A novena and prayer booklet for todays Catholic family featuring the teachings of Pope Francis

PrayersPrayersfor the

Ke v i n Nel l e s

A novena and prayer booklet for todays Catholic

PrayersPrayersFamily

Written by Kevin Nelles

NIHIL OBSTAT:Rev. James M. Dunfee, V.F. (MA, STL)Censor Librorum

IMPRIMATUR:Most Reverend Jerey M. MonfortonBishop of Steubenville

Scripture quotations marked (NRSVCE) are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Catholic Edition, copyright 1989, 1993 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used with permision. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked (NABRE) are taken from the New American Bible, revised edition 2010, 1991, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington, D.C. and are used by permission of the copyright owner.

is booklet and the enclosed original catechesis, prayers, and novena are an exclusive publication of Steubenville Press, a division of Nelson Fine Art and Gis.

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2015 Steubenville Press Printed in the USA, thanks be to God!

Prayers available online at NovenaForeFamily.com

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e content of Prayers for the Family is free for public use under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Table of Contents

What is a Family? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 5

Pope Francis on the Family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 6

Prayers for the Family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pages 13-24

Pope Francis Prayer for 2015 Synod. . . . . . page 13

Pope Francis Prayer to the Holy Spirit . . . . page 15

For Fatherhood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 16

For Motherhood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 18

For Broken Families . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 20

For Sanctity of the Family Structure . . . . . . page 21

For Future Family Members . . . . . . . . . . . . page 22

For the Innocence of Children . . . . . . . . . . page 23

Parents Prayer for the Vocations of Their Children . . . . . . . . . .. . . page 24

Novena for the Family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 25

Litany of the Family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 36

What is the Family?A brief catechesis based on the teachings of Pope Francis.

What is a family?While the theological and practical definition of family is hotly debated in modern Western society, both within current popular culture, as well as, sadly, within the Church, a family has generally been characterized, across cultures and throughout history, by many articulations of this simple formula:

One man and one woman, united through marriage, raising children.

The raising children element of a family described here is not meant to imply that couples who experience infertility are not legitimate families, but rather that welcoming new human life, whether by actual procreation or by spiritual and/or legal adoption, is the ancient hallmark of the family. Those who find themselves unable to have children, the Catholic Church teaches, are still commended to live conjugal lives full of charity, hospitality, and sacrificethe very virtues fostered by parenthoodwith the Holy Spirit offering comfort throughout the pains of infertility.

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It is nonetheless Gods intended purpose, revealed through Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition, that through the mystery of marriage and the resulting procreation and rearing of children, humanity not only continues to be sustained on a practical level, but is also able to enter into the marital and creative character of God, who Himself is the original procreative actor of all existence.

The honor and dignity of family life can be fully appreciated by reflecting upon the Holy Trinity, which is itself the paragon and archetype of all human families, a God-Family of sorts. Within the Trinity is contained the core character of every family: God the Father as Lover, Jesus Christ as Beloved, and the Holy Spirit proceeding from the unity of the Father and the Son.

Pope Francis, Marriage, and Family LifePope Francis himself, very much aware of and moved by this truth, and desiring the laity of the Church to understand their role more fully, has undertaken a special mission to promote, foster, and reinvigorate the life of the family. Francis affinity for marriage and family life has been clear since the beginning of his pontificate, both from the frequency of his remarks on the subject, as well the gentleness and joy with which he presents the subject in his public speeches and writings.

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It is observably and unavoidably true that, due to Francis personal popularity and magnetic personality, there has been a war of sorts over his public image and perception of his personal views, with special interest groups and individuals wishing to ascribe positions and causes to the Holy Father that he himself does not advocate or even choose to involve himself with. Such advocates would have the general public believing that Pope Francis spends a great deal more time addressing certain fringe issues than he actually does, and few are likely to realize that their pet topic shows up with paltry frequency in the teachings of Pope Francis when compared with marriage and family life, arguably the most common subject about which Pope Francis publicly remarks and teaches.

To put it simply, Pope Francis teachings on marriage and family life are succinct, pastoral, sometimes whimsical, and often quite beautiful. It is here that his pastoral character truly shines forththe Pope, far from being an ivory tower, has a joyful demeanor that draws people to himself, and therefore to Christ, while communicating the ancient truths of the Church to modern ears.

Out of respect for the institution of the family, and recognizing Pope Francis unique ability to teach on this subject, we offer you this brief catechesis, directly

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from Pope Francis himself, to strengthen and inspire your own views on the family, the divinely-ordered building block for all humanity.

The Family Begins with a MarriageI think first and foremost of the stable union of man and woman in marriage. This union is born of their love, as a sign and presence of Gods own love, and of the acknowledgment and acceptance of the goodness of sexual differentiation, whereby spouses can become one flesh (cf. Gen 2:24) and are enabled to give birth to a new life, a manifestation of the Creators goodness, wisdom and loving plan. Grounded in this love, a man and a woman can promise each other mutual love in a gesture which engages their entire lives and mirrors many features of faith. Promising love forever is possible when we perceive a plan bigger than our own ideas and undertakings, a plan which sustains us and enables

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us to surrender our future entirely to the one we love.-The Joy of the Gospel, no. 52

God and Prayer: a Binding Force for Marriage We are well aware of how many difficulties two spouses experience.... The important thing is to keep alive their bond with God, who stands as the foundation of the marital bond. And the true bond is always the Lord. When the family prays, the bond is preserved. When the husband prays for his wife and the wife prays for her husband, that bond becomes strong; one praying for the other.-General Audience at St. Peters Square, April 2nd, 2014

Fighting Between SpousesIt is true that there are so many difficulties in married life, so many, when there is insufficient work or money, when the children have problems. There is so much to contend with. And many times the husband and wife become a little fractious and argue between themselves. They argue, this is how it is, there is always arguing in marriage, sometimes the plates even fly. Yet we must not become saddened by this, this is the human condition. The secret is that love is stronger than the moment when there is arguing, and therefore I always advise spouses: do not let a day when you have argued end without making peace. Always! And to make peace it isnt necessary to call

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the United Nations to come to the house and make peace. A little gesture is sufficient, a caress, and then let it be! Until tomorrow! And tomorrow begin again. And this is life, carrying on, carrying on with courage and the desire to live together. And this is truly great, it is beautiful! Married life is such a beautiful thing and we must treasure it always.-General Audience at St. Peters Square, April 2nd, 2014

Concerning the Rearing of ChildrenAll children must be able to play, study, pray and grow, in their own families, and do so in a harmonious context of love and serenity. It is their right and our duty. Many people instead of letting them play make slaves of them: this is a scourge. A serene childhood allows children to look forward with confidence to life and the future. Woe to those who stifle their joyful impulse of hope!-General Audience at St. Peters Square, June 12th, 2013

On Family UnityBut what is the power that unites the family? It is precisely love, and God is the one who sows love in our hearts, the love of God: It is precisely the love of God that gives meaning to the little daily duties and also helps us face the great trials.-Angelus address, August 12th, 2013

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The Domestic ChurchFamilies are the domestic Church, where Jesus grows; he grows in the love of spouses, he grows in the lives of children. That is why the enemy so often attacks the family. The devil does not want the family; he tries to destroy it, to make sure that there is no love there. Families are this domestic Church.-Address to the Convocation of the Renewal of the Holy Spirit, Olympic Stadium, June 1st, 2014

GrandparentsThey are our wisdom, they are the wisdom of the Churchthe elderly whom we so often discard, grandparents, the elderly grandmothers and grandfathers are our strength and our wisdom. May the Lord always give us wise elders! Elderly men and women who can pass on to us the memory of our people, the memory of the Church. May they also give us what the Letter to the Hebrews says about them: a sense of joy. It says that our forebears, our elders, greeted Gods promises from afar. May this be what they teach us.-Address to the Convocation of the Renewal of the Holy Spirit, Olympic Stadium, June 1st, 2014

Handing on the FaithIn the family, faith accompanies every age of life, beginning with childhood: children learn to trust in the love of their parents. This is why it is so important that

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within their families, parents encourage shared expressions of faith which can help children gradually to mature in their own faith. Young people in particular, who are going through a period in their lives which is so complex, rich, and important for their faith, ought to feel the constant closeness and support of their families and the Church in their journey of faith. We have all seen, during World Youth Days, the joy that young people show in their faith and their desire for an evermore solid and generous life of faith. Young people want to live life to the fullest. Encountering Christ, letting themselves be caught up in and guided by his love, enlarges the horizons of existence, gives it a firm hope which will not disappoint. Faith is no refuge for the fainthearted, but something which enhances our lives. It makes us aware of a magnificent calling, the vocation of love. It assures us that this love is trustworthy and worth embracing, for it is based on Gods faithfulness, which is stronger than our every weakness.-The Joy of the Gospel, no. 53

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Pope Francis Prayer for the 2015 Bishops Synod on the Family

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, in you we contemplate the splendor of true love, to you we turn with trust.

Holy Family of Nazareth, grant that our families, too, may be places of communion and prayer, authentic schools of the Gospel and small domestic Churches.

Holy Family of Nazareth, may families never again experience violence, rejection and division: may all who have been hurt or scandalized find ready comfort and healing.

Holy Family of Nazareth, may the approaching Synod of Bishops make us once more mindful of the sacredness and inviolability of the family and its beauty in Gods plan.

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, graciously hear our prayer. Amen.

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Pope Francis Prayer to the Holy Spirit Given June 1st, 2014, at

Olympic Stadium, RomeLord, look upon your people as we await the Holy Spirit. Watch over our young people, watch over our families, watch over our children, watch over our sick, watch over our priests, consecrated men and women, and us bishopsWatch over us all. And grant us that holy inebriation, the drunkenness of the Spirit, which enables us to speak all languages, the languages of charity, ever close to our brothers and sisters who need us. Teach us not to quarrel among ourselves to get a little more power; teach us to be humble, teach us to love the Church more than our own side, than our internal squabbles; teach us to have a heart open to receive the Spirit. Lord, send forth your Spirit upon us! Amen.

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Prayer for Fatherhood

Eternal God, originator of Fatherhood, I offer up to you the blessed office of Father. May the men who occupy this dignified place protect and care for their children and wives with valiant honesty, heroic chastity, noble humility, and stern sobriety.

Ignite a fire in the hearts of men, O God, so that they may respond to the Divine call to fatherhood, both natural and spiritual, and model themselves after the holy example of Blessed Joseph, Father of the Universal Church.

Through his intercession, may fathers be strengthened to flee from sin, subdue their flesh, wrestle with the powers of corruption, banish the darkness, and obtain victory over hell and its agents.

We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, sanctifierof all men, to the glory of God the Father.

Amen.

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Prayer for MotherhoodLoving God, who alone knows and understands the heart of a woman, I lift up in prayer blessed motherhood, the channel of all human life. As our Lord Jesus Christ himself came through the woman, may we acknowledge and honor the exalted gift of motherhood, as mothers love and serve their husbands and children.

Through the intercession of Holy Mary, Mother of God, may all women receive into their hearts the Divine call to motherhood, both natural and spiritual, and find their joy and identity in this calling.

May the prayers of the Blessed Mother be a beacon of light to all women, leading them on the path to discover true beauty, serve with humility, give of their own hearts and bodies, confound the darkness, and blind the evil ones with the light of feminine grace.

We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Divine Lover and ennobler of all women, who reigns forever and ever.

Amen.

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Prayer for Broken FamiliesGod our healer, we lift up to you in prayer all families who are divided or broken by human failure.

We ask that you draw forth the pains caused by divorce, infidelity, abandonment, and selfishness, as one draws out a poison, and begin the healing that is needed in the hearts of your people.

May the households of humanity be places of reconciliation, forgiveness, and peace.

Lord, restore broken relationships, inspire forgiveness in the wronged, and heal the restlessness and inner pains of those who have divided their own families. Inspire those affected by familial brokenness to pray at all times for your will to be done, both now and in the future.

We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, by whose own wounds we are healed.

Amen.

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Prayer for the Sanctity of the Family Structure

Holy Trinity, architect of humanity and archetype of the family, we ask you to protect the sacred and ancient structure of the family: man, woman, and child.

Guard the family from intellectual deconstruction, political redefinition, social dissonance, and persecution.

Inspire the Church, both clergy and laity, to be steadfast in defending marriage and family in their traditional form, and to advance this cause in public and in private with courage, humility, and love.

We ask this through Christ, our Lord.

Amen.

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We ask this through Christ, our Lord.

Amen.

Prayer for Future Family Members

Lord, I offer to you the future members of my family, including in-laws, spouses of children, adoptees, and unborn children.

I surrender to you and to your divine will the future of my family, and I abandon myself to your plans. Whomever you choose to bring into the life of my family, and whenever you choose to do so, teach me to love and to pray for those people.

May new family members be welcomed with love and generosity. Grant that our relationships be free from vain family posturing, jealousy, selfishness, and competition amongst members. Teach us to be open to new life at all times and in all situations.

May the Spirit of peace and love pervade my family at all times, I ask this in Jesus name.

Amen.

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Prayer for the Innocenceof Children

Loving Father in heaven, we ask you to protect the innocence of children, both within our own families and in the families of others. May childhood be a blessed time of discovery and formation fostered by loving parents and adults.

Send angels from heaven to guard children against those who would harm them and, through the intercession of St. Nicholas, protect their chastity, purity, and sense of virtue from harm or corruption.

May those who have been abused physically, emotionally, or sexually find healing in the loving arms of their heavenly Father. Shield the hurting from seeking peace and healing in the wrong places, and make your Holy Church a place of safety for all.

Bring to justice those who commit crimes against children. Protect harmed children and their families from fostering hatred or retaliation, and guide them on the path to heroic mercy and forgiveness.

Amen.

Parents Prayer for the Vocationsof Their Children

God our Father, we entrust to you the lives and future vocations of our children. We ask that the Holy Spirit be present to them at all times as they learn and journey toward adulthood.

Draw our children close to you and open their hearts to discern the life which you have called them to, be it a vocation to marriage, holy orders, consecrated life, or singlehood. Impress upon our children their own need to continually pray and seek that your will be done in whatever time or circumstances you have appointed.

Give us, their parents, grace to model the Christian life with sincerity and faithfulness. Perfect our own vision for our childrens lives, Lord, and allow us to abandon ourselves to your will in whatever form that may take. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

St. Monica and her son, Augustine

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Novena for the FamilyWritten March 19th, 2015

Solemnity of St. Joseph

To be prayed for a special intercessory intention or for the family in general, individually or as a group.

Formula: 1. Sign of the Cross 2. Act of Humility for Family Members 3. Daily Scripture Reading 4. Daily Prayer Intention 5. Our Father 6. Hail Mary 7. Glory Be 8. Litany of the Family

Daily Intentions 1. For love between spouses 2. That families may welcome others into their home 3. That families take care of their own elderly 4. For protection from temptation and/or addictions 5. That children respect and obey their parents

6. That parents love and understand their children 7. That parents live out the Gospel as an example to their children 8. For Christian unity within the domestic church 9. For forgiveness of past wrongs and reconciliation

Act of Humility for Family MembersO God, rich in mercy and abounding in love, I confess to you that I have failed as a family member and sinned against my own blood through my actions and inactions, through selfish choices and negligence to love. As your [son/daughter] I ask your forgiveness and firmly resolve to respond to my own family, in my heart and in my actions, as you would, Lord: recognizing them as a precious gift, a beloved people. May the prayers I offer to you on behalf of all families be well-received and effective in your heavenly kingdom.

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First DayFor love between spouses

Daily ScriptureGenesis 2:20-25The man gave names to all the tame animals, all the birds of the air, and all the wild animals; but none proved to be a helper suited to the man. So the LORD God cast a deep sleep on the man, and while he was asleep, he took out one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. The LORD God then built the rib that he had taken from the man into a woman. When he brought her to the man, the man said: This one, at last, is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; This one shall be called woman, for out of man this one has been taken. That is why a man leaves his father and mother and clings to his wife, and the two of them become one body. The man and his wife were both naked, yet they felt no shame.(NABRE)

(see also: Isaac and Rebekah, Genesis 24:62 67)

Daily Prayer IntentionGod in Heaven, Divine Original Lover, we ask you to bless, sustain, and enrich the foundational relationship of every family: that of the husband and wife. Stir up the hearts of spouses, kindle romance, and cleave husbands and wives together in unity of spirit. Remind married couples of the love you first kindled between them and give your own love to them, so that, filled with your spirit, they may love each other to the fullest expression. Holy Family of Nazareth, pray for all husbands and wives.

Second DayThat the family may welcome others into their home

Daily ScriptureActs 16:13-15On the sabbath we went outside the city gate along the river where we thought there would be a place of prayer. We sat and spoke with the women who had gathered there. One of them, a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth, from the city of Thyatira, a worshiper of God, listened, and the Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what Paul was saying. After she and her household had been baptized, she offered us an invitation, If you consider me a believer in the Lord, come and stay at my home, and she prevailed on us. (NABRE)

(see also: You Did It To Me, Matthew 25: 34-40)(see also: The Commandment of Leviticus 20:33-34)

Daily Prayer IntentionGod, Father of all humanity and unity of all believers, we ask you to impress upon families your own heart of hospitality, generosity, and openness of spirit. May the families and households that belong to your kingdom be places where strangers are welcomed, the poor and destitute are fed, and the refugee may find shelter. Protect from harm and danger all families that open their households to others, and enable them to live out the Gospel in this manner, guarded by your holy angels and rewarded in heaven for keeping your commands. Holy Family of Nazareth, pray for all families.

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Third DayThat the family take care of their elderly

Daily ScriptureIsaiah 46: 3-4Hear me, O house of Jacob,all the remnant of the house of Israel,My burden from the womb,whom I have carried since birth.Even to your old age I am he,even when your hair is gray I will carry you;I have done this, and I will lift you up,I will carry you to safety. (NABRE)

Daily Prayer IntentionGod who is the same yesterday, today, and forever, instill respect and honor for all elderly members of families. Bless and support families who take on heavy burdens in caring for their elderly and give them supernatural joy and peace as they undertake their noble responsibilities. Stir up compassion and conviction in families that have neglected their elderly and remind them that you yourself, Lord, are Ancient of Days. Remind your human family, Lord Jesus, that to care for the aged and sickly is to care for you. Holy Family of Nazareth, pray for all who care for the elderly in our midst.

Fourth DayFor protection from temptation and/or addictions

Daily Scripture1 Corinthians 6:17-20But whoever is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. Avoid immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the immoral person sins against his own body. Do you not know that your body is a temple*of the holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been purchased at a price. Therefore, glorify God in your body.(NABRE)

(see also: Joseph and Potiphars Wife, Genesis 39)

Daily Prayer IntentionGod of constancy and purity, protect marriages and families from extra-marital relations and addictions, poison to all family relationships. Enlighten husbands, wives, and children with your illuminating knowledge, O God, and give them eyes to see the empty promises and false comforts that destructive behaviors offer. Give courage and determination to all family members to reject counterfeit love. Bind family members together in unity, grant them the gift of purity, and lead them all to embrace you, loving God, who are the source of all good gifts. Holy Family of Nazareth, pray for all those struggling against temptations and addictions.

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Fifth DayThat children respect and obey their parents

Daily ScriptureProverbs 23:22-26Listen to your father who begot you,and do not despise your mother when she is old.Buy truth, and do not sell it;buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding.The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice;he who begets a wise son will be glad in him.Let your father and mother be glad;let her who bore you rejoice.My child, give me your heart,and let your eyes observe my ways. (NRSVCE)

(see also: The Grace of Parental Wisdom, Proverbs 1:8-9)(see also: Marys Request at Cana, John 2:1-11)

Daily Prayer IntentionHeavenly Father, first parent of all humanity, move your spirit upon each of us, the children of men and women. As the Lord Jesus himself gave us an example, having obeyed his own mother at Cana, even when her request did not coincide with his plans, enable all children to obey their parents. Teach children of all ages the value of respecting their parents, and by your grace, enable each of us to keep the commandment Honor your father and mother in ultimate obedience to you, our divine parent. Holy Family of Nazareth, pray for all children.

Sixth DayThat parents love and understand their children

Daily ScriptureMatthew 18:1-5At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? He called a child, whom he put among them, and said, Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.(NRSVCE)

(see also: Do Not Provoke Your Children, Colossians 3:21)

Daily Prayer IntentionFather in Heaven, guardian of all children, bless parents with a deep and profound understanding of your divine love so that all human parents may share in your exemplary parenthood, loving their own children just as you have loved the human race and spared nothing to reconcile it to yourself, even to the point of giving your own son. Draw parents closer to yourself and enrich them with kindness, patience, wisdom, and understanding in relation to their children. May parents treat their children with neither dismissiveness nor coddling, but hold to the narrow, moderate path of holy parenting. Holy Family of Nazareth, pray for all parents.

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Seventh DayThat parents live out the Gospel as an example to their children

Daily ScriptureDeuteronomy 6:6-9Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart. Recite them to your children and talk about them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you rise. Bind them as a sign on your hand, fix them as an emblem on your forehead, and write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. (NRSVCE)

(see also: As a Father Treats His Children, 1 Thessalonians 2:11-13)

Daily Prayer IntentionHoly Trinity, who guides the human race on its path to our heavenly home, we ask that you grace parents with vigor, steadfastness, and a zeal for the Gospel. May parents lead their children home to heaven first by their own life of prayer and obedience, and secondly by teaching and admonition. May the Gospel be preached to future generations in every home through the humility and example of saintly parents who are faithful to you and your ways, eager to teach the faith, and persistent in prayer. Holy Family of Nazareth, pray for parents, the first and primary catechists of their children.

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Eighth DayFor Christian unity within the domestic church

Daily ScriptureEphesians 4:1-6I, then, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, striving to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace: one body and one Spirit, as you were also called to the one hope of your call; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. (NABRE)

(see also: Be of the Same Mind, United in Heart, Phillipians 2:1-5)

Daily Prayer IntentionHoly Trinity, icon of perfection through oneness, hear our prayer for unity and love within each family, the Domestic Churches of the world. As the Universal Church protects, rallies, and unifies all Christians, may the Domestic Church protect, rally, and unify its own members: father, mother, children, and extended members. Grant that Christian homes may be guarded by angels and filled with the Holy Spirit. Inspire parents and siblings to seek to perfect each other as brothers and sisters in Christ, unified through their shared baptism. Holy Family of Nazareth, pray that families know this unity.

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Ninth DayFor forgiveness of past wrongs and reconciliation

Daily ScriptureColossians 3:12-15Put on then, as Gods chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do. And over all these put on love, that is, the bond of perfection. And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body. And be thankful. (NABRE)

(see also: How Often Must I Forgive? Matthew 18: 21-22)(see also: Leave Your Gift at the Altar, Matthew 5:21-24)

Daily Prayer IntentionO Infinite Forgiver, by your mercy and grace, help family members to respond to your call to reconcile with one another. Lord of Light, expose faults and convict us of hidden resentments, wrongs, and unresolved differences between family members, and lead parents, children, and siblings to forgive one another. Heal hearts broken by empty promises and selfish choices and give family members heroic virtue to respond with divinely-given mercy and forgiveness. Holy Family of Nazareth, pray that we may have hearts of forgiveness.

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Litany of the Family

Eternal Father, have mercy on us.Eternal Son, intercede for us.Eternal Spirit, live in us.Holy Trinity, God-Family, bless us.

Christ, our brother, pray for us.Joseph, our father, pray for us.Mary, our mother, pray for us.Holy spouses and parents, pray for us.Holy Trinity, God-Family, bless us.

Saints Abraham and Sarah, pray for us.Saints Isaac and Rebekah, pray for us.Saints Jacob and Rachel, pray for us.Saints Boaz and Ruth, pray for us.Saints Tobiah and Sarah, pray for us.Holy spouses and parents, pray for us.Holy Trinity, God-Family, bless us.

Saints Joachim and Anne, pray for us.Saints Zechariah and Elizabeth, pray for us.Saints Aquila and Priscilla, pray for us.Saints Philemon and Appia, pray for us.Holy spouses and parents, pray for us.Holy Trinity, God-Family, bless us.

Saints Isidore and Maria, pray for us.Saints Gregory and Nonna, pray for us.

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Let us pray. God of the human family, who have worked throughout human history to draw all peoples to yourself, keep us always in the good and blessed company of your holy families, parents, and spouses. Give to us a share in their crowns of white and red martyrdom, and may our prayers be heard through their powerful intercession. We ask this through Christ, who is our Lord forever and ever. Amen.

Saints Timothy and Maura, pray for us.Saints Adrian and Natalia, pray for us.Saints Basil and Emilia, pray for us.Saints Louis and Zelie Martin, pray for us.Blessed Luigi and Maria Quattrocchi, pray for us.Holy spouses and parents, pray for us.Holy Trinity, God-Family, bless us.

Be merciful to husbands,Lord, we ask you, hear our prayer.Be merciful to wives,Lord, we ask you, hear our prayer.Be merciful to children,Lord, we ask you, hear our prayer.

Protect chastity and love,Lord, we ask you, hear our prayer.Restore broken families,Lord, we ask you, hear our prayer.Bring forgiveness and peace,Lord, we ask you, hear our prayer.

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STEUBENVILLEPRESS SP-2

Becoming like us in all things but sin, it is no coincidence that when Jesus came to live among us on the Earth, he was born into a family of his own. At a time when the beauty of this ancient institution is misunderstood and under attack, Steubenville Press oers this prayer booklet, inspired by the teachings and example of Pope Francis, to illuminate, enrich, protect, and celebrate the family. e comforting and timely prayers within this booklet can bring healing and holiness to your family life. Prayers for the Family includes many new prayers for a variety of family needs, a novena with nine days of specic intentions related to family life, and a new and unique Litany of the Family that calls for the intercession of holy spouses and parents throughout salvation history, from Abraham and Sarah to Louis and Zelie Martin. Following the form and beauty of Understanding Mary Undoer of Knots, Steubenville Press rst novena booklet, Prayers for the Family is sure to touch hearts and inspire prayer in all readers.