# Help Us in These Difficult Times – A Prayer to St. John Paul II
*2015-09-29*

> Bill Young reflects on the feast of St. Narcissus of Jerusalem and shares a prayer composed by St. Pope John Paul II, asking for strength in today’s challenges.

## Feast of St. Narcissus

Good morning, this is Bill Young, and welcome to Prayer and Lunch. Today is Thursday, October 29, the feast day of St. Narcissus of Jerusalem. St. Narcissus lived in the third century and served as a great bishop of Jerusalem. Like all of us, he faced struggles, which reminds us that holiness does not exempt us from difficulty.

## A Prayer from St. John Paul II

I would like to pray the prayer written by St. John Paul II, asking God’s help in these difficult times:

"O Mother, you who know all that we lack and who understand our sorrows, speak to your Son on our behalf. Tell Him about the troubled present age in which we live. May He, the source of our future, guide us today and tomorrow. Mother of Christ, Mother of the Lord of the future, help us to listen to your Son every day, in every moment, even when life seems severe and demanding. He holds the words of eternal life, the Gospel of joy, and the commitment of suffering and salvation. With this Gospel in our hearts, grant us the strength to overcome today’s difficulties and to reach the tomorrow Christ has prepared for us. Amen."

May this prayer bring you peace and confidence in God’s providence.

## Personal Intentions

I also lift up a personal intention: my wife is interviewing for a special job she hopes to receive. If it is God’s will, we ask that He grant this request and guide her steps.

## Closing Blessing

Thank you for joining me today. May you have a blessed Thursday, trusting that the Lord walks with us through every trial.

*Even in difficult times, we are called to listen to Christ and let the Gospel guide us toward hope.*