Day 4 — The Humility of Mary

By the sign of the Holy Cross, from our enemies deliver us, Lord our God. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening Prayer for All Days

O God, who by the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin prepared a worthy dwelling for your Son, we beseech you that, as you preserved her from every stain in foresight of the death of your Son, you would also grant us, through her intercession, to attain the purity that leads us into your presence. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayer of the Day

Hail, Mary, Daughter of the Father, Mother of the Son, Spouse of the Holy Spirit: though the highest of creatures, you called yourself the "handmaid of the Lord." Grant us, by your intercession, the grace of humility, that we may acknowledge our littleness and depend always on God.

Biblical Reading

"For he has looked on the humble estate of his handmaid. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed" (Luke 1:48).

Meditation

Mary's greatness lies not in her exaltation but in her humility. She calls herself the "handmaid of the Lord." That is why God exalted her above all creatures. Humility is the foundation of all virtues and the door that opens us to the grace of God.

Petition

Here the particular petition desired is made.

Final Prayer for All Days

O Immaculate Virgin Mary, Mother of God and our Mother, by the singular grace of your Immaculate Conception, obtain for us the grace to imitate your purity and your fidelity to God. May we, like you, always know how to say "yes" to the will of the Father. Amen.

(Our Father, Hail Mary, and Gloria, three times each).

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.