Our Lady of Mount Carmel Novena - day 8 let us pray

    How many opportunities are we presented with, just even in one day, to go outside our comfort zone to do or say something good that we normally would not do? Many times, I find, people are just lonely. Either rejection or their own inner struggles have made them turn inward, or that space of loneliness has come to feel safe. That survival technique can be challenged when someone smiles or starts up a conversation with them. They will either retreat, or, draw closer to you in stance and continue the connection. Almost seeming like they don't want to let you go. 

     Everyone gets lonely. That human touch of caring is sought after, I believe, by everyone. You must be quite ready for the staunch and strict life of the cloister style of living. But still in that sweet silence, the desire for connection for something other than yourself gets tested. Our relationship with Jesus is always available to us. He fills in the missing pieces when we are searching for that camaraderie that we attain in a circle of friends. He sates us. His friendship is true and reliable. We feel content and safe. But what about the times when loneliness creeps past the door of contentment? It happens, you know. We find ourselves on some days, searching for the bite that will fill our bellies, only to walk away in dissatisfaction. That's why it is so important to try to see Jesus, in every eye that passes our way. Sometimes it means reaching out a hand. Sometimes just to smile is enough. God wills it for us, so therefore, it must be done. 

     The suggestion for the intention of today's Novena, is the ability to see and say Yes to God's Holy Will. In all things. In all ways. Let us pray. 

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

     Oh God, how your Heart must have been filled with Joy at the Blessed Mother's Fiat! Her Yes, to following Your will must have let Heaven light up with Joy! I know how hard saying yes to You, can be sometimes. I get afraid when I can't see the outcome. I fail to trust you. But then I see the results of Mary's Yes! I wonder what my own " no's" to you are causing. Help me to trust you completely! Can you help me to fill Heaven with Joy at my own Fiat, Our Lady of Mount Carmel? Allow me to also say Yes to God's Will in my life. I want to bring God the same Joy. I want to impact others just like you did. I want to trust! Please, Mother, also pray for my intentions. (Here state your intentions).

     Our Lady of Mount Carmel, pray for us! 

     In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. 

      All to Jesus, through Mary! 

      St Bonaventure, pray for us!