More Than Words

We all know the power of words. We’ve experienced love, joy, sadness, anger, even redemption, clarity, and isolation through words. We learn from words, regardless of their medium. We even find solace and strength in them.

Though I’ve turned to words for a while, specifically in words people had written and that I wrote myself. It wasn’t until a few years ago that I found true power in words + repetition, specifically in the power of saying things 3x.

I began the practice of mantras. I said them daily, helping me to save myself from myself. I found my power. 

These words have power, which has led people to wonder if it’s witchcraft. See for yourself.

My Mantras

A couple of examples of my mantras can be found below. They all revolve around one word – “am”. I believe in being and utilizing am to stay in the present.

  • I am strong.
  • I am brave.
  • I am wise.
  • I am love.
  • I am giving.
  • I am kind. 
  • I am calm.
  • I am safe. 

Of course, my inner cynic could not get on this bandwagon without laughing, rolling my eyes, and making me feel like a complete fraud. But, as these things happen, life got a lot harder and these words started to have more meaning.

Then one day, I realized I was saying them to get through a particularly difficult journey home. 

Not so funny now.

Words Over the Centuries

Growing up in the house and culture I did, I used to find prayer helpful. “Holy Spirit, guide me on this test.” “St. Anthony, please help me to find my lost ____.” “St. Andrew, reveal my future husband.” “Guardian Angel, stay by my side this night, for I am frightened.”

I admit I stopped believing. But again, there is a natural balance in the world and once again, things got hard and my refuge was prayer (though I felt guilty about it). Then things got good and I stopped. 

This cycle has come and gone for most of my late teen years to my adult life.  Now, I’m in a bad cycle, given the state of the world and the uncertainty and loss I had felt from these past few months. Then I started using these particular sets of words, and it helped. 

So I pray to St. Michael for strength, St. Anthony for my loss, St. Jude for hope, St. Mary Magdalene for faith, and the Holy Spirit for words. 

As is the promise, I must publish the words that have been spoken for centuries.

Say and believe these words. Find solace. Then pass them on. 

Prayer to St. Anthony (1200’s?): Lost Things

Blessed be God in His Angels and in His Saints.

O Holy St. Anthony, gentlest of Saints, your love for God
and Charity for His creatures made you worthy when on
Earth to possess miraculous powers.

Miracles waited on your word, which you were ever ready to speak for those in trouble or anxiety. Encouraged by this thought, I implore
of you to obtain for me (request). The answer to my prayer
may require a miracle. Even so, you are the saint of miracles.

O gentle and loving St. Anthony, whose heart was ever full
of human sympathy, whisper my petition into the ears of the
sweet infant Jesus, who loved to be folded in your arms, and
the gratitude of my heart will ever be yours.

Amen.

Prayer to St. Jude (100’s?): For Hope in Desperation

O Holy, St Jude!
Apostle and Martyr, great in virtue and rich in miracles, near kinsman of Jesus Christ, faithful intercessor for all who invoke you, special patron in time of need; to you I have recourse from the depth of my heart, and humbly beg you, to whom God has given such great power, to come to my assistance; help me now in my urgent need and grant my earnest petition.

I will never forget thy graces and favors you obtain for me
and I will do my utmost to spread devotion to you. Amen.

St. Jude, pray for us and all who honor thee and invoke thy aid.
(Say 3 Our Father’s, 3 Hail Mary’s, and 3 Glory Be’s after this.)