# A Sequence of Prayers to the Blessed Virgin Mary (Prayer #12)
*2015-08-22*

> On the Feast of the Queenship of Mary, Bill Young offers a heartfelt prayer asking Jesus to reaffirm Mary as our mother and to help us imitate her virtues.

## Opening and Context

Good afternoon, I’m Bill Young. Today is Saturday, August 22, the Feast of the Queenship of Mary. In honor of Mary we continue our “Marathon of Prayers to Mary,” and this is prayer number 12.

## Jesus, Declare Mary My Mother

Jesus, when you were about to accomplish the ultimate sacrifice for our redemption, you turned to the Apostle John and, representing all humanity, said to him, “This is your mother” (John 19:27). With that announcement you entrusted Mary to us as the one who leads us to the supernatural life, just as a mother guides her child in natural life.

I ask you, Lord, to repeat those words to my heart: “This is your mother.” Let me feel the consoling truth that Mary truly is my mother. You, who became her Son and gave yourself completely to her, grant that I may, following your example, give myself entirely to this most tender Mother, without reserve, and forever be her beloved son.

## Petition for Grace and Trust

You who love and continue to love your Mother, a model of beauty and holiness, who lived only for you and accepted the most terrible martyrdom for your sake, impart to me the living flame of a child’s love toward her.

You, who always trusted Mary, give me the grace to cultivate the same unshakable trust in her, that she may obtain for me any grace she wishes to grant. Teach me that loving Mary on earth is not merely an enjoyable feeling but a call to work and suffering. Help me consecrate my activity, labor, and time to her, and never refuse to suffer for her, accepting with love the small trials and sacrifices of daily life.

Impress upon my mind that the most beautiful act of devotion to Mary, and most pleasing to her, is the imitation of her virtues. Inspire me to embrace humility, poverty, obedience, and purity, that I may become truly similar to her and be drawn closer to you, Lord.

## The Hail Mary Repeated

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.

(Hail Mary repeated three times, as in the traditional devotion.)

## Closing Doxology

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.

*May we always hear Jesus say, “This is your mother,” and respond by loving and imitating Mary in every aspect of our lives.*