# Mother Teresa’s Nazareth Prayer for the Family
*2015-09-05*

> Bill Young reflects on Mother Teresa’s devotion to the family and shares her Nazareth Prayer, asking God to make each home a place of love, peace, and Eucharistic communion.

## Introducing Mother Teresa’s Feast Day

Good afternoon. I’m Bill Young, and welcome to the Prayer & Lunch podcast. Today is Saturday, September 5th, the feast day of Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta. While most of us know her for her tireless work with the poor in India, she was also a strong advocate for the family and composed a beautiful prayer for families.

## Prayer for Pope Francis and Our Leaders

Before we pray Mother Teresa’s prayer, let us lift up Pope Francis, who is traveling to the United States. May his visits to Philadelphia, Washington DC, and his meetings with families, politicians, and the President be filled with the Holy Spirit. Grant him strength, and may his presence inspire greater strength and unity in our own families.

## Mother Teresa’s Nazareth Prayer for the Family

Heavenly Father, you have given us the model of life in the Holy Family of Nazareth. Help us, O loving Father, to make our family a Nazareth where love, peace, and joy reign. May it be deeply contemplative, intensely Eucharistic, and revived with joy. Help us to stay together in joy and in sorrow, united in family prayer. Teach us to see Jesus in the members of our families, especially when He is disguised in ordinary life. May the Eucharist, the Heart of Jesus, make our hearts humble like His and empower us to carry out our family duties in a holy way. May we love one another as God loves each of us, more and more each day, and forgive each other’s faults as He forgives our sins. Help us, O loving Father, to receive whatever you give us with gratitude and to give back with a smile. Immaculate Heart of Mary, cause of our joy, pray for us. St. Joseph, pray for us. Holy guardian angels, always be with us, guide and protect us.

*May every home become a little Nazareth, rooted in love, prayer, and the Eucharist.*