[Editor's Note: Apostleship of Prayer receives monthly prayer intentions from Pope Benedict XVI and urges Christians throughout the world to unite in prayer for those intentions. The reflections below seek to illuminate the Holy Father's concerns.]

General Intention

Attentiveness to God. That, like the Virgin Mary, all Christians may be guided by the Word of God and remain attentive to the signs of the Lord in their own lives.

God was attracted by the humility of Mary, and she found favor in His eyes (Lk 1:30). Open to God's Word, she became the Mother of God. Even before she could fully understand God's Word, she said yes. Mary is the model for Christians, not only because she obeys the Word of God, but also because she offers to each broken person her Son, the Savior. She welcomed Jesus with trust and gave Him to the world with love. Through Mary, through the Church, through us — Jesus blesses the whole world.

Last December His Holiness Benedict XVI enjoined teachers and students to "learn from the Virgin Mary, the first person to contemplate the humanity of the Incarnate Word, the humanity of Divine Wisdom."

The first way to learn from Mary is to become familiar with the Scriptures. As we understand how God worked in the lives of His Chosen People, we find wisdom to discern God's purposes in our own circumstances and in the people we encounter. Humbly, like Mary, we must contemplate in our hearts how God is speaking to us through them and using us to serve them.

In the Morning Offering we give to God our entire day. It's fitting that we look back at the end of each day to see exactly what it was we gave to God. The Prayer of the Month included here is an evening review. Its purpose is to help you to see God's hand in your life and to hear His voice. May it lead you into greater attentiveness to God.

For reflection

When do you hear God speaking to you? How do you say yes to God and allow Him to become flesh in you?

Scripture

Luke 1: 26-38 — The Annunciation

Romans 10: 6-11 — The Word is near you.

Mission Intention

Seminary Teachers. That in mission territories there may be good and enlightened teachers in the major seminaries and institutes of consecrated life.

Speaking to Bishops of Africa last September, Pope Benedict said, "It is important that teachers … be well formed in the faith and able to communicate both the joy and the challenge of following Christ." Sound doctrine is of great importance for the growth of true faith, especially in the mission territories where the teachings of the Church are unfamiliar.

But the Holy Father recognizes that priests are formed by far more than education in doctrines. They are also formed in the joy of their own salvation — a joy they must be able to communicate to others, even in the midst of great challenges.

The Pope went on to say that "a priest is called to live for others and not for himself, in imitation of Christ, who came ‘not to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many'" (Mk 10:45).

So we pray that seminary teachers all over the world will have grace to teach the truths of the Church in the joy of the Lord. We pray that our future priests all over the world will learn to imitate Christ to the point of laying down their lives for others.

Where does one get the courage to give oneself so completely? The Holy Father tells us that the secret is deep prayer. "Friendship with Christ," he said, "demands a constant and joyful search of communion of thought, will, and action with Him, in humble and faithful obedience. This communion can be achieved to the extent that the priest is an authentic man of prayer."

Amen.  

Reflection

Think of a priest, brother, or sister you admire. What qualities does he or she possess?

Scripture

1 Timothy 4: 6-16 — Be diligent in these matters.

2 Timothy 3: 10-17 — Remain faithful to what you have learned.

Daily Offering Prayer

O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer You my prayers, works, joys, and sufferings of this day in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world. I offer them for all the intentions of Your Sacred Heart: the salvation of souls, reparation for sin, and the reunion of all Christians. I offer them for the intentions of our bishops and of all Apostles of Prayer, and in particular for those recommended by our Holy Father this month.

Prayer of the Month: An Evening Reflection

Lord Jesus, I come before You this evening. Center my heart deeply in Yours, enrich me in Your love, and give me a desire to serve You by serving my sisters and brothers.

Lord, I thank You for today's gifts …
Complete in me the desires You give me …
Today You called me in these ways …
Forgive me for today's unfaithfulness …
Be with me tomorrow with Your gifts of …

Jesus, let me be newly attentive to You as I go my way tomorrow. May I, like Mary, hear and joyfully obey Your every Word. Amen.