In Time of Temptation (St Alphonsus)

Prayer for moments of temptation in the style of St Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787), bishop, doctor of the Church, and master of the spiritual life. The saint taught that, in temptation, the soul must immediately turn to Jesus and Mary with a short, firm ejaculatory prayer, without dialoguing with the enemy. Qui orat, salvatur — he who prays, is saved.

Supplication

My Jesus, thou art my God, and thou lovest me; I also love thee and wish to belong to thee for ever. Have mercy on me, help me; without thy aid I shall fall. Lord, come to my aid: the enemy surrounds me. Suffer me not to offend thee, nor ever to depart from thee.

To the Blessed Virgin

Mary, my Mother, save me! Remember that thou art the Mother of Perpetual Help, and that never was it heard that anyone who had recourse to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession, was left unaided. Cover me with thy mantle, defend me from the enemy, deliver me from this danger. Amen.

Ejaculatory prayers

Jesus, Mary, Joseph, save me!
Sweet Heart of Mary, be my salvation.
Blood of Christ, inebriate me.