Hey Deacon!

I recently wrote an article highlighting Mary, the Holy Mother of God, with a special emphasis that she is also our Mother of Hope.  When we pray a litany in honor of our Blessed Mother, one of her intercessory titles is Our Lady (Mother) of Hope -- because she accompanies us on our pilgrimage toward eternal life.   Our Mother actively intercedes for us, leading us closer to her Son.  She carries our prayers close to her heart, giving them to Jesus, and Jesus our mediator, takes them to the Father.
 
In that same article I mentioned how my wife and I seek out her aid when praying for those who have strayed away from the faith.  We include the names of our adult children in our desire for them to be more zealous in the faith.   
 
I was reminded in an article by Fr. Dan Reehill, on a Marian prayer ritual that is designed to make our prayers more “visible” in our homes.   This is what Fr. Dan suggested:

 He said, take a picture of your child(ren) or grandchild(ren), get a good statue of Our Lady. You should have one in your home already anyway, She doesn’t have to be big, but she should be there with a crucifix, bible and your rosary, make a little altar. Place the picture of your child (or children) under the feet of Our Lady, and then say this prayer (Fr. Dan’s words, not mine). 
 
     “Blessed Mother, I have done as much as I could. We did our best but the world took over and the tsunami of the world got my kid and they are far from Jesus. I am now giving you your rightful position as that mother of my Child to take over where I left off and now you bring him/her back.”
 
Fr. Dan mentioned that Mary takes this seriously, very seriously.
 
Next you are to pray a prayer of consecration for your child to Our Lady, and you leave it in her hands.  Finally, pray the rosary every day requesting Our Lady’s intentions and ask her to pray for your intentions as well.  She will do this.  Fr. Dan has seen miracles happen through this exchange of prayer.
 
Looking for a new prayer ritual for the new year?  Get out your picture of the Blessed Mother or a statue or icon of her and place it on your mantel or another place of prominence in your home.  There is no need to be discreet.  Then turn to our Mother of Hope and seek her aid.  She will not disappoint you.
 
Mary, Mother of Hope, pray for us.  Amen.
Author Bio:
 Deacon Dan Vaughn