Episode 2916: The Power of Persevering Prayer - Nightly Episode

“O my God, at the end of this day I thank You most heartily for all the graces I have received from You. I am sorry that I have not made better use of them. I am sorry for all the sins I have committed against You. Forgive me, O my God, and graciously protect me this night. Blessed Virgin Mary, my dear heavenly mother, take me under your protection. St. Joseph, my dear Guardian Angel, and all you saints of God, pray for me. Sweet Jesus, have pity on all poor sinners, and save them from hell. Have mercy on the suffering souls in purgatory. Amen.”

The Power of Persevering Prayer and the Intercession of Our Blessed Mother"
Introduction:
Welcome to Faithful Reflections, where we explore the profound wisdom of Scripture and the teachings of holy saints. In today’s episode, we will reflect on the importance of perseverance in prayer and the maternal guidance of the Blessed Virgin Mary. We will draw inspiration from the words of St. Joan of Valois and Fe. Josemaría Escrivá, whose teachings remind us that prayer, even when seemingly fruitless, is always an encounter with divine grace.
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Segment 1: The Example of Mary—The Perfect Model of Prayer
St. Joan of Valois, a deeply devoted daughter of the Church, offers this beautiful prayer:
"O Mary, Virgin and Mother of Jesus, grant that I think, say, and do all that is most pleasing to God and to you."
Mary, as both Virgin and Mother, embodies perfect obedience and complete devotion to God’s will. She is the one who kept all things in her heart (Luke 2:19) and interceded at Cana, prompting her Son's first public miracle. In her humility and trust, Mary teaches us to approach God with childlike confidence.
St. Joan's prayer beautifully captures a disposition we should all seek: aligning our thoughts, words, and actions with what pleases God and His Blessed Mother. When we place our intentions before Mary, she purifies and presents them to her Son in a way that pleases Him beyond our understanding.
How often do we ask ourselves whether our words and deeds are pleasing to God? This prayer serves as a gentle reminder that each action is an opportunity to glorify God and grow in holiness.
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Segment 2: Persevering in Prayer Even When It Seems Sterile
Fr. Josemaría Escrivá gives us this powerful exhortation:
"Persevere in prayer. Persevere, even when your efforts seem sterile. Prayer is always fruitful."
In a world obsessed with immediate results, Escrivá’s words are a much-needed reminder that prayer is not about measurable outcomes. Sometimes we feel nothing in prayer. We experience dryness, distractions, and even discouragement. Yet, these moments are often when God is working most powerfully within us, purifying our hearts and teaching us deeper trust.
Think of the Blessed Virgin at the foot of the Cross. Her heart must have been pierced with sorrow, and yet she remained steadfast, united in prayer with her suffering Son. Mary's perseverance in sorrow bore fruit beyond imagining the redemption of the world.
God calls us to trust in this mystery. As Escrivá emphasizes, prayer is always fruitful, even when we do not see the immediate results. It shapes our souls, brings us closer to God, and becomes a conduit for grace in ways known only to Him.
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Segment 3: Trusting God Through the Intercession of Mary
As we navigate our lives, filled with joys and trials, we must imitate both the humility of Mary and the perseverance urged by Escrivá. St. Joan of Valois' prayer reminds us that the Blessed Virgin is always ready to guide us toward what is pleasing to God. She intercedes for us, helping us to persevere when our spirits are weary.
Let us remember that prayer, offered with trust and devotion, becomes a powerful force for change—not just in the world but in our hearts. It draws us closer to God, aligns us with His will, and brings peace that surpasses all understanding.
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Conclusion and Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
We thank You for the gift of prayer, which unites us to Your heart. Teach us to persevere in prayer, even when we feel dry or discouraged, trusting that You are always at work within us.
Blessed Mother Mary, Virgin and Mother of Jesus, guide our thoughts, words, and actions so that they may be pleasing to You and Your Divine Son. Help us to imitate Your steadfast faith and unwavering love.
St. Joan of Valois and Fr. Josemaría Escrivá, intercede for us that we may grow in perseverance and never lose hope in the power of prayer.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Thank you for joining us today on Faithful Reflections. Until next time, may you persevere in prayer and always remain under the loving mantle of Our Blessed Mother.