Devotional Prayer Archives

Day 8 – Rome and the Witness of Charity – St. Bridget of Sweden Novena – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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Day 8: Rome and the Witness of Charity – St. Bridget of Sweden Novena

Quote from the Revelations

“Be merciful in your thoughts, steadfast in your works, and generous in your deeds. Let My love move your hands to serve.”
—Revelations, Book IV, Chapter 22

Reflection
When Bridget arrived in Rome, she did not enter with status or comfort. She made her home near the Campo de’ Fiori, where she opened a small house to care for the sick and the poor. This place became a shelter for those in need and a place of prayer—where Christ was loved in the most vulnerable.

Bridget spent years in Rome living in simplicity, walking the streets between the great basilicas, praying at holy sites, and offering encouragement to anyone willing to listen. She frequently visited the Church of San Lorenzo in Panisperna, where St. Lawrence had been martyred. She reminded pilgrims that true devotion to this beloved deacon must be joined with love for what he cherished—especially care for the poor. Bridget gathered alms for the hungry and brought comfort to those forgotten by the world.

Her charity was not separate from her mystical life. It was the fruit of it. The revelations she received moved her to action. Prayer led her to serve, and in serving, she continued to pray. Bridget’s example shows us how mercy and contemplation belong together. The closer she drew to Christ in prayer, the more deeply she embraced His suffering Body in the world.

Prayer for Intercession
St. Bridget, you served Christ in the poor and the sick,
and you spoke with boldness in the heart of the Church.
Help us to love with humility and act with courage.
Teach us to see Christ in those around us,
and to serve with open hands and faithful hearts.
With confidence in your prayers, we now place before the Lord the intention we bring to this novena.
May our love be genuine, our prayer unceasing, and our hearts always turned toward mercy.
Amen.

St. Bridget of Sweden, pray for us

For the complete 9-Day St. Bridget of Sweden Novena visit here

Monday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

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Monday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

As you begin, take a deep breath and exhale slowly. For at least the next few moments, surrender all the cares and concerns of this day to the Lord.

Say slowly from your heart “Jesus, I Trust In You…You Take Over”

Become aware that He is with you, looking upon you with love, wanting to be heard deep within in your heart…

From the Holy Gospel According to Matthew 12:38-42

Some of the scribes and Pharisees spoke up. ‘Master,’ they said ‘we should like to see a sign from you.’ He replied, ‘It is an evil and unfaithful generation that asks for a sign! The only sign it will be given is the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was in the belly of the sea-monster for three days and three nights, so will the Son of Man be in the heart of the earth for three days and three nights. On Judgement day the men of Nineveh will stand up with this generation and condemn it, because when Jonah preached they repented; and there is something greater than Jonah here. On Judgement day the Queen of the South will rise up with this generation and condemn it, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and there is something greater than Solomon here.’

What word made this passage come alive for you?

What did you sense the Lord saying to you?

Once more give the Lord an opportunity to speak to you:

Some of the scribes and Pharisees spoke up. ‘Master,’ they said ‘we should like to see a sign from you.’ He replied, ‘It is an evil and unfaithful generation that asks for a sign! The only sign it will be given is the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was in the belly of the sea-monster for three days and three nights, so will the Son of Man be in the heart of the earth for three days and three nights. On Judgement day the men of Nineveh will stand up with this generation and condemn it, because when Jonah preached they repented; and there is something greater than Jonah here. On Judgement day the Queen of the South will rise up with this generation and condemn it, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and there is something greater than Solomon here.’

What did your heart feel as you listened?

What did you sense the Lord saying to you?

Once more, through Him, with Him and in Him listen to the Word:

Some of the scribes and Pharisees spoke up. ‘Master,’ they said ‘we should like to see a sign from you.’ He replied, ‘It is an evil and unfaithful generation that asks for a sign! The only sign it will be given is the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was in the belly of the sea-monster for three days and three nights, so will the Son of Man be in the heart of the earth for three days and three nights. On Judgement day the men of Nineveh will stand up with this generation and condemn it, because when Jonah preached they repented; and there is something greater than Jonah here. On Judgement day the Queen of the South will rise up with this generation and condemn it, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and there is something greater than Solomon here.’

What touched your heart in this time of prayer?

What did your heart feel as you prayed?

What do you hope to carry with you from this time with the Lord?

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

and forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us,

and lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

Amen

Excerpt from THE JERUSALEM BIBLE, copyright (c) 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd, Ltd. and Doubleday, a division of Penguin Random House, Inc. Reprinted by Permission.

Day 7 – The Prayers at the Foot of the Cross – St. Bridget of Sweden Novena – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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Day 7: The Prayers at the Foot of the Cross – St. Bridget of Sweden Novena

Quote from the Revelations

“I received these prayers from the lips of Christ Himself as I knelt before the Crucifix. They are for those who desire to remember His Passion and live in His love.”
—Revelations, Book V, Prologue

Reflection
The Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls was a place of deep prayer for St. Bridget during her years in Rome. There, she would come before the crucifix suspended above the altar—its hands broken by age and conflict—and offer her heart completely to Christ. In that sacred space, she received a series of revelations from the Lord, who shared with her prayers that would help the faithful unite more closely to His Passion.

These prayers became known as the Fifteen Prayers of St. Bridget. Through them, Christ drew her into the mystery of His suffering and invited her to share it with others. Bridget wrote down the words she heard and the insights given to her—not to spark fear, but to awaken love. Her purpose was to help hearts remain close to Jesus, especially in His sorrows.

Bridget shows us how the Passion is not an event to be observed from a distance. It is the place where we meet Christ in His deepest gift of self. When we meditate on His wounds, we are invited to entrust Him with our own. When we remember His suffering, we are drawn into the mercy that flows from it. These prayers were not only a gift for personal devotion—they were also a call to renewal. Bridget urged the leaders of her time to remember the love Christ poured out on the Cross and to live lives worthy of that love. As the Church—the Bride of Christ—struggled with wounds and division, Bridget called her to reflect again the holiness of her Divine Bridegroom.

Prayer for Intercession
St. Bridget, you listened with love at the foot of the Cross and received a treasure for the Church.
Help us to pray the Passion with devotion and gratitude.
Teach us to remain close to Jesus in sorrow and in joy,
and to bring others to the healing love of the Crucified.
With confidence in your prayers, we now place before the Lord the intention we bring to this novena.
May the mystery of the Cross strengthen our hearts, renew our hope, and inspire the Church to conversion, healing, and the courage to act with holiness and clarity.
Amen.

St. Bridget of Sweden, pray for us

For the complete 9-Day St. Bridget of Sweden Novena visit here

Sunday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

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Sunday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

As you begin, take a deep breath and exhale slowly. For at least the next few moments, surrender all the cares and concerns of this day to the Lord.

Say slowly from your heart “Jesus, I Trust In You…You Take Over”

Become aware that He is with you, looking upon you with love, wanting to be heard deep within in your heart…

From the Holy Gospel According to Luke 10:38-42

Jesus came to a village, and a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. She had a sister called Mary, who sat down at the Lord’s feet and listened to him speaking. Now Martha who was distracted with all the serving said, ‘Lord, do you not care that my sister is leaving me to do the serving all by myself? Please tell her to help me.’ But the Lord answered: ‘Martha, Martha,’ he said ‘you worry and fret about so many things, and yet few are needed, indeed only one. It is Mary who has chosen the better part; it is not to be taken from her.’

What word made this passage come alive for you?

What did you sense the Lord saying to you?

Once more give the Lord an opportunity to speak to you:

Jesus came to a village, and a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. She had a sister called Mary, who sat down at the Lord’s feet and listened to him speaking. Now Martha who was distracted with all the serving said, ‘Lord, do you not care that my sister is leaving me to do the serving all by myself? Please tell her to help me.’ But the Lord answered: ‘Martha, Martha,’ he said ‘you worry and fret about so many things, and yet few are needed, indeed only one. It is Mary who has chosen the better part; it is not to be taken from her.’

What did your heart feel as you listened?

What did you sense the Lord saying to you?

Once more, through Him, with Him and in Him listen to the Word:

Jesus came to a village, and a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. She had a sister called Mary, who sat down at the Lord’s feet and listened to him speaking. Now Martha who was distracted with all the serving said, ‘Lord, do you not care that my sister is leaving me to do the serving all by myself? Please tell her to help me.’ But the Lord answered: ‘Martha, Martha,’ he said ‘you worry and fret about so many things, and yet few are needed, indeed only one. It is Mary who has chosen the better part; it is not to be taken from her.’

What touched your heart in this time of prayer?

What did your heart feel as you prayed?

What do you hope to carry with you from this time with the Lord?

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

and forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us,

and lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

Amen

Excerpt from THE JERUSALEM BIBLE, copyright (c) 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd, Ltd. and Doubleday, a division of Penguin Random House, Inc. Reprinted by Permission.

Day 6 – Pilgrimage to the Holy Land – St. Bridget of Sweden Novena – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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Day 6: Pilgrimage to the Holy Land — Walking in the Footsteps of Christ – St. Bridget of Sweden Novena

Quote from the Revelations

“If thou wouldst be My companion, walk where I have walked, and let My love be thy path.”
—Revelations, Book V, Chapter 12

Reflection
In the later years of her life, St. Bridget traveled to the Holy Land. Despite her age and fragile health, she undertook the journey with reverence and determination. Every place she visited—Bethlehem, Nazareth, the Mount of Olives, Gethsemane, Calvary—became a place of prayer and encounter.

As she walked where Jesus had walked, her heart opened more fully to the mysteries of His life. Her time in Jerusalem was marked by profound interior experiences, which she received and recorded in obedience. The path was long and difficult, but she offered it to the Lord in love.

At Calvary, her soul was especially united to the Passion of Christ. She also drew close to the sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who had stood there in silence and strength. The Virgin’s maternal suffering became a source of grace for Bridget, helping her to remain close to Jesus in prayer and sacrifice.

Bridget returned from the Holy Land strengthened in faith and ready for the final chapter of her earthly journey.

How her life speaks to us today
Each of us is called to walk with Christ—not by going to distant places, but by turning toward Him in daily life. Bridget shows us that prayer, fidelity, and love can lead us to union with the Lord, even through suffering and uncertainty.

Prayer for Intercession
St. Bridget, faithful pilgrim and servant of Christ,
you walked the sacred roads of the Holy Land with love and devotion.
Pray for us, that we may carry our crosses with grace
and remain close to Jesus through every trial.
Help us to honor the sorrows of His Blessed Mother
and to open our hearts to the mysteries of salvation.
We entrust to your intercession the intention we carry in this novena.
Guide us to walk in love and faithfulness.
Amen.

St. Bridget of Sweden, pray for us

For the complete 9-Day St. Bridget of Sweden Novena visit here

Saturday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

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Saturday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

As you begin, take a deep breath and exhale slowly. For at least the next few moments, surrender all the cares and concerns of this day to the Lord.

Say slowly from your heart “Jesus, I Trust In You…You Take Over”

Become aware that He is with you, looking upon you with love, wanting to be heard deep within in your heart…

From the Holy Gospel According to Matthew 12:14-21

The Pharisees went out and began to plot against Jesus, discussing how to destroy him.
Jesus knew this and withdrew from the district. Many followed him and he cured them all, but warned them not to make him known. This was to fulfil the prophecy of Isaiah:
Here is my servant whom I have chosen,
my beloved, the favourite of my soul.
I will endow him with my spirit,
and he will proclaim the true faith to the nations.
He will not brawl or shout,
nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets.
He will not break the crushed reed,
nor put out the smouldering wick
till he has led the truth to victory:
in his name the nations will put their hope.

What word made this passage come alive for you?

What did you sense the Lord saying to you?

Once more give the Lord an opportunity to speak to you:

The Pharisees went out and began to plot against Jesus, discussing how to destroy him.
Jesus knew this and withdrew from the district. Many followed him and he cured them all, but warned them not to make him known. This was to fulfil the prophecy of Isaiah:
Here is my servant whom I have chosen,
my beloved, the favourite of my soul.
I will endow him with my spirit,
and he will proclaim the true faith to the nations.
He will not brawl or shout,
nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets.
He will not break the crushed reed,
nor put out the smouldering wick
till he has led the truth to victory:
in his name the nations will put their hope.

What did your heart feel as you listened?

What did you sense the Lord saying to you?

Once more, through Him, with Him and in Him listen to the Word:

The Pharisees went out and began to plot against Jesus, discussing how to destroy him.
Jesus knew this and withdrew from the district. Many followed him and he cured them all, but warned them not to make him known. This was to fulfil the prophecy of Isaiah:
Here is my servant whom I have chosen,
my beloved, the favourite of my soul.
I will endow him with my spirit,
and he will proclaim the true faith to the nations.
He will not brawl or shout,
nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets.
He will not break the crushed reed,
nor put out the smouldering wick
till he has led the truth to victory:
in his name the nations will put their hope.

What touched your heart in this time of prayer?

What did your heart feel as you prayed?

What do you hope to carry with you from this time with the Lord?

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

and forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us,

and lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

Amen

Excerpt from THE JERUSALEM BIBLE, copyright (c) 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd, Ltd. and Doubleday, a division of Penguin Random House, Inc. Reprinted by Permission.

Day 5 – Faithful Messenger – St. Bridget of Sweden Novena – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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Day 5: Faithful Messenger – A Heart for the Church and Her Shepherds – St. Bridget of Sweden Novena

Quote from the Revelations

“Cry out as with a trumpet. My Spouse is wounded. Her face is disfigured. Her voice is faint. Call My people to return to Me with humility and love.”
—Revelations, Book IV, Chapter 89

Reflection
Bridget lived during one of the most painful chapters in Church history. The papacy had been moved to Avignon, and Rome was suffering—spiritually neglected, politically unstable, and stripped of the leadership it once knew. Bridget remained in the city, caring for the sick, feeding the poor, and pouring out her life in prayer.

As she prayed, she began to receive revelations that pierced her heart. She saw the Bride of Christ disfigured by scandal, weakened by division, and longing for renewal. These were not cold denunciations, but cries of love. Her writings to popes and rulers carried a mother’s plea: return to holiness, restore the Church, bring the successor of Peter home to Rome.

Her words were bold, shaped by long hours of silence before the Blessed Sacrament and the constant offering of prayer for the needs of the Church. Bridget believed that true reform began not in anger or accusation, but in intercession—lifting the wounds of the Church into the heart of Christ and trusting in His mercy.

Prayer for Intercession
St. Bridget, you remained faithful when the Church was torn and scattered.
Teach us to pray with perseverance and hope.
Help us to love the Church not from a distance, but with hearts willing to suffer and serve.
With confidence in your prayers, we now place before the Lord the intention we bring to this novena.
May your voice strengthen ours in calling for healing and unity.
Amen.

St. Bridget of Sweden, pray for us

For the complete 9-Day St. Bridget of Sweden Novena visit here

Friday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

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Friday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

As you begin, take a deep breath and exhale slowly. For at least the next few moments, surrender all the cares and concerns of this day to the Lord.

Say slowly from your heart “Jesus, I Trust In You…You Take Over”

Become aware that He is with you, looking upon you with love, wanting to be heard deep within in your heart…

From the Holy Gospel According to Matthew 12:1-8

Jesus took a walk one sabbath day through the cornfields. His disciples were hungry and began to pick ears of corn and eat them. The Pharisees noticed it and said to him, ‘Look, your disciples are doing something that is forbidden on the sabbath.’ But he said to them, ‘Have you not read what David did when he and his followers were hungry – how he went into the house of God and how they ate the loaves of offering which neither he nor his followers were allowed to eat, but which were for the priests alone? Or again, have you not read in the Law that on the sabbath day the Temple priests break the sabbath without being blamed for it? Now here, I tell you, is something greater than the Temple. And if you had understood the meaning of the words: What I want is mercy, not sacrifice, you would not have condemned the blameless. For the Son of Man is master of the sabbath.’

What word made this passage come alive for you?

What did you sense the Lord saying to you?

Once more give the Lord an opportunity to speak to you:

Jesus took a walk one sabbath day through the cornfields. His disciples were hungry and began to pick ears of corn and eat them. The Pharisees noticed it and said to him, ‘Look, your disciples are doing something that is forbidden on the sabbath.’ But he said to them, ‘Have you not read what David did when he and his followers were hungry – how he went into the house of God and how they ate the loaves of offering which neither he nor his followers were allowed to eat, but which were for the priests alone? Or again, have you not read in the Law that on the sabbath day the Temple priests break the sabbath without being blamed for it? Now here, I tell you, is something greater than the Temple. And if you had understood the meaning of the words: What I want is mercy, not sacrifice, you would not have condemned the blameless. For the Son of Man is master of the sabbath.’

What did your heart feel as you listened?

What did you sense the Lord saying to you?

Once more, through Him, with Him and in Him listen to the Word:

Jesus took a walk one sabbath day through the cornfields. His disciples were hungry and began to pick ears of corn and eat them. The Pharisees noticed it and said to him, ‘Look, your disciples are doing something that is forbidden on the sabbath.’ But he said to them, ‘Have you not read what David did when he and his followers were hungry – how he went into the house of God and how they ate the loaves of offering which neither he nor his followers were allowed to eat, but which were for the priests alone? Or again, have you not read in the Law that on the sabbath day the Temple priests break the sabbath without being blamed for it? Now here, I tell you, is something greater than the Temple. And if you had understood the meaning of the words: What I want is mercy, not sacrifice, you would not have condemned the blameless. For the Son of Man is master of the sabbath.’

What touched your heart in this time of prayer?

What did your heart feel as you prayed?

What do you hope to carry with you from this time with the Lord?

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

and forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us,

and lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

Amen

Excerpt from THE JERUSALEM BIBLE, copyright (c) 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd, Ltd. and Doubleday, a division of Penguin Random House, Inc. Reprinted by Permission.

Day 4 – Called to Rome – St. Bridget of Sweden Novena – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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Day 4: Called to Rome — A Pilgrim with a Prophetic Voice – St. Bridget of Sweden Novena

Quote from the Revelations

“Go forth, therefore, and speak boldly. I shall be in thy mouth and in the hearts of those who hear thee.”
—Revelations, Book IV, Chapter 136

Reflection
Bridget’s years at Alvastra prepared her for something unexpected. In her early fifties, she received a divine call to leave Sweden and travel to Rome—then a city caught in political chaos, spiritual confusion, and deep need. It was the era of the Avignon papacy, with the pope residing in France, and the city of Peter’s martyrdom sat wounded and neglected.

When she arrived, Bridget did not seek comfort or favor. She set up a small house near what is now the Piazza Farnese. There she cared for the sick and poor—essentially establishing a hospital with the help of her companions. Many came to her not only for food or shelter, but also for spiritual comfort. She would often make her way to the nearby church of San Lorenzo in Panisperna, where St. Lawrence was martyred, to pray and to gather alms for the poor in his name.

Her revelations during these years included letters and messages to popes, kings, and clergy—calling for reform, repentance, and renewal of the Body of Christ. Bridget’s prophetic voice was rooted not in judgment, but in deep sorrow and prayerful love for the Church. She longed for unity and holiness, and she offered her life for that intention.

Prayer for Intercession
St. Bridget, you brought mercy where there was suffering, and truth where there was confusion.
Help us to love the Church with fidelity and hope.
Teach us to offer ourselves in service, even when the world misunderstands.
With confidence in your prayers, we now place before the Lord the intention we bring to this novena.
May we follow your example of courage, prayer, and care for the most vulnerable.
Amen.

St. Bridget of Sweden, pray for us

For the complete 9-Day St. Bridget of Sweden Novena visit here

Thursday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 8:41 — 6.1MB) | Embed

Thursday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

As you begin, take a deep breath and exhale slowly. For at least the next few moments, surrender all the cares and concerns of this day to the Lord.

Say slowly from your heart “Jesus, I Trust In You…You Take Over”

Become aware that He is with you, looking upon you with love, wanting to be heard deep within in your heart…

From the Holy Gospel According to Matthew 11:28-30

Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all you who labour and are overburdened, and I will give you rest. Shoulder my yoke and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Yes, my yoke is easy and my burden light.’

What word made this passage come alive for you?

What did you sense the Lord saying to you?

Once more give the Lord an opportunity to speak to you:

Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all you who labour and are overburdened, and I will give you rest. Shoulder my yoke and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Yes, my yoke is easy and my burden light.’

What did your heart feel as you listened?

What did you sense the Lord saying to you?

Once more, through Him, with Him and in Him listen to the Word:

Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all you who labour and are overburdened, and I will give you rest. Shoulder my yoke and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Yes, my yoke is easy and my burden light.’

What touched your heart in this time of prayer?

What did your heart feel as you prayed?

What do you hope to carry with you from this time with the Lord?

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

and forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us,

and lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.