December 19 – O Root of Jesse
O Flower of Jesse’s stem, you have been raised up as a sign for all peoples; kings stand silent in your presence; the nations bow down in worship before you. Come, let nothing keep you from coming to our aid.
Come, Lord, of the family of Jesse, and make us a part of your divine family. There are many families suffering today. Our society has turned against the sacredness of family life. Let us pray for all families, secure ones, broken ones; those suffering in poverty and war; those suffering in dysfunction and addiction. Those who have no religious home to strengthen them against the \”snares of the devil.\” And, don\’t forget to pray for those who are struggling to live according to the teachings of the Catholic Faith.