Ascribed to St Bernard (1090-1153), this prayer can be used for desperate needs. Mother Teresa was known to pray it ten times in a row when answers were needed quicker than a standard nine-day novena would allow. Known as her “Quick Novena”, it involves praying the Memorare nine times in petition and once in thanksgiving, anticipating the prayers being answered.

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession, was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.

Latin

Memoráre, o piísima Virgo María, non esse audítum a sæ’ culo, quemquam ad tua curréntem præsídia, tua implorántem auxília, tua peténtem suffrágia esse derelíctum. Ego tali animátus confidéntia ad te, Virgo Vírginum, Mater, curro; ad te vénio; coram te gemens peccátor assísto. Noli, Mater Verbi, verba mea despícere, sed audi propítia et exáudi. Amen.