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...

Petition in Honor of the Precious Blood

Precious Blood of Jesus, shed in the circumcision, make me pure of mind, heart and body. Precious Blood, oozing from every pore of Jesus in the Agony, enable me to love God's holy will above all. Precious Blood, flowing from the scourging at the pillar, inspire me with a sorrow for my sins, and a tolerance for suffering. Precious Blood, falling in profusion from the crown of thorns, grant me a ready acceptance of humiliations. Precious Blood, shed profusely in the crucifixion of our Lord, make me die entirely to self-love. Precious Blood, shed to the very last drop by the opening of Christ's Sacred Heart, give me that generous love which sacrifices all for God. Precious Blood, sacred price of my redemption, apply to me your infinite merits. Precious Blood, I adore you from the depths of my heart; I invoke you ardently, for you are my salvation, and by you I hope to obtain the joys of heaven. Amen.

more prayers...