A prayer for compassion
Join us in offering a prayer to Quan Yin, the Goddess of compassion. Your energy helps strengthen this collective call for empathy and understanding in the world. Together, we can make a difference.
Embracing Quan Yin's grace
We invite you to dedicate a moment of your energy to this prayer. Quan Yin, the revered Goddess of compassion, listens to our collective voices. By joining us, you contribute to a powerful wave of positive intention, spreading kindness and understanding across the globe.
Prayer across cultures
Prayer is a universal language of hope and connection, expressed in countless ways across cultures and traditions around the world. From ancient chants to silent meditations, the essence remains the same: a profound connection to something greater than ourselves. Discover the rich tapestry of prayer and how it unites humanity in shared aspirations.
A unique approach to devotion
At The Altered Goddess, our approach to prayer is rooted in intentional energy contribution. We believe that every individual's focus, no matter how small, adds to the strength and efficacy of a collective prayer. This page serves as a focal point for that shared intention, inviting you to lend your unique energy to amplify our prayer for compassion.
General Blessing Prayer
"Blessed be the Earth beneath my feet,
The waters that flow, the fire that warms,
The air that fills my lungs.
May life and light guide my path,
And peace dwell within and around me."
Moon Goddess Invocation (Wiccan Tradition)
"Goddess of the Moon, shining bright,
Guide my spirit with your silver light.
Reveal the secrets that I seek,
Empower my heart, make me strong yet meek.
Bless me with wisdom, courage, and grace."
Druidic/ Nature Prayer
"O spirits of forest, river, and stone,
Hear my humble voice and call.
Bless the lands, the trees, the skies,
Through me may your harmony rise.
I honor the cycles of growth and decay,
May balance and understanding light my way."
Protection Prayer
"Guardians of earth, air, fire, and sea,
Surround me with safety and harmony.
Keep malice at bay, ward off despair,
Fill my heart with courage and care.
May the circle of light and love protect me today."
Gratitude Prayer for Daily Life
"I give thanks to the sun for its golden rays,
To the moon for gentle nights and guidance,
To wind, water, and earth, the elements that sustain me.
May I live with joy, kindness, and respect for all beings."
These prayers can be spoken aloud, whispered, written, or used in ritual settings. Many pagans personalize prayers to suit their own spiritual path, seasonal observances, or specific intentions. You can also create your own prayer by focusing on: the elements, a specific deity or spirit, personal intention, and words of gratitude or guidance.
The Prayer
This post is asking for a little bit of your energy. If you don't have energy to spare, Please don't read this text.
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So many people have asked for prayers.
I'm posting this prayer because as you read this you will be adding a tiny bit of energy to help bring it into being. If you wish to add your energy to this prayer you can read this prayer aloud or silently. Either way adds your brilliant light to this prayer.
We are praying to Quan Yin with this prayer.
She is the Bodhisattva of Compassion, a being who has attained enlightenment but chooses to remain in the earthly realm to help all suffering beings. To many, She is compassion itself.
The Prayer
"OM MANI PADME HUM, Jewel of the lotus, You who perceives the sound of the world, please hear the sound of our unspoken needs.
Quan Yin, please bring peace healing and guidance to those in need of them.
This prayer is for all of us. For those who have unspoken needs, for those seeking solace, for those in need of Divine intervention in situations in their lives, for those in need of healing. So many people feel alone and scared as they deal with situations in their lives. We pray that you will lay your delicate hand on them and let you grace touch them. Thank you for your compassion.
OM MANI PADME HUM, Jewel of the lotus, You who perceives the sound of the world, please hear the sound of our unspoken needs.”
And thank you for your compassion. Thank you so much for adding your energy to our collective.
💮 May compassion find you. 💮
Prayers submitted by Alfred Key
May Freyr grant me peace
and may Thor grant me strength in my upcoming work.
Amen (can also use 'So mote it be')
I believe in the rain
I believe in the earth
I believe in the oak
the sycamore
the cypress
the redwood
the holly
the willow
and the birch
I believe in Odin
All-father, traveler of nine worlds
May he slaughter the serpent and ward off evil
I believe in Freyr god of peace and prosperity
May he bring peace and prosperity to me and those around me
I believe in Thor god of the sky, god of thunder, god of lightning
may he give me strength and endurance in my upcoming work
I thank the gods for what they have given me
I thank the gods for what they have taken from me
I thank the gods for what they will give me
and I thank the gods for what they will from me
I thank the gods for the breath that I breath and I thank the gods for the earth that I walk
I thank the gods for the body in which I, my spirit, resides
I thank the gods for all that has been done and will be done.
Amen (can also use 'So mote it be')
Note: Alfred uses 'Amen' at the end of his prayers that he submitted as a way to reaffirm his faith. This is not typically used in paganism as it has its origins in Hebrew so is more often associated with Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. However, the point of paganism is to find what you believe and it is completely alright to borrow from other religions, so to speak. Christianity has borrowed much from Paganism for example. So while 'Amen' is not typically seen in Pagan prayers, and 'So mote it be' is more often used, do what is more comfortable with you.
Litanies
(Group prayers taken from "A Book of Pagan Prayer")
Mother of all,
we praise you, we praise you.
Earth beneath us,
we praise you, we praise you.
Queen of queens,
we praise you, we praise you.
Lover of our Lord,
we praise you, we praise you.
Shining lady,
we praise you, we praise you.
Giver of wisdom,
we praise you, we praise you.
Open-handed one,
we praise you, we praise you. Earth's Queen blessings to you, bless us.
Ocean mother
blessings to you, bless us.
Star's breath
blessings to you, bless us.
Heart's rest
blessings to you, bless us.
Life's lover
blessings to you, bless us.
Strong teacher
blessings to you, bless us.
First wife
blessings to you, bless us.
Love's source
blessings to you, bless us.
Shield of the people,
we honor you, we praise you, we worship you.
Divider of time,
we honor you, we praise you, we worship you.
Well of inspiration,
we honor you, we praise you, we worship you.
Mother of nations,
we honor you, we praise you, we worship you.
Granter of prophecy,
we honor you, we praise you, we worship you.
Seeker of lore,
we honor you, we praise you, we worship you.
Bestower of sovereignty,
we honor you, we praise you, we worship you.
Knower of secrets,
we honor you, we praise you, we worship you.
Encompasser of worlds,
we honor you, we praise you, we worship you.
Mystery of mysteries,
we honor you, we praise you, we worship you.
You who are worthy of honor,
we honor you, we praise you, we worship you.
You who are worthy of praise,
we honor you, we praise you, we worship you.
You who are worthy of worship,
we honor you, we praise you, we worship you.
You who are worthy of honor, praise, and worship,
we honor you, we praise you, we worship you.
You who are worthy of honor, worthy of praise, worthy of worship,
we honor you, we praise you, we worship you.
Prayers
(Prayers from "A Book of Pagan Prayer" unless specified)
I have only included a few (for now) but there are many out there. Explore and research, and don't be afraid to create spells of your own! These are the most personal.
I praise every god in my daily prayers,
leaving not a single one out.
The universe does not exclude any of them, so how can I?
Praise, praise to the infinite number of Blessed Ones.
Praise, praise, let there be praise of them all.
In the dark night sky,
the stars are shining
jewels on the body
of the goddess of night.
She is the one who is Lady of all,
and she is the one of whom I would speak,
the one who gives birth and the one who brings death,
beginning and end of the course of our lives.
Cosmic Mother
Oh Goddess Mother
You are the mystery of Night
Your radiant shine is the Day
Infinite realms cascade within You
Abundance is Your essence of Being
Blessings flow from You Limitlessly
Your Universe is harmony and tension in Balance
Within each of us, You are Alive
~ Abby Willowroot © 1998
Oh Great Goddess
Bless this day
Keep me safe and whole
Oh Great Goddess
Bless my path
Help me to act on thy wisdom
Oh Great Goddess
Bless my family
All life on this Earth
~ Abby Willowroot © 1999
Bless This Food
Thank Thee Great Goddess
For the bounty before me
A gift of thy great abundance
Thank you for sustaining my life
I receive your gift of food in gratitude
~ Abby Willowroot © 1999
You are the cauldron of wisdom,
from which inspiration flows.
You are the broad Earth,
which gives birth to all life.
You are the circling Moon,
ruling the tides of oceans and women.
You are the endless night sky,
filled with numberless stars.
You are a grove of birch trees,
shining in the forest deeps.
You are the Mother of us all, and we look to you in wonder and awe.
You are the hunter.
You are the hunted.
You are the killer.
You are the killed.
Forever going away,
forever coming back,
completing the circle
of life and death.
Bless this Day
May this day be blessed with gifts
Lessons, understanding and friends
May my energy be a gift to all I meet
Let me be centered, healing and open
May I face the day with courage
kindness, insight and compassion
May my spirit and body, honor this day
~ Abby Willowroot © 1999
Night Prayer
Thank You Great Goddess for this day
for the blessings and lessons that came my way
May my sleep be peaceful in dreams and rest
and tomorrow may I do my best
~ Abby Willowroot © 1999
The prayers marked by 'Abby Willowroot' are taken from her website here.
Prayers
(Prayers from "A Book of Pagan Prayer" unless specified)
I have only included a few (for now) but there are many out there. Explore and research, and don't be afraid to create spells of your own! These are the most personal.
leaving not a single one out.
The universe does not exclude any of them, so how can I?
Praise, praise to the infinite number of Blessed Ones.
Praise, praise, let there be praise of them all.
In the dark night sky,
the stars are shining
jewels on the body
of the goddess of night.
She is the one who is Lady of all,
and she is the one of whom I would speak,
the one who gives birth and the one who brings death,
beginning and end of the course of our lives.
Cosmic Mother
Oh Goddess Mother
You are the mystery of Night
Your radiant shine is the Day
Infinite realms cascade within You
Abundance is Your essence of Being
Blessings flow from You Limitlessly
Your Universe is harmony and tension in Balance
Within each of us, You are Alive
~ Abby Willowroot © 1998
Oh Great Goddess
Bless this day
Keep me safe and whole
Oh Great Goddess
Bless my path
Help me to act on thy wisdom
Oh Great Goddess
Bless my family
All life on this Earth
~ Abby Willowroot © 1999
Bless This Food
Thank Thee Great Goddess
For the bounty before me
A gift of thy great abundance
Thank you for sustaining my life
I receive your gift of food in gratitude
~ Abby Willowroot © 1999
You are the cauldron of wisdom,
from which inspiration flows.
You are the broad Earth,
which gives birth to all life.
You are the circling Moon,
ruling the tides of oceans and women.
You are the endless night sky,
filled with numberless stars.
You are a grove of birch trees,
shining in the forest deeps.
You are the Mother of us all, and we look to you in wonder and awe.
You are the hunter.
You are the hunted.
You are the killer.
You are the killed.
Forever going away,
forever coming back,
completing the circle
of life and death.
Bless this Day
May this day be blessed with gifts
Lessons, understanding and friends
May my energy be a gift to all I meet
Let me be centered, healing and open
May I face the day with courage
kindness, insight and compassion
May my spirit and body, honor this day
~ Abby Willowroot © 1999
Night Prayer
Thank You Great Goddess for this day
for the blessings and lessons that came my way
May my sleep be peaceful in dreams and rest
and tomorrow may I do my best
~ Abby Willowroot © 1999
The prayers marked by 'Abby Willowroot' are taken from her website here.
Prayers
Taken from Pagan Prayers. More can be found here, if interested.
HYMN TO AMUN-RA (Egyptian)
HAIL to thee, Amun-Ra, Lord of the thrones of the earth, the oldest existence, ancient of heaven, support of all things;
Chief of the gods, lord of truth; father of the gods, maker of men and beasts and herbs; maker of all things above and below;
Deliverer of the sufferer and oppressed, judging the poor;
Lord of wisdom, lord of mercy; most loving, opener of every eye, source of joy, in whose goodness the gods rejoice, thou whose name is hidden.
Thou art the one, maker of all that is, the one; the only one; maker of gods and men; giving food to all.
Hail to thee, thou one with many heads; sleepless when all others sleep, adoration to thee.
Hail to thee from all creatures from every land, from the height of heaven, from the depth of the sea.
The spirits thou hast made extol thee, saying, welcome to thee, father of the fathers of the gods; we worship thy spirit which is in us. A PRAYER FOR PRESERVATION OF THE HEART(Egyptian)
MY HEART, my mother; my heart, my mother! My heart of my existence upon earth!
May naught stand up to oppose me in judgment; may there be no opposition to me in the presence of the sovereign princes; may no evil be wrought against me in the presence of the gods; may there be no parting of thee from me in the presence of the great god, the lord of Amentet.
Homage to thee, O thou heart of Osiris--khent--Amentet! Homage to you, O my reins! Homage to you, O ye gods who dwell in the divine clouds, and who are exalted [or holy] by reason of your sceptres!
Speak ye fair words for the Osiris Auf-ankh, and make ye him to prosper before Nehebka. And behold, though I be joined to the earth, and am in the mighty innermost part of heaven, let me remain on the earth and not die in Amentet, and let me remain a khu therein for ever and ever!
This prayer shall be recited over a basalt scarab, which shall be set in a gold setting, and it shall be placed inside the heart of the man (i.e., the dead) for whom the ceremonies of "opening the mouth" and of anointing with unguent have been performed.
And there shall be recited by way of magical charm the words:
"My heart, my mother! my heart, my mother! My heart of transformations!"
(Khu, a god of light)
Offerings
Taken from About.com
Prayer of Offering
This meal is the work of many hands,
and I offer you a share.
Holy ones, accept my gift,
and upon my hearth, leave your blessings.
Celebrating Meat
Hail! Hail! The hunt has ended,
and meat is on the table!
We honor the deer* who feeds us tonight,
may his spirit live within us!
*Note - feel free to substitute other appropriate animals here as necessary.
A Simple Thanks
Lord and Lady, watch over us,
and bless us as we eat.
Bless this food, this bounty of earth,
we thank you, so mote it be.
Invitation to the Gods
I set a place at my table for the gods,
and ask them to join me here tonight.
My home is always open to you,
and my heart is open as well.
A Prayer to the Earth - Mealtime Blessing
Corn and grain, meat and milk,
upon my table before me.
Gifts of life, bringing sustenance and strength,
I am grateful for all I have.
Pagan Bedtime Prayers for Children
Not all pagans are older. Here are some prayers for children taken from About.com
Written by Dolores Stewart Riccio, used with permission
The Earth is my mother, I shall not want.
She nurtures me in green pastures;
she freshens me with flowing waters.
She restores my body and awakens my soul.
Although I walk in the shadow
of changing seasons and passing time,
I will not fear death,
for the essence of life is within me,
the peace and beauty of Earth comfort me.
She teaches me to harvest her abundant gifts,
she fills my heart with compassion,
I drink from the cup of simple pleasures.
As I look to the skies with wonder
at the immensity of the universe,
I know I am blessed beyond measure
to live all the days of my life
in the bountiful house of Gaia.
Now I lay down in my bed,
And pull the covers up to my head.
I'll dream of dragons and fairies bright,
And pixies and wizards and elves tonight.
I'll dream of some sort of magical place, and
wake in the morning with a smile on my face.
The earth is big and fat and round,
I love the sky, the sea and the ground,
I love the birds and dogs and sheep,
and all the animals that fall asleep,
I love the flowers and rocks and trees,
I love the earth, and it loves me.
1. The horned god runs in the night,
And hunts among the stars,
May he watch over and keep us safe,
No matter where we are.
2. Lord of night, welcome me as I sleep.
Guide me in the darkness,
and protect me as I dream.
1. Mother of all things, watch over me tonight,
Hold me in your arms, until the morning light.
2. Blessed be the mother goddess, by all her many names.
May she bless my family and friends.
May she bless the animals of the world,
and all people everywhere.
3. Diana, goddess of the moon,
Shining in the sky above,
Bathe me in your magical light,
And protect me with your love.
Prayers Concerning Death
Taken from About.com
Time has passed, the Wheel has turned.
It is time for me to move on.
I will walk hand in hand with the Ancient Ones,
and with my ancestors who came before me.
Great Mother, welcome me back into your womb,
I come to you and know I am blessed,
for my life has been one I am proud of.
As I enter your world, wrap me in your loving arms,
and welcome me.
Lord of Death, I wait for you to take me,
I come to you willingly, with eyes wide open,
as my last moment approaches on the horizon.
May I look upon you without fear, without pain,
and knowing that those who walked before me,
await me on the other side.
O Ancient Ones, give me strength to take these final steps,
and allow me to do so with peace and dignity.
Let my family mourn my passing but not my loss,
and let them heal knowing I will see them again.
Time has passed and the Wheel has turned.
It is time for me to move on.
O, Anubis! Mighty Anubis!
[Name] has entered the gates to your realm,
And we ask that you deem him worthy.
His spirit is a brave one,
And his soul is an honorable one.
O, Anubis! Mighty Anubis!
As you take his measure,
And weigh his heart as he stands before you,
Know that he was loved by many,
And will be remembered by all.
Anubis, welcome [Name] and deem him worthy of entrance,
That he may walk through your realm,
And be under your protection for all eternity.
O, Anubis! Mighty Anubis!
Watch over [Name] as he bows before you.
Hel, great goddess, daughter of Loki,
She who guards the spirits of the dead,
Our friend [Name] has come to you now.
As [Name] kneels before you, Hel,
Know how much she was loved in this life,
And how many she loved in return
Before she crossed over.
She was an honorable soul,
A soaring spirit,
A brave warrior.
Watch over her, Hel, as she crosses the bridge,
From this life to the next.
And welcome her with glory,
That she may live on forever in our hearts
And memories.
Prayer to the Deities of Death
Prayer to Anubis
O, Anubis! Mighty Anubis!
[Name] has entered the gates to your realm,
And we ask that you deem him worthy.
His spirit is a brave one,
And his soul is an honorable one.
O, Anubis! Mighty Anubis!
As you take his measure,
And weigh his heart as he stands before you,
Know that he was loved by many,
And will be remembered by all.
Anubis, welcome [Name] and deem him worthy of entrance,
That he may walk through your realm,
And be under your protection for all eternity.
O, Anubis! Mighty Anubis!
Watch over [Name] as he bows before you..
Hail to you, Demeter! O mother of darkness,
May your grief be abated
when your daughter returns once more.
Hail to you, Hecate! O keeper of the gate,
between this world and the underworld.
I ask that when I cross over,
you may guide me with wisdom.
Hail to you, Freya! O mistress of Folkvangr,
guardian of those who fall in battle.
Keep the souls of my ancestors with you.
Hail to you, O gods and goddesses,
those of you who guard the underworld
and guide the dead on their final journey.
At this time of cold and dark,
I honor you, and ask that you watch over me,
and protect me when the day arrives
that I take my final journey.
Prayer to Anubis
O, Anubis! Mighty Anubis!
[Name] has entered the gates to your realm,
And we ask that you deem him worthy.
His spirit is a brave one,
And his soul is an honorable one.
O, Anubis! Mighty Anubis!
As you take his measure,
And weigh his heart as he stands before you,
Know that he was loved by many,
And will be remembered by all.
Anubis, welcome [Name] and deem him worthy of entrance,
That he may walk through your realm,
And be under your protection for all eternity.
O, Anubis! Mighty Anubis!
Watch over [Name] as he bows before you.
Prayer to Hel
Hel, great goddess, daughter of Loki,
She who guards the spirits of the dead,
Our friend [Name] has come to you now.
As [Name] kneels before you, Hel,
Know how much she was loved in this life,
And how many she loved in return
Before she crossed over.
She was an honorable soul,
A soaring spirit,
A brave warrior.
Watch over her, Hel, as she crosses the bridge,
From this life to the next.
And welcome her with glory,
That she may live on forever in our hearts
And memories.
Prayers to Various Deities
Taken from About.com
Brighid, Bride of Earth
Bride of the earth,
sister of the faeries,
daughter of the Tuatha de Danaan,
keeper of the eternal flame.
In autumn, the nights began to lengthen,
and the days grew shorter,
as the earth went to sleep.
Now, Brighid stokes her fire,
burning flames in the hearth,
bringing light back to us once more.
Winter is brief, but life is forever.
Brighid makes it so.
Brighid, Keeper of the flame
Mighty Brighid, keeper of the flame,
blazing in the darkness of winter.
O goddess, we honor you, bringer of light,
healer, exalted one.
Bless us now, hearth mother,
that we may be as fruitful as the soil itself,
and our lives abundant and fertile.
Hail Morrighan! Hail Morrighan!
Protect this land from those who would trespass upon it!
Hail Morrighan! Hail Morrighan!
Guard this land and all those who dwell within it!
Hail Morrighan! Hail Morrighan!
Watch over this land and all contained upon it!
Hail Morrighan! Hail Morrighan!
Goddess of battle, great goddess of the land,
She who is the Washer at the Ford, Mistress of Ravens,
And Keeper of the Shield,
We call upon you for protection.
Trespassers beware! The great Morrighan stands guard,
And she shall unleash her displeasure upon you.
Let it be known that this land falls under her protection,
And to do harm to any within it
Is to invite her wrath.
Hail Morrighan! Hail Morrighan!
We honor and thank you this day!
Hail Morrighan! Hail Morrighan!
Great sun, wheel of fire, Ra in your glory,
hear me as I honor you
on this, the shortest day of the year.
Summer has gone, passed us by,
the fields are dead and cold,
all of earth sleeps in your absence.
Even in the darkest times,
you light the way for those who would need a beacon,
of hope, of brightness,
shining in the night.
Winter is here, and colder days coming,
the fields are bare and the livestock thin.
We light these candles in your honor,
that you might gather your strength
and bring life back to the world.
O Ra, mighty sun above us,
we ask you to return, to bring back to us
the light and the warmth of your fire.
Bring life back to earth,
Bring light back to earth.
Hail Ra! Ruler of the sun!
God of the green,
Lord of the forest,
I offer you my sacrifice.
I ask you for your blessing.
You are the man in the trees,
the green man of the woods,
who brings life to the dawning spring.
You are the deer in rut,
mighty Horned One,
who roams the autumn woods,
the hunter circling round the oak,
the antlers of the wild stag,
and the lifeblood that spills upon
the ground each season.
God of the green
Lord of the forest,
I ask you for your blessing.
You are the man in the trees,
the green man of the woods,
who brings life to the dawning spring.
You are the deer in rut,
mighty Horned One,
who roams the autumn woods,
the hunter circling round the oak,
the antlers of the wild stag,
and the lifeblood that spills upon
the ground each season.
God of the green,
Lord of the forest,
I offer you my sacrifice.
I ask you for your blessing.
A Prayer to Isis
Mighty mother, daughter of the Nile,
we rejoice as you join us with the rays of the sun.
Sacred sister, mother of magic,
we honor you, Lover of Osiris
she who is mother of the universe itself.
Isis, who was and is and shall ever be
daughter of the earth and sky,
I honor you and sing your praises.
Glorious goddess of magic and light,
I open my heart to your mysteries.
Prayer to Lugh
Great Lugh!
Master of artisans,
leader of craftsmen,
patron of smiths,
I call upon you and honor you this day.
You of the many skills and talents,
I ask you to shine upon me and
bless me with your gifts.
Give me strength in skill,
make my hands and mind deft,
shine light upon my talents.
O mighty Lugh,
I thank you for your blessings.
Evocations
found in 'Craft of the Wise' by Vikki Bramshaw
A generic Evocation to the Goddess
Gracious Goddess of the Moon
Mistress of magic and rebirth
Lady of the harvest
And Mother of the earth
I invite you to join me in this, my rite.
I bid You, Hail and Welcome.
A European Evocation to the Goddess
Hail, Brigid
I call unto thee, Lady of golden hair
Bestow upon me the secrets
Of the sacred fires of creation
I invite you to join me in this, my rite.
I bid You, Hail and Welcome!
An Egyptian Evocation to the Goddess
Great Goddess Isis
Lady of stars
Giver of life, beautiful in heaven
Rise in peace, rise in beauty
As I invite you to join me in this, my rite.
I bid You, Hail and Welcome!
A generic Evocation to the God
Shining God of the sun
Lord of warmth, keeper of the skies
You who are sacrificed
And then are born again
I invite you to join me in this, my rite.
I bid You, Hail and Welcome!
A European Evocation to the God
Hail, Cernunnos
I call unto thee, O Horned One
Lord of the wilds, come unto my side
So that I might know your nature.
I invite you to join me in this, my rite.
I bid You, Hail and Welcome!
An Egyptian Evocation to the God
Osiris, Beloved of Isis
Lord of resurrection, God of secrets
Darkness is banished
By the presence of your majesty
As I invite you to join me in this, my rite.
I bid You, Hail and Welcome!