The Creed as a Prayer (StVdP)

The Creed as a Prayer
Reflection for St. Vincent de Paul meeting, Monday, August 24, 2015
By Dcn Bob Bonomi

Each Sunday after the homily we express the tenets of our faith by reciting either the Nicene Creed – or especially during certain Mass celebrations, or when we recite the Rosary – the Apostles’ Creed.  These creeds are less a prayer than they are a statement of our beliefs.

But it can be helpful to profess those beliefs as a prayer, as they present to us an opportunity to tell God directly that we believe in Him and His Church.  By putting the creed into a prayer we enter into a conversation with God where we can ask for understanding and guidance as we try to understand the great mystery that is our faith.

Here's an example of the Nicene Creed as a prayer.  Read it slowly, as you would if you were talking with God face-to-face. 

The Nicene Creed as a Prayer           

I believe in You, God, the Father Almighty. You are the maker of Heaven and Earth - of all things visible and invisible.

And I believe in You, my Lord Jesus Christ. You are the Only Begotten Son of God, born of God the Father before all ages.

You are God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God.  You were begotten, not made, of the same substance as Your Father.  Through You all things were made.

For us men and for our salvation, You came down from Heaven, and by the Holy Spirit You were incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became a man like us.

For our sake You were crucified under Pontius Pilate. You suffered death and were buried, and You rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.

You ascended into Heaven, and You are seated at the right hand of Your Father.  You will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and Your kingdom will have no end.

And I believe You too, O Holy Spirit.  You are the Lord, the giver of life. You proceed from the Father and the Son, and with the Father and the Son You are adored and glorified.  You have spoken through the prophets.

I believe in Your one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church.  I confess to You one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come with You. 

Amen.