Prayer in times of papal infidelity

By Dr. Jeff Mirus ( bio - articles - email ) | Sep 27, 2017

[Note: I have written this prayer only in the sense that I have sought diligently in Sacred Scripture for the right words. The text is almost entirely Scriptural, as you will see in the blue references. The words, therefore, are mostly inspired by the Holy Spirit, and I deserve no credit. But any mistaken application of them is my own, along with all the blame.]

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My Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, I come before you in fear and trembling. [Phil 2:12] For you know my folly, and the wrongs I have done are not hidden from you. Even now, O Lord, let not those who hope in you be put to shame through me; let not those who seek you be brought to dishonor through me. [Ps 69:5-6]

For who can discern his errors? Clear me from hidden faults. Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. [Ps 19:12-14]

Aware of my own weakness, O Lord, I now join with others in your name, [Mt 18:20] entreating you to make the pope’s heart a stream of water in your hand, that you may turn it wherever you will. [Prv 21:1] For every pope must trust in you, that through the steadfast love of the Most High he shall not be moved. [Ps 21:7]

King of the heavens, and sovereign of all creation, holy among the holy ones, the only ruler, the almighty, give attention to your Church, which seems to us to suffer grievously from an impious and profane man, puffed up in his audacity and power. For you, the creator of all things and the governor of all, are a just Ruler, and you judge those who have done anything in insolence and arrogance. [3 Mac 2:2-3]

We know only too well, as it is written, that we shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people. [Acts 23:5] Give us understanding minds and hearts that we might judge rightly! [1 Kgs 3:9] But we have cried to this pope, and it seems to us that he has responded with derision, [Mt 27:39] and answered as Caiaphas, saying “You know nothing at all; you do not understand that it is expedient for you that one man should die for the people.” [Jn 11:49-50]

We who love you, O Lord, desire only to make up in our own bodies what is lacking in your afflictions for your body, the Church. [Col 1:24] Let no one who has partaken of your Spirit hold you up to contempt and crucify you anew! [Heb 6:6]

Filled with gratitude, we recognize that in you, O Lord, we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. [Heb 4:15]

Not our will but yours be done! [Lk 22:42] Only permit us, Lord, to draw near with confidence to your throne, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. [Heb 4:16]

Amen.