After composing the prayer to St Joseph , in the style of Mary's Angelic Salutation, pulling Biblical language as much as possible, I turned to St John the Baptist. Here is my modest attempt: Hail John the Baptist, in the spirit and power of Elijah [ Lk 1:17 ], the hand of the Lord is with you [ Lk 1:66 ]. Greatest of those born of woman [ Mt 11:11 ], you are the friend of the bridegroom [ Jn 3:29 ], Jesus. Voice crying out in the wilderness [ Mt 3:3, etc ], pray for us that we Repent and make straight His paths [ Mt 3:2 & 3 ], now and at the hour of our death.
When I'm not homeschooling the kids, being a stay-at-home Dad and Handy Husband, I teach Theology at a local Catholic High School. As G.K. Chesterton said: “You say grace before meals. All right. But I say grace before the concert and the opera, and grace before the play and pantomime, and grace before I open a book, and grace before sketching, painting, swimming, fencing, boxing, walking, playing, dancing and grace before I dip the pen in the ink.” So here are some ways to say Grace before tests/exams/assignments and ask the blessing and aid of Divine Wisdom before you "dip the pen in the ink" and put the pen to the test ... or cursor to the document, as you will. Come Holy Spirit Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful. And kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And you will renew the face of the earth. Lord, by the light of the Holy Spirit you have taught the hearts of your faithful. In the same Spirit help