🖼️ Prayer to Our Lady of Perpetual Help
The prayer to Our Lady of Perpetual Help honors the miraculous icon of Mary that has been venerated for centuries. This beautiful devotion recognizes Mary as our perpetual helper and source of comfort in all our needs. The icon shows Mary holding the Child Jesus, who is comforted by her loving presence.
Prayer to Our Lady of Perpetual Help
Traditional Prayer
O Mother of Perpetual Help,
grant that I may ever invoke thy most powerful name,
which is the safeguard of the living and the salvation of the dying.
O purest Mary, O sweetest Mary,
let thy name henceforth be ever on my lips.
Delay not, O Blessed Lady,
to help me whenever I call on thee,
for, in all my needs, in all my temptations,
I shall never cease to call on thee,
ever repeating thy sacred name,
Mary, Mary.
O what consolation, what sweetness, what confidence,
what emotion fill my soul when I pronounce thy sacred name,
or even only think of thee!
I thank God for having given thee,
for my good, so sweet, so powerful, so lovely a name.
But I will not be content with merely pronouncing thy name:
let my love for thee prompt me ever to hail thee,
Mother of Perpetual Help.
Amen.
Short Prayer
O Mother of Perpetual Help,
pray for me and help me in all my needs.
Intercede for me with thy Son,
that I may obtain the grace to love Him
and serve Him faithfully in this life,
and be happy with Him forever in the next.
Amen.
When to Pray to Our Lady of Perpetual Help
- • In times of need - When seeking Mary's help and intercession
- • During difficulties - When facing challenges or problems
- • In temptations - When seeking strength to resist sin
- • For healing - Physical, emotional, or spiritual healing
- • For family - Praying for family members and their needs
- • Daily devotion - As a regular prayer to Mary
- • Before important decisions - Seeking Mary's guidance
History and Significance
Ancient Icon
The icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help dates from the 13th-15th century and is believed to have been painted in Crete. It has been venerated for centuries.
Redemptorist Devotion
The Redemptorist Fathers have been entrusted with the care of this icon since 1866, and have spread devotion to Our Lady of Perpetual Help worldwide.
Miraculous Image
The icon shows Mary holding the Child Jesus, who is comforted by her presence. It symbolizes Mary's perpetual help and protection.
Universal Appeal
This devotion has spread throughout the world and is particularly popular in times of need and difficulty.
How to Pray to Our Lady of Perpetual Help
Structure of the Prayer
1. Invocation
"O Mother of Perpetual Help" - We address Mary with this beautiful title.
2. Petition
We ask for Mary's help and intercession in our specific needs.
3. Trust and Confidence
We express our trust in Mary's perpetual help and protection.
4. Love and Devotion
We express our love for Mary and our desire to serve her Son.
Tips for Praying
- • Pray with confidence in Mary's perpetual help
- • Be specific about your needs and intentions
- • Trust in Mary's intercession with her Son
- • Pray regularly to develop a relationship with Our Lady
Biblical Foundation
The devotion to Our Lady of Perpetual Help is rooted in Scripture and tradition:
John 19:26-27
"Woman, behold your son... Behold your mother" - Jesus giving Mary to us as our mother.
Luke 1:28
"Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you" - Mary's special grace and favor with God.
Psalm 46:1
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble" - God's perpetual help.
Spiritual Benefits
Perpetual Help
This devotion reminds us that Mary is always ready to help us in our needs.
Confidence in Mary
Praying to Our Lady of Perpetual Help strengthens our trust in Mary's intercession.
Comfort in Difficulties
This devotion brings comfort and peace in times of trouble and uncertainty.
Closer to Jesus
Through Mary's intercession, we draw closer to her Son, Jesus Christ.
Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help
Nine-Day Prayer
O Mother of Perpetual Help,
with the greatest confidence I have recourse to thee
in the dangers that daily surround me.
Shield me from my enemies and from the punishment
which my sins deserve.
Obtain for me the pardon of my sins,
love for Jesus, final perseverance,
and the grace ever to have recourse to thee,
O Mother of Perpetual Help.
When to Pray the Novena
• For nine consecutive days
• In times of special need or difficulty
• Before important decisions or events
• For healing or conversion of loved ones