Arrow prayers are short prayers that only take a few seconds to pray—they are “shot” up to God in a moment. They help to penetrate darkness or fear and direct our thoughts quickly to God, especially when we feel particularly weak, vulnerable, or scared. The devil hates these kinds of prayers because they reveal the faith and hope of the one praying them.
Anything can become an arrow prayer, such as the words “Thy will be done,” which we know are the words Jesus Christ gave us to pray in the Our Father.
Here are some good examples of arrow prayers that anyone can use:
“Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” (The Jesus Prayer)
“My Lord and My God!” (The prayer of St. Thomas the Apostle)
“Jesus, Mary, I love You! Save souls!”
“God, come to my assistance; Lord, make haste to help me.” (Psalm 69—Introductory Prayer to the Divine Office)
“Lord, I believe; help me in my unbelief.”
“May the Holy Cross be my light.” (Jubilee Medal of St. Benedict)
The next time you are anxious, fearful, or tempted—especially when you don’t have enough time to hit your knees or enter the Presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament—take one of these arrow prayers from your spiritual quiver and send it flying to heaven…and into the heart of Christ.
Fr. Jean-Pierre de Caussade discusses the power of arrow prayers in his beloved spiritual classic, Abandonment to Divine Providence. In this powerful work, Fr. Caussade walks his readers through various acts of trustful surrender. With wisdom and gentleness, he teaches you how to practice complete submission to the will of God in every situation. Get your copy today at The Catholic Company!
