Pray for Families (Listening and Praying)

Greetings Prayer Warriors, 

Have you ever thought, “If God called me, I’d listen!” Of course in our minds, we’d do whatever God tells us, never aligning ourselves with the non-believers, the non-hearers, or those who don’t follow the Lord. Yet, since most people don’t hear locutions, if they don’t intentionally carve out quiet time to pray, read the Word of God, and be attentive to those they interact with, how will they ever hear his voice? If we aren’t listening, how do we know what God is calling us to?

“Oh, that today you would hear his voice: ‘Harden not your hearts.”Hebrews 4:7

We exist in a turbulent political environment. Those with a different ideology can be quick to look down on others.  Many refuse to listen to opposing views. During Christ’s ministry on earth, many mocked his teachings. He was the victim of a kind of a mob mentality that had no room to hear another viewpoint. The result was his crucifixion! Yet those who crucified Him were so sure their ideology was right! He had been trying to teach them the Truth, but they refused to listen!  

How about the parable of the rich man and the beggar? The rich man daily ignored a poor and sickly man on his step, who longed for even a scrap of food. 

How blind are we to the outcasts?  How easily do we overlook those in need, telling ourselves we’ve worked hard for what we have, not realizing that everything is a gift from God?  

In this parable, the beggar dies, and is carried away to heaven in the bosom of Abraham. The rich man was sent to the netherworld. The rich man begs the Lord to send someone to warn his family so they don't suffer the same fate of eternal torment.

But Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the prophets. Let them listen to them.’ He said, ‘Oh no, father Abraham, but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ Then Abraham said, ‘If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone should rise from the dead.’” Luke 16:29-31

Ouch!  Today we have the benefit of knowing Jesus conquered death by rising from the dead, yet, is that shaping our behavior?  Are we any different than the non-believers and the non-hearers, or are we part of the living dead?!

We must stand in the gap with prayer for the salvation of souls, especially ourselves, our families, and the world. Would you join me in reciting as often as possible, the following Pardon Prayer?*

My God, I believe, I adore, I hope and I love Thee. I beg pardon for all those that do not believe, do not adore, do not hope and do not love Thee. Amen. (Repeat 3 times)

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

Our Lady of Fatima:"You know that many souls go to hell because there is none who pray for them." PRAY and pass it on!!

*  Given to the 3 children in Fatima, by the Angel of Peace

Pray for Marriages (Pondering the Good)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,  

When a couple gets engaged and then married, they ponder all the good that lies within their chosen one, their beloved. They tell themselves, “What a blessing my spouse is!” As time marches on and they are with their spouse day in and day out, enduring year after year of life’s many challenges, at some point much of the good in their mind fades and  all they can see is everything that is wrong with their spouse!! (Well at least on the bad days!) Maybe this is why the Lord reminds us…

“Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven. Luke 6:37

Those are some tough words, unless we ponder the life of Jesus, and His examples on how to love, and what it looks like.

This Lent, fast from the negative and keep your focus on all that attracted you to your spouse in the first place. Look at the goodness in them. See all the quiet, loving acts they do that you may take for granted.  Give them words of affirmation. Spend time doing what they like to do. Fast from selfishness. Ponder how much the Lord loves them. Ask the Lord to help you see your spouse through His eyes.

And most of all pray!  Pray for your spouse, pray for one another,  and pray for all marriages, that goodness may shine through!  

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

Prayer is a gift often given in silence, but received loudly by the Lord. St. Patrick, pray for us! Pass it on! 

Pray for Families (Conversion, Reconciliation, and Holiness)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

If only we understood the power in our prayers to help lead our family to conversion of heart and reconciliation with God. For that matter, our prayers help us too!! If they didn’t, would I be reminding you to pray for the past 15 years??  

Conversion happens slowly, because unfortunately we humans tend to have ADHD towards sin! It’s the unholy that often grabs our attention! It is through prayer however, that we are trained to love what is holy.  By honoring the Lord with our lips, our behaviors soon follow. And people do take notice, even if at first it is only out of curiosity. Those you pray for may even think you are a bit crazy, but at least they are thinking about what you are doing! Perhaps they notice your peace which surpasses understanding. Maybe they see and experience your joy. It certainly could be that they sense your unwavering love for them. Prayer brings them the grace they need to start to see the movement of the Spirit in others. It is an internal beauty that attracts them. Soon they will understand that what they see is the Spirit of the Lord living in you!

To know Him is to love Him. This is when reconciliation begins.  Who does not try to reconcile with the one they love? The Lord will continue to beckon the wayward, as He desires to have all His children with Him through eternity. But he leaves the choice to each one of us.

If the wicked turn from the wickedness they did and do what is right and just, they save their lives since they turned away from all the sins they committed, they shall live; they shall not die. Ezekiel 18:27-28

This is why we pray so much. For conversion, reconciliation, marital and family unity, and for all to attain the beatific vision, not just because we want it, but because He wants it more!

And your heavenly Mother wants it too! 

“I desire to take all of you with me to heaven, therefore, decide daily for holiness” 3/25/07 Medjugorje

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

May prayers flow constantly from your lips! Pass it on! 

Pray for Marriages (Propagating Gardens of Virtue)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

When life becomes difficult, it’s easy to believe the whispers and lies of Satan: “God doesn’t care about you.“ “He wants you to suffer.”  “There are others who have bigger crosses. Your struggles don’t matter.”

Perceived silence from the Lord is not indifference.  He loves and cares about you so much!  It is through the struggles, be it marriage or other, that we become holy.  And holiness leads to deep joy, while happiness is fleeting and doesn’t always lead to holiness.  .

Trusting that the Lord wants what is best for you, in your life and in your marriage is difficult, especially when you experience darkness.  Thus growing in the virtue of faith is a necessity, not a nice to have.  Pray for that gift, that you may never tire of calling out to Him. 

For during the battle they cried out to God, and he heard them because they had put their trust in him. 1 Chronicles 5:20

And while praying, consider asking for double portions of patience and perseverance, for all is done in God’s perfect timing. 

Truly, the LORD is waiting to be gracious to you, truly, he shall rise to show you mercy; For the LORD is a God of justice: happy are all who wait for him. Isaiah 30:18

Pray for one another, that we all may become a garden of virtues! 

.

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

Bloom where you are planted! Pass it on!

Pray for Families (Listening to the Lord)

Greetings Prayer Warriors, 

 “I am the way and the truth and the life.” John 14:6

There is a lot said in that one line.  Jesus is talking to YOU.  But what is He saying to you, or perhaps to you about a family member.

Read this scripture passage, emphasizing the word(s) in bold when you read it, and then pause to meditate; then listen. 

I am the way the truth and the life.

I am the way the truth and the life.

I am the way the truth and the life.

I am the way the truth and the life.

I am the way the truth and the life.

Spend time in contemplation.  Then pray for those family members that the Lord puts on your heart. 

Then, if you would,  please say a prayer for me.  I am on a retreat all weekend long!

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

Prayers are graciously received by the Lord and delight Him.  Pass it on!

Pray for Marriages (Obedience and Sacrifice)

 Greetings Prayer Warriors, 

Nothing is better than the fear of the Lord, nothing sweeter than obeying the commandments of the Lord.  Sirach 23:27

So be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and handed himself over for us as a sacrificial offering to God for a fragrant aroma. Ephesians 5:1-2

Summarized, obedience and sacrifice in imitation of Christ are sweet and fragrant to the Lord! Sounds simple enough! Yet it's so counter cultural, that it’s anathema to several generations. Perhaps that is why so many couples avoid marriage, because they don’t have the courage and fortitude to live in obedience to Christ and sacrifice for the good of the other, which is the foundation of Holy Matrimony.   

Not picking on the unmarried though, as even those united in matrimony can be obstinate. Anyone married for any length of time knows all too well that marriage is a training ground for continuous sacrifices. Yet, ask yourself, are you making them into sacrificial offerings, uplifting your spouse and glorifying God? Or are you sacrificing by default and complaining about it??

Leave the resistance and instead lead the charge!

As you enter into Lent, ask the Lord to show you where in your marriage you need to become more obedient to his commandment and more sacrificial for your spouse? Pray for a mind open to discern your sinfulness, an ear to hear God’s voice, a heart softened to give and receive, the courage to act with boldness, and a memory that always reminds you to pray for marriages, especially those of your fellow warriors!

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

A holy marriage  is only the result of copious prayers. Pray continuously! Pass it on! 

Pray for Families (The Daily Challenge)

 Greetings Prayer Warriors,

The only thing one finds worse than carrying lots of crosses is watching their loved ones struggle with the weight of theirs! One longs to remove it or carry it for them, but it is uniquely designed for them alone.  However, we can, like Simon the Cyrene, help another carry theirs, lightening the burden while sharing Christ’s love.

My child, when you come to serve the Lord, prepare yourself for trials. Be sincere of heart and steadfast, and do not be impetuous in time of adversity. Cling to him, do not leave him, that you may prosper in your last days. Sirach 2:1-3

Only through love and compassion can we help our loved ones understand the value of a cross they do not understand. Nothing speaks louder than our living example, as words alone are like dust in the wind.

Accept whatever happens to you in periods of humiliation, be patient. For in fire gold is tested, and the chosen, in the crucible of humiliation. Trust in God, and he will help you; make your ways straight and hope in him. You that fear the Lord, wait for his mercy, do not stray lest you fall. Sirach 2:4-7

All trials come to an end, and we are left with gratitude towards those who journeyed with us.  Only later are we awakened to the fruits produced from perseverance,  and we come to understand the power of Love given and received.

Consider the generations long past and see: has anyone trusted in the Lord and been disappointed? Has anyone persevered in his fear and been forsaken? Has anyone called upon him and been ignored? Sirach 2:10

Blessed are all those called to accompany one another on the  journey of life, and respond appropriately.  Even Simon had to give assent to accompanying Jesus, albeit he did so reluctantly and under duress, as the burden would now be shared. But the result was a life changed forever, ending in eternal bliss! 

Who might be awaiting your “yes” to accompaniment, either in person or in prayer? Will you sacrifice for one another’s eternal bliss?

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

Prayer keeps us leaning into the Light! Pass it on!