The Prayer-Prose of St. Catherine of Siena

The prayers of St. Catherine of Siena are in the form of prose,
yet its poetic spirit lies in the fondness of her repeating words
and phrases - addresses she makes to God. Some of her prayers
are published in the book, "Catherine of Siena: Passion for Truth,
Compassion for Humanity", selected spiritual writings, by editor
Mary O'Driscoll, OP.

Examples of her repetitive words are as follows:

Godhead!
Godhead!
Ineffable Godhead! (prayer 1)

Gentle Jesus!
Jesus love! (prayer 5)

O immeasurable love!
O gentle love!
Eternal fire! (prayer 9)

In your light I have seen light;
in your light I have come to know the light.
In your light we come to know the source of light...(prayer 11)

O eternal Trinity,
my sweet love!
You, light,
give us light.
You, wisdom,
give us wisdom.
You, supreme strength,
strengthen us. (prayer 12)

O Mary!
Mary!
Temple of the Trinity!
O Mary, bearer of the fire!
Mary, minister of mercy!
Mary, seedbed of the fruit! (prayer 18)

Twenty-six of these prayers of St. Catherine have been preserved
for us. It is said that these prayers were transcribed by one or
more of her followers who were present as she prayed aloud (refer
to the exclamatory addresses to God, Jesus, and Mary).

One can see the passion that runs deep in these prayers. She
intercedes and pleads passionately to God for all: for the world,
for the Church, for the Pope, for her friends and followers, and
all who are in need. This is one evidence of her spiritual
greatness.

The simplicity also of some of her prayers teach us to trust in
God completely and have confidence in His Providence for all that
we need. Below is an example of this prayer:

O Holy Spirit, come into my heart;
by your power draw it to yourself, God,
and give me charity with fear.
Guard me, Christ, from every evil thought,
and so warm and inflame me again
with your most gentle love
that every suffering may seem light to me.
My holy Father and my gentle Lord,
help me in my every need.
Christ love! Christ love! (prayer 6)