# Novena to Merciful Love: Day 8
*2014-12-27*

> Bill Young leads the eighth day of the Novena to Merciful Love, focusing on the petition from the Our Father: "And lead us not into temptation."

## Opening Prayer

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. My Jesus, my sorrow is great considering the disgrace I have offered you so many times. And yet you, with the heart of a father, have not only asked to forgive me, but with your words, "ask, and you shall receive," you invite me to ask for what I need. Full of confidence, I turn to your merciful love, so that it may grant me what I implore in this novena—especially the grace to change my behavior from now on, to bear witness to my faith with my works while living according to your precepts, and to burn in the fire of your love.

## Meditation on Temptation

Our meditation today focuses on the words of the Our Father: "And lead us not into temptation." When asking the Lord to grant that we may not fall into temptation, we acknowledge that He allows temptation for our own good. He permits our weaknesses so that we may conquer them, and He gives us divine strength so that we may have the victory. We realize that the Lord does not deny His grace to those who do all that is necessary to defeat powerful enemies. In asking that we may not fall into temptation, we are asking that we may not incur new debt besides those which we already have.

## A Request for Mercy

My Jesus, I turn to you in this time of turbulence. May your goodness triumph. In your love and mercy, forgive my faults, even if I am unworthy of obtaining what I ask of you. Gratefully hear and grant my desires, if they serve for your glory and for the good of my soul. I put myself into your hands; do with me as you please.

## Prayer for Protection

My Jesus, be protection and consolation for my soul. Be my defense against every temptation and cover me with the shield of your truth. Be my companion and hope, my defense and refuge against all dangers of the body and soul. Guide me in the vast sea of this world. In your mercy, comfort me in this trial. May the depths of your love and mercy be a safe haven for me, so that I may be saved from the snares of the devil.

*By asking the Lord to lead us not into temptation, we acknowledge our weakness and rely on His divine strength to conquer sin and avoid new spiritual debts.*