Prayers
Pagans pray too! I myself always feel a sense of relief once I have prayed. Of course, there are many many sorts of prayers. Here, I will list many by type or just general ones. Also, I encourage you to make up prayers of your own! They become much more personal once you have come up with them on your own.
I am always expanding and adding new things, so make sure to check back from time to time!
I am always expanding and adding new things, so make sure to check back from time to time!
Table of Offerings
"Different types of spiritual entities prefer different types of offerings. If you are working with a particular named deity or spirit, you will need to research just what the deity prefers. This table, however, is a good start, especially when working with the unnamed spirits likely to be encountered."
- Ceisiwr Serith in "A Book of Pagan Prayers"
Mama's Words
submitted by SooSan Crone
SooSan has once again been kind enough to give me permission to submit this piece to my website. Written by her mother, it is a wonderful and inspirational message that I would love to share to you. Thank you once again to SooSan for sharing this with me!
Prayers submitted by Alfred Key
May Odin Grant me wisdom
May Freyr grant me peace and may Thor grant me strength in my upcoming work. Amen (can also use 'So mote it be') |
I believe in the Fire
I believe in the rain I believe in the earth I believe in the oak the sycamore the cypress the redwood the holly the willow and the birch I believe in Odin All-father, traveler of nine worlds May he slaughter the serpent and ward off evil I believe is Freyr god of peace and prosperity May he bring peace and prosperity to me and those around me I believe in Thor god of the sky, god of thunder, god of lightning may he give me strength and endurance in my upcoming work I thank the gods for what they have given me I thank the gods for what they have taken from me I thank the gods for what they will give me and I thank the gods for what they will from me I thank the gods for the breath that I breath and I thank the gods for the earth that I walk I thank the gods for the body in which I, my spirit, resides I thank the gods for all that has been done and will be done. Amen (can also use 'So mote it be') |
Note: Alfred uses 'Amen' at the end of his prayers that he submitted as a way to reaffirm his faith. This is not typically used in paganism as it has its origins in Hebrew so is more often associated with Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. However, the point of paganism is to find what you believe and it is completely alright to borrow from other religions, so to speak. Christianity has borrowed much from Paganism for example. So while 'Amen' is not typically seen in Pagan prayers, and 'So mote it be' is more often used, do what is more comfortable with you.
Litanies
(Group prayers taken from "A Book of Pagan Prayer")
Mother of all,
we praise you, we praise you. Earth beneath us, we praise you, we praise you. Queen of queens, we praise you, we praise you. Lover of our Lord, we praise you, we praise you. Shining lady, we praise you, we praise you. Giver of wisdom, we praise you, we praise you. Open-handed one, we praise you, we praise you. Earth's Queen
blessings to you, bless us. Ocean mother blessings to you, bless us. Star's breath blessings to you, bless us. Heart's rest blessings to you, bless us. Life's lover blessings to you, bless us. Strong teacher blessings to you, bless us. First wife blessings to you, bless us. Love's source blessings to you, bless us. |
Shield of the people,
we honor you, we praise you, we worship you. Divider of time, we honor you, we praise you, we worship you. Well of inspiration, we honor you, we praise you, we worship you. Mother of nations, we honor you, we praise you, we worship you. Granter of prophecy, we honor you, we praise you, we worship you. Seeker of lore, we honor you, we praise you, we worship you. Bestower of sovereignty, we honor you, we praise you, we worship you. Knower of secrets, we honor you, we praise you, we worship you. Encompasser of worlds, we honor you, we praise you, we worship you. Mystery of mysteries, we honor you, we praise you, we worship you. You who are worthy of honor, we honor you, we praise you, we worship you. You who are worthy of praise, we honor you, we praise you, we worship you. You who are worthy of worship, we honor you, we praise you, we worship you. You who are worthy of honor, praise, and worship, we honor you, we praise you, we worship you. You who are worthy of honor, worthy of praise, worthy of worship, we honor you, we praise you, we worship you. |
Prayers
(Prayers from "A Book of Pagan Prayer" unless specified)
I have only included a few (for now) but there are many out there. Explore and research, and don't be afraid to create spells of your own! These are the most personal.
I have only included a few (for now) but there are many out there. Explore and research, and don't be afraid to create spells of your own! These are the most personal.
I praise every god in my daily prayers,
leaving not a single one out. The universe does not exclude any of them, so how can I? Praise, praise to the infinite number of Blessed Ones. Praise, praise, let there be praise of them all. In the dark night sky,
the stars are shining jewels on the body of the goddess of night. She is the one who is Lady of all,
and she is the one of whom I would speak, the one who gives birth and the one who brings death, beginning and end of the course of our lives. Cosmic Mother
Oh Goddess Mother You are the mystery of Night Your radiant shine is the Day Infinite realms cascade within You Abundance is Your essence of Being Blessings flow from You Limitlessly Your Universe is harmony and tension in Balance Within each of us, You are Alive ~ Abby Willowroot © 1998 A Morning Prayer
Oh Great Goddess Bless this day Keep me safe and whole Oh Great Goddess Bless my path Help me to act on thy wisdom Oh Great Goddess Bless my family All life on this Earth ~ Abby Willowroot © 1999 Bless This Food
Thank Thee Great Goddess For the bounty before me A gift of thy great abundance Thank you for sustaining my life I receive your gift of food in gratitude ~ Abby Willowroot © 1999 |
You are the cauldron of wisdom,
from which inspiration flows. You are the broad Earth, which gives birth to all life. You are the circling Moon, ruling the tides of oceans and women. You are the endless night sky, filled with numberless stars. You are a grove of birch trees, shining in the forest deeps. You are the Mother of us all, and we look to you in wonder and awe. You are the hunter.
You are the hunted. You are the killer. You are the killed. Forever going away, forever coming back, completing the circle of life and death. Bless this Day
May this day be blessed with gifts Lessons, understanding and friends May my energy be a gift to all I meet Let me be centered, healing and open May I face the day with courage kindness, insight and compassion May my spirit and body, honor this day ~ Abby Willowroot © 1999 Night Prayer
Thank You Great Goddess for this day for the blessings and lessons that came my way May my sleep be peaceful in dreams and rest and tomorrow may I do my best ~ Abby Willowroot © 1999 The prayers marked by 'Abby Willowroot' are taken from her website here.
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Prayers
Taken from Pagan Prayers. More can be found here, if interested.
HYMN TO AMUN-RA (Egyptian)
HAIL to thee, Amun-Ra, Lord of the thrones of the earth, the oldest existence, ancient of heaven, support of all things; Chief of the gods, lord of truth; father of the gods, maker of men and beasts and herbs; maker of all things above and below; Deliverer of the sufferer and oppressed, judging the poor; Lord of wisdom, lord of mercy; most loving, opener of every eye, source of joy, in whose goodness the gods rejoice, thou whose name is hidden. Thou art the one, maker of all that is, the one; the only one; maker of gods and men; giving food to all. Hail to thee, thou one with many heads; sleepless when all others sleep, adoration to thee. Hail to thee from all creatures from every land, from the height of heaven, from the depth of the sea. The spirits thou hast made extol thee, saying, welcome to thee, father of the fathers of the gods; we worship thy spirit which is in us. |
A PRAYER FOR PRESERVATION OF THE HEART(Egyptian)
MY HEART, my mother; my heart, my mother! My heart of my existence upon earth! May naught stand up to oppose me in judgment; may there be no opposition to me in the presence of the sovereign princes; may no evil be wrought against me in the presence of the gods; may there be no parting of thee from me in the presence of the great god, the lord of Amentet. Homage to thee, O thou heart of Osiris--khent--Amentet! Homage to you, O my reins! Homage to you, O ye gods who dwell in the divine clouds, and who are exalted [or holy] by reason of your sceptres! Speak ye fair words for the Osiris Auf-ankh, and make ye him to prosper before Nehebka. And behold, though I be joined to the earth, and am in the mighty innermost part of heaven, let me remain on the earth and not die in Amentet, and let me remain a khu therein for ever and ever! This prayer shall be recited over a basalt scarab, which shall be set in a gold setting, and it shall be placed inside the heart of the man (i.e., the dead) for whom the ceremonies of "opening the mouth" and of anointing with unguent have been performed. And there shall be recited by way of magical charm the words: "My heart, my mother! my heart, my mother! My heart of transformations!" (Khu, a god of light) |
Offerings
Taken from About.com
Prayer of Offering
This meal is the work of many hands, and I offer you a share. Holy ones, accept my gift, and upon my hearth, leave your blessings. Celebrating Meat
Hail! Hail! The hunt has ended, and meat is on the table! We honor the deer* who feeds us tonight, may his spirit live within us! *Note - feel free to substitute other appropriate animals here as necessary. A Simple Thanks
Lord and Lady, watch over us, and bless us as we eat. Bless this food, this bounty of earth, we thank you, so mote it be. |
Invitation to the Gods
I set a place at my table for the gods, and ask them to join me here tonight. My home is always open to you, and my heart is open as well. A Prayer to the Earth - Mealtime Blessing
Corn and grain, meat and milk, upon my table before me. Gifts of life, bringing sustenance and strength, I am grateful for all I have. |
Pagan Bedtime Prayers for Children
Not all pagans are older. Here are some prayers for children taken from About.com
A Psalm for Gaia
Written by Dolores Stewart Riccio, used with permission The Earth is my mother, I shall not want. She nurtures me in green pastures; she freshens me with flowing waters. She restores my body and awakens my soul. Although I walk in the shadow of changing seasons and passing time, I will not fear death, for the essence of life is within me, the peace and beauty of Earth comfort me. She teaches me to harvest her abundant gifts, she fills my heart with compassion, I drink from the cup of simple pleasures. As I look to the skies with wonder at the immensity of the universe, I know I am blessed beyond measure to live all the days of my life in the bountiful house of Gaia. Fantasy Bedtime Prayer for Kids
Now I lay down in my bed, And pull the covers up to my head. I'll dream of dragons and fairies bright, And pixies and wizards and elves tonight. I'll dream of some sort of magical place, and wake in the morning with a smile on my face. Goodnight Earth
The earth is big and fat and round, I love the sky, the sea and the ground, I love the birds and dogs and sheep, and all the animals that fall asleep, I love the flowers and rocks and trees, I love the earth, and it loves me. |
God Prayers
1. The horned god runs in the night, And hunts among the stars, May he watch over and keep us safe, No matter where we are. 2. Lord of night, welcome me as I sleep. Guide me in the darkness, and protect me as I dream. Goddess Prayers
1. Mother of all things, watch over me tonight, Hold me in your arms, until the morning light. 2. Blessed be the mother goddess, by all her many names. May she bless my family and friends. May she bless the animals of the world, and all people everywhere. 3. Diana, goddess of the moon, Shining in the sky above, Bathe me in your magical light, And protect me with your love. |
Prayers Concerning Death
Taken from About.com
A Prayer for the Dying
Time has passed, the Wheel has turned. It is time for me to move on. I will walk hand in hand with the Ancient Ones, and with my ancestors who came before me. Great Mother, welcome me back into your womb, I come to you and know I am blessed, for my life has been one I am proud of. As I enter your world, wrap me in your loving arms, and welcome me. Lord of Death, I wait for you to take me, I come to you willingly, with eyes wide open, as my last moment approaches on the horizon. May I look upon you without fear, without pain, and knowing that those who walked before me, await me on the other side. O Ancient Ones, give me strength to take these final steps, and allow me to do so with peace and dignity. Let my family mourn my passing but not my loss, and let them heal knowing I will see them again. Time has passed and the Wheel has turned. It is time for me to move on. Prayer to Anubis
O, Anubis! Mighty Anubis! [Name] has entered the gates to your realm, And we ask that you deem him worthy. His spirit is a brave one, And his soul is an honorable one. O, Anubis! Mighty Anubis! As you take his measure, And weigh his heart as he stands before you, Know that he was loved by many, And will be remembered by all. Anubis, welcome [Name] and deem him worthy of entrance, That he may walk through your realm, And be under your protection for all eternity. O, Anubis! Mighty Anubis! Watch over [Name] as he bows before you. |
Prayer to Hel
Hel, great goddess, daughter of Loki, She who guards the spirits of the dead, Our friend [Name] has come to you now. As [Name] kneels before you, Hel, Know how much she was loved in this life, And how many she loved in return Before she crossed over. She was an honorable soul, A soaring spirit, A brave warrior. Watch over her, Hel, as she crosses the bridge, From this life to the next. And welcome her with glory, That she may live on forever in our hearts And memories. Prayer to the Deities of Death
The harvest has ended, and the fields are bare. The earth has grown cold, and the land is empty. The gods of the death are lingering over us, keeping a watchful eye upon the living. They wait, patiently, for eternity is theirs. Hail to you, Anubis! O jackal headed one, guardian of the realm of the dead. When my time comes, I hope you may deem me worthy. Hail to you, Demeter! O mother of darkness, May your grief be abated when your daughter returns once more. Hail to you, Hecate! O keeper of the gate, between this world and the underworld. I ask that when I cross over, you may guide me with wisdom. Hail to you, Freya! O mistress of Folkvangr, guardian of those who fall in battle. Keep the souls of my ancestors with you. Hail to you, O gods and goddesses, those of you who guard the underworld and guide the dead on their final journey. At this time of cold and dark, I honor you, and ask that you watch over me, and protect me when the day arrives that I take my final journey. |
Prayers to Various Deities
Taken from About.com
Brighid, Bride of Earth
Bride of the earth, sister of the faeries, daughter of the Tuatha de Danaan, keeper of the eternal flame. In autumn, the nights began to lengthen, and the days grew shorter, as the earth went to sleep. Now, Brighid stokes her fire, burning flames in the hearth, bringing light back to us once more. Winter is brief, but life is forever. Brighid makes it so. Brighid, Keeper of the flame
Mighty Brighid, keeper of the flame, blazing in the darkness of winter. O goddess, we honor you, bringer of light, healer, exalted one. Bless us now, hearth mother, that we may be as fruitful as the soil itself, and our lives abundant and fertile. Home Protection prayer to The Morrighan
Hail Morrighan! Hail Morrighan! Protect this land from those who would trespass upon it! Hail Morrighan! Hail Morrighan! Guard this land and all those who dwell within it! Hail Morrighan! Hail Morrighan! Watch over this land and all contained upon it! Hail Morrighan! Hail Morrighan! Goddess of battle, great goddess of the land, She who is the Washer at the Ford, Mistress of Ravens, And Keeper of the Shield, We call upon you for protection. Trespassers beware! The great Morrighan stands guard, And she shall unleash her displeasure upon you. Let it be known that this land falls under her protection, And to do harm to any within it Is to invite her wrath. Hail Morrighan! Hail Morrighan! We honor and thank you this day! Hail Morrighan! Hail Morrighan! Prayer to Ra - Yule prayer
Great sun, wheel of fire, Ra in your glory, hear me as I honor you on this, the shortest day of the year. Summer has gone, passed us by, the fields are dead and cold, all of earth sleeps in your absence. Even in the darkest times, you light the way for those who would need a beacon, of hope, of brightness, shining in the night. Winter is here, and colder days coming, the fields are bare and the livestock thin. We light these candles in your honor, that you might gather your strength and bring life back to the world. O Ra, mighty sun above us, we ask you to return, to bring back to us the light and the warmth of your fire. Bring life back to earth, Bring light back to earth. Hail Ra! Ruler of the sun! |
A Prayer to Cernunnos
God of the green, Lord of the forest, I offer you my sacrifice. I ask you for your blessing. You are the man in the trees, the green man of the woods, who brings life to the dawning spring. You are the deer in rut, mighty Horned One, who roams the autumn woods, the hunter circling round the oak, the antlers of the wild stag, and the lifeblood that spills upon the ground each season. God of the green, Lord of the forest, I offer you my sacrifice. I ask you for your blessing. A Prayer to Isis
Mighty mother, daughter of the Nile, we rejoice as you join us with the rays of the sun. Sacred sister, mother of magic, we honor you, Lover of Osiris, she who is mother of the universe itself. Isis, who was and is and shall ever be daughter of the earth and sky, I honor you and sing your praises. Glorious goddess of magic and light, I open my heart to your mysteries. Prayer to Lugh
Great Lugh! Master of artisans, leader of craftsmen, patron of smiths, I call upon you and honor you this day. You of the many skills and talents, I ask you to shine upon me and bless me with your gifts. Give me strength in skill, make my hands and mind deft, shine light upon my talents. O mighty Lugh, I thank you for your blessings. |
Evocations
found in 'Craft of the Wise' by Vikki Bramshaw
A generic Evocation to the Goddess
Gracious Goddess of the Moon Mistress of magic and rebirth Lady of the harvest And Mother of the earth I invite you to join me in this, my rite. I bid You, Hail and Welcome! A European Evocation to the Goddess
Hail, Brigid I call unto thee, Lady of golden hair Bestow upon me the secrets Of the sacred fires of creation I invite you to join me in this, my rite. I bid You, Hail and Welcome! An Egyptian Evocation to the Goddess
Great Goddess Isis Lady of stars Giver of life, beautiful in heaven Rise in peace, rise in beauty As I invite you to join me in this, my rite. I bid You, Hail and Welcome! |
A generic Evocation to the God
Shining God of the sun Lord of warmth, keeper of the skies You who are sacrificed And then are born again I invite you to join me in this, my rite. I bid You, Hail and Welcome! A European Evocation to the God
Hail, Cernunnos I call unto thee, O Horned One Lord of the wilds, come unto my side So that I might know your nature. I invite you to join me in this, my rite. I bid You, Hail and Welcome! An Egyptian Evocation to the God
Osiris, Beloved of Isis Lord of resurrection, God of secrets Darkness is banished By the presence of your majesty As I invite you to join me in this, my rite. I bid You, Hail and Welcome! |