Blessed Michael McGivney, Companion to the Imprisoned, pray for us.
Be mindful of prisoners as if sharing their imprisonment, and of the ill-treated as of yourselves, for you also are in the body. (Heb 13:3)
Intention
For all those in captivity, that the Lord may give them endurance, help them remember they are not forgotten and strengthen their hearts in hope.
Reflection
Extended captivity brings so much suffering. For the prisoners, it is the suffering of cold, hunger, torture and inhumane conditions. For those living in occupied territory, it is enduring the constant threat that they could be imprisoned or killed, or that their homes or parishes may be taken by the invading army. For prisoners’ relatives, it is the unknown — the uncertainty that their loved ones are even alive. Only the Lord can ease this deep suffering.
To offer daily prayer faithfully for prisoners is to give them strength and the light of God’s hope. Let’s be persistent in prayer for all awaiting release, all who have lost hope and all who believe in miracles. Freed captives have said they felt prayer during their imprisonment. Let us cover every single captive under the protection of the Most Holy Mother of God and lift up their families who cry and pray for them at home.
Petitions
May the Lord heal and embrace all captives in his fatherly care, so that they do not become victims of violence, retribution or revenge. Let us pray to the Lord. Lord, hear our prayer.
May captives be released as soon as possible, and may their hearts be filled with confidence that the Lord is with them, even amid the greatest darkness. 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.
