# A novena of thanksgiving and prayer for Houston
*2017-07-31*

> Bill Young leads a special novena to the Father focused on the importance of gratitude and offers prayers for those affected by tropical storms in Houston and Louisiana.

## The Importance of Gratitude

Good morning. This is Bill Young, and welcome to the Prayer and Lunch podcast. Today, we are praying a special prayer to our Lord and Father called the Novena to My Father. This is a beautiful prayer intended to thank Him for the many gifts and graces He has given us, while also requesting additional graces.

This novena serves as an act of reparation for those who do not show gratitude to the Lord. Too many Christians, even those living good lives, neglect the fundamental duty of thanksgiving. Ingratitude is a source of sorrow for humanity and is offensive to the Lord, who generously fills every living creature with gifts every single day. We often pray earnestly to God, Our Lady, and the saints for help, but few return to thank Him. We see this in the Gospel of Luke, when Jesus healed ten lepers, but only one returned to thank Him. Our Lord wants us not only to ask, but to be thankful.

## Prayers for Houston and Louisiana

As we pray today, we keep in our hearts the people of Houston and Louisiana who are suffering from the effects of a tropical storm. This has been one of the greatest floods in the history of the United States. We thank the Lord for the rescue of thousands and for the neighbors who helped neighbors—some even buying boats they didn't previously own just to save others. While we celebrate the rescue efforts, we also pray for the souls of those who lost their lives. We ask for safety, refuge, and rescue for all those still stranded or facing future hurricanes.

## The Novena to My Father

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

Eternal Father, I come to you in the name of Jesus and the memory of His blood and infinite merits. Before making my requests, I wish to repay you in some small way for the infinite debt of gratitude I owe. Thank you for the benefits of creation and your vigilant paternal providence. Thank you for the Incarnation of your Son and His work of redemption on the Cross. Thank you for the sacraments, especially the Eucharist and the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

I thank you for the Roman Catholic Church, the Pope, the bishops, and the priests who guide me through the treacherous sea of this life. Thank you for the spirit of faith, hope, and love, and for the doctrine of the eight beatitudes, especially the promise that those who suffer will be comforted. 

I also thank you for the gift of the Virgin Mary, my heavenly mother, and for Saint Joseph, the patron of a holy death. Thank you for my guardian angel and for the devotions of the Church, such as the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Blessed Eucharist. I am humbled that you have made use of me, a poor creature, for your work.

## Personal Intentions and Intercessions

Having fulfilled the duty of thanksgiving, I now ask for specific graces. I pray for my friend Annette, who was recently diagnosed with third-degree cancer. May she be cured of this horrible disease, and may her body and soul be cleansed. 

I also thank you, Father, for the troubles, pains, and the heritage of sin I have experienced, as they have led me to carry my cross and follow your Son. I thank you for the universe, the sun, the water, and the daily bread that sustains me. Finally, I pray for my prodigal son; may he return to our Lord Jesus Christ with a loving heart.

## Devotion to the Child Mary

We also continue our devotion to the Child Mary. I offer my indulgence for my friend Lynette, that she may be cleansed of cancer in body and soul. 

Holy Child of the Royal House of David, Queen of Angels, Mother of Grace, I greet you with all the love of my heart. Grant that I may love the Lord with generous fulfillment all the days of my life. Help me to live according to the virtues of purity and to flee from the vanities and pleasures of the world. Oh, Lily of Paradise, grant that the heavenly spouse may always find the door of my heart open to your graces. Powerful advocate, shake me out of my lethargy and sustain me on the journey of life until I attain the eternal crown.

*We must remember that thanksgiving is the foundation and orientation of the spiritual life.*