Your Favorite Writing

"Dear Lady of Perpetual Help, Spotless Mother of God, we choose Thee as the Mistress and Lady of this House. Guard it, dearest Mother, from pestilence, lightning, fire and tempest, from schisms and heresies, from air raids, and the malice of enemies. Protect those who dwell herein most loving Mother, watch over their going out and coming in, and preserve them from sudden death. Keep us from all sin and harm and pray for us, that we may serve God faithfully here and afterward enjoy with Thee for evermore the blissful vision of His Face. Amen."

The piece of writing above is a prayer. When I was younger, my family and I used to say this prayer amongst others before we went to sleep at night. I am not a religious person but my mother is. Christianity was somewhat forced upon me due to the traditional nature of my family. I do not practice Christianity now but this prayer has stuck with me.

What strikes me most about this prayer is how detailed it is. The message is clear and precise. It asks for protection against the potential harms that exist in the world. To me, it seems as if it was written by a mother. One who cares deeply for the safety of her family. One who is wise enough to realize that there are such dangers out there, and at any moment, a member of her family can fall victim to one of them.

I have found it to be a comforting prayer to say in times of fear, uncertainty, or unrest. Some prayers tend to be routine, but this one is quite fulfilling when said in a sincere manner.