As I sat down to write today’s Night Prayer, I wondered if Pope Francis had a favorite night prayer, so I Googled « Pope Francis night prayer » and voila – he did! On June 22, 2016, speaking at a general audience about the mercy of Jesus he shared this:
I will even share with you a personal confidence.
In the evening, before going to bed,
I say this short prayer:
“Lord, if you will, you can make me clean!”
And I pray five “Our Fathers,”
one for each of Jesus’ wounds,
because Jesus has cleansed us with his wounds.
If I do this, you can too, in your home, and say,
“Lord, if you will, you can make me clean!”
And think about Jesus’ wounds
and say an “Our Father” for each of them.
Jesus always hears us.
So perhaps we can all try this tonight for our prayer…
Since it’s the Easter season,
here’s an image of the five wounds of the Risen Jesus…
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in Heaven.
on earth as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
If a video doesn’t appear below, click here!
Protect me, Lord, while I’m awake
and watch over me while I sleep
that awake, I might keep watch with you
and asleep, rest in your peace…
