Jactulatory Prayers
The term “Jactulatory” comes from the Latin jaculum (meaning “to throw” or “to shoot”). These are short prayers that we send to God from the depths of our hearts to emphasize or reinforce other prayers. Often, jactulatory prayers are recited together in specific contexts. In short, Jactulatory Prayers are brief invocations we direct toward God in a concise manner. While they are shortened prayers, they carry a powerful effect as they directly invoke our requests during moments of praise. These prayers can be part of more elaborate prayers or, just as importantly, recited alone.
Below are some examples of contexts in which Jactulatory Prayers may be used:
- In Praise and Glory: As a form of admiration, praise, and gratitude to God and for the glory of Our Lord, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the saints in general.
- In the Eucharist and Sacraments: Praising and thanking God during the Eucharist and other sacraments.
- In Nature: During moments of admiration, praise, gratitude, or recognition of God’s wisdom in the natural world.
How to Pray Jactulatory Prayers?
Besides the prayers already mentioned, there are other ways to recite jactulatory prayers. The most traditional form is a generic formula used for Our Lady or the saints during the recitation of rosaries or other prayers, ending with the phrase “Pray for us.” For example: Saint (Name), pray for us. If you wish to make a jactulatory prayer to Our Lady of Aparecida, it would be: Our Lady of Aparecida, pray for us. Or for Saint Anthony: Saint Anthony, pray for us.
Similarly, you can make a jactulatory prayer for others or a group by replacing “pray for us” with “pray for him/her” or “pray for them.” It’s a simple way to pray, but when done with faith, it becomes a powerful tool for seeking protection.
Some Examples of Jactulatory Prayers
As previously mentioned, jactulatory prayers are brief and simple. However, there are more elaborate forms, such as those used in the Holy Rosary, like: “O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to You.” Below are some categories of jactulatory prayers for times when longer prayers may not be possible. They are powerful invocations of the Holy Trinity and the saints of the Church.
Invocations to God Almighty:
- Open, O Lord, my lips, and my mouth shall declare Your praise.
- Thanks and praise be given at all times. To the most holy and divine Sacrament.
- My God! I believe, adore, hope, and love You. I ask You for forgiveness for those who do not believe, do not adore, do not hope, and do not love You.
- God the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us.
Invocations to Jesus Christ:
- Sweet Heart of Jesus, who loves us so much, make me love You more and more.
- Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make my heart like Yours.
- O blood and water that gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a fountain of mercy for us, I trust in You.
- Merciful Jesus, I trust and hope in You.
- Sacred Heart of Jesus, I trust and hope in You.
- Good Lord Jesus, have mercy on us.
- Jesus, meek and humble of Heart, make our hearts like Yours.
- Sacred Heart of Jesus, protect our families.
- Sacred Heart of Jesus, I give myself to You through Mary.
- Heart of Jesus, make me love You and help me to make others love You.
Invocations to the Virgin Mary:
- Sweet Heart of Mary (or Immaculate Heart of Mary), be our salvation.
- Immaculate Queen of Peace, grant us peace.
- Our Lady of Divine Providence, provide for us.
- Remember, O most loving Mother, that we are Yours! Guard and defend us as Your own.
- O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to You!
Invocations to the Holy Family:
- Holy Family, sanctify our families.
- Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, our family is Yours.
- Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, increase my faith.
- Beloved Jesus, Joseph, and Mary, I give You my heart and soul.
- Beloved Jesus, Joseph, and Mary, assist me in my final agony.
- Beloved Jesus, Joseph, and Mary, may my soul depart in peace among You.
Invocations to the Holy Spirit and the Holy Trinity:
- Divine Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.
- Divine Holy Spirit, enlighten us, guide us, give us wisdom, discernment, holiness, and purity of prayer.
- Holy Trinity, have mercy on us.
- Holy, holy, holy is the Lord! God of hosts, the earth is full of Your glory. Glory to the Father, glory to the Son, glory to the Holy Spirit.
- Eternal Father, receive as a sacrifice of atonement for the needs of the Church and in reparation for the sins of mankind, the most precious Blood and Water that flowed from the Divine Heart of Jesus, and have mercy on us!
Invocations to Saint Michael the Archangel:
- Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle.
- Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle.
Conclusion
Now you should have a better understanding of the significance of jactulatory prayers. These prayers are essential for emphasizing other prayers and serve as a personal means of communicating with God. Use jactulatory prayers during your personal devotions, and most importantly, do so with faith. When prayed with sincerity, our calls will surely be heard and answered by God.
