As a parent of grown children, there is nothing I’d like to see more than my children growing closer to God. As an educator, I know that people are at different stages in development and that people grow and learn in different ways at different paces. Still, it is always good to pray for our families, no matter what we are aware of in their spiritual lives.

One great prayer that has been recommended to me and other parents worried about their children’s spiritual development is the Mary, Undoer of Knots prayer. And a well known convert to Catholicism recommended a 90-day novena to Undoer of Knots for families concerned about their children’s spiritual lives.

What is the Undoer of Knots Devotion?

This is a devotional prayer asking for Mary’s intercession to help us with the “knots” in our lives, especially ones that seem impossible to overcome.

As Catholics, we know that the devotions are not magic. It’s a prayer asking Mary to pray for us. There is no set “formula” for making it “work” for your intention. It is completely up to God’s will and timing. This is important to keep in mind. We are cooperating with God’s grace – not dictating it.

Many times our knot is not an easy one to untie. It can be pretty messy. When you have a tough knot to untie on a rope or ribbon it often looks impossible. However, a complicated knot needs to be tended to one ribbon at a time – almost undetectable. It takes patience and determination.

The knots of our lives work the same way. Imagine a large knot blocking God’s grace to us. That knot might consist of a bunch of tiny sins (ribbons) twisted together. They are intertwined and they tighten as more sins pile on. A large step such as going to Mass or the sacraments might require some untying of those ribbons that are in the way. So, instead we are prompted to say a prayer, or read the Bible. Then this may lead to more prayer – and an avenue of grace. Just like the more “yesses” to sin can lead to an impossible knot, so too do our “yesses” to God open up a way for Him to reach us. When we pray the devotion of Undoer of Knots, we are asking for Mary’s intercession to remove the knot that needs to be sorted out. When we participate in novenas, especially for others, we are demonstrating our persistence and love of neighbor.

There are many versions of the prayer of Mary, Undoer of Knots. Below is one version.

Undoer of Knots Prayer

O Virgin Mary,
Mother who never refuses to come to the help of your children in need,
Mother whose hands never stop working for the welfare of your children,
moved as they are by the loving mercy and kindness that exists in your Immaculate Heart,
cast your compassionate and merciful eyes on me and see the snarl of knots that exists in my life.
Oh Mother! You know the difficulties, sorrow and pain that I’ve had because of them.
O loving Mother, I place the ribbon of my life and this knot into your loving hands,
hands which can undo even the most difficult knot.
Most holy Mother, come to my aid and intercede for me before God with your prayers.
I cast this knot into your hands (mention your intention/need) and beg you to undo it,
in the name of your son, Jesus Christ, and for the glory of God, once and for all.

Our Lady, Undoer of Knots, pray for us!

To read about the story behind Undoer of Knots, click here.