# Day 7 of the Novena to Merciful Love: Forgiveness and the Lenten Journey
*2015-01-26*

> Bill Young reflects on the impact of a recent discipleship retreat, emphasizes daily prayer during Lent, and leads the Day 7 meditation of the Novena to Merciful Love, focusing on forgiveness.

## A Discipleship Retreat Worth Attending

I want to invite anyone in South Florida to the discipleship retreat sponsored by St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church from April 11‑13 at the Florida Spiritual Center. The retreat is modestly priced—just covering food and lodging—but offers a beautiful setting on the Intracoastal Waterway and an atmosphere that draws us closer to God. My first retreat three years ago was a turning point; the adoration, the Holy Spirit’s presence, and the community all deepened my faith. It even set me on the path to start this podcast. If you’re interested, visit St. Kolbe’s website and look for the “Retreat” link for details and registration.

## Why Prayer Matters in Lent

Lent is a time to draw nearer to God, and prayer is essential to that journey. I try to pray daily, though busy days sometimes make it difficult, and I feel the weight of those missed moments. That’s why I keep this podcast—to remind us all that prayer should be a regular part of our lives, especially during this season of conversion.

## Day 7 Meditation: “And forgive us our trespasses… ”

We begin today’s prayer with the words of the Lord’s Prayer: “And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.”

My sorrow is great for the times I have offended God, yet He, with a father’s heart, forgives me and invites me to ask for what I need. I turn to His merciful love, seeking the grace to change my behavior, to bear witness to my faith through works, and to live according to His precepts, burning in the fire of His love.

## Prayer of the Day

Dear Lord, as I make my Lenten journey with You, send me Your Spirit. Help me to give of myself, turn away from sin, and fast and pray so that I may know You better. Renew me through this journey so I may share Your grace with the world. Amen.

Father, we ask You to forgive our debts and sins, which we could never repay on our own. Grant us the grace to forgive those who have wronged us, remembering that if we forgive others, You will forgive us. 

My Jesus, in this time of tribulation, show Your clemency toward this poor creature. Forgive my faults, even though I feel unworthy, and grant my desires if they serve Your glory and the good of my soul. 

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

## Closing Blessing

May God bless you as you continue this Lenten journey, seeking forgiveness and extending it to others.

*Forgiving others opens the way for God’s forgiveness in our own lives.*