# Novena to Merciful Love: Day 9
*2014-12-28*

> Bill Young leads the final day of the Novena to Merciful Love, focusing on the petition to be delivered from all forms of evil.

## A Prayer for the Lenten Journey

Welcome to the 27th episode of Prayer N Lunch. As we continue our Lenten journey together, we also reach the final day of the Novena to Merciful Love. Let us begin with a prayer for this season: Dear Lord, as I make my Lenten journey with you, send me your spirit. Help me to give of myself, help me to turn away from sin, and help me to fast and pray so that I may know you better. Let me renew through my journey to share your grace with the world. Amen.

## Introduction to Day Nine

On this ninth day of the Novena of Most Merciful Love, we begin 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 had of offending you so many times. And yet you, with the love of the Father, have not only forgiven me, but with your words, 'ask, and you shall receive,' invite me to ask for what I need. With 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 and from now on to bear witness to my faith with works, while living according to your precepts and in the burn of the fire of your love.

## Meditation: Deliver Us From Evil

Today's meditation focuses on the words of our Father: 'But deliver us from evil.' We ask God to deliver us from all evil—from those that affect our body and those that are eternal, from those of the present and those of the future. We ask for deliverance from sins, from vices, from uncontrolled passions, from inclinations towards evil, from the spirit of anger, and from pride. We say 'Amen' with intensity, affection, and trust, because God commands that we ask in this way.

## Requests and Final Prayers

My Jesus, I turn to you in this turbulent time. If you wish to show your clemency towards this poor creature, may your goodness triumph in your love and mercy. Forgive my faults, even if I am unworthy of obtaining what I ask. Graciously hear and grant my desires, if they serve your glory and for the good of my soul. I put myself into your hands; do with me as you please.

My Jesus, wash me with the blood from your divine side, so that by your grace I may return to live a pure life. Enter, Lord, into my room and rest with me. Accompany me along the dangerous path upon which I walk so that I may not lose my way. Lord, strengthen the weakness of my spirit. Comfort me in my anguish of heart by telling me that in your mercy you will never cease to love me at any moment of my life, and that you always remain in me.

*We must trust in God's merciful love to deliver us from all forms of evil and guide us toward a pure life.*