Who was St. Augustine?

St. Augustine of Hippo was a Bishop, Saint and Doctor of the Catholic Church. One of the world's best known philosophers and certainly the best known Christian philosopher, St. Augustine had an extensive life of intellectual production and spiritual work. In addition to philosophical work, St. Augustine also created prayers and devotional rules that are followed to this day.

By divine inspiration and spiritual strength, religious orders and the Church itself recognize the power of Augustine's prayers, which are used for protection, thanksgiving and elevation of the Immortal Soul. Learn more about this great Saint in this article and his powerful prayers.

Knowing more about St. Augustine

St. Augustine is regarded as a great author, philosopher, and theologian for many Christian religions. However, Aurelius Augustine was not always the well-known Christian bishop, and because of his pagan and pleasure-seeking past, his conversion story is a great one and to this day inspires generations of people seeking spiritual growth.

Origin and history

During his youth Aurelius Augustine was a student in the academies of the Roman Empire, and studying philosophy and rhetoric he became a great intellectual of his time. In this period, he had a very debauched and vulgar life, besides being a member of a very famous sect at the time: Manichaeism.

Moving away from the Gnostic teachings and towards philosophy through Neoplatonism, Augustine went through deep spiritual and existential crises. One day, listening to a sermon by St. Ambrose after having read some stories of Christians known as St. Anthony, St. Augustine is converted and decides to leave the paganism and hedonism that he lived before.

Miracles of Saint Augustine

St. Monica, the mother of St. Augustine, was one of those responsible for his conversion. As he relates in the Confessions, her prayers were the spiritual foundation that helped him find his way. After his baptism, St. Augustine founded a monastery with his friends.

In his last days, the city was besieged by the Vandals and during the siege, St. Augustine prayed for a sick man who was cured. On his deathbed, he asked that his library be preserved. When the Vandals finally invaded the city and burned it down, only the Cathedral and the Library were left intact.

Visual characteristics

Several images and paintings depict St. Augustine with dark skin color, which is very likely due to his Punic ethnicity. The Punic were a society formed in North Africa, mainly on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea.

Although he traveled to Milan, in the heart of the Roman Empire, becoming a prominent teacher of rhetoric, his origins have always been linked to the African continent, so, although we cannot say for sure, most likely St. Augustine was a black philosopher.

What does St. Augustine represent?

The story of St. Augustine is a story of conversion. Although he followed tortuous and even sinful paths, Augustine finally gave in to what he felt was his Life's Call, and embraced holiness and spirituality.

Furthermore, St. Augustine is one who points to the search for Truth, to the Intellectual life and to study. His work inspires and helps authors even today to understand philosophical and spiritual questions important to us.

Devotion in Brazil

In Brazil, Saint Augustine is venerated in some parishes and dioceses, having novenas and rosaries that are prayed by the faithful asking for the intercession of the Saint.

The Augustinian Order is a religious order linked to the Catholic Church which venerates and recognizes St. Augustine as its spiritual father. Furthermore, many Brazilian Catholic intellectuals recognize Augustine as their patron and pray for his protection and spiritual direction during their studies.

Prayer of Glorious Father Saint Augustine

The Prayer of the "Most Glorious Father St. Augustine" is part of the novena proper of the Catholic saint, being prayed as a form of veneration and request that St. Augustine from heaven intercedes on our behalf. Most prayers that follow begin with this phrase as a form of reverence. See more about this powerful prayer here.

Indications

The veneration to St. Augustine is done mainly by those who seek knowledge and a life of study, seeking an enlightened life. This prayer is also indicated for those who are seeking salvation and spiritual life, as well as the mercy of God.

So it is very good to be prayed every day, helping us to bring our thoughts and our inner life to the forefront.

Meaning

When we venerate a saint, we are putting his life in meditation because we believe that this person was a spiritual reference for all humanity. Venerating St. Augustine is to meditate on his miraculous conversion and also to seek humility to repent of our wrong attitudes, trying to be a better person.

Prayer

"Most Glorious Father St. Augustine,

that by divine providence you were called out of the darkness of gentility

and from the paths of error and guilt the admirable light of the Gospel

and to the straight ways of grace

And of justification, that he may be before men a vessel of God's favor

and shine in calamitous days for the Church,

as the morning star among the darkness of night: obtain for us from the God of all consolation

and mercy that we are called and predestined,

As You were, the life of grace and the grace of eternal life,

where together with you we sing the mercies of the Lord

and enjoy the lot of the elect for ever and ever. Amen."

Prayer of thanksgiving to St. Augustine

When our prayers are answered it is a duty to show gratitude to God for his Grace and favor. Saints are constantly praying and interceding on our behalf, and if we ask God for something through a Saint like Augustine, we also have a duty to show gratitude for the favor conceived. See now the prayer of thanksgiving for St. Augustine.

Indications

If you have sought St. Augustine, and you are happy with the direction your life is taking, be grateful for the good phase you are in. Gratitude brings us happiness and helps to develop and mature our personality. Be humble to recognize the Divine Action and the intercession of St. Augustine.

Through the wisdom and great works of St. Augustine and his intellectual reference, we also thank the intellectuals, thinkers and authors who through the work and intercession of Augustine, are able to guide us through reason as teachers of society.

Meaning

The prayer of gratitude to Saint Augustine is a way for us to show our love and recognition for his great work and for his spiritual reference for all the intellectuals of our society.

Through their intercession, we recognize that God enlightens the reason of men and gives special abilities to doctors and health professionals. We pray always recognizing the Love of God towards men.

Prayer

"We thank you for the divine message you pass on to us every day,

through their devotion to Jesus Christ

and your eternal struggle to have reached the Christian path;

We thank you for the purity you have in your words of wisdom,

that supports us so comfortably in our daily lives;

we thank you for being a bishop with a strengthened soul

and to have taken in many servants who were in the world of darkness;

We thank him for being the doctor of the Church, and further,

for blessing the hands of all doctors when they are performing their work;

we thank you for being the patron saint of publishers

Giving them bright, wise minds with insight to write the facts of our daily lives.

Dear St Augustine, we are grateful that you believed in us

and therefore we pray to you every minute of our existence. Amen!"

Prayer for Saint Augustine to make his children accept God

St. Augustine was long a rebellious son, far from the paths of light his mother sought for him. St. Monica, his mother, interceded for his soul until the end of his life so that he would find salvation and return to the paths of righteousness he had learned since childhood. Learn this powerful prayer to bring sons back to God's ways below.

Indications

The greatest concern of parents is that their children do not suffer and that they follow good paths. During most of St. Augustine's life, his mother, St. Monica, prayed constantly that his soul be saved and that he return to the good paths and leave the perverse and debauched life he had.

Just as St. Monica succeeded and was answered in her prayers, the prayer to make her children accept God can be made by any parent who, moved by a deep love, wants their children to return to the paths of goodness and religion.

Meaning

The faith of the Church is that our prayers are heard and that every act of penance done by a Christian can not only help him, but also help other Christians. We call this the communion of the Mystical Body of Christ.

Since we can help others spiritually through our prayers, we do these acts of penance out of love for our fellow Christians and also for our children who need to find God's love again.

Prayer

"O God who found in St. Augustine the conversion of his heart by the perseverance of his mother's prayer,

grant that we may always welcome your grace into our hearts,

so that he may find rest in you alone.

Look upon all the mothers who weep for their wayward children

and accept his tears,

to be rewarded for the gratitude of their children

and acknowledge your mercy and infinite love.

Look upon all our young people that they may find truth in you

and that they may serve only you in your kingdom.

Through Christ our Lord. Amen."

Prayer of St. Augustine for times of trouble

This prayer is one of the most powerful prayers ever made by St. Augustine, taught through the millennial tradition of Christians and the monastic orders connected to him. See below for how to pray the St. Augustine Prayer for difficult times.

Indications

We all go through decisive moments in our lives. Whether due to accidents, chance, or our own fault, times when we can't find a solution are quite common. St. Augustine created and passed on a powerful prayer that can help us get through those moments.

The St. Augustine Prayer for times of trouble is suitable for people who are experiencing dilemmas or going through great trials and tribulations. It also helps those who are confused and are in search of doing the right thing.

Meaning

During this Prayer, St. Augustine recalls memorable passages of Holy Scripture that serve as strength for our faith, reminding us of God's Power, Love and Mercy. These holy attributes ultimately reveal themselves throughout our prayer and help us to have hope that God will hear our prayer and answer us.

Jesus said that God is Father, and as Father he loves and cares for his children. Before God, with great humility, we should put ourselves in a position of surrender, begging and asking for his help, because then we will be answered.

Prayer

"Most loving Lord Jesus Christ, true God,

that from the bosom of the Father Almighty you were sent into the world

to absolve sins, redeem the afflicted, release the imprisoned,

gather vagabonds, lead pilgrims to their homeland,

sympathize with the truly repentant, comfort the oppressed

and troubled;

deign to absolve and deliver me (say his name),

your creature, from the affliction and tribulation in which I find myself,

because you received from God the Father Almighty the human race to redeem it;

and, made human, lavishly purchased for us Paradise with your precious blood,

establishing an entire peace between Angels and men.

So then, deign, Lord, to introduce and confirm

a perfect concord between me and my enemies,

and let your peace shine upon me,

your grace and mercy; mitigating and extinguishing all hatred and wrath

that my opponents have against me,

As thou didst practice Esau, by taking away all the hatred that he had against his brother Jacob.

Lord Jesus Christ, extend upon me (say his name), your creature, your arm and your grace,

and deign to rid me of all those who hate me,

as you delivered Abraham from the hands of the Chaldeans;

to his son Isaac of the consummation of the sacrifice;

to Joseph, from the tyranny of his brothers, to Noah, from the universal flood;

to Lot from the fire of Sodom;

to Moses and Aaron, your servants,

and the people of Israel from the power of Pharaoh and the slavery of Egypt;

David from the hands of Saul and the giant Goliath;

Suzanne of felony and false testimony;

to Judith from the haughty and impure Holofernes;

to Daniel from the lions' den;

to the three young men, Shadrach, Mischek, and Abednego, from the burning fiery furnace;

to Jonah from the belly of the whale;

the daughter of the Canaanite woman of the devil's vexation;

to Adam from the penalty of hell;

the Peter of the waves of the sea;

and Paul from the prisons.

O most loving Lord Jesus Christ, son of the living God,

attend also to me (say his name), your creature,

and come quickly to my help, by your incarnation, by your birth,

by hunger, by thirst, by cold, by heat;

through toils and afflictions;

for the saliva and slapping;

scourging and crown of thorns;

for the cloves, gall and vinegar;

and the cruel death you suffered;

by the spear that pierced your breast and the seven words you spoke on the Cross,

first and foremost to God the Father Almighty:

- Forgive them, O Lord, for they know not what they do.

Then to the good thief who was crucified with you:

- I tell you in truth that today you will be with me in Paradise.

Then to the same Father:- Eli, Eli, Lamah Sabactani, which comes to say :

- My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?

Then to your Mother: - Woman, behold your son. Then to the disciple:

- Here is your Mother, showing that you care for your friends.

Then you said: - I thirst, because you desire our salvation

and the holy souls who were in limbo.

You then told your Father:

- Into your hands I commend my spirit.

And last of all you exclaimed, saying:

- It is consummated, because they were completed

all your toils and pains.

I beseech you therefore for all these things,

and by your descent

to limbo by your glorious resurrection,

for the frequent consolations you have given your disciples,

by your wonderful ascension, by the coming of the Holy Spirit,

for the tremendous day of judgment!

As well as all the benefits I have

received from your goodness, because you created me from the

nothing, you, have redeemed me, you have granted me your

holy faith, you have strengthened me against the temptations of the devil, and

you promised me eternal life;

for all this, my Lord Jesus Christ,

I humbly ask you that now and always

defend me from the evil adversary and from every danger

so that after this life

to enjoy in eternal bliss

your Divine Presence.

Yes, my God and my Lord, have mercy on me,

miserable creature, all the days of my life.

O God of Abraham,

God of Isaac and God of Jacob, have mercy on me (say his name),

thy creature, and send thy holy Michael the Archangel to my aid,

to guard and defend me from all my spiritual and carnal enemies,

visible and invisible.

And you, Holy Michael, Archangel of Christ, defend me in the last battle,

lest he perish in the tremendous judgment.

Archangel of Christ, Holy Michael, I pray to you for the grace you have earned,

and by our Lord Jesus Christ, deliver me from every evil, and from the last danger,

in the last hour of death.

Saint Michael, Saint Gabriel and Saint Raphael, and all

the other Angels and Archangels of God, come to the aid of this wretched creature:

I humbly beseech you to lend me your assistance, that

that no enemy can harm me either on the way,

as at home, as well in water as in fire, or watching or

sleeping, or speaking, or silent; both in life and in death.

Behold the Cross of the Lord; flee, adverse enemies.

He defeated the lion of the tribe of Judah, a descendant of David,

Hallelujah.

Savior of the world, save me. Savior of the world, help me.

You, who by your blood and your Cross have redeemed me,

save me and defend me today and at all times.

Holy God, Strong God, Immortal God, have mercy on us.

Cross of Christ save me, Cross of Christ protect me,

Cross of Christ defend me.

In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Amen"

Prayer to the Excellent Doctor of Grace, Saint Augustine

St. Augustine is the patron saint of intellectuals and as a philosopher and doctor of the Church, he has much to teach us. The prayer we pray for the Blessing of St. Augustine is also a prayer for direction and wisdom. See here for more on this powerful prayer to the "excellent doctor of grace".

Indications

As a doctor of the Church, the works of St. Augustine serve as a light for our studies and help us both to understand and not to be deceived with lies and false doctrines. The Blessing of St. Augustine is a request that he help us to have wisdom and discernment so as not to be deceived.

This prayer is recommended for everyone, especially if you are facing an important decision. If you work with your reason, and depend on your judgment to succeed professionally, pray every day this Blessing to have rational discernment in any situation.

Meaning

We ask St. Augustine to direct us always in the ways of the Lord. This prayer is a sincere supplication so that St. Augustine may guard our souls and help us to find God and Truth.

It is also a request to help us not to become discouraged in the face of difficulties and to stand firm in order to overcome our challenges. Just as his life was an example of transformation and conversion to God, we also ask that the same may happen to us and that we may have the humility to recognize our mistakes and mature.

Prayer

"O excellent doctor of grace, St. Augustine.

You who have told of the wonders of merciful love worked in your soul,

help us to trust always and only in divine help.

Help us, O great Saint Augustine,

to find God "eternal truth, true charity, longed for eternity".

Teach us to believe and live in grace, overcoming our mistakes and distresses.

Accompany us to eternal life, to love and praise the Lord unceasingly.Amen!"

Prayer of Saint Augustine for divine protection

Through the communion of all saints, we can ask for the intercession of those who are already in heaven to bless us. When we devote to St. Augustine, we can ask him to bless us and intercede for us before God. See here more about St. Augustine's Prayer for Divine Protection

Indications

Through Divine Grace, we ask St. Augustine to help us find wisdom and Truth in the face of our own dilemmas. With this prayer, you ask for the protection and intercession of St. Augustine so that you will not be deceived.

This prayer is mainly for you who believe you are lost, feel alone and need a meaning, a purpose for life. Besides enlightenment, you can also seek physical protection, against diseases and accidents, asking God to protect you throughout the day.

Meaning

In this prayer, we ask the Saint to direct us to the paths of light. Through his great wisdom and his intercession, we seek in Saint Augustine the miracles and the wisdom we need to follow our life.

If we pray believing that God can grant us the same grace, we will be able to enjoy the blessings in our immortal soul and also in our intelligence and reason. Especially when we are in difficult moments, in which everything seems confused, we should pray to St. Augustine for the Grace of God to enlighten us.

Prayer

"St. Augustine, full of dignity, fervent love and untiring brilliance,

sustain us and protect us from unhappiness, from danger, from slander,

giving us wisdom, discernment, calm and the presence of divine love.

Do not allow us to distance ourselves from the doctrine of God,

of whom the ardent and supreme love eternalizes our life.

Powerful St. Augustine,

bless each one who seeks you in a moment of help, nostalgia and lack of direction. Saint Augustine, work miracles for us, in the name of God the Father Almighty. Amen!"

Prayer of Saint Augustine to grant you a revelation

Although he was a great philosopher and wise man, St. Augustine recognized that Truth was beyond him and needed to be discovered and revealed through meditation, study, and the Grace of God. Therefore, St. Augustine prayed constantly before his studies that he might have divine help. Here is St. Augustine's prayer to receive a revelation.

Indications

For those who seek truth, wisdom and have an intellectual life, this prayer is extremely indicated. If you study and are in school or college, always pray before class or studies to have more clarity and enjoy the grace to be able to learn more.

This prayer is also indicated for those who are studying for competitive examinations or entrance exams, helping concentration and the ability to assimilate the content.

Meaning

We must always remember that Reality exists and that in order to discover the Truth, we must investigate and search outside ourselves. St. Augustine knew this, and so he asked God to help him find the answers he needed.

Furthermore, we must remember that there are evil spiritual beings who wish to lead us away from the Truth, and against them we need Divine protection. We therefore seek in this prayer both grace and the protection and support of God to help us at the time of study and meditation.

Prayer

"O my God! be merciful to me though I am unworthy of thy bounties,

and cause my word to come to you always, that you may know my spirit.

God of Abraham, God of Isaac, God of Jacob, have mercy on me

and send to my aid your Saint Michael the Archangel to defend me from evil

and can see what my admiration for you is.

Blessed are Saint Gabriel, Saint Raphael and all the saints of the heavenly court,

help me and grant me the grace that my enemies

who must also be enemies of God,

cannot make me suffer their evil deeds, for while I am awake, I think of God,

and when I sleep, I dream of its grandeurs and wonders.

Savior of the world, forsake me not,

since you have delivered me from another greater evil, which is to die in hell

and complete your work and grant me your grace.

I humbly beseech thee, O my God, to sustain me,

Agios Otheos, Agios Ischiros, Agios Athanatos, Eleison ima

(Holy God, Strong God, Immortal God, have mercy on me).

Lovely cross of Jesus Christ, save me! Cross of Christ, save me!

Essence of Christ, save me! Amen"

How to make a prayer of St. Augustine correctly?

Each and every prayer addressed to God should be made with all the sincerity of our heart. Prayers that have a standard and repeatable formula are an inexhaustible source of meditation, which serve both our spirituality and our learning.

Every time you pray to St. Augustine, keep in mind his life, his sincerity and humility to let go of his sins and embrace Holiness. Meditate on all these things and so live the prayer as you speak, making it truly an expression of your spirituality.