A common Santa Muerte prayer involves asking for protection, guidance, and help with specific needs like protection from enemies, love, or prosperity. A general structure for a prayer is to first show respect and explain your situation, then clearly state your request, and finally offer something in return. Some prayers invoke Santa Muerte as a guide and protector through life and death, as seen in examples of morning and evening prayers, as well as prayers for specific issues.  

General structure for a Santa Muerte prayer 

• Address her: Begin by showing respect, for example, “Santísima Muerte, I call on you with love and respect”. 
• State your request: Be honest and clear about your needs. This could be for protection, love, wealth, or help with a difficult situation. 
• Make an offering: Offer something in exchange for her assistance. This can be a physical item like a candle or a promise, or a verbal promise to do something if your request is granted. 

Example prayers 

For protection 

"Santísima Muerte, I come, on my knees, to beg for your protection as I head into the wilderness. I beseech thee, O Holy One, to envelop me in your blessings and guard me with your scythe as I make my way through the abyss. With your help, Madre Santa, I know that my enemies will not prevail in their attempts to stop me".  

For prosperity 

"Santa Muerte, Lady of Fortune and Flow, Open the doors to prosperity. Help me earn, save, and grow. Clear the blocks to wealth that I carry inside, And walk with me always, as my guide".  

For strength against enemies 

"I call upon the negra Santa Muerte, for an injustice done to me! ... I want is for these individuals to pay heavy dues for their actions of distrust, lies, deceit, hatred, self gain, and hurt! Do unto them 10 fold, and take ultimate payment from their souls!".  

Before you pray 

• Set up a space: Some devotees find it helpful to set up an altar with images, candles, and flowers. 
• Cleanse your space: Use smoke or prayer to cleanse the area before you begin. 
• Be sincere: Approach her with respect and honesty. 
• Fulfill your promise: It is important to follow through on any offerings you promised in exchange for her help.