Pious Invocations

In regard to any invocation, the following observations are to be noted:

1) An invocation, as far as indulgences are concerned, is no longer considered a work, distinct and complete in itself, but as complementing an action, by which the faithful raise their heart and mind with humble confidence to God in performing their duties or bearing the trials of life. Hence, a pious invocation perfects the inward elevation; both together are as a precious jewel joined to one's ordinary actions to adorn them, as salt added to them to season them properly.

2) That invocation is to be preferred which is best suited to the particular situation and one's personal dispositions, whether it is one that comes spontaneously to mind or is chosen from those approved through long-standing use by the faithful and brought together in the following brief list.

3) An invocation can be of the briefest kind, expressed in one or few words or only thought of mentally.

The following are cited by way of example: My God -- Father -- Jesus -- May Jesus Christ be praised (or some similar customary christian greeting) -- Lord, I believe in you -- I adore you -- I place my trust in you -- I love you -- All for you -- I thank you (or Thanks be to God) -- May God be blessed (or Let us bless the Lord) -- Your kingdom come -- Your will be done -- As the Lord wills -- O God, help me -- Comfort me -- Graciously hear me (or Hear my prayer -- Save me -- Have mercy on me -- O Lord, spare me -- Do not permit me to be separated from you -- Do not abandon me -- Hail, Mary -- Glory to God in the highest -- Great are you, O Lord.

Examples of Invocations in Customary Use

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you; because by your holy Cross you have redeemed the world. (Roman Breviary)
May the Holy Trinity be blessed. (Roman Missal)
Christ conquers! Christ reigns! Christ commands!
O Heart of Jesus, burning with love for us, inflame our hearts with love for you.
O Heart of Jesus, I place my trust in you.
O Heart of Jesus, all for you.
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us.
My God and my all.
O God, have mercy on me, a sinner (Lk 18, 13).
Grant that I may praise you, O sacred Virgin; give me strength against your enemies. (Roman Breviary)
Teach me to do your will, because you are my God (Ps 142, 10).
O Lord, increase our faith (Lk 17, 5).
O Lord, may we be of one mind in truth and of one heart in charity.
O Lord, save us, we are perishing (Mt 8, 25).
My Lord and my God (Jn 20, 28).
Sweet Heart of Mary, be my salvation.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. (Roman Missal)
Jesus, Mary, Joseph.
Jesus, Mary, Joseph, I give you my heart and my soul. Jesus, Mary, Joseph, assist me in my last agony. Jesus, Mary, Joseph, may I sleep and rest in peace with you. (Roman Ritual)
Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make my heart like your Heart. (Roman Ritual)
May the Most Blessed Sacrament be praised and adored forever.
Stay with us, O Lord (Lk 24, 29).
Mother of Sorrows, pray for us.
My Mother, my Hope.
Send, O Lord, laborers into your harvest (see Mt 9, 38).
May the Virgin Mary together with her loving Child bless us. (Roman Breviary)
Hail, O Cross, our only hope. (Roman Breviary)
All you holy men and women of God, intercede for us. (Roman Ritual)
Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. (Roman Ritual)
Father, into your hands I commend my spirit (Lk. 23, 46; see Ps 30, 6).
Merciful Lord Jesus, grant them everlasting rest. (Roman Missal)
Queen conceived without original sin, pray for us. (Roman Ritual)
Holy Mother of God, Mary ever Virgin, intercede for us. (Roman Breviary)
Holy Mary, pray for us. (Roman Ritual)
You are the Christ, the Son of the living God (Mt 16, 16).

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