An interesting article about the very ancient prayer, Sub Tuum Praesidium — a prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary for help in trouble. This article has pictures of an Egyptian papyrus from the third century (200’s AD) with the prayer on it. Check it out:

New Liturgical Movement: The Sub Tuum Praesidium.

Here is a traditional English translation of the prayer: “Under thy protection we seek refuge, Holy Mother of God; despise not our petitions in our needs, but from all dangers deliver us always, Virgin Glorious and Blessed.”