Litany of the Saints

If someone were to ask me, "Bryan, what's your favorite hmyn?" I'd know exactly what to say. Of course first of all I'd ask them why they wanted to know, but then I'd be quick to answer... "Well, it's not really a hymn, but the Litany of the Saints is my favorite," is what I'd say.

Lord, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Holy Mary, Mother of God.
Pray for us.
Saint Michael,
Pray for us.
Holy angels of God,
Pray for us.
Saint Joseph,
Pray for us.
Saint John the Baptist,
Pray for us.

Who doesn't love the ancient litany, the draft and example for all other litanies? It's a beautiful prayer set deep in the Catholic Christian experience, rooted in an understanding of recognizing holiness and responding to it. I caught myself singing parts of this litany on my way to work this morning. We sang a shortened version of the litany at Mass on Sunday and I'm sure that's why it popped in my head, but regardless of the reason I'm glad it did. I love to sing it! And the funny part is that I don't even know it in its entirety, I simply pick saints and sing. And as I pick each saint, I meditate on their life... it's such a great experience. I suggest it, I really do.

Links! Litany of the Saints - Catholic Encyclopedia: Litany of the Saints