1). THE SIGN OF THE CROSS (SCRIPTURAL, (MATTHEW 28:19) AS WELL AS CHARISMATIC PRAYER FROM CHRISTIAN CULTURAL TRADITION)
a).recited as follows: “IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER AND OF THE SON AND OF THE HOLY SPIRIT”. AMEN.
b).If this old man were a big shot in the Government …and while entering a meeting with other big shots serving in the Armed Forces, it may well be announced “The representative has arrived in the name of The White House … The Pentagon … and in the name of the Supreme Court” or whatever.. and rest assured… this old man, would have the attention of the other “big shots” there …
c). Well Ladies and Gentlemen …it is the same with us Christian soldiers…. except …with “the Sign of the Cross” (with or without the hand motion vertically and horizontally) we are not out to get the attention of others. (although there is a solidarity when a group of Christians pray this together) Instead we are alerting ourselves to the remembrance that we are NOT just …praying – working – living in our own names … but we desire to conform ourselves to allow the Will of GOD to guide our lives … In -thought – word – and deed.
2). THE APOSTLES CREED: (PRAYER OF OLD FROM BEFORE THE “CHURCHES” STARTED ARGUING )
a). recited as follows: “I BELIEVE IN GOD, THE FATHER ALMIGHTY THE CREATOR OF HEAVEN AND EARTH, / AND IN JESUS CHRIST, HIS ONLY SON, OUR LORD: WHO WAS CONCEIVED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT, BORN OF THE VIRGIN MARY, SUFFERED UNDER PONTIUS PILATE, WAS CRUCIFIED, DIED, AND WAS BURIED. HE DESCENDED INTO HELL. AND ON THE THIRD DAY HE AROSE AGAIN FROM THE DEAD. HE ASCENDED INTO HEAVEN AND IS SEATED 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 LIFE EVERLASTING.” AMEN.
b). PARTS OF THE APOSTLES CREED ITSELF: This Creed Consists of 12 articles (or Statements) in Three sections
b1). The First section. Stating a belief in God The Father as Supreme Being over all.
b2). The Second section: Stating belief in God The Son …His Incarnation ( taking on Human form). Which once He did that will never change, His Death – Resurrection – Ascension – and forthcoming return in Glory.
b3). The Third section: Stating belief in God The Holy Spirit and some of the highlights of His interaction with mankind.
c). My suggestion here is that each person pray those Statements that best fit the individuals faith belief and not hammer on things that may disrupt the Spirit of God that is in you. (Romans 16:17-18) i.e.: If you are not “Roman Catholic” bare in mind that the Creed recited at many Protestant Worship Services.. It is prayed “We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy “catholic” Church”… with “catholic” Meaning “Universal” and all in all this is what God beckons us to… UNITY… Let the big shots figure out all the rest of that stuff… and as for the rest of us… let us just pray they do.
3). THE OUR FATHER: (RECITATION OF SCRIPTURE (MATTHEW 6:9-15) AND (LUKE 11: 2-4) AND A TRADITIONAL PRAYER)
a). recited as follows: “OUR FATHER WHOM 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 TEMPTATIONS BUT DELIVER US FROM EVIL.” AMEN.
b).Given to humanity by God the Son. Traditionally known as “the Perfect Prayer”, among other reasons, because it was given by God Himself. (Which seems to say it all) Other then to state: If any human were allowed 200 earthly years to ponder on these 55 words, they would at no time comprehend it all and only find a desire to be allowed another 200.)
4). THE HAIL MARY: (RECITATION OF SCRIPTURE (LUKE 1:28) AND (LUKE 1:41-42) AND A TRADITIONAL INTERCESSORY PRAYER IN THE FORM OF A CHARISMATIC PLEA FOR INTERCESSION BY THE MOTHER OF “THE PERFECT SON”)
a). recited as follows: “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 AT THE HOUR OF DEATH.” AMEN.
b). Very possibly the most misunderstood prayer of all recorded history. Especially in recent history (partially) for the reason mentioned below. As well as in referring to The Blessed Virgin Mary as ” Mother of God ” and asking Her to intercede. (“Pray for us Sinners now and at the hour of our death”)
**For thought on Mary as Intercessor read (Intercessory Prayer) and (John 2: 3-5) and (The Misnomer of worshiping Mary)
In this entire site this is the only place, it has been, felt necessary to take clarification to this extent…. as follows;
c). If YOU FOLLOW THESE LINKS TO (Luke 1:28) and (Luke 1:41-42) (PLEASE TAKE NOTE THAT THE New International Version “Wording” and “punctuation” differs substantially from the Douay-Rheims 1899 American Edition. As well as differs from the widely accepted “Protestant” King James translation.
d). Then try to realize that, the recitation of the Scripture Verses within this prayer, that were initially being quoted, are from the Douray-Rheims. Or from Versions Translated Hundreds of Years prior to even that one. And still are today. (The Douay-Rhiems being one of the most recent ) By the way…You will have that with “traditions” that stand the test of time. Such as “Direct Quotes” or recitations of the words of GODS Ambassadors.
e). It is truly not meant to “bash” the New International Version, as it is widely considered a reliable source and although competent, exhibits a taste for Modernism. If “quoted” as “Gods only direct Word” this can have a tendency to be misused, in an attempt to soften, water down or negate “Gods direct Word” in more ancient translations. (In the case of Scripture “Ancient” does not equate into Antiquated )
f). FURTHERMORE: Attempting to soften, water down or negate Gods Direct Word or, LISTENING TO THOSE THAT DO, Is Something That GODS DIRECT WORD Strongly Warns Against.
g). These warnings, in one form or another can be found in many verses throughout all transcriptions considered competent by legitimately ordained authorities throughout our Jewdio-Christian lineage. Even to the point that, ( Within the Last Verses of the Last page of the Last Book of the New Testament ), it is the Third to the last thought Our Gracious God wishes to plant in our pointy little heads. Before HE, for one final time, (via that HOLY MEDIA), reminds us of this finite existence and (via the Apostle and Prophet John ) beckons His grace upon us.
To read an example of meditations that took place in one old mans mind eye during (1) Hail Mary go to these 2 links. (To be read in order)
1). The Speed of Prayer.
2). Example of (1) Hail Mary during the 1st Joyful Mystery.
5).THE GLORY BE:(A RECITATION OF SCRIPTURE (MATTHEW 28: 19) AND (PHILIPPIANS 4:19-21) AS WELL AS A TRADITIONAL PRAYER AND SHOULD BE VERY CHARISMATIC )
a). recited as follows: “GLORY BE TO THE FATHER AND TO THE SON AND TO THE HOLY SPIRIT. AS IT WAS IN THE BEGINNING, IS NOW, AND EVER SHALL BE. WORLD WITHOUT END.” AMEN.
b). To be a heartfelt statement of WORSHIP… (and during public recitation, possibly the most important, prayer in the series) Offered to the TRIUNE GOD for all that “has been done” “is being done” and “will be done” that the salvation of mankind may be complete .
6). THE “FATIMA” PRAYER: ( CHARISMATIC PRAYER – WORKING ON BECOMING A TRADITIONAL PRAYER )
a). recited as follows: “OH MY JESUS, FORGIVE US OUR SINS, SAVE US FROM THE FIRES OF HELL, AND LEAD ALL SOULS TO HEAVEN ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO HAVE MOST NEED OF THY MERCY”
b). This prayer was instituted at Fatima Portugal (1917-18) as a plea for the graces of conversion and thereby world peace. (This CD does include this prayer after each decade)
c).The only difference in what has become known as “The Fatima Rosary” is the recitation of THIS PRAYER after each decade and of course the overall “intention” of offering that Rosary to THE LORD (as an intercession) for World Peace rather then some other intention… such as thankfulness- healing – praise for the gift of life – Worship for the gift of forgiveness – etc: (and it by NO means mandatory to offer your prayers for World Peace especially if you feel you have other more pressing issues and it can always be added as a secondary intention). Remember Our Lord invented multitasking.
WARNING Praying the Rosary can become very contagious and each person MUST REMEMBER that we are all at different levels of spiritual growth and should never feel guilty if some other responsibility (or trial) of life has caused one to bypass the praying of the rosary on any given day or week or month for that matter. Instead be extremely thankful for those moments we DO have the grace to communicate, with the Triune God, utilizing this formula of the rosary. Pay close attention and GOD will always grant you the Graces to Discern when you are being too scrupulous…
It is well known that, using our “scruples” against us is one the of the tricks of the enemy, causing a soul to feel emotions of despair–unworthiness-guilt–even jealousy and the likes and maybe even give up. (at least that is the goal of the enemy) This is true in many facets of our spiritual growth. TO which we must each persevere in our own small way, that when tested we should eventually become like the Gold tested in Fire.