I love the concept of a litany as a poetic form of ‘call and response’. Also the fact that it is both prayer, petition and pleading but with a comforting rhythm and trust that it will be heard and heeded. The Greek origin of the word means “entreaty” or “supplication”.
In prayer and religious ritual it has such positive cogitations, aside from the often regular usage of it in our everyday parlance as linked with woes. From childhood days of Adoration and Benediction the memory of the gentle sound of voices rising and sinking in unison, in prayerful rhythm, serve still as a reminder that someone is looking out for us. This certainty heralds calm and sacredness to the otherwise stressful daily concerns. Reminding us that litanies are about relationship, and keeping in touch.
This is all by way of sharing the translation of this beautiful Litany of Supplication used by Pope Francis at the prayer service and blessing on the steps of St. Peter’s Basilica on Friday last (27th March 2020). See Vatican News Link
Litany of Supplication
We adore you, O Lord
True God and true man, truly present in this holy Sacrament.
We adore you, O Lord
Our Savior, God with us, faithful and rich in mercy
We adore you, O Lord
King and Lord of creation and of history
We adore you, O Lord
Conqueror of sin and death
We adore you, O Lord
Friend of humankind, the Risen One, the Living One who sits at the right hand of the Father.
We adore you, O LordWe believe in you, O Lord
Only begotten Son of the Father, descended from heaven for our salvation
We believe in you, O Lord
Heavenly physician, who bows down over our misery
We believe in you, O Lord
Lamb who was slain, who offer yourself to rescue us from evil
We believe in you, O Lord
Good Shepherd, who give your life for the flock which you love
We believe in you, O Lord
Living bread and medicine for immortality, who give us eternal life.
We believe in you, O LordDeliver us, O Lord
From the power of Satan and the seductions of the world
Deliver us, O Lord
From the pride and presumption of being able to do anything without you
Deliver us, O Lord
From the deceptions of fear and anxiety
Deliver us, O Lord
From unbelief and desperation
Deliver us, O Lord
From hardness of heart and the incapacity to love.
Deliver us, O LordSave us, O Lord
From every evil that afflicts humanity
Save us, O Lord
From hunger, from famine and from egoism
Save us, O Lord
From illnesses, epidemics and the fear of our brothers and sisters
Save us, O Lord
From devastating madness, from ruthless interests and from violence
Save us, O Lord
From being deceived, from false information and the manipulation of consciences.
Save us, O LordComfort us, O Lord
Protect your Church which crosses the desert
Comfort us, O Lord
Protect humanity terrified by fear and anguish
Comfort us, O Lord
Protect the sick and the dying, oppressed by loneliness
Comfort us, O Lord
Protect doctors and healthcare providers exhausted by the difficulties the they are facing
Comfort us, O Lord
Protect politicians and decision makers who bear the weight of having to make decisions.
Comfort us, O LordGrant us your Spirit, O Lord
In the hour of trial and from confusion
Grant us your Spirit, O Lord
In temptation and in our fragility
Grant us your Spirit, O Lord
In the battle against evil and sin
Grant us your Spirit, O Lord
In the search for what is truly good and true joy
Grant us your Spirit, O Lord
in the decision to remain in you and in your friendship.
Grant us your Spirit, O LordOpen us to hope, O Lord
Should sin oppress us
Open us to hope, O Lord
Should hatred close our hearts
Open us to hope, O Lord
Should sorrow visit us
Open us to hope, O Lord
Should indifference cause us anguish
Open us to hope, O Lord
Should death overwhelm us.
Open us to hope, O Lord
See also
27/03/2020
Pope’s special Urbi et Orbi blessing: ‘God turns everything to our good’