Day 19- God in Her Soul

"I cannot well see what more I shall have in Heaven than I have now; I shall see God, it is true, but as to being with Him, I have that already on earth." 

 ~ 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 did not rely on her own strength but on God's- realizing that the Three Divine Persons were really and truly present in her soul through Sanctifying Grace." (quoted from "Joy in Suffering")  St. Therese truly knew that the Holy Trinity was only a thought away from her in every need.  She noted, "Scarcely three minutes ever pass without a loving thought of God."  She constantly invoked Our Dear Lord throughout her days.  And, along with her patroness, St. Teresa of Avila,  she proclaimed, "God and I are a majority!"

Prayer:

Dear St. Therese, help me to call upon the Holy Trinity living inside of me, like you did, all throughout my days.  Remind me to talk to Our Dear Lord about everything, even the very small and insignificant things- knowing that God wants to hear from us about it all!  I know from your example that "I can do all things in Him who gives me strength!"

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....