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I shared this prayer on this week’s Catholic Moments, and I wanted to share it with you too.  There’s more about Our Lady of Akita in my column at Faith & Family Live too, along with links to some of my favorite references.

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, truly present in Holy Eucharist, I consecrate my body and soul to be entirely one with Your Heart, being sacrificed at every instant on all the altars of the world and giving praise to the Father pleading for the coming of His Kingdom.
Please receive this humble offering of myself. Use me as You will for the glory of the Father and the salvation of souls.
Most holy Mother of God, never let me be separated from Your Divine Son. Please defend and protect me as Your Special Child. Amen.

In fact, to give you a taste of what you’re missing when you don’t listen my Mary Moments segments on Catholic Moments, I’ll share some of my reflections too.

My first reaction to this prayer is a sort of astonishment.

Because, you know, God LISTENS.  I just prayed “use me as you will” — and it’s a good thing that I have Mary beside me to help me when He starts following through on my request.

Am I ready to say Yes as she did?  Can I swallow my pride and muster the courage to let go of what I want to do so that I can do what HE wants me to do?

My prayer has addendum:

Lord, grant me the grace to cooperate with you.  Help me follow the gentle nudge of your mother as she points me toward You.

Well, one thing’s for sure.  I won’t be able to do it alone.

But I also just asked Mary to keep me as her special child.  Isn’t THAT a lovely picture?  What do you suppose special treatment from Mary involves?  Can I curl up on her lap?  Will she rub my back as I’m falling asleep at night?  Do I get a special tour of the gardens in heaven?

I think I’ll be OK.  God listens, but so does Mary.  She’s working on the same team, but with a mother’s touch.

May Mary help you to say Yes to growing closer to her Son.