Hosea, Chapter 12
(1) Ephraim feedeth on wind, and followeth after the east wind: he daily increaseth lies and desolation; and they do make a covenant with the Assyrians, and oil is carried into Egypt. (2) The LORD hath also a controversy with Judah, and will punish Jacob according to his ways; according to his doings will he recompense him. (3) He took his brother by the heel in the womb, and by his strength he had power with God: (4) Yea, he had power over the angel, and prevailed: he wept, and made supplication unto him: he found him in Bethel, and there he spake with us; (5) Even the LORD God of hosts; the LORD is his memorial. (6) Therefore turn thou to thy God: keep mercy and judgment, and wait on thy God continually. (7) He is a merchant, the balances of deceit are in his hand: he loveth to oppress. (8) And Ephraim said, Yet I am become rich, I have found me out substance: in all my labours they shall find none iniquity in me that were sin. (9) And I that am the LORD thy God from the land of Egypt will yet make thee to dwell in tabernacles, as in the days of the solemn feast. (10) I have also spoken by the prophets, and I have multiplied visions, and used similitudes, by the ministry of the prophets. (11) Is there iniquity in Gilead? surely they are vanity: they sacrifice bullocks in Gilgal; yea, their altars are as heaps in the furrows of the fields. (12) And Jacob fled into the country of Syria, and Israel served for a wife, and for a wife he kept sheep. (13) And by a prophet the LORD brought Israel out of Egypt, and by a prophet was he preserved. (14) Ephraim provoked him to anger most bitterly: therefore shall he leave his blood upon him, and his reproach shall his LORD return unto him.
A Random Prayer...
To Our Blessed Mother
We fly to your protection, most holy Mother of God; please listen to our petitions and needs, and deliver us from all dangers, ever glorious and blessed Virgin Mary. Mary, our model and mother, by your obedience and patience you have taught us how to be true children of God. Please help us by your powerful assistance to overcome all our weaknesses, and to fulfill perfectly our tasks in life. By your compassionate aid may we ever stand in spirit with you beneath the cross of Christ so that we may also rejoice with you in your divine Son's triumphant victory over sin and death. In your maternal kindness help us to be faithful to prayers in the company of God's Church as you were one with the Apostles in the upper room as you waited for the promised Spirit of Pentecost. With your gracious assistance may we be near you in the glory of Christ's kingdom come to sing with you and all the faithful the eternal praise of God. Amen. V. O Mary, conceived without sin, R. Pray for us who have recourse to you. You are all fair, O Virgin Mary, You never knew the stain of sin; You are the glory of Jerusalem, You, the joy of Israel, You, the great honor of our people, You, the advocate of sinners. O Mary, Virgin most prudent, O Mary, Mother most merciful, Pray for us, Intercede for us with our Lord, Jesus Christ.
more prayers...