Saint Matthew the Apostle, also known as Levi, was one of the Twelve Apostles chosen by Jesus Christ. He is the author of the Gospel of Matthew, which is a foundational text in the Christian faith. The Catholic Church venerates him as a saint and has approved prayers dedicated to his intercession. Here are some church-approved prayers to Saint Matthew the Apostle:
1. Prayer to Saint Matthew the Apostle
O Glorious Saint Matthew,
whose Gospel records the wonderful conversion of a tax collector
to the faith of Jesus Christ,
grant that we may be drawn closer to Him
by meditating on the words and actions
that you have faithfully recorded.
Help us to see Jesus as the Messiah
and to embrace His teachings
with the same enthusiasm and love
that you did as His disciple.
Saint Matthew, pray for us
that we may always be faithful followers of Christ
and spread His Gospel message
to all corners of the world.
Amen.
2. Litany of Saint Matthew the Apostle
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 Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.
God, the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.
Holy Mary, pray for us.
Saint Matthew, pray for us.
Saint Matthew, faithful disciple of Jesus Christ, pray for us.
Saint Matthew, called by Jesus from the tax collector's booth, pray for us.
Saint Matthew, who left everything to follow Jesus, pray for us.
Saint Matthew, witness to the miracles and teachings of Jesus, pray for us.
Saint Matthew, inspired author of the Gospel, pray for us.
Saint Matthew, evangelist and apostle, pray for us.
Saint Matthew, martyr for the faith, pray for us.
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.
Pray for us, Saint Matthew the Apostle.
That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray.
O God, who chose Saint Matthew to be an apostle and evangelist,
grant that we may always be strengthened by his intercession
and rejoice in the salvation he proclaimed.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
3. Collect for the Feast of Saint Matthew the Apostle
O God, who with untold mercy,
were pleased to choose as an Apostle Saint Matthew,
the tax collector, grant that, sustained by his example and intercession,
we may merit to hold firm in following you.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever.
Amen.
These prayers honor the life, ministry, and martyrdom of Saint Matthew the Apostle, seeking his intercession for guidance, faithfulness, and the spreading of the Gospel message.