As we end 2022 and embark on a new calendar year, we should take stock of all the graces God has given us in the last year.
Pope Francis, in addressing the Roman Curia for Christmas this year, noted:
[W]e need to realize clearly that in reviewing our lives and our past, we should always begin with the remembrance of all the good we have known. For only when we are conscious of the Lord’s goodness to us can we also give a name to the evil that we have experienced or endured. The realization of our poverty, without the realization of God’s love, would crush us. Consequently, the interior attitude that we should deem most important is gratitude.
Then, as we turn toward the year to come, we can consecrate it to God, knowing that whatever 2023 brings, it will be in his Providence.
Many Catholics use novenas for special intentions -- novenas are typically nine days of prayer. But in these final hours of 2022, we can consecrate 2023 to the Lord with a nine-hour novena, praying the following prayer once every hour:
Nine-hour novena
O Jesus, Who has said, “Ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find, knock and it shall be opened,” through the intercession of Mary, Your Most Holy Mother, I knock, I seek, I ask that my prayer be granted.
(Make your request)
O Jesus, Who has said, “All that you ask of the Father in My Name, He will grant you,” through the intercession of Mary Your Most Holy Mother, I humbly and urgently ask your Father in your name that my prayer will be granted.
(Make your request)
O Jesus, Who has said, “Heaven and earth shall pass away but My word shall not pass away,” through the intercession of Mary Your Most Holy Mother, I feel confident that my prayer will be granted.
(Make your request)
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
Divine Infant Jesus, I know You love me and would never leave me. I thank You for Your close Presence in my life.
Miraculous Infant, I believe in Your promise of peace, blessings, and freedom from want. I place every need and care in Your hands.
Lord Jesus, may I always trust in Your generous mercy and love. I want to honor and praise You, now and forever. Amen.
