Blessing against floods

(Approved by the Sacred Congregation of Rites, December 1, 1886.)

(Vested in surplice and stole, the priest accompanied by the people, carries a relic of the Holy Cross with which to bless the stream or river. There he devoutly reads, facing in turn the four directions, the beginnings of the four Gospels, and after each Gospel adds the following versicles and prayer:)

V. Help us, God, our salvation.
R. And free us because of the glory name.

V. Save Your servants.
R. Those who hope in You, my God.

V. Lord, do not act with us as our sins would demand.
R. Nor repay us according to the measure of our evils.

V. Send us help, Lord, from the holy place.
R. And from Sion protect us.

V. Lord, hear my prayer.
R. And let my cry reach up to You.

V. The Lord be with you.
R. And with your spirit.

Let us pray.

O God, You make the wicked man just,
and You do not desire the death of the sinner.
Your servants have confidence in Your mercy.
We humbly beg Your majesty that You will,
by Your heavenly aid,
kindly shield us from the dangerous waters,
and preserve us by Your continued care,
so that we may always gladly serve You,
and by no temptation be separated from You,
through Christ our Lord.

R. Amen.

And may the blessing of almighty God,
the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
descend upon these waters,
and keep them within bounds.

R. Amen.

(Then the river is sprinkled with holy water.)

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