Precious Invocations

By Father Winfrid Herbst, S.D.S.

The 1968 Handbook of Indulgences has a section of pious invocations. Here it tells us:

1. That as far as indulgences are concerned, an invocation is no longer a distinct and complete work in itself. Rather it is a help whereby the faithful in the performance of their duties and in bearing the burdens of life, raise their minds to God in humble confidence. Hence the pious invocation completes the raising of the mind to God. Both are as gems which are joined to our ordinary activities to adorn them; or, to change the figure of speech, they are as salt which gives savor to such activities.
2. That invocation is to be preferred which is best suited to the activity engaged in and to one's disposition of mind, whether it springs spontaneously from the heart or is selected form such as have been approved by the long-standing use of the faithful. A brief list of such approved invocations is given below.
3. The invocation may be of the briefest kind, expressed in one or two words or only thought of mentally.

Here are some examples: My God -- Father -- Jesus -- Praised be Jesus Christ -- Lord, I believe in Thee -- I adore Thee -- I hope in Thee -- I love Thee -- All for Thee -- Thanks be to God -- Blessed be God -- Thy kingdom come -- Thy will be done -- As the Lord wills -- O God, help me -- Strengthen me -- Hear my prayer -- Save me -- Have mercy on me -- Spare me, O Lord -- Permit me not to be separated form Thee -- Do not abandon me -- Hail Mary -- Glory to God in the highest -- Great art Thou, o Lord.

The Handbook of Indulgences then lists the following invocations.

1. We adore Thee, O Christ, and we bless Thee, because by Thy holy Cross Thou hast redeemed the world (Roman Breviary).
2. Blessed be the Holy Trinity (Roman Missal).
3. Christ conquers! Christ reigns! Christ commands!
4. Heart of Jesus, burning with love for us, inflame our hearts with love for Thee.
5. Heart of Jesus, I trust in Thee.
6. All for Thee, O Heart of Jesus
7. Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us.
8. My God and my all.
9. O God, be merciful to me a sinner (Lk. 18, 13)
10. Grant that I may praise you, O holy Virgin; give me strength against your enemies (Roman Breviary).
11. Teach me to do Thy will, for Thou art my God (Ps. 142, 10)
12. O Lord, increase our faith (Lk. 17, 5)
13. O Lord, may we be of one mind in the truth and of one heart in charity.
14. Lord, save us, we perish (Mt. 8, 25).
15. My Lord and my God! (Jn. 20, 28).
16. Sweet Heart of Mary, be my salvation.
17. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit (Roman Missal).
18. Jesus, Mary, Joseph.
19. Jesus, Mary, Joseph, I give you my heart and my soul.
    Jesus, Mary, Joseph, assist me in my last agony.
    Jesus, Mary, Joseph, may I breathe forth my soul in peace with you (Roman Ritual).
20. Jesus meek and humble of Heart, make our hearts like unto Thine (Roman Ritual).
21. May the Most Blessed Sacrament be forever praised and adored.
22. Stay with us, Lord (Lk. 24, 29).
23. Mother of Sorrows, pray for us.
24. My Mother, my Hope.
25. Send, O Lord, laborers into Your harvest (see Mt. 9, 38).
26. Mary Virgin mild, bless us with thy loving Child (Roman Breviary).
27. Hail, O Cross, our only hope (Roman Breviary).
28. All you holy men and women, saints of God, intercede for us (Roman Ritual).
29. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ (Roman Ritual).
30. Father, into Thy hands I commend my spirit (Lk. 23, 46; see Ps. 30, 6)
31. Dear Lord Jesus, grant them eternal rest (Roman Missal).
32. Queen conceived without original sin, pray for us (Roman Ritual).
33. Holy Mother of God, Mary ever Virgin, intercede for us (Roman Breviary).
34. Holy Mary, pray for us.
35. Thou art the Christ, the Son of the loving God (Mt. 16, 16).