Every day, we will post a few brief prayers inspired by the Liturgy of the Hours.
O Lord, open my lips. And my mouth shall declare your praise.
Psalm 35:13-16
When they were sick I went into mourning, afflicted with fasting. My prayer was ever on my lips, as for a brother, a friend. I went as though mourning a mother, bowed down with grief. Now that I am in trouble they gather, they gather and mock me. They take me by surprise and strike me and tear me to pieces. They provoke me with mockery on mockery and gnash their teeth.
Reading: 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, 19-20
You must recall, brothers, our efforts and our toil: how we worked day and night, all the time we preached God's good tidings to you in order not to impose on you in any way. You are witnesses, as is God himself, of how upright, just, and irreproachable our conduct was toward you who are believers. You likewise know how we exhorted every one of you, as a father does his children—how we encouraged and pleaded with you to make your lives worthy of the God who calls you to his kingdom and glory. That is why we thank God constantly that in receiving his message from us you took it, not as the word of men but as it truly is, the word of God at work within you who believe. Who, after all, if not you, will be our hope or joy, or the crown we exult in, before our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? You are our boast and our delight.
The Canticle of Mary
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, My spirit rejoices in God, my Savior for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name.
Intercessions
Protect all missionaries. Come, Lord Jesus! Send laborers into your harvest. Come, Lord Jesus! Help us to proclaim your name. Come, Lord Jesus!
Heavenly Father, Grant us the grace of serving you with the same love and faith that St. Francis Xavier had. We ask this in the name of Jesus who lives with you and the Holy Spirit forever. Amen.
