Recently we had our parish mission with Kyle and Valerie Clement. It was wonderful, and out of the mission came a beautiful Sacred Heart Image with a very awesome prayer. Now I realize that the print on these is a little tiny so I am reproducing it in this column so that we can all pray it this Lent.
O merciful Jesus, my King and my God, I worship You.
O Blessed Mother, Mary Immaculate, I cherish you.
For those who offer insult, I offer you praise.
For those who offer you mocking, I offer you honor.
For those who offer you disbelief, I offer you trust.
For those who offer you hate, I offer you love.
For those who offer you cursing, I offer you blessing.
For those who offer you ridicule, I offer you loving gazes.
For those who offer you blasphemy, I offer you adoration.
For those who offer you rebellion, I offer you obedience.
For those who offer you indifference, I offer you devotion.
For those who offer you obstinate pride, I offer you a contrite heart.
For those who offer you scorn, I offer you fidelity.
Forgive them Lord for they know not what they do.
Soften the hearts of those who offend you,
that they may come to know you and love you as you deserve.
Make my heart more fervent so I may pray without ceasing for the conversion and salvation of souls. Amen.
Please take the time to pray this beautiful prayer this Lent, and pray it slowly, if a word pops out, spend some time with it and ask the Lord to help it go deeper.
Fr. Thomas P. Galarneault