Day 3 — Spiritual childhood

Meditation

The «little way» of Saint Therese is the way of spiritual childhood: recognizing oneself as small, trusting in God like a child in its father's arms, not attributing merits to oneself but hoping all things from divine mercy. Jesus said: «Unless you become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven» (Matthew 18:3).

Prayer of the Day

Little Flower of Jesus! By the steps of innocence and simplicity you took on the flowery path of your little way, which was the way of spiritual childhood, grant that the steps of my life may not run along the paths of perdition, but step by step may climb the path that leads to glory. Amen.

Prayer for all days

Saint Therese! I come to your feet full of confidence to ask for favors. The cross of life weighs heavily upon me, and I find nothing but thorns among its branches. Little Flower of Jesus! Send upon my soul a shower of flowers of grace and virtue so that I may climb the Calvary of life intoxicated by your perfumes. Send me a smile from your heavenly lips and a glance from your beautiful eyes. My God! Through the intercession of Saint Therese, give me strength to fulfill my duty exactly and grant me the grace I ask in this novena. Amen.

Final Prayer

O unique little saint! Teach us the «little way» of your spiritual childhood. My glorious little saint! I confidently hope that you will obtain from God the special grace I ask in this novena. I, in turn, promise to imitate, with all my strength, your heroic examples. Meanwhile, like you, O Little Flower of Jesus, I wish to scatter on earth the flowers of my affection at the feet of the Love of Loves.