Day 13- Constant Prayer

"The Creator of the Universe awaits the prayers of a poor little soul to save a multitude of other souls, ransomed, like herself, at the price of His Blood." ~St. Therese

Preparatory Prayer:

Dear St. Therese of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face, I thank the Most Holy Trinity for all the graces lavished upon you, and through you upon the world.  I have great confidence in your intercession, both because of your power in Heaven, since you yourself said that "God would refuse you nothing," and because of your goodness and your promise that "no one would invoke you without receiving answer, since you would "spend your Heaven in doing good upon earth" and "let fall from Heaven a shower of roses."  Intercede for me with the loving Hearts of Jesus and Mary, that the Holy Spirit may assist me to understand your teaching on "Joy in Suffering" and may grant me the gift of fortitude, that fired with a burning love of God and souls, I may eagerly follow you in joyous suffering and share in your glorious triumph.  I promise to show my heartfelt gratitude by doing whatever I can to promote your honor and to make you ever more widely known and loved throughout the world, for the greater glory of the Most Holy Trinity.  Amen.

Reflection:

St. Therese loved to pray and she was happy to share her excitement when she would tell others, "How wonderful is the power of prayer!  It is like unto a queen who, having free access to the king, obtains all that she asks for."  She did not think of prayer as something that had to be done but as a joy.  She said, "With me, prayer is an uplifting of the heart, a glance toward Heaven, a cry of gratitude and love uttered equally in sorrow and in joy.  In a word, it is something noble and supernatural, which expands the heart and unites it with God."

St. Therese's life was like one "unbroken prayer."  She made her whole life a prayer, not just by the words she spoke or her mediations on Scripture but also by her silent prayer of trust and suffering- especially at the end of her life- so that each moment was a union of her soul with Our Dear Lord. When asked what she prays while up late at night because of her illness she said, "I say nothing- I only love Him.  I can still suffer and love, and that is enough." 

Prayer:

Dear St. Therese, help me to live a life of one "unbroken prayer" as you did.  Help me to constantly offer all my joys and sorrows of each moment to Jesus as an act of love- even if it is only by a "glance towards heaven."  Help me to see prayer as a beautiful opportunity to be united with Jesus and not as a chore that must be checked off of my list of things to do for the day.  I desire to have your prayer life!

I also recommend to you my special intentions in this Novena (Specify your intentions.)  To one who has suffered so much for Him, God will refuse nothing.

Our Father....  Hail Mary....  Glory Be....