Prayer to the Lord Jesus to Convert a Disciple into an Apostle

Prayer of the Handmaids and Servants of the Gardener for a New Springtime of the Church through a New Evangelization

Dated February 2, 2012, Feast of the Presentation of the Lord.

From John 19:41 to John 20:15, a garden is referenced three times. The word “tomb” is mentioned 11 times. St. John seems to be drawing a picture for us that the Lord Jesus is the New Adam. He has died (tomb), and he is the source (garden) of new life for a new humanity that will never die. When we personally encounter the Lord Jesus Christ in the sacraments of His Church, He sends us, His disciples, to share the Good News of salvation with all who need to be saved. Thus, when we are commissioned by Sacred Chrism and renewed in the Holy Spirit by the Eucharist, we become “apostles” just like all those others whom Jesus sent after their encounters with Him even though they were not part of the 12.

Some Catholics who have received the Sacrament of Confirmation have the habit of offering this prayer quietly as a thanksgiving every time after receiving Holy Communion. After offering this prayer after Holy Communion, one should not be surprised if one begins offering silently bold prayers of praise as well as praying in tongues.

What you’ll receive (instant PDF download, US Letter, front and back):

• One card per page — ideal for professional printing
• Four cards per page — print at home and cut out
• Card size: approx. 3.7 × 4.25 in
• Unlimited downloads after purchase

Printing your cards

• At home: use the 4-cards-per-page file. Print double-sided (flip on long edge) at 100% / “Actual size” on cardstock, then cut along the crop marks.
• At a print shop: upload the file to FedEx Office or your local copy shop, choose cardstock and double-sided printing, and ask for the cards to be cut along the crop marks.
• Larger quantities: 4LPI prints full-color, double-sided prayer cards in custom sizes; send them the 1-card-per-page file.

The Catechetical Institute does not endorse any printing service; these are offered as options.

Free to share. Print as many cards as you need for your family, parish, or classroom. Donations to support the Catechetical Institute are welcome at give.franciscanathome.com.

Prayer by Dr. Mark Ginter. © Gardener’s Servant Productions. Offered with permission.