Image from Our Lady of Assumption Parish, Strafford, PA

My husband has a job. Right now, in his industry and in the economic climate, that is a HUGE blessing.

But it takes a toll on all of us. There’s a lot of extra work involved, because of a shortage of people (but at least he has work). There’s a lot of extra stress, because of a shortage of work (but at least he has a job). There’s a lot of extra worry because of both of the above (but God always provides).

One week from now is the feast of the Assumption of Mary, which has taken on great meaning to me in the last year. I was thinking of that this morning and it struck me…we’re nine days away from it! It’s the perfect time to start a novena, asking Our Lady of the Assumption to pray for us.

I’m dedicating my novena intentions to a few special things, my husband among them. I’ll include your intentions as well, if you want to join along.

Here’s the prayer I’ll be using, courtesy of the Prayers 2000 app (from the makers of the Divine Office app):

Lovely Lady dressed in Blue,
Teach me how to pray!
God was just your little Boy,
Tell me what to say!
Did you lift Him up, sometimes,
Gently, on your knee?
Did you sing to Him
the way Mother does to me?
Did you hold His hand at night?
Did you ever try
Telling stories of the world?
O! And did He cry?
Do you really think He cares
If I tell Him things –
Little things that happen?

And

Do the Angels’ wings
Make a noise?
And can He hear
Me if I speak low?
Does He understand me now?
Tell me – for you now?
Lovely Lady dressed in blue,
Teach me how to pray!
God was just your little Boy.
And you know the way.