Lent is a season of repentance, and prayers for mercy fit well within this season. This set of prayers for praying the Anglican rosary come from a variety of ancient prayers, including the Psalms.
The initial cross prayer is one known as the Agnus Dei (meaning Lamb of God). This is an ancient prayer that was developed from John the Baptist’s salutation of Christ in John 1:29 and is frequently used in the Mass.
Both invitatory bead prayers are from the Psalms, making them even more ancient prayers of the Judeo-Christian tradition.
The prayer used with the cruciform beads is known as the Trisagion (meaning Thrice Holy in Greek). This is an ancient Christian hymn that is used in the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic liturgies. It’s also found in The Book of Common Prayer.
The prayer used with the week beads is known as the Jesus prayer. This one is popular in the Eastern church and likely originated with the Desert Fathers and Mothers in the 5th century AD. (For another set of prayers featuring the Jesus prayer, see Praying with the Jesus prayer.)
The final cross prayer is commonly used in the Daily Office in The Book of Common Prayer (as well as in the Catholic Daily Office). The first line is from Psalm 70:1.
These ancient prayers of the church all ask for God’s mercy on us and are simple, familiar prayers to remember. I find that this makes it easier for me to focus on the prayers themselves in a contemplative way when I don’t have to struggle to remember the words. I hope they bring a similar benefit to you.
| Cross: | O Lamb of God, You take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us. O Lamb of God, You take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us. O Lamb of God, You take away the sins of the world, grant us your peace. |
| Invitatory bead: | Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord; Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy. (Psalm 130:1-2) |
| Cruciform beads: | Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy Immortal One, Have mercy on us. |
| Week beads 1-7: | Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on me, a sinner. |
| Invitatory bead: | Do not withhold your mercy from me, Lord; may your love and faithfulness always protect me. (Psalm 40:11) |
| Cross: | O God, make speed to save me. O Lord, make haste to help me. Glory to 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. |
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