Prayers, Novenas, and Psalms

In Hoodoo and Voodoo, there are important Catholic prayers that are central to ceremonial and ritual activities. Though there are some differences among practitioners, there are enough commonalities to include some of them here. For example, the Litany of the Saints will often precede the opening of a Voodoo ceremony, as will the Rosary for the Dead, Our Father, Hail Mary, and Apostle’s Creed. I have listed a few of the important prayers here or your convenience, along with some other helpful prayers for specific purposes. Some of the prayers, such as the Litany of Saints are too long to list here, so the reader is referred to another of Ray Malbrough’s books, Hoodoo Mysteries: Folk Magic, Mysticism, and Rituals where you will find this and other prayers. I have found his books to be an

indispensible resource for Hoodoo in particular.

THE PRAYERS

The Apostle’s Creed

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, the Creator of heaven and earth,

and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord: Who was conceived of the Holy Spirit,

born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified, died, and was buried.

He descended into hell.

On the third day He arose again from the dead.

He ascended into heaven

and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty, whence He shall come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting.

Amen.

Hail Mary

Hail Mary, full of grace The Lord is with thee

Blessed art thou among women

and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for our sinners Now and in the hour of our death, Amen.

Home Blessing

Bless this home! Let love grow here,

Let wisdom flourish, And peace be near! Bless this home!

Let it protect life, Let it nurture you, And be free of strife! Bless this home!

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven Hallowed be thy name.

Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses

as we forgive those who trespass against us And lead us not into temptation

and deliver us from evil,

For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, Forever and ever. Amen.

Prayer for the Home

We beseech You, O Lord, visit this home,

and drive far from it all the snares of the enemy; let Your holy angels dwell therein

so as to preserve us in peace;

and let Your blessing be always upon us. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayer to the Seven African Powers

Oh, Seven African Powers, who are so close to our Divine Savior, with great humility I kneel before thee and implore your intercession before the Great Spirit. Hear my petition and grant me peace and prosperity. Please remove all of the obstacles that cause me to stray from the Beauty Way. Oh Olofi, I trust in the words “ask and you shall receive”. Let it be so! Amen.

Make your petition.

Prayer to St. Joseph for Protection

Gracious St. Joseph, protect me and my family from all evil as you did the Holy Family. Kindly keep us ever united in the love of Christ, ever fervent in imitation of the virtue of our Blessed Lady, your sinless spouse, and always faithful in devotion to you. Amen.

Keep a statue of St. Joseph in your kitchen where he can protect your family always.