the kingdom of heaven through Christ our Lord. R. Amen. (And it is sprinkled with holy water.)
Blessing of a Christmas Tree
Dear God, two thousand years ago, you brought your son, Jesus into this world to teach us the power of love and sacrifice. As we raise this tree, we remember his birth and the meaning of his life for us. Bless this tree as a symbol of our celebration of Jesus' birth and our gratitude for his sacrifice. May the joy this tree brings and the gifts we place under it remind us of the many gifts you have given us. We ask your blessings upon our loved ones, this day and always. Amen. National Shrine of Our Lady of Providence
Blessing of a Farm
Bless, O Lord, Almighty God, this house (or, this farm). May health and purity, goodness and meekness, and every virtue reign here. May all those who dwell here be filled with faithfulness to Thy law and with thanksgiving to God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. May this blessing remain on this house (or, this farm) and all who dwell here. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. Translated by Most Reverend J. H. Schlarman Bishop of Peoria
Blessing of a Mill
Almighty, eternal God who hast said: "In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread," bless this mill which has been built to grind the grain from which our bread is made, and send an angel of light to guard this mill. Translated by Most Reverend J. H. Schlarman Bishop of Peoria
Blessing of a New House
O heavenly Father, Almighty God, we humbly beseech Thee to bless and sanctify this house and all who dwell therein and everything else in it, and do Thou vouchsafe to fill it with all good things; grant to them, O Lord, the abundance of heavenly blessings and from the richness of the earth every substance necessary for life, and finally direct their desires to the fruits of Thy mercy. At our entrance, therefore, deign to bless and sanctify this house as Thou didst deign to bless the house of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob; and may the angels of Thy light, dwelling within the walk of this house, protect it and those who dwell therein. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. Translated by Most Reverend J. H. Schlarman Bishop of Peoria
Blessing of a Spring or Well
We cry without ceasing, O Lord, to Thy fatherly goodness that Thou wouldst sanctify this fountain of water with Thy heavenly blessing and make it suitable for every use. Drive from it every influence of the devil so that whoever draws from it or drinks this water may enjoy good health and full vigor, and give praise and thanks to Thee, the Sanctifier and Preserver of all things. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. Translated by Most Reverend J. H. Schlarman Bishop of Peoria
Blessing of a Stable
O Lord, Almighty God, who didst decree that Thy only- begotten Son, our Redeemer, should be born in a stable and laid in a manger between an ox and an ass, bless, we beseech Thee, this stable and preserve it from every deceit and snare of the devil that horses and cattle within it may be healthy and secure from all harm. And if "the ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master's crib," grant that Thy servants, whom Thou hast made to Thy own image and hast placed only a little lower than the angels may not be like unreasoning animals; that they may not be like the horse and the mule that have no understanding, but that they may acknowledge Thee, the one true God, the Author of all good, and that Thy servants may persevere in Thy service. Grant that Thy servants may always give thanks to Thee for the gifts they have received from Thee; and make them worthy to receive ever greater benefits. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen. Translated by Most Reverend J. H. Schlarman Bishop of Peoria
Blessing of a Wagon or other Vehicle
Be gracious, O Lord God, to our prayers and bless this vehicle with Thy right hand. Send Thy holy angels to accompany it that they may keep from all evils those who ride in it; and as once Thou didst grant faith and grace through Thy deacon Philip to the Ethiopian riding in his chariot and reading the word of God, so now show the way of salvation to Thy servants that, always given to good works, they attain to everlasting joys after the vicissitudes of the journey and of this life. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. Translated by Most Reverend J. H. Schlarman Bishop of Peoria
Blessing of a Water Supply
O Lord, Almighty God, who hast given us an ample supply of water, led off by pipes from this source, grant that, by Thy assistance and blessing and our cooperation, every diabolical attack and confusion may be kept off and that this water supply may always be pure and uncontaminated. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. Translated by Most Reverend J. H. Schlarman Bishop of Peoria
Blessing of All Domestic Animals
Lord God King of heaven and earth, Thou the Word of the Father by whom all creatures were given us for our support: look down, we beseech Thee, on our lowliness. As Thou hast given us these animals to assist us in our labors and needs so mayest Thou in Thy great goodness and mercy bless them from above, guard and preserve them; and, while Thou givest Thy servants temporal benefits, mayest Thou grant us thy continual grace so that we may praise Thy holy name with thanksgiving. Translated by Most Reverend J. H. Schlarman Bishop of Peoria
Blessing of Bacon or Lard
Bless, O Lord, this lard (or bacon), that it may be an effective remedy for the human race, and grant that through the invocation of Thy holy name all those who eat of it may obtain health of body and protection of their souls. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Blessing of Bees
Lord God, Almighty, who didst create heaven and earth, and all the animals that live in the air and on the earth for the use of man; Thou who hast directed that the ministers of Thy holy Church should light candles made of beeswax when the holy sacrifice is offered in which the Sacred Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, Thy Son, becomes present and is consumed; send down Thy blessing on these bees, that they may multiply and be fruitful and be preserved from all harm so that the product of their labor may be used to Thy honor, and to the honor of Thy Son, and the Holy Spirit, and the most blessed Virgin Mary. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen. Translated by Most Reverend J. H. Schlarman Bishop of Peoria
Blessing of Bread
Holy Lord, almighty Father, eternal God, graciously deign to bless this bread with Thy spiritual benediction that all who eat it may have health of body and soul and that they may be protected against all sickness and against all the snares of their enemies. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, the living bread that came down from heaven and giveth life and salvation to the world; who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, forever and ever. Amen.
Blessing of Bread and Cake
Lord Jesus Christ, Thou the bread of angels, Thou the living bread of eternal life, graciously deign to bless this bread as Thou didst bless the five loaves in the desert: that all who partake of it may have health of body and soul. Who livest and reignest forever. Amen. Translated by Most Reverend J. H. Schlarman Bishop of Peoria
Blessing of Cheese and Butter
O Lord, almighty God, deign to bless and sanctify this cheese (or butter), which Thou hast produced from the fat of animals, that whoever of Thy faithful people eat of it may be filled with every heavenly blessing and Thy grace, and may abound in good works. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. Translated by Most Reverend J. H. Schlarman Bishop of Peoria
Blessing of Diseased Animals
We call upon Thy mercy, O Lord, without ceasing; grant that these animals, afflicted with grievous disease, may be restored to health in Thy name and by the power of Thy blessing. May all the power of the devil be driven from them so that they will languish no more. Be Thou, O Lord, the protector of their lives and the healer of their ailments. Translated by Most Reverend J. H. Schlarman Bishop of Peoria
Blessing of Diseased Cattle
O Lord, deal not with us according to our sins, nor reward us according to our iniquities. Thou healest men and beasts, for Thy mercy is great. Thou openest Thy hand, and fillest with blessing every living creature. O God, who hast decreed that the dumb animals should help man in his labors, we humbly pray Thee, do not permit these animals to perish, because without them man cannot support and nourish himself. We call upon Thy mercy, O Lord, without ceasing grant that these animals, afflicted with grievous disease, may be restored to health in Thy name and by the power of Thy blessing. May all the power of the devil be driven from them so that they will languish no more. Be Thou, O Lord, the protector of their lives and the healer of their ailments. Turn away from us, O Lord, we beseech Thee, the scourges of Thy punishment and drive off this disease that attacks these animals, as Thou punishest those who wander from Thy paths, but givest Thy grace when they have amended their lives. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. Translated by Most Reverend J. H. Schlarman Bishop of Peoria
Blessing of Eggs
We pray Thee, O Lord, may the grace of Thy benediction come down upon these eggs, that they may be healthful food for Thy people who eat them in thanksgiving for the Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth with Thee and ruleth for all eternity. Amen. Translated by Most Reverend J. H. Schlarman Bishop of Peoria
Blessing of Food
Bless, O Lord this food that it may be an effective and salutary remedy for mankind. For Thy name's sake, grant that all who partake of it may obtain health of body and safety of soul. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Blessing of Fresh Fruit
Bless, O Lord, these new fruits (here insert the name of the fruits), and grant that all who eat of them in Thy holy name may obtain health of body and soul. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Blessing of Grapes
Bless, O Lord, these new fruits of the vine which Thou hast brought to maturity by the dew of heaven, by plentiful rains, and by tranquil and favorable weather. Thou hast given us this fruit for our use that we may receive it with thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, world without end. Amen.
Blessing of Herbs on the Feast of the Assumption
Our help is in the name of the Lord; Who hath made heaven and earth. A hymn, O God, becometh Thee in Sion: and a vow shall be paid to Thee in Jerusalem. O hear my prayer: all flesh shall come to Thee. The words of the wicked have prevailed over us; and Thou wilt pardon our transgressions. Blessed is he whom Thou hast chosen and taken to Thee: he shall dwell in Thy courts. We shall be filled with the good things of Thy house: holy is Thy temple, wonderful in justice. Hear us O God, our Savior, who art the hope of all the ends of the earth, and in the sea afar off. Thou who preparest the mountains by Thy strength, being girded with power: who troublest the depth of the sea, the noise of its waves. The Gentiles shall be troubled, and they that dwell in the uttermost borders shall be afraid at Thy signs: Thou shalt make the outgoings of the morning and of the evening to be joyful. Thou hast visited the earth, and hast plentifully watered it: Thou hast in many ways enriched it. The river of God is filled with water, Thou hast prepared their food: for so is its preparation. Fill up plentifully the stream thereof, multiply its fruits: it shall spring up and rejoice in its showers. Thou shalt bless the crown of the year with Thy goodness: and Thy fields shall be filled with plenty. The beautiful places of the wilderness shall grow fat: and the hills shall be girded about with joy. The rams of the flock are clothed, and the vales shall abound with corn: they shall shout, yea, they shall sing a hymn. For the Lord will give goodness; And our earth shall yield her fruit. Thou waterest the hills from Thy upper rooms. The earth shall be filled with the fruit of Thy works; Bring forth grass for cattle. And herb for the service of men; That Thou mayst bring bread out of the earth; And that wine may cheer the heart of man That he may make the face cheerful with oil; And that bread may strengthen man's heart. He sent His word and healed them; And delivered them from their destruction. Almighty, eternal God: by Thy word Thou hast created heaven, earth, and the sea, all things visible and invisible, out of nothing; Thou hast ordained that the earth bring forth plants and trees for the use of men and animals; Thou hast decreed that each germinate according to its nature and bring forth fruit in due time, and Thou hast decreed that these plants should serve not only as food but as medicine in time of sickness. We humbly pray with heart and tongue that Thou wouldst bless these various herbs and plants and in Thy mercy grant a new blessing upon those powers that Thou hast caused to be inherent in these plants. May they, therefore, be a protection against all sickness and tribulation when we use them for man and beast in Thy name whose glorious Assumption we celebrate this day. O God, who on this day didst raise the root of Jesse, the mother of Thy Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, to the heights of heaven, we humbly pray Thee, that by her intercession and under her protection the fruit of her womb, Thy Son, might be given to us mortal men, that by the power of Thy Son and the protection of His glorious Mother we may be disposed to our eternal salvation by these temporal gifts. O God, who didst command the children of Israel that they should bring the sheaves of new fruits to the priest to be blessed and that they should rejoice before the Lord, graciously hear our prayers and pour forth the fullness of Thy blessing upon these fruits and herbs which we gratefully present this day before Thy altar Grant that, wherever they may be placed, they may be a potent means against sickness and pestilence, against the poison of serpents and the sting of poisonous animals, as also against the deceits, snares, and machinations of the devil. Grant that we may be worthy to be received with our sheaves of good works into heaven through the merits of the most Blessed Virgin Mary. Translated by Most Reverend J. H. Schlarman Bishop of Peoria
Blessing of Horses and other Draft Animals
The animals praise and glorify God inasmuch as they assist man and serve him. In their own way they assist man in attaining his ultimate goal, and for that reason the Church blesses them. In her blessing the church commends these animals to St. Anthony the hermit, who from the earliest times was regarded as the patron of farmers and animal breeders. The following prayers can be used when the animals are placed in harness for the first time. O God, our refuge and strength, the source of our devotion, hear the devout prayers of the Church, grant that what we ask in faith we may obtain in fact. Almighty, eternal God, who didst test glorious Saint Anthony the hermit in many temptations and didst grant him to go forth untouched by the seductions of this world: grant us Thy servants to make progress in virtue by his example and to be freed from the dangers of this life by his merits and intercession. May these animals, O Lord, receive Thy blessing; may they be sound in body and, by the intercession of Saint Anthony the hermit, may they be preserved from all evil. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. Translated by Most Reverend J. H. Schlarman Bishop of Peoria
Blessing of Orchards and Vineyards
We beseech Thee, Almighty God, in Thy goodness, to pour down Thy blessing on these young shoots and sprouts which Thou hast permitted to grow with due sunshine and rain, and make them to grow into mature fruit. Grant to Thy people that they may always give thanks to Thee for Thy gifts, and fill the hungry with Thy gifts which the fruitful earth produces in fullness so that the poor and needy may praise Thy glory. Translated by Most Reverend J. H. Schlarman Bishop of Peoria
Blessing of Pasture, Meadows, and Fields
O God, through whom every good thing has its beginning, and through whom it is improved and increased; grant, we beseech Thee, to us who cry to Thee, that this work, which we are beginning for the praise of Thy name, may be happily brought to completion through the never-failing gift of Thy fatherly wisdom. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. Almighty, eternal God, Thou hast given to Thy priests a special grace so that we may be sure that whatever is worthily done by them in Thy name is done also by Thee. We beseech Thy clemency that Thou wouldst visit what we now visit, that Thou wouldst bless what we now bless, and that Thou wouldst stretch forth Thy mighty right arm over that which we now do, and that, by the merits and intercession of Thy saints and this entrance of our humble persons, the demons may be put to flight and the angel of peace may enter in. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. Send forth Thy spirit and they shall be created; And Thou shalt renew the face of the earth. For the Lord will give goodness; And our earth shall yield her fruit. We humbly beseech Thy clemency, O Lord, that Thou wouldst render these fields (pastures, meadows) fertile with rains in due season, that Thou wouldst fill them with Thy blessing, and so grant that Thy people may be ever thankful for Thy gifts. Take infertility from the earth and fill the hungry with Thy gifts which the fruitful earth will yield in fullness that the poor and needy may praise the name of Thy glory forever and ever. Translated by Most Reverend J. H. Schlarman Bishop of Peoria
Blessing of Poultry
O God, Creator of all things, besides the other kinds of creatures Thou hast deigned to produce the species of birds for the use of mankind. With these birds, Noe, as he was leaving the ark, offered Thee an acceptable sacrifice; and when Thy people were being led out of Egypt by Moses Thy servant, Thou gavest a precept that they should eat of these birds, separating the clean from the unclean. We humbly beseech Thee, graciously bless and sanctify the flesh of these clean birds, that all who eat of them may be filled with Thy abundant blessing and may merit to attain the well watered gardens of eternal life. Through Christ our lord Amen.
Blessing of Salt and Feed for Animals
Lord God, Creator and Preserver of all things, in whose hand is the vital principle of every living being and the spirit of all flesh, hear we beseech Thee, the prayers of those who believe in Thee. Pour out Thy blessing on this salt (feed, fodder) and fill it with the benefits of Thy invisible power; grant that these animals which Thou hast graciously destined for man's needs may be freed of all disease and protected from the attacks of the evil one when they eat of this salt (feed, fodder). Through Christ our Lord. Amen. Translated by Most Reverend J. H. Schlarman Bishop of Peoria
Blessing of the Barn and the Stored Harvest
O Lord, Almighty God, Thou dost not cease to give many riches in the dew that falls from heaven, and nourishment for life in fertility of the soil. We give thanks to Thy most gracious majesty for the fruits of the field which we have harvested, and we pray that Thou wouldst bless and preserve these fruits which we have received from Thy hand; grant us, whom Thou hast filled with these gifts, that we may glory in Thy protection and praise Thy mercy forever, and so having received (enjoyed) temporal gifts we may not lose those that are eternal. Translated by Most Reverend J. H. Schlarman Bishop of Peoria
Blessing of the Cornerstone of a New Building
O God, with whom every good thing has its beginning, and through whom it is improved and increased: grant, we beseech Thee to us who cry to Thee, that this work, which we are beginning for the praise of Thy name, may be happily brought to completion through the never failing gift of Thy fatherly wisdom. Through Christ our Lord Amen. Translated by Most Reverend J. H. Schlarman Bishop of Peoria
Blessing of the Harvest
Our help is in the name of the Lord. Who has made heaven and earth. The Lord be with you. And with your spirit. Almighty Lord God, You keep on giving abundance to men in the dew of heaven, and food out of the richness of the soil. We give thanks to Your most gracious majesty for the fruits of the field which we have gathered. We beg of You, in Your mercy, to bless our harvest, which we have received from Your generosity. Preserve it, and keep it from all harm. Grant, too, that all those whose desires You have filled with these good things may be happy in Your protection. May they praise Your mercies forever, and make use of the good things that do not last in such a way that they may not lose those goods that are everlasting, through Christ our Lord. R. Amen.
Blessing of the Hearth
Lord, God, Almighty Father, eternal Light and Creator of all lights, bless this new fire. Grant that after the darkness of this world, we may come with pure hearts to Thee, the never-falling Light. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. Translated by Most Reverend J. H. Schlarman Bishop of Peoria
Blessing of Wine
On the feast of Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist (28 December) Graciously bless and sanctify, O Lord God, this wine and this drink with Thy right hand, and grant that by the merits of Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist, all who believe in Thee and partake of this wine may be blessed and protected. And as Saint John drank poison from a cup and was unharmed, so may all those who this day drink of this cup in honor of Saint John be preserved from all poisoning and other harmful things, and as they offer themselves to Thee in body and soul may they be free of all guilt. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. Bless, O Lord, this drink which Thou hast created, that it may be a salutary remedy for all who partake of it, and grant that all who taste of it may, by invoking Thy holy name, receive health for body and soul. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. And may the blessing of Almighty God, of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, come down upon this wine and any other drink, and remain forever. Amen.
Blessing of Wine
After the last Gospel of the Mass in the feast of Saint John. Psalm 22 The Lord ruleth me: and I shall want nothing. He hath set me in a place of pasture. He hath brought me up on the water of refreshment. He hath converted my soul. He hath led me on the paths of justice, for His own name's sake. For though I should walk in the midst of the shadow of death, I will fear no evils, for Thou art with me. Thy rod and Thy staff, they have comforted me. Thou hast prepared a table before me, against them that afflict me. Thou hast anointed my head with oil: and my chalice which inebriated me, how goodly is it! And Thy mercy will follow me all the days of my life. And that I may dwell in the house of the Lord unto the length of days. The psalm is followed by the Our Father and a series of versicles. Then the priest says three prayers: O holy Lord, almighty Father, eternal God, who didst wish that Thy Son, co-eternal and consubstantial with Thee, should come down from heaven and be born in the fullness of time of the most holy Virgin Mary in order to seek the lost and wandering sheep and carry in back on His shoulders to the fold, and also that He might heal the wounds of him who fell among robbers, pouring in oil and wine; bless and sanctify this wine which Thou hast made from the vine for man's drink, and grant that all those who drink or partake of it in this sacred solemnity may obtain health of body and soul, and if they be on a journey they may be comforted through Thy grace and that their journey may be completed successfully. Though the same Christ our Lord. Amen. Lord Jesus Christ, Thou didst call Thyself the vine and Thy holy apostles the branches, and Thou didst wish to make a good vineyard out of all those who love Thee, bless this wine and pour into it the power of Thy benediction, so that all who drink or partake of it, by the intercession of Thy beloved disciple, the holy Apostle and Evangelist John, may be freed of every disease and pestilential attack and obtain health of body and soul. Who livest and reignest forever. Amen. O God, Thou didst create bread for the food of mankind and wine for its drink so that bread might strengthen the body and wine rejoice the heart of men; Thou didst also grant to Thy beloved disciple, Saint John, the grace of being able to drink the poisoned cup without harm and also of raising from the dead those killed by poison, grant to all who drink this wine the attainment of spiritual joy and everlasting life. Though our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
When Using Holy Water
By this holy water and by Your Precious Blood, wash away all my sins, O Lord. St. Theresa of Avila on holy water: "From long experience I have learned that there is nothing like holy water to put devils to flight and prevent them from coming back again. They also flee from the cross, but return; so holy water must have great value." Holy water is a means of spiritual wealth -- a sacramental that remits venial sin. The Church strongly urges its use, especially when dangers threaten. The devil hates holy water because of its power over him. He cannot long abide in a place or near a person that is often sprinkled with this blessed water.
A Random Prayer...
Blessing of a Stable
O Lord, Almighty God, who didst decree that Thy only- begotten Son, our Redeemer, should be born in a stable and laid in a manger between an ox and an ass, bless, we beseech Thee, this stable and preserve it from every deceit and snare of the devil that horses and cattle within it may be healthy and secure from all harm. And if "the ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master's crib," grant that Thy servants, whom Thou hast made to Thy own image and hast placed only a little lower than the angels may not be like unreasoning animals; that they may not be like the horse and the mule that have no understanding, but that they may acknowledge Thee, the one true God, the Author of all good, and that Thy servants may persevere in Thy service. Grant that Thy servants may always give thanks to Thee for the gifts they have received from Thee; and make them worthy to receive ever greater benefits. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen. Translated by Most Reverend J. H. Schlarman Bishop of Peoria
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