# The devotion of three Hail Marys
*2008-10-22*

> Bill Young explains the three‑Hail‑Mary devotion, its scriptural basis, and how to pray it morning and evening for protection and grace at the hour of death.

## Why we turn to Mary

God created us so that we may know, love, and serve Him in this life and rejoice with Him in paradise. Jesus warned that gaining the whole world while forfeiting one’s soul is a loss. Therefore, our ultimate concern must be eternal salvation. One sure way to grow in holiness is to devote ourselves to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the perfect guide to Christ. Through her, souls are drawn to Jesus and sanctified.

## The three daily petitions

The devotion consists of three Hail Marys, each offered for a specific purpose:
1. To thank the Eternal Father for creating heaven and earth.
2. To honor the Son for granting us knowledge and wisdom that surpasses that of saints and angels, bathing us in divine splendor.
3. To honor the Holy Spirit for kindling in our hearts the ardent flame of His love, making us good and merciful as God intends.

## The promised graces

The devotion promises that Mary will:
1. Keep us safe from every evil force.
2. Fill us with the light of faith and knowledge so that ignorance cannot tempt us.
3. Assist us at the hour of death, filling our souls with divine love and transforming pain into sweetness.

## How to pray the devotion

The prayer is said twice daily, in the morning and evening:

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

Mary, Mother of Jesus and my mother, defend me from the snares of the devil in this life and, especially, at the hour of death, through the power granted to you by the Eternal Father.

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 us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

(Repeat the Hail Mary three times, each invoking the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit respectively.)

## Putting it into practice

Bill encourages listeners to make the three‑Hail‑Mary devotion a regular part of their spiritual routine, trusting that Mary’s intercession will protect and sanctify them, especially as they approach their final hour.

*A simple daily devotion to Mary can bring divine protection, wisdom, and a sweetening of death.*