Devotional Prayer Archives

Day 5 – Faithful Messenger – St. Bridget of Sweden Novena – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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Day 5: Faithful Messenger – A Heart for the Church and Her Shepherds – St. Bridget of Sweden Novena

Quote from the Revelations

“Cry out as with a trumpet. My Spouse is wounded. Her face is disfigured. Her voice is faint. Call My people to return to Me with humility and love.”
—Revelations, Book IV, Chapter 89

Reflection
Bridget lived during one of the most painful chapters in Church history. The papacy had been moved to Avignon, and Rome was suffering—spiritually neglected, politically unstable, and stripped of the leadership it once knew. Bridget remained in the city, caring for the sick, feeding the poor, and pouring out her life in prayer.

As she prayed, she began to receive revelations that pierced her heart. She saw the Bride of Christ disfigured by scandal, weakened by division, and longing for renewal. These were not cold denunciations, but cries of love. Her writings to popes and rulers carried a mother’s plea: return to holiness, restore the Church, bring the successor of Peter home to Rome.

Her words were bold, shaped by long hours of silence before the Blessed Sacrament and the constant offering of prayer for the needs of the Church. Bridget believed that true reform began not in anger or accusation, but in intercession—lifting the wounds of the Church into the heart of Christ and trusting in His mercy.

Prayer for Intercession
St. Bridget, you remained faithful when the Church was torn and scattered.
Teach us to pray with perseverance and hope.
Help us to love the Church not from a distance, but with hearts willing to suffer and serve.
With confidence in your prayers, we now place before the Lord the intention we bring to this novena.
May your voice strengthen ours in calling for healing and unity.
Amen.

St. Bridget of Sweden, pray for us

For the complete 9-Day St. Bridget of Sweden Novena visit here

Friday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

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Friday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

As you begin, take a deep breath and exhale slowly. For at least the next few moments, surrender all the cares and concerns of this day to the Lord.

Say slowly from your heart “Jesus, I Trust In You…You Take Over”

Become aware that He is with you, looking upon you with love, wanting to be heard deep within in your heart…

From the Holy Gospel According to Matthew 12:1-8

Jesus took a walk one sabbath day through the cornfields. His disciples were hungry and began to pick ears of corn and eat them. The Pharisees noticed it and said to him, ‘Look, your disciples are doing something that is forbidden on the sabbath.’ But he said to them, ‘Have you not read what David did when he and his followers were hungry – how he went into the house of God and how they ate the loaves of offering which neither he nor his followers were allowed to eat, but which were for the priests alone? Or again, have you not read in the Law that on the sabbath day the Temple priests break the sabbath without being blamed for it? Now here, I tell you, is something greater than the Temple. And if you had understood the meaning of the words: What I want is mercy, not sacrifice, you would not have condemned the blameless. For the Son of Man is master of the sabbath.’

What word made this passage come alive for you?

What did you sense the Lord saying to you?

Once more give the Lord an opportunity to speak to you:

Jesus took a walk one sabbath day through the cornfields. His disciples were hungry and began to pick ears of corn and eat them. The Pharisees noticed it and said to him, ‘Look, your disciples are doing something that is forbidden on the sabbath.’ But he said to them, ‘Have you not read what David did when he and his followers were hungry – how he went into the house of God and how they ate the loaves of offering which neither he nor his followers were allowed to eat, but which were for the priests alone? Or again, have you not read in the Law that on the sabbath day the Temple priests break the sabbath without being blamed for it? Now here, I tell you, is something greater than the Temple. And if you had understood the meaning of the words: What I want is mercy, not sacrifice, you would not have condemned the blameless. For the Son of Man is master of the sabbath.’

What did your heart feel as you listened?

What did you sense the Lord saying to you?

Once more, through Him, with Him and in Him listen to the Word:

Jesus took a walk one sabbath day through the cornfields. His disciples were hungry and began to pick ears of corn and eat them. The Pharisees noticed it and said to him, ‘Look, your disciples are doing something that is forbidden on the sabbath.’ But he said to them, ‘Have you not read what David did when he and his followers were hungry – how he went into the house of God and how they ate the loaves of offering which neither he nor his followers were allowed to eat, but which were for the priests alone? Or again, have you not read in the Law that on the sabbath day the Temple priests break the sabbath without being blamed for it? Now here, I tell you, is something greater than the Temple. And if you had understood the meaning of the words: What I want is mercy, not sacrifice, you would not have condemned the blameless. For the Son of Man is master of the sabbath.’

What touched your heart in this time of prayer?

What did your heart feel as you prayed?

What do you hope to carry with you from this time with the Lord?

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done 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.

Amen

Excerpt from THE JERUSALEM BIBLE, copyright (c) 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd, Ltd. and Doubleday, a division of Penguin Random House, Inc. Reprinted by Permission.

Day 4 – Called to Rome – St. Bridget of Sweden Novena – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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Day 4: Called to Rome — A Pilgrim with a Prophetic Voice – St. Bridget of Sweden Novena

Quote from the Revelations

“Go forth, therefore, and speak boldly. I shall be in thy mouth and in the hearts of those who hear thee.”
—Revelations, Book IV, Chapter 136

Reflection
Bridget’s years at Alvastra prepared her for something unexpected. In her early fifties, she received a divine call to leave Sweden and travel to Rome—then a city caught in political chaos, spiritual confusion, and deep need. It was the era of the Avignon papacy, with the pope residing in France, and the city of Peter’s martyrdom sat wounded and neglected.

When she arrived, Bridget did not seek comfort or favor. She set up a small house near what is now the Piazza Farnese. There she cared for the sick and poor—essentially establishing a hospital with the help of her companions. Many came to her not only for food or shelter, but also for spiritual comfort. She would often make her way to the nearby church of San Lorenzo in Panisperna, where St. Lawrence was martyred, to pray and to gather alms for the poor in his name.

Her revelations during these years included letters and messages to popes, kings, and clergy—calling for reform, repentance, and renewal of the Body of Christ. Bridget’s prophetic voice was rooted not in judgment, but in deep sorrow and prayerful love for the Church. She longed for unity and holiness, and she offered her life for that intention.

Prayer for Intercession
St. Bridget, you brought mercy where there was suffering, and truth where there was confusion.
Help us to love the Church with fidelity and hope.
Teach us to offer ourselves in service, even when the world misunderstands.
With confidence in your prayers, we now place before the Lord the intention we bring to this novena.
May we follow your example of courage, prayer, and care for the most vulnerable.
Amen.

St. Bridget of Sweden, pray for us

For the complete 9-Day St. Bridget of Sweden Novena visit here

Thursday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

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Thursday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

As you begin, take a deep breath and exhale slowly. For at least the next few moments, surrender all the cares and concerns of this day to the Lord.

Say slowly from your heart “Jesus, I Trust In You…You Take Over”

Become aware that He is with you, looking upon you with love, wanting to be heard deep within in your heart…

From the Holy Gospel According to Matthew 11:28-30

Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all you who labour and are overburdened, and I will give you rest. Shoulder my yoke and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Yes, my yoke is easy and my burden light.’

What word made this passage come alive for you?

What did you sense the Lord saying to you?

Once more give the Lord an opportunity to speak to you:

Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all you who labour and are overburdened, and I will give you rest. Shoulder my yoke and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Yes, my yoke is easy and my burden light.’

What did your heart feel as you listened?

What did you sense the Lord saying to you?

Once more, through Him, with Him and in Him listen to the Word:

Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all you who labour and are overburdened, and I will give you rest. Shoulder my yoke and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Yes, my yoke is easy and my burden light.’

What touched your heart in this time of prayer?

What did your heart feel as you prayed?

What do you hope to carry with you from this time with the Lord?

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done 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.

Amen

Excerpt from THE JERUSALEM BIBLE, copyright (c) 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd, Ltd. and Doubleday, a division of Penguin Random House, Inc. Reprinted by Permission.

Day 3 – The Turning Point — Loss, Solitude, and Surrender – St. Bridget of Sweden Novena – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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Day 3 – The Turning Point — Loss, Solitude, and Surrender – St. Bridget of Sweden Novena

Quote from the Revelations

“It is I who have taken from thee what was thine, that I might give thee what is Mine.”
—Revelations, Book I, Chapter 3

Reflection
The death of Ulf was a profound turning point in Bridget’s life. After years of shared love and labor, she was now a widow, left with grief, responsibility, and a stirring call from God. Her children were grown or nearly grown, and she withdrew for a time to the monastery at Alvastra, where she deepened her life of prayer and silence.

In the rhythm of monastic life, Bridget began to listen more attentively to the voice she had always known. There, she received the first of many mystical revelations—words and images that would become the foundation of her spiritual mission. But this surrender did not come all at once. It unfolded through grief, letting go, and learning to listen in stillness.

In times of loss and uncertainty, Bridget teaches us not to rush to fill the silence, but to allow space for God’s voice. He often speaks most clearly when we are emptied of everything else. Her solitude became a sacred threshold, where she could entrust her sorrow and receive the beginnings of a new calling.

Prayer for Intercession
St. Bridget, in your sorrow you turned to the Lord with a heart open to His voice.
Help us in our own moments of transition and loss.
Teach us to surrender what we cannot hold and to trust that God is doing something new.
With confidence in your prayers, we now place before the Lord the intention we bring to this novena.
May our hearts find peace in God’s timing and purpose, as yours did at Alvastra.
Amen.

St. Bridget of Sweden, pray for us

For the complete 9-Day St. Bridget of Sweden Novena visit here

Wednesday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

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Wednesday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

As you begin, take a deep breath and exhale slowly. For at least the next few moments, surrender all the cares and concerns of this day to the Lord.

Say slowly from your heart “Jesus, I Trust In You…You Take Over”

Become aware that He is with you, looking upon you with love, wanting to be heard deep within in your heart…

From the Holy Gospel According to St. Matthew 11:25-27

Jesus exclaimed, ‘I bless you, Father, Lord of heaven and of earth, for hiding these things from the learned and the clever and revealing them to mere children. Yes, Father, for that is what it pleased you to do. Everything has been entrusted to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, just as no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.’

What word made this passage come alive for you?

What did you sense the Lord saying to you?

Once more give the Lord an opportunity to speak to you:

Jesus exclaimed, ‘I bless you, Father, Lord of heaven and of earth, for hiding these things from the learned and the clever and revealing them to mere children. Yes, Father, for that is what it pleased you to do. Everything has been entrusted to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, just as no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.’

What did your heart feel as you listened?

What did you sense the Lord saying to you?

Once more, through Him, with Him and in Him listen to the Word:

Jesus exclaimed, ‘I bless you, Father, Lord of heaven and of earth, for hiding these things from the learned and the clever and revealing them to mere children. Yes, Father, for that is what it pleased you to do. Everything has been entrusted to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, just as no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.’

What touched your heart in this time of prayer?

What did your heart feel as you prayed?

What do you hope to carry with you from this time with the Lord?

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done 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.

Amen

Excerpt from THE JERUSALEM BIBLE, copyright (c) 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd, Ltd. and Doubleday, a division of Penguin Random House, Inc. Reprinted by Permission.

Day 2 – A Marriage Rooted in Grace – St. Bridget of Sweden Novena – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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Day 2 – A Marriage Rooted in Grace – St. Bridget of Sweden Novena

Quote from the Revelations

“Love Me above all things, and thou shalt find in Me all that thou hast lost, and infinitely more.”
—Revelations, Book I, Chapter 22

Reflection
Bridget’s marriage to Ulf Gudmarsson was arranged when she was only fourteen, but over the years it blossomed into a deep partnership grounded in prayer and mutual respect. Together they raised eight children, managed estates, and opened their home to those in need. Their marriage became a shared spiritual journey, and they eventually made a pilgrimage to the shrine of Santiago de Compostela. Shortly after returning, Ulf fell ill and died. Bridget grieved deeply, but her trust in God remained firm.

In her later writings, Bridget reflected on the grace that sanctifies Christian marriage. She understood that love rooted in God could transform daily life into a path of holiness. Pope Benedict XVI, while reflecting on the life St. Bridget in a Wednesday audience in 2010, observed that “together, Christian spouses can make a journey of holiness sustained by the grace of the sacrament of Marriage.”¹

Bridget’s example reminds us that holiness often unfolds over time—through perseverance, shared sacrifice, and quiet fidelity. Her life shows us that even in sorrow, God continues to shape the soul with mercy and purpose.

Prayer for Intercession
St. Bridget, you walked the path of marriage with faith and compassion.
Help us to be patient and generous in our relationships.
Teach us to offer our joys and burdens to God, trusting
that He is always at work in the lives we share with others.
With confidence in your prayers, we now place before the Lord the intention we bring to this novena.
May our hearts be strengthened by your example of steadfast love and grace.
Amen.

St. Bridget of Sweden, pray for us

¹ Pope Benedict XVI, General Audience, 27 October 2010.

For the complete 9-Day St. Bridget of Sweden Novena visit here

Novena to Our Lady of Mount Carmel – Day 9 – Discerning Hearts podcast

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O Most Holy Mother of Mount Carmel,
when asked by a saint to grant privileges to the family of Carmel,
you gave assurance of your Motherly love
and help to those faithful to you and to your Son.
Behold us, your children.

We glory in wearing your holy habit,
which makes us members of your family of Carmel,
through which we shall have your powerful protection in life,
at death and even after death.

Look down with love,
O Gate of Heaven,
on all those now in their last agony!

Look down graciously,
O Virgin, Flower of Carmel,
on all those in need of help!

Look down mercifully,
O Mother of our Savior,
on all those who do not know
that they are numbered among your children.

Look down tenderly,
O Queen of All Saints,
on the poor souls!
(State your request here…)

Recite the following prayers…

Our Father…
Hail Mary…
Glory Be…

Our Lady of Mount Carmel,
pray for us.

Tuesday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

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Tuesday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

As you begin, take a deep breath and exhale slowly. For at least the next few moments, surrender all the cares and concerns of this day to the Lord.

Say slowly from your heart “Jesus, I Trust In You…You Take Over”

Become aware that He is with you, looking upon you with love, wanting to be heard deep within in your heart…

From the Holy Gospel According to St. Matthew 11:20-24

Jesus began to reproach the towns in which most of his miracles had been worked, because they refused to repent.
‘Alas for you, Chorazin! Alas for you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. And still, I tell you that it will not go as hard on Judgement day with Tyre and Sidon as with you. And as for you, Capernaum, did you want to be exalted as high as heaven? You shall be thrown down to hell. For if the miracles done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have been standing yet. And still, I tell you that it will not go as hard with the land of Sodom on Judgement day as with you.’

What word made this passage come alive for you?

What did you sense the Lord saying to you?

Once more give the Lord an opportunity to speak to you:

Jesus began to reproach the towns in which most of his miracles had been worked, because they refused to repent.
‘Alas for you, Chorazin! Alas for you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. And still, I tell you that it will not go as hard on Judgement day with Tyre and Sidon as with you. And as for you, Capernaum, did you want to be exalted as high as heaven? You shall be thrown down to hell. For if the miracles done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have been standing yet. And still, I tell you that it will not go as hard with the land of Sodom on Judgement day as with you.’

What did your heart feel as you listened?

What did you sense the Lord saying to you?

Once more, through Him, with Him and in Him listen to the Word:

Jesus began to reproach the towns in which most of his miracles had been worked, because they refused to repent.
‘Alas for you, Chorazin! Alas for you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. And still, I tell you that it will not go as hard on Judgement day with Tyre and Sidon as with you. And as for you, Capernaum, did you want to be exalted as high as heaven? You shall be thrown down to hell. For if the miracles done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have been standing yet. And still, I tell you that it will not go as hard with the land of Sodom on Judgement day as with you.’

What touched your heart in this time of prayer?

What did your heart feel as you prayed?

What do you hope to carry with you from this time with the Lord?

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done 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.

Amen

Excerpt from THE JERUSALEM BIBLE, copyright (c) 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd, Ltd. and Doubleday, a division of Penguin Random House, Inc. Reprinted by Permission.

Day 1 – Called from the Womb – St. Bridget of Sweden Novena – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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Day 1 – Called from the Womb – St. Bridget of Sweden Novena

Quote from the Revelations

“Before thou camest into the world, I loved thee; when thou wast born, I sanctified thee. I have chosen thee to be My bride and My herald.”
—Revelations, Book I, Chapter 1

Reflection
Bridget of Sweden was born in 1303 into a noble family,from the very beginning her life was marked by a deep and personal relationship with God. After her mother’s early death, Bridget was raised by an aunt who nurtured her faith and education. At the age of seven, Bridget had a vision of Jesus crucified—a moment that stayed with her all her life and awakened in her a desire to respond to His love.

As a young girl, she was drawn to prayer and Scripture, and often experienced God speaking to her heart. When she was fourteen, she entered into marriage with Ulf Gudmarsson. Over time, their union became known for its faith, generosity, and hospitality. They raised eight children, made pilgrimage together, and were eventually invited to the royal court as a model of Christian virtue in family life.

From her earliest days, Bridget listened for God’s voice—through joy and sorrow, in youth and in family life. God speaks and calls each one of us, often in quiet and familiar places. Bridget’s attentiveness encourages us to listen for Him in our own lives—with open hearts, even in the ordinary rhythms of the day.

Prayer for Intercession
St. Bridget, you listened for the voice of God even in your earliest years.
Help us to recognize His presence in the everyday moments of our lives.
Teach us to be faithful in the vocations we’ve been given—whether in marriage, family, work, or solitude.
May we learn from your example to respond to God’s call with courage and humility.
With confidence in your prayers, we now place before the Lord the intention we bring to this novena.
May our lives be rooted in trust, as yours was from the beginning.
Amen.

St. Bridget of Sweden, pray for us