The Sign of the Cross

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

Act of Contrition

O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended You, and I detest all my sins, because of Your just punishments, but most of all because they offend You, my God, who are all-good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of Your grace, to sin no more and to avoid the near occasion of sin. Amen

Preparation Prayer

O Blessed Mother, who in submission to God, lived a life of humility and service, visit me with your grace. Through your intercession, instill in my heart a love for all members of the human family, especially those whom I have the most trouble loving and those whom I have the most trouble serving. Pray with me now, beautiful intercessor, and with your grace, help me to untie the knots that bind your children on Earth. Through prayer and service to others, may I live according to your example, and be brought ever closer to your Son, Jesus.

Scripture Reading

Hebrews 13:17-18

Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls and will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with sighing - for that would be harmful to you. Pray for us; we are sure that we have a clear conscience, desiring to act honorably in all things. (NRSV-CE)

Intention

Holy Mary, you who are the Queen of the Apostles, I ask you to pray now for their successors, the bishops. Take into your hands whatever knots lie in the soul and circumstances of my bishop, and together with Saint Ambrose, loose those knots for the glory of God. My bishop carries a most heavy burden, Holy Queen; lend him your wisdom, grace, and holiness as he seeks to shepherd his diocese and lead his flock to build the kingdom of God.

Lastly, Mother, untie whatever knots of pride or disagreement I have with my bishop and lead me to submit to his authority.

Mary, Undoer of Knots, pray for us.

Concluding Prayer

Powerful Mother who unties our knots, hear these prayers and the prayers of all the faithful. Intercede for my brothers and sisters, and with your influence, loosen the entanglements and knots which hold them captive. Forgive the human race for its unbelief and lead us all to faith in your Son, Jesus Christ the Lord.

Last of all, most Blessed Virgin, pray for me, who is most in need of your grace and mercy. Untie the knots in my own heart and in my own life, and free me to love as Christ loves.

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

Amen.