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

James 2:5

Listen, my beloved brothers and sisters. Has not God chosen the poor in the world to be rich in faith and to be heirs of the kingdom that he has promised to those who love him?  (NRSV-CE)

Intention

Mary, ever-present help of the needy and lowly, Give your intercessory aid to the poor of this world. Hear their cries for food, water, shelter, humane living conditions, and peace. See how these troubles affect your poor, and together with Saint Martin de Porres, undo their knots of despair and hopelessness. Lead the poor along the path of holiness and pray that, through their poverty, they will build the kingdom of God, for the kingdom belongs to those such as these.

Lastly, Mother, pray that I may have your love for the poor. Untie knots of complacency and apathy in me by sending me to serve the needy, give of my own time, talent, and treasure, and turn to my poverty-stricken brethren in love.

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.