Mary, who can repay you?, Mary: Day 347

Mary, who can repay you?

St. Augustine of Hippo begins his prayer to Our Lady with words of grati- tude, trusting that what seems to him like a meager offering of praise will nevertheless be rewarded by her intercession.

Blessed Virgin Mary, who can worthily repay you with praise and thanks

for rescuing a fallen world by your generous consent? What songs of praise can our weak human nature offer in your honor, since it was through you that we have found the way to salvation? Accept, then, the poor thanks that we have to offer, even though it may be less than what you deserve. Receive our gratitude and obtain by your prayers the forgiveness of our sins. Take our prayers into the sanctuary of heaven and enable them to make our peace with God.

Let the sins we bring before Almighty God in repentance be forgiven through you. Let what we beg with confidence be granted through you. Accept our offer- ing and grant our request. Obtain forgiveness for what we fear, for you are the only hope of sinners. We hope to obtain the forgiveness of our sins through you. Blessed Lady, our hope of reward is in you.

Holy Mary, help those who are miserable, strengthen those who are discour- aged, comfort those who are sorrowful. Pray for your people, plead for the clergy, intercede for all women consecrated to God. Let all who honor you know your assistance and protection. Be ready to assist us when we pray, and bring back to us the answers to our prayers. Make it your concern always to pray for the people of God, for you were blessed by God and were made worthy to bear the Redeemer of the world, who lives and reigns forever. —St. Augustine of Hippo

IN GOD’S PRESENCE, CONSIDER . .  .

What prayers have I recently prayed that haven’t been answered as I was hoping for? What other priorities for my spiritual growth might God have in mind for me?

CLOSING PRAYER

From a prayer of St. Alphonsus Liguori: The Eternal Word came from heaven on earth to seek for lost sheep, and to save them he became your Son, Mary. When one of them goes to you to find Jesus, surely you will not turn him away.

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