Litanies are a well established form of prayer, but are often forgotten. There are a great many of varying authenticity in circulation, but only six are officially approved by the Church for public use. This booklet explains the origins, history and value of litanies and includes the complete texts of approved litanies, including a selection of other respected and well-known litanies for private use. A suggested calendar of litanies helps the reader to pray them throughout the year.

The essential litanies are presented here in a simple reflective format with the hope of making them easily accessible to all.

A Prayerbook of Favorite Litanies will add a new dimension and heightened devotion to your daily prayer life. This traditional form of responsive prayer is modeled after the recitation of the Psalms. It is a well-known and beloved form of prayer for both public and private devotion. Included are Litanies to Honor God, Litanies to Our Lord, Eucharistic Litanies, Litanies to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Litanies to the Angels, the Saints, Litanies to St Joseph, as well as litanies for specific needs and petitions. "The word "litany" comes from the Latin "litania" or "letania". It stood for a form of responsive prayer which involved a number of invocations or petitions grouped around one main subject or sacred theme." - Fr Albert J Hebert, SJ

Full of wisdom, hope, and opportunities for contemplation, this elegant little book features more than 75 classic Christian prayers paired with beautiful illustrations taken from vintage missals and prayer books. Gorgeous representations of holy figures are accompanied by beloved litanies—including the Lord's Prayer, Gloria, Prayer of Saint Francis, and the Apostle's Creed—to recite in moments of celebration or times of need. Presented in an attractive package with gilded edges, a padded cover, and a lovely ribbon marker, this is a keepsake to be treasured by the newly confirmed or baptized and a timeless collection to turn to in all of life's important moments.

The perfect gift for seekers, the curious, and the spiritually hungry, The Little Book of Prayers now has a stunning new cover and a more prayer book–like format. Gathered from holy books and prayer books, from songs and spirituals, spoken traditions and poets, it is an unexpectedly approachable collection of common and uncommon prayers from around the world. The entries, one per page or spread, are chosen for their depth of feeling, beauty of expression, spiritual intensity, and sense of the universal. The book is organized into broad categories of praise, entreaty, contemplation, mourning, and grace; and two indexes—one by authorship, and the other by topic—make it immediately accessible. There are familiar prayers, like the Lord’s Prayer and 23rd Psalm, which, placed in new context, shine with a renewed beauty and wisdom. You’ll find prayers unfamiliar to many in the West, such as the “Opener” from the Koran or the four vows of the Boddhisattva, chanted every evening in Zen monasteries around the world. And the surprising—from the “Prayer of the Unknown Confederate Soldier” to the blues of Lightnin’ Hopkins to the poetry of Rumi. God help us to live slowly: To move simply: To look softly: To allow emptiness: To let the heart create for us. Amen. —Michael Leunig You, whose day it is, make it beautiful. Get out your rainbow colors, so it will be beautiful. —Nootka Song

Litanies are prayers to our Lord, his Blessed Mother, and the saints consisting of a series of petitions and responses. Although they are traditionally used in church services, they can also be prayed in private devotions and may be sung. These six litanies are approved by the Holy See with a partial indulgence attached for public or private recitation. The litanies include; the Litany of the Holy Name of Jesus, the Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Litany of the Precious Blood of Jesus, the Litany of Loreto, the Litany of St. Joseph, and the Litany of the Saints.