Success is counted sweetest (112) by Emily Dickinson : The Poetry Foundation

Success is counted sweetest (112) by Emily Dickinson : The Poetry Foundation



Poem for today.

Mary, Undoer of Knots

Sassoferrato's, The Virgin In Prayer with her cloak painted in ultramarine.

A few months ago, I went to a parish meeting about prayer and was given a little card with a painting of Mary on one side and a Prayer to Our Lady Undoer of Knots on the other. The painting that was on the prayer card is not the same as the one I found online. Both are beautiful. I have prayed the prayer a few times and found it very helpful. For many years, I didn't want to think of Mary so much because I had a fear that placing too much emphasis on her in my thoughts was like making an idol of her. I suppose the same could be said of any person you have met or not met. For those who appreciate the kind of prayer that follows, I am providing the prayer in full as it was given to me:

Virgin Mary, Mother of Fair Love, Mother who never abandons a child in need, Mother whose hands never cease to work for Her children because they are moved by the Divine Love and Infinite Mercy that exists in Your heart, turn your compassionate eyes toward me and see the snarl of knots that exist in my life. You know just how much despair and pain they cause me. You know how paralyzed I am by them.

Mary, Mother to whom has given the charge of undoing the knots in the life of Your children, I place the ribbon of my life into Your hands.

No one, not even the Evil One himself can take it away from Your merciful hands.

In Your hands, no knot can remain undone. Powerful Mother, by your grace and intercession with Your Son Jesus, my savior, receive today this "knot" (specify it if possible...).

I beg You to undo it now and forever for the glory of God. You are my hope.

You are the sole consolation that God gives me, {and at this point I always interject that well, the Bible says Jesus gave us the Holy Spirit as a consolation--not a small one, either}, You are a fortress for my weakness, the healing of my miseries and my deliverance from all that keeps me from Christ.

Hear my plea.

Keep me, guide me and protect me. You are my only safe refuge. {Well, you know...and also Jesus, of course.}

Our Lady Undoer of Knots, pray for me! Amen.