On Separation by Rumi

We know separation so well because we've tasted the union. The reed flute

makes music because it has already experienced changing mud and rain and light into sugarcane. Longing becomes more poignant if in the distance you can't tell whether your friend is going away or coming back. The pushing away pulls you in.

the Guest House

This being human is a guest house.

Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,

some momentary awareness comes

as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!

Even if they're a crowd of sorrows,

who violently sweep your house

empty of its furniture,

still, treat each guest honorably.

He may be clearing you out

for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice,

meet them at the door laughing,

and invite them in.

Be grateful for whoever comes,

because each has been sent 

as a guide from beyond.

~Rumi

Day 9

Thank you St. Jude for listening to my prayers in my time of need this past month. I do not understand all that has happened, but I thank you for giving me loving friends to help me. I still have hope my petition will be granted. Thank you. And, I promise to publish my thanks and your prayer.

St. Jude, glorious apostle, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the name of the traitor has caused you to be forgotten by many. But the Church honors and invokes you universally as the patron of hopeless cases and of things despaired of. Pray for me who am so distressed. Make use, I implore you of that particular privilege accorded you to bring visible and speedy help where help was almost despaired of. Come to my assistance in this great need that I may receive the consolation and succor of Heaven in all my necessities, tribulations and sufferings, particularly (mention your request) and that I may bless God with you and all the elect throughout eternity. St. Jude, apostle, martyr, and relative of our Lord Jesus Christ, of Mary and of Joseph, intercede for us!

Amean

Day 8

Not much has happened this week in regards to my petition. I am still sad, but the depression has abated some...I feel flat. No crying, though. I know I am supposed to accept God's will, but it is hard. On top of everything, it is the holiday season which makes things worse. I want to be grateful for the comforts I have, but it's all so depressing I just go home from work and sleep...it's really the only way I can find peace. Nothing makes sense. I'm tired and tired of being hurt.

To be said when problems arise or when one seems to be deprived of all available help, or for cases almost despaired of.

Most holy apostle, St. Jude, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the Church honors and invokes you universally, as the patron of hopeless cases, of things almost despaired of. Pray for me. I am so helpless and alone. Make use I implore you, of that particular privilege given to you, to bring visible and speedy help where help is almost despaired of. Come to my assistance in this great need that I may receive the consolation and help of heaven in all my necessities, tribulations, and sufferings, particularly (here make your request) and that I may praise God with you and all the elect forever. I promise, O’ blessed St. Jude, to be ever mindful of this great favor, to always honor you as my special and powerful patron, and to gratefully encourage devotion to you Amen.

Novena Prayer must be said nine times each day for nine consecutive days leaving nine copies in Church each day. Prayer will be answered on or before the ninth day and has never been known to fail.

Day 7

May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be praised, blessed, loved, adored and glorified

Throughout the whole world now and forever. Amen.

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, pray for us

St. Jude, worker of miracles, helper for the helpless, pray for us.

Thank you St. Jude and God for listening to my prayers and helping me through a difficult time.

Day 6

Holy Saint Jude, Apostle and Martyr

Great in virtue and rich in miracles, near kinsman of Jesus Christ

Faithful intercessor of all who invoke your special patronage in time of need

To you I have recourse from the depths of my heart

And humbly beg to whom God has given such great power to come to my assistance

Help me in my present and urgent petition

In return I promise to make your name known and cause you to be invoked

Saint Jude Pray for us and all who invoke you aid. Amen

(follow this with 3 Our Father's, 3 Hail Mary's and 3 Glory Be's)

Day 5

My demeanor has taken on a sort of low apathy, and others notice. Not the best for my job, but what can I do? Well, pray is what I seem to be doing all day.

Saint Jude, we have problems in our relationship. Beg Almighty God to give us the light to see ourselves and each otgher as we really are. Help us to grow daily in self knowledge and mutual respect while at the same time developing our potential to love and be loved. Help us, Saint Jude to seek and root out every manifestation of selfishness, vanity and childish self seeking - those hidden enemies of love and maturity. Show us that by learning to love and being filled with love, we now complement and nurture each other as we share our lives together. Amen.

O Saint Jude, apostle and companion of Christ Jesus you have shown us be example how to live a life of zeal and devotion. We humbly entreat you today to hear our prayers and petitions. Especially do we ask you to obtain for us the following favor (mention favor). Grant that in praying for present and future favors we may not forget the innumerable ones granted in the past but often return to give thanks. Humbly we resign ourselves to God's holy will, knowing that he alone knows what is best for us especially in our present needs and necessities. Amen.

St. Jude pray for us

My Jesus mercy