My Life In Prayer 31 Day Purgatorian Novena FOURTH DAY --EXPIATION FOR VENIAL SINS AND IMPERFECTIONS.

FOURTH DAY --EXPIATION FOR VENIAL SINS AND IMPERFECTIONS.

The judgments of God are very different from the judgments of man. "For: My thoughts are not your thoughts; nor your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are exalted above the earth, so My ways are exalted above your ways, and My Thoughts above your thoughts." (Is. Iv. 8-9.) Though the judgments of God are severe, they are ever just. "Unto whomsoever much is given, of him much shall be required." (Luke xii 48.) And St. Gregory the Great says, "Where grace has been augmented, there also the account has been increased." From those souls, upon whom God has bestowed great and special graces, He demands a more faithful cooperation, and the least infidelity to such grace is punished with extreme severity; the purgation or cleansing of these favored souls must be perfect in proportion to the high degree of glory to which they are to be exalted. In reference to prayer for suffering souls, who are in Purgatory for venial sins and imperfections, we must observe that, though their time of suffering is comparatively short, and their punishment less vigorous, their pain and agony is more intense, owing to their yearning desire of perfect union with God. They are in utmost need of our fervent prayers. And will show their gratitude by their petitions for us before the throne of God, according to the speedy assistance we have given them in our earthy lives.

Prayer: Inflame within us, O Lord, the fire of Thy Divine love, that all our inordinate desires may be consumed here upon the earth, thus rendering our prayers for the suffering souls in Purgatory more acceptable to Thee and beneficial to them. Through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Special Intercession: Pray for the souls who are nearest their deliverance.

Eternal rest grant onto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them; may they rest in peace. Amen.     (Three times)

Practice: Mortify your prevailing weakness or inclination.

Invocation: My Jesus, mercy!