Blessed Michael McGivney, Instructor of Christian Patriotism, pray for us.
They will fight against you, but not prevail over you, for I am with you to deliver you. (Jer 1:19)
Intention
For those forever changed by the crucible of war, that the Lord may heal their wounds, restore their strength and fill them with the breath of new life.
Reflection
For veterans, going through war and returning home is like purification by fire. They have undergone a great internal change, and the brotherhood and shared struggles they experienced is something that will remain with them their whole lives. Even after they come home, for many, their hearts remain in the intensity of war. Whatever their new surroundings – a hospital bed, a rehabilitation center, their homes or work-that is their new battleground, and they continue to need our prayers.
When veterans feel the pain of isolation or difficulty reintegrating into civilian life, let us hold them close in prayer, so they remember they are never truly alone. May the service members who risked their lives out of love for their homes and communities feel the prayers of those they sought to defend and those they have never met across the world. May they be filled with God’s supernatural peace, higher than all understanding and human weakness.
Petitions
May all veterans returning from the war find a fulfilling place in civilian life, as well as meaningful relationships, understanding and gratitude in their communities. Let us pray to the Lord. Lord, hear our prayer.
May the Lord heal veterans’ physical, psychological, moral and spiritual wounds and open their hearts to help others. Let us pray to the Lord. Lord, hear our prayer.
Daily Prayers
A Prayer for Peace in Ukraine
O Lord God of powers and God of our salvation, O God who alone works wonders: look down with mercy and compassion on your humble servants, and out of love for mankind listen and have mercy on us and on the land of Ukraine.
Visit your mercies and compassions upon your humble servants, those who protect Ukraine and her much-suffering people, and hear us who fall down before your deep compassion.
For you are the health, victory and salvation of them who put their hope in you, and unto you do we send up glory: to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.
Amen.
Our Father …
Hail Mary …
Glory be …
(“A prayer for Peace in Ukraine” is adapted from the Byzantine Iiturgical tradition, “Prayer Service Sung in Times of War,” in “Trebnyk, Book of Needs.”)
This novena is shared with the permission of the Knights of Columbus. Visit KOFC.ORG/UKRAINE for more information about the Knights’ humanitarian efforts in Ukraine.
