Saturday

 

Saturday's Morning Offering

Dear Jesus,

On this Saturday,
I offer my heart to You,
for the honor of God our Father,
and for Your glory and majesty.

I also remember today
all the Saints and holy friends of Heaven
who loved You faithfully upon the earth,
and now rejoice forever in Your presence.

I thank You
for the hope of eternal life,
and for Your patience with me
as I try to follow You each day.

I thank You
for the beautiful examples
left to us by You,
by the Blessed Virgin Mary,
and by all the Saints.

I thank You
for every grace,
every quiet help,
and every gentle mercy
You have given me along the way.

Jesus, please watch over our home,
and keep us close
under Mary’s loving care.

Teach me gentleness,
kindness toward others,
and a humble and quiet spirit.

Help me to deny myself
in little things,
to grow in holiness,
and to receive the graces
most needed for my soul.

I pray also for those
who do not yet know You,
for wandering souls,
and especially for those persons
You desire me to remember
in prayer today.

And dear Jesus,
I am sorry for my sins,
and for the times
I have failed to love You
as I should.

Please bless all souls devoted to Mary,
and all those whose holy lives
are pleasing in Your sight.

Mary, dear Mother,
teach me to love Jesus
with a pure and faithful heart.

Please watch over me today,
and keep my heart close to His,
until this day is done.

Amen.

This prayer comes from a very small and beautiful Catholic prayer book printed in Augsburg, Germany, in 1776, titled Auserlesenes Gebethbüchlein, meaning “A Choice Little Prayer Book.” It includes morning and evening prayers, prayers for Confession and Holy Communion, litanies, and other daily devotions. First prepared for the young nobility of Austria and later published for all Catholics, the book contains old German blackletter pages, delicate devotional engravings, and Church approval pages showing the prayers had been examined and approved in Augsburg in 1752. Nearly 250 years later, these prayers are being gently translated into clear English by Sister Mary Claire for Kathy at Camp Littlemore Farm, so they may once again be prayed slowly and reverently.