Achieving Weight Loss
through the Prayers of the
Divine Office of the Virgin Mary

Compiled and Edited by John P. Gross

Travel writer and co-author with wife, Donna, of
Secrets To An Affordable Walt Disney World® Vacation

Author of

Rosary Meditations: A Bouquet of Roses for Our Lady

Remember me in your prayers!

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To read or download each day's prayers separately, click on the appropriate link
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

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We are fortunate to live near Emmitsburg, Maryland which is the home of the Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, Saint Mary's Seminary, and the National Shrine Grotto of Lourdes. The Grotto, known affectionately as "Mary's Mountain," is a replica of the shrine in Lourdes, France and draws thousands of visitors from around the world who come to pay homage annually to our Blessed Mother. They are in much need of funds to build a Visitors Welcome Center. If you feel that our prayer book has been of value to you and would like to show your appreciation, we invite you to make a donation to their wonderful cause securely online at https://www.msmary.edu/support-mount/givingform/giving_form. Choose "Grotto Fund" as your gift purpose. Thanks and may God bless you!

Disclaimer: Please seek professional medical advice before starting any weight loss or exercise program. We assume no legal responsibility for any information provided.

Copyright © 2009 by John P. Gross. All rights reserved. Reproduction of this material must be done in its entirety with the copyright notice intact. This book is not for sale, but is offered to the public free of charge in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary and for the glory of God.

+ This symbol in the text indicates that the reader should make the sign of the cross.

THURSDAY

Morning Prayer

+ O Lady, come to my assistance: and by the light of thy mercy enlighten me.

Psalm 69

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever. Amen.

HYMN

A spotless Rose is blowing,
Sprung from a tender root,
Of ancient seers’ foreshowing,
Of Jesse promised fruit;

Its fairest bud unfolds to light
Amid the cold, cold winter,
And in the dark midnight.

The Rose which I am singing,
Whereof Isaiah said,
Is from its sweet root springing
In Mary, purest Maid;

For, through our God’s great love and might,
The blessed Babe she bare us
In a cold winter’s night.

15th Century German Carol
Translator Catherine Winkworth, 1869

.Antiphon 1
O Lady, be to us a shade of protection in our temptations. Help me to control my eating when I am tempted to binge.

Psalm 107

My heart is ready, O Lady, my heart is ready: to sing praises to thee and to chant. Greater is thy love than all riches: and thy grace is above gold and precious stones. Beatitude and justice are given by God: for those who turn away from their sins to thee shall obtain the remedy of penance. Thy fruits are grace and peace: and those who please thee shall be far from perdition. Be to us a shade of protection in our temptations: let the spreading of thy wings defend us from him who devours.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever. Amen.

Antiphon 1
O Lady, be to us a shade of protection in our temptations. Help me to control my eating when I am tempted to binge.

Antiphon 2
O Lady, may thy servants be preserved unhurt. Help me to avoid overeating to the point where I become physically ill.

Psalm 108

O Lady, despise not my praise: and deign to accept this Psalter dedicated to thee. Look upon the will of my heart: and make my affection well-pleasing to thee. Hasten to visit thy servants: under the protection of thy hand may they be preserved unhurt. May they receive through thee the illumination of the Holy Spirit: and refreshment against the heat of cupidity. Heal, O Lady, the contrite of heart: and revive them by the ointment of piety.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever. Amen.

Antiphon 2
O Lady, may thy servants be preserved unhurt. Help me to avoid overeating to the point where I become physically ill.

Antiphon 3
O Lady, from thy treasures pour into us the model of discipline. Strengthen my willpower so I can say no to food when I am tempted to eat for emotional reasons.

Psalm 109

The Lord said to Our Lady: Sit at my right hand, O my Mother! Goodness and sanctity have pleased thee: therefore thou shalt reign with me forever. The crown of immortality is on thy holy head: whose brightness and glory shall not be extinguished. Have mercy on us, O Lady, mother of light and splendor: enlighten us, O Lady of truth and virtue. From thy treasures pour into us the wisdom of God: and the understanding of prudence, and the model of discipline.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever. Amen.

Antiphon 3
O Lady, from thy treasures pour into us the model of discipline. Strengthen my willpower so I can say no to food when I am tempted to eat for emotional reasons.

FIRST READING  
Christ-oriented texts

SECOND READING
Mary-oriented texts

RESPONSORY

O Lady, thou art our model of moderation. Help me to control how much I eat.
- O Lady, thou art our model of moderation. Help me to control how much I eat.
Mother Mary, I want to honor God in my body.
- help me to control how much I eat.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
- O Lady, thou art our model of moderation. Help me to control how much I eat.

CANTICLE TO MARY

Antiphon+
O Lady, thou hast brought about our redemption so that we may serve God in peace. Free me from the anxiety that causes me to overeat.

Blessed be thou, O Lady and Mother of my God of Israel: who by thee hath quickened and hath wrought the redemption of His people. And hath raised up a horn of salvation of thy chastity: in the house of David, His servant. As he spoke by the mouth of Isaias: and others of his holy prophets. Give us salvation from our enemies, O Virgin of virgins: from the hand of those who hate us, give us peace. And do thy mercy for us and our relations: that thou mayest be mindful of the testament of the Almighty God, Which he hath sworn to our fathers: to Abraham and his seed forever; That thus, being delivered from the hand of our enemies: we may serve Him in peace. In sanctity and justice before thee: all our days.

And thou, O Mary, shalt be called the Prophet of God: for thou hast known that He hath regarded the humility of His handmaid. By whom He hath given the knowledge of salvation to His people: in the remission of their sins. By the bowels of the multitude of thy mercies: visit us, O Morning Star, the Orient from on high. Enlighten the darknesses of those who sit in the shadow of death, and deign to instill into them the light of thy most Beloved Son. Have mercy, O Mother of Mercies, on us miserable sinners, who neglect to do penance for our past sins: and daily commit so much that deserves penance.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever. Amen.

Canticle in Honor of Mary
The Psalter of the Blessed Virgin

Antiphon
O Lady, thou hast brought about our redemption so that we may serve God in peace. Free me from the anxiety that causes me to overeat.

INTERCESSIONS

O Mother of Perpetual Help, whom I honor today with my prayers, grant the petitions I have humbly placed before thee:

Hail Mary, Full of Grace, The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now, and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Let us ask our Heavenly Father for our daily bread:

Our Father, Who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy Will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

CONCLUSION

O Lady, thou art our refuge in all our needs: and a most powerful force bruising and crushing our enemy. The world is full of thy benefits: they surpass the heavens and penetrate the depths. By the fullness of thy grace those who were in the abyss rejoice to find themselves liberated. By the power of thy virginal fecundity, those who were above this world: rejoice to find themselves freed. By the glorious Son of thy most holy virginity: men are made companions and fellow-citizens of the angels.

Psalm 45

+ May God have mercy on us and bless us. Let thy grace, O Lady, ever protect me: let thy presence give light to my end.
- Amen.

Psalm 66

THURSDAY

Midmorning Prayer

+ O Lady, come to my assistance: and by the light of thy mercy enlighten me.

Psalm 69

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever. Amen.

HYMN

I’ll tell you a tale of the olden time,
While the Yule log burns bright, and the Church bells chime.
Gloria in excelsis Deo.
There sate a fair Princess in joy on her throne,
And there in her arms her Infant was shown:
Gloria in excelsis,
Gloria in excelsis Deo.

The beasts of the meadows bowed down their head
All under the moonlight so softly shed.
Gloria in excelsis Deo.
They worship’d the king of Creation there
In the arms of the Mother so passing fair.
Gloria in excelsis.
Gloria in excelsis Deo.

O who are these masters of ancient mould?
O these are the shepherds the lord of the fold;
Gloria in excelsis Deo.
They have heard from the sky of the birth of their King,
They have heard all the sky with the harmony ring.
Gloria in excelsis,
Gloria in excelsis Deo.

The Kings of the East in number three,
All worship the Monarch of high degree;
Gloria in excelsis Deo.
Their tribute they offer, their heads they bow,
And clearer and clearer is echoing now,
Gloria in excelsis,
Gloria in excelsis Deo.

For all the zenith if blazing with light,
And musical voices enrapture the night;
Gloria in excelsis Deo.
O this is the carol of peace and goodwill
From the voices celestial, the zenith that fill;
Gloria in excelsis,
Gloria in excelsis Deo.

A Tale of the Olden Time
Rev. Gerard Moultrie, 1916

Antiphon 1
O Lady, thou shalt enlighten my mind. Help me to think and act like a thin person.

Psalm 110

I will give praise to thee, O Lady, with my whole soul: I will glorify thee with my whole mind. The works of thy grace will remain: and the testament of thy mercy before the throne of God. By thee redemption has been sent from God: the repentant people shall have the hope of salvation. A good understanding to all who honor thee: and their lot is among the angels of peace. Glorious and admirable is thy name: those who keep it will not fear in the moment of death.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever. Amen.

Antiphon 1
O Lady, thou shalt enlighten my mind. Help me to think and act like a thin person.

Antiphon 2
O Lady, thou art ever mindful of those who have died before us and are undergoing their final purification in Purgatory. Offer my prayers and acts of self-denial to God for the release of their souls.

Psalm 111

Blessed is the man who feareth the Lady: and blessed is the heart that loves her. Happy the man who is never satiated with thy praise: and grows not weary of the narration of thy virtues. In his heart has arisen the light of God: the Holy Spirit enlightens his understanding. Bestow, O Lady, thy grace upon thy poor: revive the hungry and the needy. By thee names shall be in eternal remembrance: our heart shall not fear the evil hearing.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever. Amen.

Antiphon 2
O Lady, thou art ever mindful of those who have died before us and are undergoing their final purification in Purgatory. Offer my prayers and acts of self-denial to God for the release of their souls.

Antiphon 3
O Lady, thou art our model of sanctity. Offer my prayers and acts of self-denial to God that the world acknowledge the sanctity of all human life from the moment of conception.

Psalm 112

Praise, ye children, the Mother of God: ye old men, glorify her name. Blessed be Mary, the Mother of Christ: for she is the way to the homeland of sanctity. Her throne is high above the Cherubim: her throne is above the hinges of heaven. Her countenance is upon the humble: and her looks upon those who trust in her. Her mercy is over all flesh: and her almsgiving until the ends of the earth.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever. Amen.

Antiphon 3
O Lady, thou art our model of sanctity. Offer my prayers and acts of self-denial to God that the world acknowledge the sanctity of all human life from the moment of conception.

FIRST READING  
Christ-oriented texts

SECOND READING
Mary-oriented texts

+ Let us embrace the footprints of Mary
-
and cast ourselves at her blessed feet.

Psalm 14

THURSDAY

Midday Prayer

+ O Lady, come to my assistance: and by the light of thy mercy enlighten me.

Psalm 69

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever. Amen.

HYMN

HOW pure, and frail, and white,
The snowdrops shine!
Gather a garland bright
For Mary's shrine.

For, born of winter snows,
These fragile flowers
Are gifts to our fair Queen
From Spring's first hours.

For on this blessed day
She knelt at prayer;
When, lo! before her shone
An Angel fair.

'Hail, Mary!' thus he cried,
With reverent fear:
She, with sweet wondering eyes,
Marvelled to hear.

Be still, ye clouds of Heaven!
Be silent, Earth!
And hear an Angel tell
Of Jesus' birth.

While she, whom Gabriel hails
As full of grace,
Listens with humble faith
In her sweet face.

Ave Maria Journal, 1880

Antiphon 1
O Lady, console us and reconcile us with the Father. My success is assured if God is with me.

Psalm 113

In the going forth of my soul from this world: meet it, O Lady, and receive it. Console it with thy holy countenance: let not the sight of the demons terrify it. Be to it a ladder to Heaven: and a straight way to the Paradise of God. Obtain for it from the Father the pardon of peace: and a throne of light among the servants of God. Uphold the devout before the tribunal of Christ: take their cause into thy hands.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever. Amen.

Antiphon 1
O Lady, console us and reconcile us with the Father. My success is assured if God is with me.

Antiphon 2
O Lady, the light of thy compassions hath shined upon me. Ease the discomfort I feel as I change my eating habits.

Psalm 114

I have loved the Mother of the Lord my God: and the light of her compassions she hath shined upon me. The sorrows of death have encompassed me: and the visitation of Mary hath rejoiced me. I have incurred grief and danger: and I have been recreated by her grace. Let her name and her memory be in the midst of our heart: and the blow of the malignant will not injure us. Be converted, my soul, unto her praise: and thou shalt find refreshment in thy last end.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever. Amen.

Antiphon 2
O Lady, the light of thy compassions hath shined upon me. Ease the discomfort I feel as I change my eating habits.

Antiphon 3
O Lady, have compassion on my soul and guide it. Heal the pain I have suffered with this eating disorder and give me peace.

Psalm 115

I believed, therefore I have spoken: thy glory, O Lady, to the whole world. Have compassion on my soul, and guide it: deign in thy good pleasure to take possession of it. Assign to it the testament of thy peace and thy love: give to it the memory of thy name. Of the blessing of thy womb give me support: and from the fatness of thy grace sweeten my soul. Break thou the bonds of my sins: and with thy virtues adorn the face of my soul.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever. Amen.

Antiphon 3
O Lady, have compassion on my soul and guide it. Heal the pain I have suffered with this eating disorder and give me peace.

FIRST READING  
Christ-oriented texts

SECOND READING
Mary-oriented texts

+ Shining orbs adorn thy throne
-
the morning stars glorify thee forever.

Psalm 23

THURSDAY

Midafternoon

+ O Lady, come to my assistance: and by the light of thy mercy enlighten me.

Psalm 69

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever. Amen.

HYMN

A Virgin did come from lowliest home,
And shelter she fain in a manger would find;
For full was the inn, and no room was within,
Save where to the stalls the mute oxen they bind.

Refrain:
O how wondrous the love and the deep humility
Of Him who was laid in the manger for me.

That Babe was a King, mystic gifts, lo, they bring,
Sure tokens they were of some great One to be;
To Bethlehem led, Eastern sages have sped
From afar "The Desire of all Nations" to see. Refrain

Accomplished their hope, their treasures they ope—
Gold, frankincense, myrrh, to that Infant they brought,
Gifts costly and rare, full of meaning they were,
Thou not yet unveiled were the great truths they taught. Refrain

No tokens of state round that Royal Babe wait,
Seeming least, and yet greatest of monarchs was He;
But in reverence low, princely Magi did bow,
As though they divined all His true dignity. Refrain

Words: S. C. Clarke
Rev. Charles Lewis Hutchins, 1916

Antiphon 1
O Lady, thy grace and mercy are confirmed upon us. Help me to deal with my problems rather than use food to escape them.

Psalm 116

Praise ye our Lady, all ye nations: glorify her, all ye peoples. For her grace and her mercy are confirmed upon us: and her truth remaineth forever. He who shall worthily have venerated her, will be justified: but he who shall have neglected her, will die in his sins. The lips of angels shall relate her wisdom: and all the citizens of Paradise will sing her praises. Those who approach her with a good soul: will not be seized by the devastating angel.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever. Amen.

Antiphon 1
O Lady, thy grace and mercy are confirmed upon us. Help me to deal with my problems rather than use food to escape them.

Antiphon 2
O Lady, with a sad heart we cry out to thee. Lift my spirits should I become depressed over temporary setbacks.

Psalm 117

Give praise to the Lord, for He is good: give praise to His Mother, for her mercy endureth forever. The love of her driveth out sin from the heart: and her grace purifieth the conscience of the sinner. The way to come to Christ is to approach her: he who shall fly her shall not find the way of Peace. Let him who is hardened in sins, often call upon her: and light shall arise in his darkness. He who is sad in his heart, let him cry out to her: and he will be inebriated with a sweet-flowing dew.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever. Amen.

Antiphon 2
O Lady, with a sad heart we cry out to thee. Lift my spirits should I become depressed over temporary setbacks.

Antiphon 3
O Lady, blessed are we who imitate thy humility. Help me to enlist the aid of family and friends for I can not conquer my eating problems alone.

Psalm 118

Blessed are the undefiled in the way: who imitate the Mother of God. Blessed are the imitators of her humility: blessed are the sharers in her charity. Blessed are the searchers into her virtues: blessed are they who are conformed to her image. Blessed are they who venerate her conception and her birth: blessed are they who devoutly serve her. Blessed are they who have hope and confidence in her: blessed are they who receive through her eternal happiness.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever. Amen.

Antiphon 3
O Lady, blessed are we who imitate thy humility. Help me to enlist the aid of family and friends for I can not conquer my eating problems alone.

FIRST READING  
Christ-oriented texts

SECOND READING
Mary-oriented texts

+ Blessed be thou, O Lady
-
to the uttermost ends of the earth.

Psalm 27

THURSDAY

Evening Prayer

+ O Lady, come to my assistance: and by the light of thy mercy enlighten me.

Psalm 69

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever. Amen.

HYMN

Ave! Mary, full of grace,
In whose virgin arms’ embrace
God to God himself doth vow:
Let me in the temple wait,
Let me meet thee at the gate,
Jesu, for mine All art thou.

God is to his temple come;
Angels throng the hallow’d dome;
What beyond hath heav’n in store?
God himself our flesh doth wear,
Owns a Virgin-Mother’s care;
This than heav’n itself is more.

Incense-gales of gladness rise,
Where this morning sacrifice
‘Mid re-echoing shouts is made
Evening’s rite in tears shall end,
And with bitter weepings blend,
On the dark’ning Cross display’d.

There behold the Oblation wrought,
By whose precious ransom bought,
We are all to God made nigh:
Now no longer, Lord, our own,
To thy single service won,
Thine we live, and thine we die.

Let thy servants now depart;
May we see thee as thou art;
Nought of earth arrest our eyes!
If thou keep us here below,
Let us here with Jesus grow,
And in him hereafter rise.

Ave! Mary, Full Of Grace
Paris Missal, 1706

Antiphon 1
O Lady, thou hast delivered me. What shall I give back for these things, except my whole self? Accept my prayers and acts of self-denial for all the intentions of thy Son's sacred heart.

Psalm 118A

Give bountifully to thy servant, O Lady: enliven me, and I shall do thy will. I am a sojourner on the earth: hide nothing of thy love from me. My soul hath longed to desire thy praise: at all times. For thou art my salvation in the Lord: who hast delivered me, one condemned to death. What shall I give back for these things, except my whole self? O Lady receive me.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever. Amen.

Antiphon 1
O Lady, thou hast delivered me. What shall I give back for these things, except my whole self? Accept my prayers and acts of self-denial for all the intentions of thy Son's sacred heart.

Antiphon 2
O Lady, at the announcement of the angel thou submitted to the Father's will. Help me to please the Father by eliminating eating habits that are harmful to my body.

Psalm 118B

Set before me for a law, O Lady, the holy of holies of thy will: and I shall always seek after it. Lead me into the path of thy tender mercies, O most beautiful of women: for this same have I desired. Incline my soul to the love of those above, O Lady: and not to unchasteness. Behold I have coveted thy chastity from my youth up: in thy mercy strengthen me. And I will keep the way of thy testimonies forever: and I will search out the commandments of thy Son, which I have loved.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever. Amen.

Antiphon 2
O Lady, at the announcement of the angel thou submitted to the Father's will. Help me to please the Father by eliminating eating habits that are harmful to my body.

Antiphon 3
O Lady, thou hast given me hope. Although I may have substantial weight to lose, I trust in thee to help me reach my goal by losing one pound at a time.

Psalm 118C

Be mindful of thy word, O Princess of all ladies: in which thou hast given me hope. In the stormy waves of tempests it hath powerfully held me: for thy word hath quickened me. Lying men have surrounded me, and scourges are gathered together upon me: and behold thy hand hath delivered me. I have communicated all good things to them that fear thee: and to those who earnestly kept thy commandments. The earth is full of thy tender mercies: therefore, have I sought out the way of thy justifications.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever. Amen.

Antiphon 3
O Lady, thou hast given me hope. Although I may have substantial weight to lose, I trust in thee to help me reach my goal by losing one pound at a time.

FIRST READING  
Christ-oriented texts

SECOND READING
Mary-oriented texts

RESPONSORY

O Lady, when the temptation to overeat is more than I can stand, help me to kneel.
- O Lady, when the temptation to overeat is more than I can stand, help me to kneel.
Mother Mary, I want to honor God in my body.
- help me to kneel.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
- O Lady, when the temptation to overeat is more than I can stand, help me to kneel.


CANTICLE TO MARY

Antiphon+
He who is mighty has done great things to me: by Mary His Mother. She refreshes my soul and restores my body.

My heart has rejoiced in the Lord: and my heart has exalted in my Lady. For He who is mighty has done great things to me: by Mary His Mother. There is no one holy as is Our Lady: who alone has surpassed all. Let the old things depart from our mouth: and let us speak with new tongues. Exalt and praise Mary, O Sion and Jerusalem: for she is great amongst the ladies of Israel. She makes poor and she enriches: she humbles and she exalts. She is higher than the heavens: she is wider than the earth: is this Lady of ours.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever. Amen.

Canticle in Honor of Mary
The Psalter of the Blessed Virgin

Antiphon
He who is mighty has done great things to me: by Mary His Mother. She refreshes my soul and restores my body.

INTERCESSIONS

O Mother of Perpetual Help, whom I honor today with my prayers, grant the petitions I have humbly placed before thee:

Hail Mary, Full of Grace, The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now, and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Let us ask our Heavenly Father for our daily bread:

Our Father, Who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy Will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

CONCLUSION

Hear my prayer, O Lady, and my supplication: and let mine enemies pine away. Have mercy on me from Heaven and from the height of thy throne: and permit me not to be troubled in the valley of misery. Keep my foot, lest it should be injured: and may thy grace be with my end.

Psalm 38

I ask this through Jesus Christ, thy Son, who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

+ May God have mercy on us and bless us. Let thy grace, O Lady, ever protect me: let thy presence give light to my end.
- Amen.

Psalm 66

THURSDAY

Night Prayer

+ O Lady, come to my assistance: and by the light of thy mercy enlighten me.

Psalm 69

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever. Amen.

Examination of Conscience
Followed by an Act of Contrition:

O Lady, let not the Lord rebuke me in His anger: obtain for us pardon for our sins. Let all our desire be in thy sight: our hope and our confidence. My heart is troubled within me: light departs from my interior. Enlighten with thy brightness my blindness: sweeten with thy sweetness my contrite heart. Forsake us not, O Lady, Mother of God: let thy grace and thy power be at my right hand.

Psalm 37

HYMN

I'll sing a hymn to Mary,
The Mother of my God,
The Virgin of all virgins,
Of David's Royal blood.
O teach me, holy Mary,
A loving song to frame,
When wicked men blaspheme thee,
To love and bless thy name.

O Lily of the Valley,
O mystic Rose what tree
Or flower, e'en the fairest,
Is half so fair as thee?
O let me, though so lowly,
Recite my Mother's fame:
When wicked men blaspheme thee,
I'll love and bless thy name.

O noble Tower of David,
Of gold and ivory,
The Ark of God's Own promise,
The Gate of Heaven to me;

To live, and not to love thee,
Would fill my soul with shame:
When wicked men blaspheme thee,
I'll love and bless thy name.

But in the crown of Mary,
There lies a wondrous gem,
As Queen of all the Angels,
Which Mary shares with them;

"No sin hath e'er defiled thee,"
So doth our faith proclaim:
When wicked men blaspheme thee,
I'll love and bless thy name.

Fr. J. Wyze 1825-1898

Antiphon 1
O Lady, teach me the discipline of thy manners. Help me to practice the self-control that I demonstrate in other areas of my life in the areas of diet and exercise.

Psalm 118D

Thou hast done well with thy servant, O Lady: and because of this the angels rejoice. Teach me the discipline of thy manners and thy equity: because I have believed in thy words above all others. It is good for me that with thy burden thou hast humbled me: that I may follow thy conversation. Those who love thy servants, shall be venerated: but he who shall hate them, will fall in eternity. Let the drops of thy clemency ever fall upon me from above, and I shall live: for thy holy law is my meditation.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever. Amen.

Antiphon 1
O Lady, teach me the discipline of thy manners. Help me to practice the self-control that I demonstrate in other areas of my life in the areas of diet and exercise.

FIRST READING  
Christ-oriented texts

SECOND READING
Mary-oriented texts

RESPONSORY

When my spirit shall go forth, Lady, let it be commended to thee.
 - When my spirit shall go forth, Lady, let it be commended to thee.

Lead it to the harbor of salvation: there let it await securely the coming of the Redeemer.
 - When my spirit shall go forth, Lady, let it be commended to thee.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
 - When my spirit shall go forth, Lady, let it be commended to thee.

Psalm 145

Antiphon
+ I will praise thee, O Lady, because by thee the Lord has been rendered favorable unto me. He will satisfy my hunger with good things.

I will praise thee, O Lady, because by thee the Lord has been rendered favorable unto me: and has consoled me. Behold, Lady, thou art my savior: I will deal confidently in thee, and will not be confounded. For thou art my strength and my praise in the Lord: and thou hast become salvation unto me. I will draw waters in joy from the rivulet: and I will always invoke thy name. Make known among the peoples the virtues of Our Lady: for her name is exceedingly sublime. Exalt her and praise her, all the human race: because the Lord my God has given to thee such a mediatrix.

Canticle in Honor of Mary
The Psalter of the Blessed Virgin

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever. Amen.

Antiphon
I will praise thee, O Lady, because by thee the Lord has been rendered favorable unto me. He will satisfy my hunger with good things.

CONCLUSION

Lady of the angels, Queen of the world: purify my heart with the fire of love and of thy charity. Thou art the mother of the illumination of my heart: thou art the nurse who refreshes my mind. My mouth longs to praise thee: my mind devoutly aspires to venerate thee with ardent affection. My soul longs to pray to thee: because the whole of my being commends itself to thy guidance and teaching.

Psalm 40

I ask this through Jesus Christ, thy Son, who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

+ Intercede for me, O Lady, with thy Christ: neither do thou forsake me in death or in life.
- Amen.

Psalms 83

Hail Mary, Full of Grace, The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now, and at the hour of our death. Amen.


Disclaimer: Please seek professional medical advice before starting any weight loss or exercise program. We assume no legal responsibility for any information provided.

Copyright © 2009 by John P. Gross. All rights reserved. Reproduction of this material must be done in its entirety with the copyright notice intact. This book is not for sale, but is offered to the public free of charge in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary and for the glory of God.

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