# Prayers to the Blessed Virgin Mary on the Queenship Feast
*2015-08-22*

> Bill Young leads a marathon of Marian prayers on the Feast of the Queenship of Mary, asking the Mother of God for silence, strength, and mercy.

## Opening and Purpose

Good afternoon. This is Bill Young, and welcome to the Prayer at Lunch podcast. Today is Saturday, August 22, the Feast of the Queenship of Mary. In her honor we are praying a marathon of 26 prayers; we are now beginning the 22nd prayer.

## A Prayer for Silence and Listening

O Holy Mother, teach us to keep silence. Help us enter into the silence of God’s great plans, the silence of dense forests, the silence of serene nights. Teach us to keep silence in church, where Jesus awaits us, that we may perceive His meek and affectionate voice, so our souls may be strengthened and we may take courage once more.

## Mary as Model of Love and Mercy

O Holy Virgin Mary, teach us to love silence as you love, and to keep it as you keep it. Teach us the art of staying silent and the art of speaking, especially words that inspire enthusiasm and wise decisions in others. Fill our lives with silence, our Mother, and fill that silence with love for you, for our brothers and sisters, and for God.

Queen of the universe, most beloved Lady, you are the hope of the Father, above all saints, and the source of their joy. Through you we are reconciled with God. You are advocate of sinners, refuge of those whose lives seem ruined, comfort of the world, ransom of the wicked, joy of the sick, solace of the afflicted, and salvation of all. O Princess, Mother of God, cover us with your wings of mercy. Have mercy on us, for we trust in you.

## Consecration and Petition

Most pure Virgin, you are our hope. We consecrate ourselves to you and to your service, calling ourselves your servants. Do not allow us to fall into sin. O Immaculate Virgin, we are under your protection; we turn to you and beg that you intercede for us before Jesus, wounded by sin. Give us the strength to resist temptation.

O fullness of grace, enlighten our minds and loosen our tongues so that we may sing your praises, especially the angelic hymn: “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.”

## Closing Doxology

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

*Through Mary’s example we learn to embrace silence, seek mercy, and trust in God’s loving plan.*