Pope Francis called them “the saints next door”: parents raising children with love, people working hard to support their families, the sick, and elderly religious who keep smiling. Holiness isn’t about being perfect or strange. It’s about letting God’s love fill an ordinary life until it shines through.
Historical Context
A Prayer for Holiness
Lord, you call me to be holy, as you are holy.
I’m not sure I know how.
Take my ordinary life, my work, my family, my commute and my chores,
and make it holy.
Root out the sins I’ve grown comfortable with.
Give me a heart that loves what you love.
Make me a saint, Lord, even a small one.
Amen.
A Morning Offering
O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary,
I offer you my prayers, works, joys and sufferings of this day,
for all the intentions of your Sacred Heart.
Amen.
A Prayer in Small Things
Lord, let me do small things with great love today.
Amen.
Best Times for This Prayer
- First thing in the morning, as an offering of the day.
- On 1 November, All Saints’ Day.
- When you feel stuck in the same sins.
Scripture Connection
“But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” — 1 Peter 1:15-16
“All manner of conversation” means all of life. Peter isn’t describing a special category of people. He’s describing what every Christian is called to.
Related prayers
For the saints, see the Catholic Halloween Prayer. For daily surrender, the Prayer of Surrender. For confession, the Prayer Before Confession.