# Our Love for the Heavenly Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
*2008-02-01*

> Bill Young leads a prayerful novena for the Merciful Love of Jesus, invoking the Holy Spirit and reflecting on humility, love, and repentance.

## Opening Prayer to the Holy Spirit

O Holy Spirit, soul of souls, I consecrate myself totally to you. Guide me to Jesus through the hand of Mary, that I may become a song of praise before the Heavenly Father. Grant me a love that is patient and kind, never envious, boastful, or conceited. A love without fear, seeking no advantage, free from anger or offense, that stores no grievances and rejoices only in truth and goodness. May this love be ready to make allowances, to trust, to hope, and to endure whatever comes.

## Imitating Christ’s Humility

Lord, grant me an attitude of humility like that of our Lord Jesus Christ, who, though He existed in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped. He emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, becoming truly human, humbled even to death on the cross.

## Novena Day Two: Seeking Merciful Love

In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

My Jesus, my sorrow is great. Consider my repeated offenses, yet with the heart of the Father you have forgiven me. Your words invite me to ask, and I ask with confidence for the grace to transform my behavior, to bear witness to my faith through works, and to kindle the fire of your love.

Meditating on the Our Father, we recall that God is both heaven and earth, and that contemplation of heaven moves us to love Him more fully as pilgrims on earth.

## Petition for Mercy and Guidance

My Jesus, in this time of trial, may your clemency be shown to this poor creature. Forgive my faults, even though I feel unworthy, and grant my desires if they serve your glory and the good of my soul. I place myself in your hands; do with me as you please.

## Prayer of Repentance and Trust

Lord, you lift the fallen and set prisoners free. You do not reject anyone who is afflicted. Hear my plea for the salvation of my soul and for good counsel. I am ashamed of my ingratitude and lack of trust, fearing I have wasted the time you gave me. Yet I turn to you, the source of eternal life.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; forgive those who trespass against us; lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for sinners now and at the hour of death, Amen.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

*May the Holy Spirit fill us with a humble, self‑sacrificial love that mirrors Christ’s own love for the Father.*