# A prayer request from Pope Francis
*2014-09-28*

> Bill Young shares a request for prayer from Pope Francis, asking for God's protection and strength to handle the difficult tasks of the papacy.

## A request for the Holy Father

Welcome to the 375th episode of Prayer N Lunch. Today, we are focusing on a request from Pope Francis. The Holy Father has asked for our prayers, requesting that God protect him and give him the strength to meet the difficult tasks that have been placed upon him.

## A call to fight for the present

In the spirit of this request, we reflect on these words: Weep not for what you have lost, fight for what you have. Weep not for what is dead, fight for what is born in you. Weep not for one who has abandoned you, fight for who is with you. Weep not for those who hate you; fight for those who want you. Weep not for your past; fight for your present struggles. Weep not for your suffering; fight for your happiness.

Through the things that happen to us, we begin to learn that nothing is impossible to solve. We must simply move forward.

## Closing prayer

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.

*Instead of weeping over what is lost, we are called to fight for what we have and move forward with faith.*