Let us pray with today’s Gospel Reading (Matthew 25:1-13): Memorial of St. Augustine, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

God Our Father,

Today, as we celebrate the Memorial of St. Augustine, Bishop and Doctor of the Church, we praise You for the grace that transformed his searching heart and led him from restlessness to the joy of finding his true home in You. Lord, keep the lamp of our faith burning brightly. Do not allow the distractions, anxieties, and attractions of this world to make us forget the eternal banquet to which You call us.

Lord Jesus, like St. Augustine, may we never stop searching for You. When our hearts become restless, teach us to recognize that no created thing can completely satisfy us. Draw us back to Yourself, for You alone are the fulfillment of our deepest desires. Give us the “oil” of prayer, faith, love, perseverance, and good works so that our lamps may never go out. Help us to prepare for Your coming not with fear, but with joyful hope and faithful living.

St. Augustine, who confessed, “Our hearts are restless until they rest in You,” pray for us. Obtain for us the grace of conversion when we have deviated from the right path, wisdom when we are confused, perseverance when we are discouraged, and humility to surrender ourselves completely to God’s will.

Lord, we pray especially for those whose hearts are searching for meaning, those who have wandered from the faith, and those who feel far from God. May they discover, as Augustine did, the mercy of the Father who patiently waits for His children to return and make our hearts ever restless for You and ever ready for Your coming. Through the intercession of St. Augustine, lead us from restlessness to peace, from wandering to conversion, and from searching to the fullness of Your love.

St. Augustine, Pray for us!