# Help Us in These Difficult Times – A Prayer to Mary
*2008-11-04*

> Bill Young leads a prayer written by Pope John Paul II, asking Mary to intercede for the Church and the world amid political turmoil and personal challenges.

## Opening

Good afternoon. This is Bill Young, and welcome to the 191st episode of Catholic Podcast Ministries, Prayer and Lunch. Today’s prayer, “Help Us in These Difficult Times,” was written by Pope John Paul II. With a new president in the United States and ongoing global tensions—Russia’s pressure on Poland, Iran’s rhetoric—we are reminded that our leaders will be tested. Let us pray with that in mind.

## Addressing Mary

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

We turn to you, sorrowful Mother, who knows all that we lack, who knows our sorrows and our hearts. Mary, you understand our deepest desires. Speak of our present difficulties to your Son, Jesus, and tell Him about the troubled times in which we live.

## Petition for Guidance

Help us, Mother of Christ, Mother of the Lord of the future, to listen to your Son every day and in every moment, even when life seems severe and demanding. To whom else shall we turn? He holds the words of eternal life, the Gospel of joy, the commandments, and the promise of salvation.

## Closing Prayer

With the Gospel in our hearts, Mother, help us overcome today’s difficulties so that we may reach the tomorrow to which Christ invites us. Amen.

May God bless us all and our leaders.

*In trusting Mary’s intercession, we find strength to face today’s challenges and hope for the future.*