# First Day of the Novena to the Infant of Prague
*2016-01-02*

> Bill Young introduces the novena to the Infant of Prague, recounts its historic origins, and leads listeners through the first day’s prayers and personal petitions.

## The Origin of the Devotion

The devotion to the Infant of Prague began in the early 17th century. In 1628 the convent in Prague received a beautiful little wax statue of the Child Jesus as a gift from a devoted princess. The statue depicts the infant in royal robes, his right hand raised in blessing and his left hand holding a small globe. It was placed in the altar of the convent for veneration and quickly became known for the many blessings it brought to the faithful.

## Opening Invocation

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

O God, come to my aid. Lord, make haste to help me. Glory be to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

## First Day Prayer

Child Jesus, here I am at your feet. I turn to you, my all, for I greatly need your help. Look upon me in your mercy, O Jesus. As you are powerful, come to my aid in this time of need.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and 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 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.

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

## Personal Petition

O Jesus, through your divine infancy, grant me the graces I ask. I place before you my desires for my family—my wife, my son, my mother, my sisters, their husbands and children—that they may grow close to our Lord Jesus, from the first encounter until the Last Supper and the Resurrection.

If it be according to your plan and for my benefit, look not at my unworthiness but at my faith and your infinite mercy. May the sweet thoughts of Jesus give joy to my heart; his presence is sweeter than honey. Nothing can compare to the sweetness of the Son of God.

Jesus, hope of all who repent, you are merciful to those who pray to you, good to those who seek you, and especially to those who find you. No tongue can fully describe the joy of finding the Lord. May we love Jesus, our future reward, and may he always be our source of happiness. Let us glorify you now and forever. Amen.

## Closing Prayer

Let us pray. O God, who appointed your only Son to be the Savior of humankind, grant that we may enjoy in heaven the vision of the One whose name we venerate here on earth. Through the same...

*May the Infant of Prague intercede for us and fill our lives with his boundless mercy.*