Sometimes We Can't Pray as We Ought

In the New Testament, we are told that sometimes "we can't pray as we ought so the Spirit itself maketh intercession with groanings that can't be uttered." (Romans 8:26)
There are times in our life when a situation has us "prayerless." Where we just can't muster the words to pray. My former charismatic teachings suggested that this was when your "prayer language" could take over. I was never gifted with a prayer language but was open to the possibility. Now, I find that at times like this the intercession of the Spirit comes through for me in prayers written by others. These prayers can be short or long and can be useful to mirror the pangs of our heart that we can't seem to express. This one is a litany that was forwarded to me and came at a much needed time. Litany is from the latin word litania meaning prayer or supplication. This one is from the Catholics United for the Faith website.

Litany for the Protection and Guidance of Our Children

Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us, Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God, the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us!

Mary, Mother of God . . . pray for us and for our children (repeat after each intercession)
St. Joseph, role model of Christian homes . . .
St. Michael, St. Rafael, and St. Gabriel . . .
All you guardian angels . . .
All you saints in Heaven . . .

From wrong companions . . . shield them, O Lord
From bad magazines . . .
From evil TV shows . . .
From filthy images and words on the Internet . . .
From worldly music and lyrics . . .
From violent movies and bad language . . .
From all the snares of the devil . . .

For guidance to make good choices . . . please, send them Your Holy Spirit
For guidance to discern situations . . .
For guidance to despise vanity . . .
For guidance to suppress pride . . .
For guidance to recognize and avoid the occasions of sin . . .
For guidance to banish evil thoughts and imaginations . . .

That they may love what is good . . . we beseech Thee, O Lord
That they may recognize the needs of others . . .
That they might be selfless in humble service to others, especially within their own families . . .
That they may joyfully make sacrifices . . .
That they have a great desire to hear and read Holy Scripture . . .
That they may grow in holiness . . .
That they understand more clearly that no one enjoys interior peace of heart who turns away from You and is disobedient to Your will . . .
That they may all reach heaven . . .

Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world . . . spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world . . . graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world . . . have mercy on us, O Lord!