The Scent Of Faith: Unveiling The Author Of The Fragrance Prayer

who wrote the fragrance prayer

The Fragrance Prayer is a prayer by Cardinal Saint John Henry Newman that was popularized by Mother Teresa. It was adapted into a worship song by American Catholic worship leader Tom Booth. The prayer goes:

> Jesus, help me to spread your fragrance wherever I am. Fill my heart with your Spirit and your life. Penetrate my being and take such hold of me that my life becomes a radiation of your own life. Give your light through me and remain in me in such a way that every soul I come in contact with can feel your presence in me. May people not see me, but see you in me. Remain in me, so that I shine with your light, and may others be illuminated by my light. All light will come from you, Oh Jesus. Not even the smallest ray of light will be mine. You will illuminate others through me. Place on my lips your greatest praise, illuminating others around me. May I preach you with actions more than with words, with the example of my actions, with the visible light of the love that comes from you to my heart.

Characteristics Values
Name of Prayer The Fragrance Prayer
Author Cardinal Saint John Henry Newman
Popularised by Mother Teresa (St. Teresa of Calcutta)
Worship Song Adaptation Tom Booth
Worship Song Lyrics Dear Jesus, Help me to spread your fragrance everywhere that I go. Dear Jesus, Flood my soul with your spirit and your love. Penetrate and possess my being So utterly that all my life may Only be a radiance of you. Dear Jesus, Help me to spread your fragrance everywhere that I go. Help me to spread your fragrance everywhere that I go.
Worship Song Video Covideo Sessions No. 7
Prayer Book The Fragrance of Worship and Prayer Journal
Prayer Book Author Barbara McDougald

shunscent

The Fragrance Prayer was written by Saint John Henry Newman

> Jesus, help me to spread your fragrance wherever I am. Fill my heart with your Spirit and your life. Penetrate my being and take such hold of me that my life becomes a radiation of your own life. Give your light through me and remain in me in such a way that every soul I come in contact with can feel your presence in me. May people not see me, but see you in me. Remain in me, so that I shine with your light, and may others be illuminated by my light. All light will come from you, Oh Jesus. Not even the smallest ray of light will be mine. You will illuminate others through me. Place on my lips your greatest praise, illuminating others around me. May I preach you with actions more than with words, with the example of my actions, with the visible light of the love that comes from you to my heart.

The Fragrance Prayer has been adapted into a worship song by American Catholic worship leader, Tom Booth. The song, also titled "Fragrance Prayer," is based on Saint John Henry Newman's original prayer and was popularized by Mother Teresa (St. Teresa of Calcutta). Booth's song is a beautiful expression of the prayer's sentiments, and it captures the essence of the prayer in a musical form.

The Fragrance Prayer is a powerful and inspiring prayer that captures the essence of devotion and surrender to Jesus. It reflects the desire to be an instrument of Jesus' love and light in the world, shining with his radiance and spreading his fragrance wherever one goes. This prayer is a reminder that our actions can speak louder than words when it comes to sharing our faith and that the light of Jesus can shine through us to illuminate the path for others.

shunscent

It was popularised by Mother Teresa (St. Teresa of Calcutta)

While the Fragrance Prayer is attributed to Blessed John Henry Cardinal Newman, it was popularised by Mother Teresa (St. Teresa of Calcutta) as one of her favourite prayers.

Mother Teresa was a Catholic nun who founded the Order of the Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta, India, in 1950. She dedicated her life to serving the poor and marginalised, and her spiritual teachings and humanitarian work have had a lasting impact on people worldwide.

The Fragrance Prayer is a beautiful expression of Mother Teresa's devotion to Jesus and her desire to spread his light and love to those around her. The prayer begins with a plea for Jesus' assistance: "Dear Jesus, help me to spread Your fragrance everywhere I go." It continues with a request for spiritual guidance and enlightenment: "Flood my soul with Your spirit and life." The prayer then becomes a plea for complete surrender to Jesus' will, asking that he "penetrate and possess my whole being so utterly/That my life may only be a radiance of Yours."

The prayer concludes with a humble request for praise and a recognition of Jesus' light shining through the devotee: "Let me thus praise You the way You love best, by shining on those around me." This final stanza reflects Mother Teresa's belief in the power of example and her commitment to living a life of service and compassion, reflecting Christ's love.

Mother Teresa's adoption and popularisation of the Fragrance Prayer have helped spread its message of devotion, surrender, and humble service to a wider audience. The prayer continues to inspire people to live their lives in a way that honours Jesus' teachings and embodies his light and love in their daily interactions.

shunscent

It was adapted into a worship song by Tom Booth

The Fragrance Prayer was adapted into a worship song by Tom Booth, an American Catholic worship leader. The prayer was originally written by Cardinal Saint John Henry Newman and was popularised by Mother Teresa (St. Teresa of Calcutta).

Booth's song is based on Newman's prayer, which begins with the words: "Jesus, help me to spread your fragrance wherever I am. Fill my heart with your Spirit and your life." The lyrics of the song are as follows:

> Dear Jesus,

> Help me to spread your fragrance everywhere that I go.

> Dear Jesus,

> Flood my soul with your spirit and your love.

> Penetrate and possess my being

> So utterly that all my life may

> Only be a radiance of you.

> Dear Jesus,

> Help me to spread your fragrance everywhere that I go.

> Help me to spread your fragrance everywhere that I go.

The song captures the essence of Newman's prayer, expressing the desire to spread the fragrance of Jesus' love and spirit wherever one goes. It is a plea for divine guidance and intervention, asking for one's life to be filled and radiate with Jesus' presence.

Booth's adaptation of the Fragrance Prayer is a testament to the power of music in worship. By setting these words to music, he has created a new avenue for people to connect with and express their faith. This song, along with his other works, showcases Booth's talent for translating prayers and spiritual sentiments into captivating and accessible musical forms.

The Fragrance Prayer by Saint John Newman has clearly resonated with many people, and its adaptation by Tom Booth further extends its reach and impact. It is a reminder that prayers and spiritual experiences can be expressed and shared through various mediums, including music, which can often evoke emotions and convey meanings in unique and profound ways.

shunscent

The prayer is about spreading the fragrance of Jesus

The Fragrance Prayer is a prayer about spreading the fragrance of Jesus. The prayer is a call to action for Christians to spread the love and message of Jesus wherever they go. The prayer is also about personal transformation and surrender to Jesus.

The Fragrance Prayer is believed to have been given to Father Don Dolindo Ruotolo in a private revelation from Jesus. The prayer has become popular among Christians, especially Catholics, as it encapsulates the essence of living a Christ-like life.

The prayer is often associated with the idea of fragrance in the Bible. In the Scriptures, prayer is often described as incense rising to God, creating a sweet fragrance that pleases Him. This concept is seen in Psalm 141:2, "Let my prayer be set before You as incense," and in Revelation 8:3–4, where an angel offers the prayers of the saints as incense on a golden altar before God.

The fragrance mentioned in the prayer is a metaphor for the impact Christians can have on others. Just as a pleasant fragrance can permeate a room and leave a lasting impression, Christians are called to spread the fragrance of Jesus' love, kindness, and truth wherever they go. This idea is reflected in 2 Corinthians 2:15, which states, "For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing."

The prayer also emphasizes the importance of personal transformation and surrender to Jesus. By inviting the Holy Spirit to fill and guide us, we allow our lives to be possessed by Jesus, radiating His love and presence to those around us. This concept is beautifully captured in Mother Teresa's daily prayer:

> "Dear Jesus, help me to spread Your fragrance everywhere I go. Flood my soul with Your spirit and life. Penetrate and possess my whole being so utterly, That my life may only be a radiance of Yours. Shine through me, and be so in me That every soul I come in contact with May feel Your presence in my soul."

Through the Fragrance Prayer, Christians are encouraged to live surrendered, Spirit-filled lives, allowing the fragrance of Christ to permeate their beings and spread to others.

shunscent

It is a prayer for guidance and strength

The concept of fragrance in prayer is a powerful one, with many interpretations and references in both the Old and New Testaments. The "Fragrance Prayer" specifically refers to a prayer by Cardinal Saint John Henry Newman, which was later adapted into a worship song by Tom Booth and popularised by Mother Teresa (St. Teresa of Calcutta).

The prayer itself is a plea for guidance and strength, asking Jesus to "spread your fragrance" within the speaker and take such hold of me that my life becomes a radiation of your own life". This idea of radiating Jesus' light to others is a central theme, with the prayer imploring Jesus to "give your light through me" and "remain in me, so that I shine with your light". The speaker asks to be a vessel for Jesus' light, so that others may "feel your presence in me" and "see you in me".

The prayer also acknowledges the role of the Virgin Mary, reflecting a devotion that dates back to the second century. Saint Irenaeus wrote, "The knot of Eve’s disobedience was untied by the obedience of Mary; what the virgin Eve bound by her unbelief, the Virgin Mary loosened by her faith." This theme of Mary's intercession is further explored in the Litany of Humility, a prayer that helps the faithful release their doubts and fears, seeking approval not from people but from God.

The Fragrance Prayer is a reminder that through prayer, believers can find guidance and strength to shine God's light and spread His fragrance to the world. It encourages a lifestyle of worship and prayer, as seen in Barbara McDougald's "The Fragrance of Worship and Prayer Journal", which helps believers draw closer to God and release a "sweet aroma" unto Him.

In conclusion, the Fragrance Prayer, authored by Saint John Henry Newman, serves as a powerful invocation for guidance and strength. It inspires believers to radiate Jesus' light and spread His fragrance, reflecting a deeper understanding of prayer as a sweet fragrance that rises to God, just as incense fills a room with its pleasing aroma.

Frequently asked questions

The Fragrance Prayer was written by Saint John Henry Newman.

Saint John Henry Newman was a Cardinal and is known for writing the Fragrance Prayer.

The Fragrance Prayer was popularised by Mother Teresa (St. Teresa of Calcutta).

The Fragrance Prayer – Tom Booth (cover version) was written by Tom Booth, an American Catholic worship leader.

Written by
Reviewed by

Explore related products

Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment