The following prayers were taken from Manual of Prayers: For the Use of the Catholic Laity and can be recited privately or publicly.
FOR THE WHOLE CHURCH.
Defend us, O Lord, we beseech Thee, from all dangers both of soul and body; and, by the intercession of the glorious and blessed Mary ever Virgin, Mother of God, of blessed Joseph, of Thy holy Apostles Peter and Paul, of blessed N. [here insert the name of your Patron Saint], and of all Thy Saints, grant us, in Thy mercy, health and peace; that all adversities and errors being done away, Thy Church may serve Thee with a pure and undisturbed devotion. Through the same our Lord.
R. Amen.
FOR THE POPE.
O God, the Pastor and ruler of all the faithful, graciously regard Thy servant, N., whom Thou hast been pleased to appoint to preside over Thy Church: grant, we beseech Thee, that both by word and example he may profit those over whom he is set, and together with the flock committed to his care attain to eternal life. Through Our Lord…
FOR BISHOPS AND THE PEOPLE COMMITTED TO THEM.
Almighty and Everlasting God, who alone dost great wonders, send down upon Thy servants, and the congregations committed unto them, the spirit of Thy saving grace; and that they may truly please Thee, pour forth upon them the continual dew of Thy blessing.
FOR THE BISHOP OF THE DIOCESE.
Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord, to Thy servant our Bishop, that, by preaching and doing such things as are right, he may by the example of good works edify the minds of those under his authority, and receive of Thee, most tender Shepherd, an everlasting recompense and reward.
FOR A CONGREGATION OR FAMILY.
Defend, we beseech Thee, O Lord, through the intercession of Blessed Mary, ever Virgin, this Thy family from all adversity; and as in all humility they prostrate themselves before Thee, do Thou graciously protect them against all the snares of their enemies. Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
FOR PRESERVATION OF CONCORD IN A CONGREGATION.
O God, the Giver of peace and Lover of charity, grant to Thy servants true concord and union with Thy holy will, that we may be delivered from all temptations which assault us.
AGAINST THE PERSECUTORS OF THE CHURCH.
Mercifully hear, O Lord, we beseech Thee, the prayers of Thy Church: that, all adversities and errors being done away, we may serve Thee with a pure and undisturbed devotion.
IN ANY NECESSITY.
O God, our refuge and strength, who art the Author of all goodness: hear, we beseech Thee, the devout prayers of Thy Church; and grant that what we faithfully ask we may effectually obtain. Through Our Lord…
IN ANY TRIBULATION.
O Almighty God, despise not Thy people who cry unto Thee in their affliction; but, for the glory of Thy name, turn away Thine anger, and help us in our tribulations.
IN TIME OF FAMINE OR PESTILENCE.
Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord, an answer to our hearty supplications; and graciously turn away from us this famine (or pestilence), that the hearts of men may know that these scourges proceed from Thine anger, and cease by Thy mercy.
FOR RAIN.
O God, in whom we live, and move, and are, grant us seasonable rain; that, enjoying a sufficiency of support in this life, we may with more confidence strive after the things which are eternal.
FOR FAIR WEATHER.
Hear us, O Lord, who cry unto Thee, and grant fair weather to us, Thy suppliant servants; that we, who are justly afflicted for our sins, may by Thy preventing pity find mercy.
FOR THE GIFT OF TEARS.
Almighty and most Merciful God, who didst cause a fount of living water to spring out of a rock, for Thy people in their thirst: draw forth tears of compunction from our stony hearts; that we may weep over our sins, and by Thy mercy deserve to obtain pardon for the same.
FOR FORGIVENESS OF SINS.
O God, who rejectest none that come unto Thee, but in loving-kindness art appeased even with the greatest sinners who repent: mercifully regard our prayers in our humiliation, and enlighten our hearts that we may be able to fulfil Thy commandments.
FOR THE TEMPTED AND AFFLICTED.
O God, who justifiest the ungodly, and willest not the death of a sinner: we humbly entreat Thy Majesty to protect Thy servants, who trust in Thy mercy, with Thy heavenly assistance, and preserve them by Thy continual protection; that they may constantly serve Thee, and by no temptation be separated from Thee.
AGAINST EVIL THOUGHTS.
Almighty and most Merciful God, graciously hearken unto our prayers: and free our hearts from the temptations of evil thoughts; that we may worthily become a fit habitation for Thy Holy Spirit.
FOR THE GIFT OF CONTINENCE.
Inflame, O Lord, our reins and our hearts with the fire of the Holy Ghost: that we may serve Thee with a chaste body and please Thee with a pure mind.
FOR THE GIFT OF HUMILITY.
O God, who resistest the proud and givest grace to the humble: grant us the virtue of true humility, whereof Thine Only-begotten showed in Himself a pattern for Thy faithful; that we may never by our pride provoke Thine anger, but rather by our meekness receive the riches of Thy grace.
ooo
This article is taken from a chapter in Manual of Prayers: For the Use of the Catholic Laity by The Baltimore Catechism which is available from TAN Books.
