27 Days of Petition

There are times in my life when I need to fall on my knees at the Lord’s feet and humbly ask for mercy. It has been almost 5 months since the COVID-19 pandemic invaded our country. Even though 5 months can be perceived as a relatively short period of time, no doubt many people would agree that these past 5 months have been exceptionally long and arduous. Only during the past few weeks have I truly felt the struggles as a result of this period of time and fear has begun to consume my soul.

I have allowed the enemy to enter my mind, and he has corrupted it. In an attempt to combat the lies he feeds me, I took the initiative to pray a 54-day rosary novena. This novena is divided into two parts: the first 27 days you pray the rosary with a certain petition and then the remaining 27 days you pray in thanksgiving for your petition being answered, whether it was answered during the prior 27 days or not. The thanksgiving is based on the idea that Mary is always acting as our advocate and always working for our greater good.

Last weekend I reached the 27 day marker and though I tried not to get my hopes up too much, I must admit to disappointment when nothing miraculous happened. This 54 day novena is commonly offered as a petition to find your future spouse. In the midst of this COVID-19 crisis, my desire to find the man I am meant to marry and with whom I will share a family was revitalized, mainly because I have been left alone with my thoughts much of the time and those thoughts often remind me of what I want but don’t have. I embarked on this journey of 54 days praying the novena with the intention of petitioning for my future spouse, but every time I arrived at the moment to state my petition in prayer, I never actually asked Mother Mary to reveal my husband to me. After much introspection, I realized this, and had to admit I had no reason to be upset when the 27th day came and I was not united with my mate. It was the Sunday first reading that convinced me Mother Mary did grant the favor I so trustingly sought.

“Give your servant, therefore, an understanding heart to judge your people and to distinguish right from wrong. For who is able to govern this vast people of yours?”
The Lord was pleased that Solomon made this request.So God said to him:”Because you have asked for this–not for a long life for yourself,nor for riches,nor for the life of your enemies,but for understanding that you may know what is right–I do as you requested.I give you a heart so wise and understandingthat there has never been anyone like you up to now,and after you there will come no one to equal you.” 1 Kings 3:5, 7-12

The truth is that I do desperately long for a “happily ever after,” but I cannot consciously ask for my soulmate. I have already found Him and His name is Jesus Christ. The actual petition I was making through prayer was to be made into a person worthy of God’s graces and love. I want nothing more than to be brave enough to accept the plan God has for my life. Similar to Solomon’s petition, I seek a heart of understanding. There are times when I fall out of grace, but I always strive to return to the Lord and submit myself to His will. Right now, I am struggling to stay committed to Him, but I have faith and trust that He will kindly reach out His hand and lead me back to Him like a good shepherd. I can eagerly embrace the next 27 days of the novena and pray with great thanksgiving.