Today’s Scripture

Mark 10:51 NRSVue

Then Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man said to him, “My teacher, let me see again.”

Reflection for the First Day

Jesus addresses the same question to you at the beginning of this novena: ‘What do you want?’ St. Augustine said that all our desires are really a longing for God in disguise; where there is real desire, there is prayer. So, be at peace in your desire, you are already praying!

Today’s Prayer

Lord, I come to you at the start of this novena with a muddle of desires. Give me the courage to listen to what you want to say to me about these desires, and give me the strength to accept your loving desires for me and for my loved ones.

Daily Invocation

O Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you.

Novena Prayer

Lord Jesus, the needs of your people open your heart in love for each of us. You care for us when we are lost, sympathise with us in loneliness, and comfort us in mourning; you are closest to us where we are weakest. You love us most when we love ourselves least; you forgive us most when we forgive ourselves least; and you call us to spread your love in whatever way we can.

Lord Jesus, your heart is moved with compassion when we are suffering, when we need your help, and when we pray for each other. I ask you to listen to my prayer during this Novena and grant what I ask. (Mention your intention silently.)

If what I ask is not for my own good and the good of others, grant me what is best, that I may build up your kingdom of love in our world. Amen.