# Fourth Day of the Novena to the Infant of Prague
*2016-01-08*

> Bill Young reflects on St. Raymond of Penafort and leads the fourth day of the Novena to the Infant of Prague, offering prayers and meditations on trusting God’s plan.

## St. Raymond of Penafort

Good afternoon, this is Bill Young. Today is the feast day of St. Raymond of Penafort. He was a highly educated Dominican who lived in the 13th century, became a bishop, and later retired at the age of 65. Yet God called him to continue serving, and he lived to the age of 100, remaining faithful to the Church’s mission against the heresies of his time. His life reminds us that God’s plans for us endure beyond our own designs.

## Opening Prayer

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 to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, it shall be forever. Amen.

## Fourth Day Prayer to the Infant of Prague

O Child of Jesus, crowned upon Your forehead, I acknowledge You as my Divine Sovereign. I renounce the devil, my passions, and my sin. Lord Jesus, cleanse the poor heart within me, that it may be forever pure.

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. 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, my love, pray for sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

## Meditation on the Infant Jesus

O Jesus, reveal Your divine infancy. Grant us the graces we ask, according to Your holy plan and for our benefit. Look not at our unworthiness but at our faith and Your infinite mercy. Fill our hearts with the sweet thoughts of Jesus, whose presence is sweeter than honey. Nothing can compare to the joy of finding the Lord; He is our future reward and the source of all happiness. Let us glorify Him now and forever. Amen.

## Closing Prayer

O God, who appointed Your Only Son as the Savior of humanity, grant that we may enjoy in heaven the vision of Him whom we venerate here on earth. Amen.

*St. Raymond’s long, faithful service reminds us to trust God’s ongoing plan, especially as we pray the Novena to the Infant of Prague.*