Novena to St. Dymphna--day two

SECOND DAY

INTENTION: Love of God and Neighbor

THOUGHT: A man that does not love his brother that he can see, cannot love God whom he has never seen. John 4:20

PRAYER OF PREPARATION

It is You, great and all-powerful God, whom we worship in paying veneration to Your saints. Our many sins and failings keep us ever conscious of our need for the help of the Blessed in heaven. Their earthly lives give us reason to hope more firmly, to imitate their example more closely, and to seek their aid more confidently in our present trials. We ask the favor of Your grace, most loving Father, in this novena of prayer in honor of St. Dymphna. Through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

NOVENA PRAYER TO ST. DYMPHNA

Dear St. Dymphna, I come to you daily during this novena to expose my wants and troubles. I firmly believe that your delicate charity will hear my plea for help.
You know the temporal and spiritual favors I need at this time. Look down graciously upon me and obtain these favors for me from God, the infinitely kind Giver of all good things.
O blessed St. Dymphna, I trust in your protection to be preserved from all bodily and spiritual perils. May I be just and prudent, patient and strong, gentle and kind. From you I await inspiration and encouragement to pursue my vocation, to give glory to my Creator, and to win eternal salvation.
Be mindful of me especially in the dangers and needs of the present hour. Assist me during life and at the hour of death, that it may be well with me for everlasting years. Amen.

PRAYER: Dear St. Dymphna, you are a special friend and intercessor in heaven. I am confident that you will heed my plea for growth in love of God and neighbor.
First, please help me to develop a deep, personal love for the Lord my God. May my love for Him endure in all moods and situations. Let me cling to Him no matter what He does or permits, what He gives or withdraws.
And, then, assist me in loving my fellowmen more sincerely. Obtain for me an understanding heart, filled with true compassion and concern for others. Let me never write anyone off because of human flaws or shortcomings. May I avoid being a burden to anyone, but always show myself willing to relieve the cares of other wayfarers on the journey of life.
I ask all these graces in the name of Jesus Christ, through whom all good things come. Amen.

PRACTICE: We prove our love not in words alone, but in our daily actions. We can measure how well we love God by how we act to the person we most dislike.