Prayer for Strength and Comfort

My Lord, if I may be walking through fields that are rough with grief and care, may I have the courage to continue on to the smooth pastures, where I may walk with comfort and peace. May I not let the weariness and sorrow that may come to my heart to-day dwarf my hope and enjoyment of the future. Amen.

Read More

Prayer for Anxiety and Worry

Prayer for anxiety and worry

Dear Lord, my worries overwhelm me and their burden presses hard on my shoulders. The future seems clouded in uncertainty and any attempt to predict it fills my heart with painful anxiety. But you know all these things, Father. You hold the strings of my life. That’s why I turn to you and I place my present and my future in your hands. Take the burden of my worries off my shoulders and renew your love in me.

You have taken care of me so far and you have protected me from all devastating evil. You’ve fulfilled my needs and comforted me in every pain and trial. Today I put before me the words of your Son, Jesus Christ, who told us not to worry, for nothing happens on earth or in heaven without your knowledge and your will. Let me never forget this lesson and live my life in accordance with it.

When I look at my past with the eyes of the present, I realize how much suffering I would have been spared of, had I listened to these words and followed your advice. I know it is too late to change what has already been but, starting from this moment, I choose to put everything in your hands and live as you want me to – in faith, hope and love.

I know that sometimes I will be tempted to fall back to my old ways and the spirit of fear, worry and anxiety will try to take possession of my soul once more. In those moments of grievous temptations, remind me I am yours and bring me back to you. Never let me forget that I am a new man in Christ, that in him my soul has peace and salvation - heavenly treasures that nothing and nobody can take away from me. Help me to live my life in the light of this truth and never let anything separate me from your love.

AMEN

Read More

Prayer to Heal a Relationship

 Lord, I offer you this prayer, to help me with my current relationship situation. Please take away all the pain and hurt in my heart. Fill it with love, joy, patience, and understanding. Bless me and my partner, so that we may never surrender to whatever challenges that come our way. Fill our hearts with love for each other, and may you make each one of us realize each other's worth. Please touch the heart of my partner,fill it with much love for me. Make our complicated relationship become uncomplicated. I seek for your mercy and blessing that you may allow us to spend the rest of our lives with each other. Please make this feeling mutual for both of us.

Lead us not into temptations. Guide us wherever we go. Always put us in each other's heart and mind. Thank you Lord for hearing my prayer. I love you. Amen.

Read More

Novena Prayer

Dear Jesus, You have said, "Ask, and you shall receive; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you," behold me kneeling at your feet, filled with a lively confidence in the promises dictated by your sacred heart and pronounced by your adorable lips. I come to ask this favor: ( Here silently mention your petitions.)

To whom can I turn if not to you whose heart is the source of all graces and merits? Where should I seek if not in the treasure which contains all the riches of your kindness and mercy? Where must I knock if not at the door through which God gives Himself to us and through which we go to God? I have recourse to you, heart of Jesus. In you I find consolation when afflicted, protection when persecuted, strength when burdened with trials and light in doubt and darkness.

Dear Jesus, I firmly believe that you can grant me the grace I implore, even though it should require a miracle. You have only to will it, and my prayer will be granted I admit that I am most unworthy of your favors, but this is not a reason for me to be discouraged. You are a God of mercy and You will not refuse a contrite heart. Cast upon me a look of mercy, I beg of You, and Your kind Heart will find in my miseries and weakness a reason for granting my prayer.

O Sacred Heart,whatever may be your decision with regard to my request, I will never stop adoring, loving, praising and serving you. My Jesus, be pleased to accept this my act of perfect resignation to the decrees of your adorable heart which I sincerely desire may be fulfilled in and by me and all Your creatures forever.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, I know that there is but one thing impossible to you: to be without pity for those who are suffering or in distress. Look upon me, I beg of You, dear Jesus, and grant me the grace for which I humbly implore You through the immaculate heart of your most sorrowful Mother. You have entrusted me to her as her child, and her prayers are all-powerful with You. Amen.

Read More

NOVENA TO THE HOLY SPIRIT FOR THE SEVEN GIFTS

FOREWORD

The novena in honor of the Holy Spirit is the oldest of all novenas since it was first made at the direction of Our Lord Himself when He sent His apostles back to Jerusalem to await the coming of the Holy Spirit on the first Pentecost. It is still the only novena officially prescribed by the Church. Addressed to the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity, it is a powerful plea for the light and strength and love so sorely needed by every Christian.

ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE HOLY SPIRIT

   To be recited daily during the Novena

On my knees I before the great multitude of heavenly witnesses I offer myself, soul and body to You, Eternal Spirit of God. I adore the brightness of Your purity, the unerring keenness of Your justice, and the might of Your love. You are the Strength and Light of my soul. In You I live and move and am. I desire never to grieve You by unfaithfulness to grace and I pray with all my heart to be kept from the smallest sin against You. Mercifully guard my every thought and grant that I may always watch for Your light, and listen to Your voice, and follow Your gracious inspirations. I cling to You and give myself to You and ask You, by Your compassion to watch over me in my weakness. Holding the pierced Feet of Jesus and looking at His Five Wounds, and trusting in His Precious Blood and adoring His opened Side and stricken Heart, I implore You, Adorable Spirit, Helper of my infirmity, to keep me in Your grace that I may never sin against You. Give me grace O Holy Spirit, Spirit of the Father and the Son to say to You always and everywhere, "Speak Lord for Your servant heareth." Amen.

PRAYER FOR THE SEVEN GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

   To be recited daily during the Novena

O Lord Jesus Christ Who, before ascending into heaven did promise to send the Holy Spirit to finish Your work in the souls of Your Apostles and Disciples, deign to grant the same Holy Spirit to me that He may perfect in my soul, the work of Your grace and Your love. Grant me the Spirit of Wisdom that I may despise the perishable things of this world and aspire only after the things that are eternal, the Spirit of Understanding to enlighten my mind with the light of Your divine truth, the Spirit on Counsel that I may ever choose the surest way of pleasing God and gaining heaven, the Spirit of Fortitude that I may bear my cross with You  and that I may overcome with courage all the obstacles that oppose my salvation, the Spirit of Knowledge that I may know God and know myself and grow perfect in the science of the Saints, the Spirit of Piety that I may find the service of God sweet and amiable, and the Spirit of Fear that I may be filled with a loving reverence towards God and may dread in any way to displease Him. Mark me, dear Lord with the sign of Your true disciples, and animate me in all things with Your Spirit. Amen.

The Novena begins on the day after the Solemnity of the Ascension, Friday of the 6th Week of Easter, even if the Solemnity of the Ascension is transferred to the 7th Sunday.

FIRST DAY (Friday after Ascension or Friday of 6th Week of Easter)

Holy Spirit! Lord of Light! From Your clear celestial height, Your pure beaming radiance give!

The Holy Spirit

Only one thing is important -- eternal salvation. Only one thing, therefore, is to be feared--sin? Sin is the result of ignorance, weakness, and indifference The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Light, of Strength, and of Love. With His sevenfold gifts He enlightens the mind, strengthens the will, and inflames the heart with love of God. To ensure our salvation we ought to invoke the Divine Spirit daily, for "The Spirit helpeth our infirmity. We know not what we should pray for as we ought. But the Spirit Himself asketh for us."

Prayer

Almighty and eternal God, Who hast vouchsafed to regenerate us by water and the Holy Spirit, and hast given us forgiveness all sins, vouchsafe to send forth from heaven upon us your sevenfold Spirit, the Spirit of Wisdom and Understanding, the Spirit of Counsel and fortitude, the Spirit of Knowledge and Piety, and fill us with the Spirit of Holy Fear. Amen.

Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES.

Act of Consecration, Prayer for the Seven Gifts

SECOND DAY (Saturday of 6th Week of Easter)

Come. Father of the poor. Come, treasures which endure; Come, Light of all that live!

The Gift of Fear

The gift of Fear fills us with a sovereign respect for God, and makes us dread nothing so much as to offend Him by sin. It is a fear that arises, not from the thought of hell, but from sentiments of reverence and filial submission to our heavenly Father. It is the fear that is the beginning of wisdom, detaching us from worldly pleasures that could in any way separate us from God. "They that fear the Lord will prepare their hearts, and in His sight will sanctify their souls."

Prayer

Come, O blessed Spirit of Holy Fear, penetrate my inmost heart, that I may set you, my Lord and God, before my face forever, help me to shun all things that can offend You, and make me worthy to appear before the pure eyes of Your Divine Majesty in heaven, where You live and reign in the unity of the ever Blessed Trinity, God world without end. Amen.

Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES.

Act of Consecration, Prayer for the Seven Gifts

THIRD DAY (7th Sunday of Easter or transferred Ascension)

Thou, of all consolers best, Visiting the troubled breast, Dost refreshing peace bestow.

The Gift of Piety

The gift of Piety begets in our hearts a filial affection for God as our most loving Father. It inspires us to love and respect for His sake persons and things consecrated to Him, as well as those who are vested with His authority, His Blessed Mother and the Saints, the Church and its visible Head, our parents and superiors, our country and its rulers. He who is filled with the gift of Piety finds the practice of his religion, not a burdensome duty, but a delightful service. Where there is love, there is no labor.

Prayer

Come, O Blessed Spirit of Piety, possess my heart. Enkindle therein such a love for God, that I may find satisfaction only in His service, and for His sake lovingly submit to all legitimate authority. Amen.

Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES.

Act of Consecration, Prayer for the Seven Gifts

FOURTH DAY (Monday, 7th Week of Easter)

Thou in toil art comfort sweet, Pleasant coolness in the heat, solace in the midst of woe.

The Gift of Fortitude

By the gift of Fortitude the soul is strengthened against natural fear, and supported to the end in the performance of duty. Fortitude imparts to the will an impulse and energy which move it to under take without hesitancy the most arduous tasks, to face dangers, to trample under foot human respect, and to endure without complaint the slow martyrdom of even lifelong tribulation. "He that shall persevere unto the end, he shall be saved."

Prayer

Come, O Blessed Spirit of Fortitude, uphold my soul in time of trouble and adversity, sustain my efforts after holiness, strengthen my weakness, give me courage against all the assaults of my enemies, that I may never be overcome and separated from Thee, my God and greatest Good. Amen.

Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES.

Act of Consecration, Prayer for the Seven Gifts

FIFTH DAY (Tuesday, 7th Week of Easter)

Light immortal! Light Divine! Visit Thou these hearts of Thine, And our inmost being fill!

The Gift of Knowledge

The gift of Knowledge enables the soul to evaluate created things at their true worth--in their relation to God. Knowledge unmasks the pretense of creatures, reveals their emptiness, and points out their only true purpose as instruments in the service of God. It shows us the loving care of God even in adversity, and directs us to glorify Him in every circumstance of life. Guided by its light, we put first things first, and prize the friendship of God beyond all else. "Knowledge is a fountain of life to him that possesseth it."

Prayer

Come, O Blessed Spirit of Knowledge, and grant that I may perceive the will of the Father; show me the nothingness of earthly things, that I may realize their vanity and use them only for Thy glory and my own salvation, looking ever beyond them to Thee, and Thy eternal rewards. Amen.

Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES.

Act of Consecration, Prayer for the Seven Gifts

SIXTH DAY(Wednesday, 7th Week of Easter)

If Thou take Thy grace away, nothing pure in man will stay, All his good is turn'd to ill.

The Gift of Understanding

Understanding, as a gift of the Holy Spirit, helps us to grasp the meaning of the truths of our holy religion BY faith we know them, but by Understanding we learn to appreciate and relish them. It enables us to penetrate the inner meaning of revealed truths and through them to be quickened to newness of life. Our faith ceases to be sterile and inactive, but inspires a mode of life that bears eloquent testimony to the faith that is in us; we begin to "walk worthy of God in all things pleasing, and increasing in the knowledge of God."

Prayer

Come, O Spirit of Understanding, and enlighten our minds, that we may know and believe all the mysteries of salvation; and may merit at last to see the eternal light in Thy Light; and in the light of glory to have a clear vision of Thee and the Father and the Son. Amen.

Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES.

Act of Consecration, Prayer for the Seven Gifts

SEVENTH DAY(Thursday, 7th Week of Easter)

Heal our wounds--our strength renews; On our dryness pour Thy dew, Wash the stains of guilt away.

The Gift of Counsel

The gift of Counsel endows the soul with supernatural prudence, enabling it to judge promptly and rightly what must done, especially in difficult circumstances. Counsel applies the principles furnished by Knowledge and Understanding to the innumerable concrete cases that confront us in the course of our daily duty as parents, teachers, public servants, and Christian citizens. Counsel is supernatural common sense, a priceless treasure in the quest of salvation. "Above all these things, pray to the Most High, that He may direct thy way in truth."

Prayer

Come, O Spirit of Counsel, help and guide me in all my ways, that I may always do Thy holy will. Incline my heart to that which is good; turn it away from all that is evil, and direct me by the straight path of Thy commandments to that goal of eternal life for which I long.

Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES.

Act of Consecration, Prayer for the Seven Gifts

EIGHTH DAY (Friday, 7th Week of Easter)

Bend the stubborn heart and will, melt the frozen warm the chill. Guide the steps that go astray!

The Gift of Wisdom

Embodying all the other gifts, as charity embraces all the other virtues, Wisdom is the most perfect of the gifts. Of wisdom it is written "all good things came to me with her, and innumerable riches through her hands." It is the gift of Wisdom that strengthens our faith, fortifies hope, perfects charity, and promotes the practice of virtue in the highest degree. Wisdom enlightens the mind to discern and relish things divine, in the appreciation of which earthly joys lose their savor, whilst the Cross of Christ yields a divine sweetness according to the words of the Saviour: "Take up thy cross and follow me, for my yoke is sweet and my burden light.

Prayer

Come, O Spirit of Wisdom, and reveal to my soul the mysteries of heavenly things, their exceeding greatness, power and beauty. Teach me to love them above and beyond all the passing joys and satisfactions of earth. Help me to attain them and possess them for ever. Amen.

Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES.

Act of Consecration, Prayer for the Seven Gifts

NINTH DAY (Saturday, Vigil of Pentecost)

Thou, on those who evermore Thee confess and Thee Adore, in Thy sevenfold gift, Descend; Give Them Comfort when they die; Give them Life with Thee on high; Give them joys which never end. Amen

The Fruits of the Holy Spirit

The gifts of the Holy Spirit perfect the supernatural virtues by enabling us to practice them with greater docility to divine inspiration. As we grow in the knowledge and love of God under the direction of the Holy Spirit, our service becomes more sincere and generous, the practice of virtue more perfect. Such acts of virtue leave the heart filled with joy and consolation and are known as Fruits of the Holy Spirit. These Fruits in turn render the practice of virtue more attractive and become a powerful incentive for still greater efforts in the service of God, to serve Whom is to reign.

Prayer

Come, O Divine Spirit, fill my heart with Thy heavenly fruits, Thy charity, joy, peace, patience, benignity, goodness, faith, mildness, and temperance, that I may never weary in the service of God, but by continued faithful submission to Thy inspiration may merit to be united eternally with Thee in the love of the Father and the Son. Amen.

Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES.

Read More

Sacred Heart Novena: Pray for 9 consecutive days

DAY 1:

    The word "heart" is a strong word and a beautiful one. "Take heaert!" we say, when we want a man to pick up courage. "He gave her his heart," we say, when a man gives to a woman his pure love. With perfect understanding, we talk of a motherly heart...of a man who puts heart into his work...of the innocent heart of a child...of the pulsing heart of a city. What more natural then, that when Christ the Saviour revealed Himself once more to humanity, He should borrow our word, knowing that it would ring with complete familiarity? "Behold the heart that hath loved men so much," He cried, indicating His Own Heart. And men of good heart and of loving heart answered, "Indeed, we know how much You have loved us." To the Saviour who revealed Himself to the world that needs love, we pray:

O God, Who in the heart of Thy Son, wounded by our sins, dost deign mercifully to bestow upon us the infinite treasures of Thy love, grant, we beseech Thee, that we who now pay Him the devout homage of our piety, may also perform the duty of worthy satisfaction. Through the same Jesus Christ, Our Lord, Who livest and reignest with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, world without end. Amen.

Day 2:

    Ours is a gracious God of love, of that there is no slightest doubt. God the Father created the world lovingly and tenderly. The long passages of the ages--a flash of God's eternity--were spent in the preparation of a beautiful, convenient, well-stocked earth to be man's dwelling place. The newly made creatures, made to the image and likeness of the Heavenly Father, He adopted as His sons and daughters. When in dark rebellion, these sons and daughters revolted, "God so loved the world, as to give His only-begotten Son that...the world may be saved." The love story of God is written anew in the star of Bethlehem, the smile of the Child Jesus, His hidden life of service to Mary and to the villagers of Nazareth, the miracles and parables of His public life, the death by which Christ laid down His life for His friends. Then, on the wings of wind and in the symbolic form of flame, the Spirit of love came to dwell in human souls, divine love taking up its residence in the men and the women that God had loved into life, loved unto death, loved to their own sanctification. Before the three Persons of the Trinity, Who love us with a divine love, we kneel and pray:

O God, Who in the heart of Thy Son, wounded by our sins, dost deign mercifully to bestow upon us the infinite treasures of Thy love, grant, we beseech Thee, that we who now pay Him the devout homage of our piety, may also perform the duty of worthy satisfaction. Through the same Jesus Christ, Our Lord, Who livest and reignest with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, world without end. Amen.


Day 3:

    Christ of the tender and loving heart... The Infant heart that beat with the impulse of love on Christmas... The heart that yearned over the world, which was dark in ignorance and wandering in sin... The heart that leaped in response to the love of Mary and knew the warmth of a devoted Son for the foster father who guarded Him tenderly... The heart that could hardly wait for the beginnings of His work over the lost multitudes... The heart of the Good Shepherd searching for His lost sheep... The heart that speaks in the poetry of the parables and the strength of the sermons... The heart that yearned for sinners and drove the Saviour questing for them far into the night... The heart that raised the widow's son from death... The heart that selected twelve men as intimate friends and then responded gratefully to the love of the innocent John... The heart that poured itself out in miracles of healing and forgiveness and mercy and loving kindness... This is the Sacred Heart of the historic Saviour. To this Heart we pray:

O God, Who in the heart of Thy Son, wounded by our sins, dost deign mercifully to bestow upon us the infinite treasures of Thy love, grant, we beseech Thee, that we who now pay Him the devout homage of our piety, may also perform the duty of worthy satisfaction. Through the same Jesus Christ, Our Lord, Who livest and reignest with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, world without end. Amen.


Day 4:

    The heart of the Saviour broke during the course of the Passion. The paschal moon that shone with fierce brilliance over the garden was like a searchlight beating upon the sins of the parading world. Christ saw that world, knew its horror and vileness, and broke into a bloody sweat. Yet that Heart held Him captive when the traitor came and made Him call the betrayer "friend." Upon the loving Saviour, bound, not with cords and chains, but by His heartstrings, fell the blows of the scourging, the mockery of the mob, the spittle of the soldiers, the awful humiliation of public rejection. It was His Heart rather than His Head that was crowned with thorns. Upon the cross, it was His Heart that held Him fast. He loved us and delivered Himself for us. He bore our bruises and our infirmities. Greater love than this no man hath, that He die for His executioners. And that the last drop of love might flow out and the lowest and meanest of His sinners might find safe entrance to His Heart. He offers that Heart to the lance of the centurion. In the cleft of His Heart, as in the cleft of a rock, the penitent world has found warmth, safety, and protection. Before the suffering Christ of love, we pray:

O God, Who in the heart of Thy Son, wounded by our sins, dost deign mercifully to bestow upon us the infinite treasures of Thy love, grant, we beseech Thee, that we who now pay Him the devout homage of our piety, may also perform the duty of worthy satisfaction. Through the same Jesus Christ, Our Lord, Who livest and reignest with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, world without end. Amen.


Day 5:

    The ages roll swiftly along their course. God's love for His creatures is undying. The love of Christ lives on in the Mass and in the sacraments and in His abiding Presence upon the altar and in the soul. But men are fickle. Doubt is a cold and chilling thing. The hot flame of passion has a way of dying down to the dark, cold, dusty ashes of bitterness and despair. So it was that into an age when men taught the denial of God's love, when they rejected His Presence on the altar, or forbade believers to approach the altar, the God of love came again. A little nun, holy and loving, knelt in her Visitation Convent. Margaret Mary, she was called. The combination of the two names has become music to the Catholic world ever since that time. On the altar before her was the vision of the loving Christ. There was shown the tortured, flaming Heart. There were spoken such words of pathetic beauty, of such divine yearning, of dignity combined with passion that only God could have said them. "Behold the Heart that has loved men so much and has been loved so little in return." Beholding that Heart, we kneel adoringly to pray:

O God, Who in the heart of Thy Son, wounded by our sins, dost deign mercifully to bestow upon us the infinite treasures of Thy love, grant, we beseech Thee, that we who now pay Him the devout homage of our piety, may also perform the duty of worthy satisfaction. Through the same Jesus Christ, Our Lord, Who livest and reignest with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, world without end. Amen.


Day 6:

    As the symbol of love, Christ had chosen the heart, the favorite symbol of human speech. It was His human heart, still pierced with the spear of Calvary, still open to welcome returning sinners. Around that Heart was twined the crown of thorns; for though Christ is indeed King, He is a King Who won His kingdom along the bloody course of love. From the Heart leap up living flames. They are like the tongues of fire that descended upon the apostles when the Spirit of love came to inflame them for the apostolate. These flames are restless, as love is always restless; but while, like fire, they warm and light, they do not burn or destroy or even smudge. A tiny cross, that unfailing symbol of God's love even unto death, surmounts the Heart. Poetry has known that a sequence of sonnets could not say what a single glimpse of this Heart reveals! Catholics everywhere have looked upon the Heart of the Saviour and have known that it was offered to them. God's Heart was theirs for the asking, theirs if only they would give their own worthless hearts in exchange. Before the symbol of the Sacred Heart, we pray:

O God, Who in the heart of Thy Son, wounded by our sins, dost deign mercifully to bestow upon us the infinite treasures of Thy love, grant, we beseech Thee, that we who now pay Him the devout homage of our piety, may also perform the duty of worthy satisfaction. Through the same Jesus Christ, Our Lord, Who livest and reignest with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, world without end. Amen.


Day 7:

    Love is always generous. It gives without the prospect of reward. It asks only to give in a flooding desire to be lavishly generous. Much as the Heart of the Saviour had during His public life sought love and responded to love and been divinely grateful for the slightest sign of love, that Heart always thought first in terms of giving...giving...and more giving. Miracles for the needy, forgiveness for the sinful, faith for those in darkness, hope for the despairful--these were the outpourings of the Heart of the Saviour. Now again He speaks, this time to promise the sweet gifts of His love. To those who love Him, assurance of eternal salvation...To those who honor a picture of Him, peace in their households and blessings upon their family. His reward for little acts of devotion just before death... His Presence in the Blessed Sacrament... Favors, gifts--promises made out of the greatness of His love--to anyone who will show some little signs of love for Him... With that vision, the great devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, old as Christianity itself but new in its present manifestation, moves in the wind-fed fire of love across the earth. Loving the Lover of our souls, we pray:

O God, Who in the heart of Thy Son, wounded by our sins, dost deign mercifully to bestow upon us the infinite treasures of Thy love, grant, we beseech Thee, that we who now pay Him the devout homage of our piety, may also perform the duty of worthy satisfaction. Through the same Jesus Christ, Our Lord, Who livest and reignest with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, world without end. Amen.


Day 8:

    "Behold the Heart that has loved men so much and that has been loved so little in return." It is upon the second half of the Saviour's statement that the loving Christian focuses his attention. We have known always the love of God. We have tried not to remember the lovelessness of men and women. With love for everyone and for everything, now as on the first Christmas, no love remains for Christ. With love walking in a thousand cheap disguises, as it did even during the climax of love on Calvary, love passes by without a nod to the victim of love. That is why the Saviour Himself asked loving souls for a little reparation. "Make up," He pleads, "for the millions who do not love Me. Tell Me at least that you wish sinners would stop their sin, and the faithful in name would become faithful in fact, and the sins committed in the ugly travesty on love would cease to kill the human power of love. Consecrate yourself," He begs, "to my Heart. Dedicate your homes and your children to My loving protection. Spend at least an occasional hour with Me." We consecrate ourselves to the loving Christ and pray:

O God, Who in the heart of Thy Son, wounded by our sins, dost deign mercifully to bestow upon us the infinite treasures of Thy love, grant, we beseech Thee, that we who now pay Him the devout homage of our piety, may also perform the duty of worthy satisfaction. Through the same Jesus Christ, Our Lord, Who livest and reignest with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, world without end. Amen.


Day 9:
    Christ of the Sacred Heart, Christ of the Blessed Sacrament--these two are identical. Devotion to the Sacred Heart is inseparably linked to devotion to the Holy Eucharist. Love for the Sacred Heart must inevitably lead to the tabernacle. Host and Heart are equally manifestions of the love of the Saviour for saints and sinners. The impulse of love in the Heart of the Saviour made inevitable the promise of the Eucharist, which climaxed the love feast of the loaves and the fishes. Love in the wonderful evening before His Passion, when love was the sole subject of His speech, inevitably passed beyond words and became bread made Flesh and wine made Blood, with the guarantee that never would He leave us orphans. That is why in His revelation to Saint Margaret Mary, Christ speaks of Holy Communion, that close union of the human soul with the divine. That is why He asks that on the first Friday we come to welcome Him. That is why He begs that on our knees before His loving Presence in the tabernacle we find the historice Christ in the Eucharistic Christ and remember that the love of Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Before the Eucharistic Heart of Christ, we kneel and pray:

O God, Who in the heart of Thy Son, wounded by our sins, dost deign mercifully to bestow upon us the infinite treasures of Thy love, grant, we beseech Thee, that we who now pay Him the devout homage of our piety, may also perform the duty of worthy satisfaction. Through the same Jesus Christ, Our Lord, Who livest and reignest with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, world without end. Amen.

© 1947 Daniel A. Lord, S.J.,
Imprimatur: Francis Cardinal Spellman, Archbishop of New York

Read More

Novena of Confidence to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

O Lord, Jesus Christ, to Your Most Sacred Heart
I confide this intention

(here mention your request)

Only look upon me,
then do what Your Heart inspires...
Let Your Scared Heart inspires...
Let Your Sacred Heart decide...
I count on You... I trust in You...
I throw myself on Your Mercy...

Lord Jesus! You will not fail me
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I trust in You,
Sacred Heart of Jesus,
I believe in Your love for me.

Sacred Heart of Jesus,

I have asked for many favors,
but I earnestly implore this one.
Take it in Your Sacred Heart.
When the Eternal Father sees it
covered with Your Precious Blood.
He will not refuse it.
It will be no longer be my prayer but Yours.
O Jesus, O Sacred Heart of Jesus,
I place my trust in you.
Let me never be confounded. AMEN.

Consecration

O most Holy Heart of Jesus,
fountain of every blessings, I adore You,
I love You, and with a likely sorrow
for my sins, I offer You this poor heart of mine.
Make me humble, patient, pure and wholly
obedient to Your will.
Grant, good Jesus, that I may live in You
and for You. Protect me in the midst of danger,
comfort me in my afflictions;
give me health of body, assistance in my temporal needs.
Your blessing on all that I do,
and the grace of a holy death.

Novena Prayer

May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored,
loved in all the tabernacles
until the end of time. Amen.

May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be praised
and glorified now and forever. Amen.

Blessed be the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Blessed be the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Sacred Heart of Jesus,
pray for us and hear our prayer. Amen.

Read More