Psalm 51 (Psalm 50 in the Douay numbering), known by its Latin first word Miserere, is the great psalm of repentance. Tradition connects it to King David after the prophet Nathan confronted him with his sin. It has shaped Christian sorrow for sin for three thousand years and is prayed every Friday morning in the Liturgy of the Hours and throughout Lent. Pray it before Confession, during an examination of conscience, on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, or any time you want to re

On Good Friday we adore the Cross and remember the Passion. Offer this traditional act of love. The Prayer We adore Thee, O Christ, and we bless Thee, because by Thy holy Cross Thou hast redeemed the world. O my people, what have I done to thee? or in what have I aggrieved thee? Answer Me. Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us. Traditional Good Friday adoration texts; classic liturgy English, public domain. If these prayers help you, you can support D

In Lent the Church calls us to fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. Ask for true conversion of heart. The Prayer O my God, I thank Thee for Thy great love in giving me this holy season of Lent. Help me to turn away from sin, to pray more fervently, to deny myself, and to give generously to those in need. May these forty days prepare me to celebrate the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus with a renewed heart. Amen. Traditional Lenten petition; classic manuals style, public

On Ash Wednesday we remember that we are dust and turn to penance. Pray for a holy Lent. The Prayer Almighty and everlasting God, Who hatest nothing that Thou hast made, and dost forgive the sins of those who are penitent: create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of Thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. Traditional Ash Wednesday col

The Stabat Mater meditates on Our Lady's sorrow at the foot of the Cross. Edward Caswall's classic English translation (19th century) is public domain. The Prayer At the Cross her station keeping, Stood the mournful Mother weeping, Close to Jesus to the last. Through her heart, His sorrow sharing, All His bitter anguish bearing, Now at length the sword had passed. Oh, how sad and sore distressed Was that Mother highly blest Of the sole begotten One! Christ above in torment ha