Prayer to the Holy Name of Jesus

Prayer to the Holy Name of Jesus

O most sweet and holy Name of Jesus, we honor and adore You, the Name above every name, the Name that brings salvation, peace, and mercy.

Jesus, Son of the living God, we praise You for Your love and Your suffering, for Your life given for our redemption. May Your Holy Name be always on our lips, in our hearts, and in all our actions.

Protect us from sin and evil, strengthen us in faith and hope, and guide us to live as true followers of Your Gospel.

O Holy Name of Jesus, be our refuge, our guide, and our eternal joy.

Amen.

The Holy Name of Jesus is a central and revered concept in Christian tradition, particularly within Catholicism, with a rich history of devotion and numerous associated prayers. The month of January is traditionally dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus, emphasizing its significance.

The name "Jesus" originates from the Latin form of the Greek "Iesous" (Ἰησοῦς), which is a transliteration of the Hebrew "Yeshua" (Yehošuaʕ) or "Yehoshua" (Yehošuaʕ), meaning "Yahweh is salvation" This name was announced by the Angel Gabriel to the Blessed Virgin Mary, signifying His mission as Savior.

History of Devotion

Devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus can be traced back to the 13th century, a period when the Church actively combated heresies that challenged the divinity of Christ and addressed the irreverent use of His name. St. Dominic and his Dominican order played a crucial role in overcoming the Albigensian heresy, though the issue of irreverence persisted. The Second Council of Lyons in 1274, under Pope Gregory X, urged the faithful to show greater reverence for the name of Jesus, advocating for bowing one's head when the name is spoken as a sign of interior humility.

The veneration of the Holy Name gained significant momentum in the 15th century through the efforts of Saint Bernardine of Siena and his disciples. St. Bernardine popularized the IHS symbol (an abbreviation of the Greek ΙΗΣΟUΣ, Jesus) by having it placed on his banner, surrounded by twelve rays of the sun and surmounted by a cross. This symbol became widely adopted, appearing on altars, church walls, and even town halls. In 1530, Pope Clement VII officially granted the Franciscan order authorization to celebrate the Office of the Holy Name of Jesus.

Significance and Practices

The Holy Name of Jesus is considered "the name above all names" a source of salvation, comfort, and strength. Christians are encouraged to treat it with utmost respect and reverence. Practices demonstrating devotion include:

• Bowing one's head when the name of Jesus is spoken during Mass or while reading scripture.

• Making the Sign of the Cross when passing a Catholic Church.

• Offering a silent prayer in reparation when the Lord's Name is used in vain.

The Church teaches that in the name of Jesus, prayers are offered, sacraments are administered, and blessings are bestowed. It is believed to be a defense against temptation, a refuge in danger, and a consolation at the hour of death.

Prayers to the Holy Name of Jesus

Numerous prayers honor the Holy Name of Jesus, reflecting its profound spiritual importance. Some notable examples include:

• Novena in Honor of the Holy Name of Jesus: This novena expresses gratitude for Jesus's infinite love, venerates His sacred name, and petitions for grace, wisdom, charity, purity, and humility. It often includes a plea for the name to be imprinted on hearts, minds, and lips as a defense and consolation.

• Prayer in Honor of the Most Holy and Adorable Name of Jesus: This prayer hails Jesus as "Sweet Name! Delightful Name! Consoling Name!" and asks for salvation, mercy, and admission to the number of His elect.

• Litany of the Holy Name of Jesus: This litany invokes Jesus with various titles such as "splendor of the Father," "King of glory," "sun of justice," and "good Shepherd," seeking mercy and deliverance from evil.

• Saint Bernardine of Siena's Prayer to the Holy Name: This prayer describes Jesus as "Name full of glory, grace, love and strength!" and acknowledges Him as the refuge of the repentant, medicine of souls, and glory of all saints.

• Saint Alphonsus Liguori's Prayer to the Holy Name: This prayer asks Jesus to write His name on the heart, so it may be invoked in all necessities, providing strength against temptation, animating hope, comforting in affliction, and inflaming love.

• The Golden Arrow Prayer: Revealed to a Carmelite Nun in 1843, this prayer is an act of reparation for blasphemy, praising, blessing, loving, adoring, and glorifying the Name of God in all realms.

• Jesu Dulcis Memoria: Often attributed to St. Bernard of Clairvaux, this hymn expresses the sweetness and joy found in the thought and presence of Jesus, noting that no sound is sweeter than His blessed name.

These prayers and devotions serve to deepen faith, foster reverence, and seek divine intervention through the powerful intercession of the Holy Name of Jesus.