This devotion originated in the heart of St. Teresa of Avila (1582) and of St. John of the Cross (1591) who handed it over to the Carmelite Order as a spiritual treasure. In 1624 this devotion was revived in the Carmel of Prague.FIRST DAY
O! Sweet Child Jesus, here at Your feet is a soul that, conscious of its nothingness, turns to You, who are all. I have so much need of Your help. Look on me, O! Jesus, with love and since You are all powerful, help me in my poverty.
"Our Father...", "Hail Mary..." and "Glory Be to the Father..."
By Your Divine Infancy, O! Jesus, grant me the the grace that I now ask (mention it) if it is according to Your will and for my true good. Do not look upon my unworthiness, but rather on my faith and show me Your infinite mercy.
Hymn of the most holy name of Jesus:
O, Jesus, it is sweet to remember You, true joy of the heart, but sweeter than honey, than anything is your presence. It is the most delightful song, the most joyous to the ear; it is the sweetest thought, Jesus, Son of God.
Hope of the repentent, benign with him who ask, good with him who seeks, how could one describe finding You? The spoken word cannot describe, nor the written word express, only he who has experienced can believe what it is to love Jesus. O Jesus, be our joy and one day be our eternal rest; in You is our glory now and forever. Amen.
V/ Blessed be the name of the Lord.
R/ Now and forever.
R/ Now and forever.
Prayer: O God, who has appointed Your only begotten Son as Saviour of the human race, and wished that He be called Jesus, grant us to be able one day, to contemplate Him face to face in Heaven whose Holy Name we venerate on earth. Amen.
SECOND DAY
O Splendour of the heavenly Father, in whose face shines the light of the divinity, I adore You profoundly and I confess You as the true Son of the living God. I offer You, O Lord, the humble homage of all my being. Grant that I may never separate myself from You, my highest good.
"Our Father...", "Hail Mary..." and "Glory Be to the Father..."
By Your Divine Infancy, O! Jesus, grant me the the grace that I now ask (mention it) if it is according to Your will and for my true good. Do not look upon my unworthiness, but rather on my faith and show me Your infinite mercy.
Hymn of the most holy name of Jesus:
O, Jesus, it is sweet to remember You, true joy of the heart, but sweeter than honey, than anything is your presence. It is the most delightful song, the most joyous to the ear; it is the sweetest thought, Jesus, Son of God.
Hope of the repentent, benign with him who ask, good with him who seeks, how could one describe finding You? The spoken word cannot describe, nor the written word express, only he who has experienced can believe what it is to love Jesus. O Jesus, be our joy and one day be our eternal rest; in You is our glory now and forever. Amen.
V/ Blessed be the name of the Lord.
R/ Now and forever.
R/ Now and forever.
THIRD DAY
O Holy Child Jesus, in gazing upon Your countenance, from which comes the most beautiful of smiles, I feel myself filled with a lively trust. Yes, I hope for all from Your goodness. Shed, O Jesus, on me and on those dear to me Your smile of grace and I will praise Your infinite mercy.
"Our Father...", "Hail Mary..." and "Glory Be to the Father..."
By Your Divine Infancy, O! Jesus, grant me the the grace that I now ask (mention it) if it is according to Your will and for my true good. Do not look upon my unworthiness, but rather on my faith and show me Your infinite mercy.
Hymn of the most holy name of Jesus:
O, Jesus, it is sweet to remember You, true joy of the heart, but sweeter than honey, than anything is your presence. It is the most delightful song, the most joyous to the ear; it is the sweetest thought, Jesus, Son of God.
Hope of the repentent, benign with him who ask, good with him who seeks, how could one describe finding You? The spoken word cannot describe, nor the written word express, only he who has experienced can believe what it is to love Jesus. O Jesus, be our joy and one day be our eternal rest; in You is our glory now and forever. Amen.
V/ Blessed be the name of the Lord.
R/ Now and forever.
R/ Now and forever.
Prayer: O God, who has appointed Your only begotten Son as Saviour of the human race, and wished that He be called Jesus, grant us to be able one day, to contemplate Him face to face in Heaven whose Holy Name we venerate on earth. Amen.
FOURTH DAY
O Child Jesus, whose forehead is adorned with a crown, I accept You as my absolute sovereign. I do not wish to serve any longer the evil one, my passions or sin. Reign, O Jesus over this poor heart and make it all Yours for ever.
"Our Father...", "Hail Mary..." and "Glory Be to the Father..."
By Your Divine Infancy, O! Jesus, grant me the the grace that I now ask (mention it) if it is according to Your will and for my true good. Do not look upon my unworthiness, but rather on my faith and show me Your infinite mercy.
Hymn of the most holy name of Jesus:
O, Jesus, it is sweet to remember You, true joy of the heart, but sweeter than honey, than anything is your presence. It is the most delightful song, the most joyous to the ear; it is the sweetest thought, Jesus, Son of God.
Hope of the repentent, benign with him who ask, good with him who seeks, how could one describe finding You? The spoken word cannot describe, nor the written word express, only he who has experienced can believe what it is to love Jesus. O Jesus, be our joy and one day be our eternal rest; in You is our glory now and forever. Amen.
V/ Blessed be the name of the Lord.
R/ Now and forever.
R/ Now and forever.
Prayer: O God, who has appointed Your only begotten Son as Saviour of the human race, and wished that He be called Jesus, grant us to be able one day, to contemplate Him face to face in Heaven whose Holy Name we venerate on earth. Amen.
FIFTH DAY
I gaze upon You, O Most Sweet Redeemer, dressed in a mantle of purple. It is Your royal attire. How it speaks to me of blood! That Blood which You have shed solely on my account. Grant, O Child Jesus that I may respond to Your great sacrifice and not refuse, when You offer me some difficulty, to suffer with You and for You.
"Our Father...", "Hail Mary..." and "Glory Be to the Father..."
By Your Divine Infancy, O! Jesus, grant me the the grace that I now ask (mention it) if it is according to Your will and for my true good. Do not look upon my unworthiness, but rather on my faith and show me Your infinite mercy.
Hymn of the most holy name of Jesus:
O, Jesus, it is sweet to remember You, true joy of the heart, but sweeter than honey, than anything is your presence. It is the most delightful song, the most joyous to the ear; it is the sweetest thought, Jesus, Son of God.
Hope of the repentent, benign with him who ask, good with him who seeks, how could one describe finding You? The spoken word cannot describe, nor the written word express, only he who has experienced can believe what it is to love Jesus. O Jesus, be our joy and one day be our eternal rest; in You is our glory now and forever. Amen.
V/ Blessed be the name of the Lord.
R/ Now and forever.
R/ Now and forever.
Prayer: O God, who has appointed Your only begotten Son as Saviour of the human race, and wished that He be called Jesus, grant us to be able one day, to contemplate Him face to face in Heaven whose Holy Name we venerate on earth. Amen.
SIXTH DAY
O Most Lovable Child, in contemplating You as You sustain the world, my heart fills with joy. Among the innumerable beings that You sustain I also am one. You look on me, uphold me at every instant and guard me as Your own. Look after, O Jesus, this humble being and help it in its many necessities.
"Our Father...", "Hail Mary..." and "Glory Be to the Father..."
By Your Divine Infancy, O! Jesus, grant me the the grace that I now ask (mention it) if it is according to Your will and for my true good. Do not look upon my unworthiness, but rather on my faith and show me Your infinite mercy.
Hymn of the most holy name of Jesus:
O, Jesus, it is sweet to remember You, true joy of the heart, but sweeter than honey, than anything is your presence. It is the most delightful song, the most joyous to the ear; it is the sweetest thought, Jesus, Son of God.
Hope of the repentent, benign with him who ask, good with him who seeks, how could one describe finding You? The spoken word cannot describe, nor the written word express, only he who has experienced can believe what it is to love Jesus. O Jesus, be our joy and one day be our eternal rest; in You is our glory now and forever. Amen.
V/ Blessed be the name of the Lord.
R/ Now and forever.
R/ Now and forever.
Prayer: O God, who has appointed Your only begotten Son as Saviour of the human race, and wished that He be called Jesus, grant us to be able one day, to contemplate Him face to face in Heaven whose Holy Name we venerate on earth. Amen.
SEVENTH DAY
On Your breast, O Child Jesus, shines a Cross. It is the standard of our redemption. I also, O Divine Saviour, have my cross, that, although light, very often weighs me down. Help me to bear it and may the carrying of it be fruitful. You well know weak and worthless I am.
"Our Father...", "Hail Mary..." and "Glory Be to the Father..."
By Your Divine Infancy, O! Jesus, grant me the the grace that I now ask (mention it) if it is according to Your will and for my true good. Do not look upon my unworthiness, but rather on my faith and show me Your infinite mercy.
Hymn of the most holy name of Jesus:
O, Jesus, it is sweet to remember You, true joy of the heart, but sweeter than honey, than anything is your presence. It is the most delightful song, the most joyous to the ear; it is the sweetest thought, Jesus, Son of God.
Hope of the repentent, benign with him who ask, good with him who seeks, how could one describe finding You? The spoken word cannot describe, nor the written word express, only he who has experienced can believe what it is to love Jesus. O Jesus, be our joy and one day be our eternal rest; in You is our glory now and forever. Amen.
V/ Blessed be the name of the Lord.
R/ Now and forever.
R/ Now and forever.
Prayer: O God, who has appointed Your only begotten Son as Saviour of the human race, and wished that He be called Jesus, grant us to be able one day, to contemplate Him face to face in Heaven whose Holy Name we venerate on earth. Amen.
EIGHTH DAY
Together with the cross, I see on Your breast, O Child Jesus, a little golden heart. It is the image of Your heart, which is truly golden on account of its infinite tenderness. You are the true friend, that generously gives Himself, even immolates Himself, for the one He loves. Continue to pour out on me, O Jesus, the enthusiasm which Your love inspires and teach me to respond always to Your great love.
"Our Father...", "Hail Mary..." and "Glory Be to the Father..."
By Your Divine Infancy, O! Jesus, grant me the the grace that I now ask (mention it) if it is according to Your will and for my true good. Do not look upon my unworthiness, but rather on my faith and show me Your infinite mercy.
Hymn of the most holy name of Jesus:
O, Jesus, it is sweet to remember You, true joy of the heart, but sweeter than honey, than anything is your presence. It is the most delightful song, the most joyous to the ear; it is the sweetest thought, Jesus, Son of God.
Hope of the repentent, benign with him who ask, good with him who seeks, how could one describe finding You? The spoken word cannot describe, nor the written word express, only he who has experienced can believe what it is to love Jesus. O Jesus, be our joy and one day be our eternal rest; in You is our glory now and forever. Amen.
V/ Blessed be the name of the Lord.
R/ Now and forever.
R/ Now and forever.
Prayer: O God, who has appointed Your only begotten Son as Saviour of the human race, and wished that He be called Jesus, grant us to be able one day, to contemplate Him face to face in Heaven whose Holy Name we venerate on earth. Amen.
NINTH DAY
How many blessings, O Little Child has Your almighty right hand poured out on those who honour You and call upon You. Bless me also, O Child Jesus, my soul, my body and my interests. Bless and help me in my necessities, and grant me what I now desire. Listen with compassion to my prayers and I will bless Your Holy Name every day.
"Our Father...", "Hail Mary..." and "Glory Be to the Father..."
By Your Divine Infancy, O! Jesus, grant me the the grace that I now ask (mention it) if it is according to Your will and for my true good. Do not look upon my unworthiness, but rather on my faith and show me Your infinite mercy.
Hymn of the most holy name of Jesus:
O, Jesus, it is sweet to remember You, true joy of the heart, but sweeter than honey, than anything is your presence. It is the most delightful song, the most joyous to the ear; it is the sweetest thought, Jesus, Son of God.
Hope of the repentent, benign with him who ask, good with him who seeks, how could one describe finding You? The spoken word cannot describe, nor the written word express, only he who has experienced can believe what it is to love Jesus. O Jesus, be our joy and one day be our eternal rest; in You is our glory now and forever. Amen.
V/ Blessed be the name of the Lord.
R/ Now and forever.
R/ Now and forever.
Prayer: O God, who has appointed Your only begotten Son as Saviour of the human race, and wished that He be called Jesus, grant us to be able one day, to contemplate Him face to face in Heaven whose Holy Name we venerate on earth. Amen.
