# The Universal Prayer of Pope Clement XI
*2017-08-24*

> Bill Young reflects on the Universal Prayer, explains why we should love Mary as we love Jesus, and shares a heartfelt prayer he composed.

## Apology and Introduction

Good afternoon, I’m Bill Young. I want to apologize for the technical problems with Sunday’s recording; the audio was garbled, so I had to delete it. Today, August 24, 2017, we’ll pray the Universal Prayer, originally composed by Pope Clement XI, and discuss why we should love Mary as we love Jesus.

## Recent News and Marian Reflections

In recent days we’ve seen a solar eclipse and a Powerball jackpot of $750 million. While I didn’t play, I hope the winner will be generous to the Church and charitable causes. I also thought of the 1917 miracle at Fatima, when the sun appeared to spin and the rain stopped, a sign that still moves many. Perhaps another Marian sign will come this October 13, encouraging people to turn to Mary and, through her, to Christ.

## Why We Should Love Mary Like Jesus

Jesus showed profound love for His mother. While on the cross He entrusted Mary to the beloved disciple John, saying, “Behold your mother.” This makes Mary our spiritual mother on earth. Some Protestants think Catholics “adore” Mary as if she were divine, but we honor her as the one who intercedes for us. Her faith was evident at the wedding at Cana when she prompted the servants, “Do whatever He tells you,” leading to the first miracle of turning water into wine. In the same way we obey our parents, we should obey Mary’s promptings, for she leads us to Christ.

## The Universal Prayer

Lord, I believe in You; increase my faith. I trust in You, strengthen my trust, and love You more each day. I am sorry for my sins; deepen my sorrow. I worship You as my beginning and long for You as my end. I praise You as my constant helper and call on You as my loving protector. Guide me with wisdom, correct me with justice, comfort me with mercy, and protect me with power. May my thoughts, words, and actions reflect love for You. Enlighten my understanding, strengthen my will, purify my heart, and make me holy. Help me repent, resist temptation, and grow stronger as a Christian. Grant me patience, generosity, and gentleness, and keep my conscience clear. May I cherish Your love, keep Your law, and prepare for the life to come, trusting in Your goodness. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.

## Closing Prayer and Requests

I will now pray the Sacrificial Prayer of Our Lady of Panama (July 13, 1917): “O Jesus, for love of You, for the conversion of sinners, and for reparation for offenses against the Immaculate Heart of Mary, hear our prayers.” I also ask you to pray for the sick, especially my friend Annette, who is battling third‑degree cancer, and for peace in the world, such as the recent tension with North Korea. May our rosaries and prayers be heard.

*When we love Mary as our spiritual mother, we are drawn ever closer to Christ.*