Prayer means a launching out of the heart towards God; it means lifting up one's eyes, quite simply, to heaven, a cry of grateful love, from the crest of joy or the trough of despair; it's a vast, supernatural force that opens out my heart and binds me close to Jesus.  --St. Therese of Lisieux

 

Short Act of Consecration to the Sacred Heart:  Sacred Heart of Jesus, filled with infinite love, broken by my ingratitude, pierced by my sins, yet loving me still, accept the consecration that I make to You, of all that I am and all that I have. Take every faculty of my soul and body, and draw me, day by day, nearer and nearer to Your Sacred Side, and there, as I can bear the lesson, teach me Your blessed ways. Amen.

A Novena Prayer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus:  Sacred Heart of Jesus, we know that there is but one thing impossible to You: to be without pity for those who are in suffering or distress. Look down on us, we beg of You and grant us the grace which we humbly and earnestly implore, through the Immaculate Heart of Your most sorrowful Mother to whom You confided us as her children, and whose prayers are all powerful with You. Amen.

Aspirations to the Sacred Heart:  All for You, most Sacred Heart of Jesus,
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place my trust in You.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, Your kingdom come.
Jesus, meek and humble of Heart, make my heart like unto Thine. My Jesus, mercy.

I do not advise you to say many words in prayer, since long discourse is often an occasion for the mind to wander.  In prayer, hold yourself before God like a poor mute man and a paralytic at the door of a rich man, and spend your time keeping your soul in the presence of the Lord.  --Brother Lawrence

The prayer shared by St. Joseph Catholic Church at Mass, written by Monsignor Luciana:

Dear Jesus,

You who said, "Ask and you shall receive," I would ask for what You will not deny.

My loving wish is to believe in Your real presence of Your body and Blood, Soul and Divinity at Holy Mass.  I know You have said, "Unless you eat My body and drink My Blood you have no life in you."

I humbly and sincerely ask this gift of belief so I may fulfill Your will, be happy and at true peace on earth and that this Body and Blood of Yours lead me through life to You, forever in heaven.  Amen.

When we are before the Blessed Sacrament, let us open our heart; our good God will open his.  We shall go to him; he will come to us. . .It will be like a breath from one to the other.  --St. John Vianney

St. Joseph Catholic Church
1304 Sixth Avenue
Huntington, West Virginia  25701
304-525-5202
Rev. Msgr. Lawrence Luciana, Pastor
Rev. Fr. Julian Marneni, Associate Pastor