Novena for Life: Day One

God, + come to my assistance.
--Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
--As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.

GOSPEL
John 6:26-27
Jesus said, "Amen, amen, I say to you, you are looking for me not because you saw signs but because you ate the loaves and were filled. Do not work for food that perishes but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you."

SILENT PRAYER

REFLECTION
The crowds were thrilled by the miracle of the loaves and fishes, and they kept following Jesus, hoping for more of this marvelous entertainment. But the real miracle was not feeding five thousand with a couple loaves and fishes. The real miracle was meeting all the needs of every man and woman who would ever put his or her faith in him, through the food which is his body and blood. From the moment we stirred in the womb, God gave us a share in his life. In the Eucharist, the body and blood of Christ, we find eternal life. Through these days, let us pray to the Son of Man, that feeding on his Body and Blood we may intercede for the little baby in the first moments of life and for all who have been forgotten or tossed away.

LITANY
On each child just conceived
--Lord, have mercy.
For their safety and health
--Lord, have mercy.
For nine months of growth
--Lord, have mercy.
That an angel may protect them
--Lord, have mercy.
For peace and for hope
--Lord, have mercy.

PRAYER
God our loving Father,
grant wisdom to those who govern us,
compassion and courage
to those who work to defend human life,
and safety and care to every human being.
Amen.

Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
3211 4th Street NE, Washington DC 20017-1194
Phone 202.541.3070
Copyright 2001 by United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
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