Pray for Families (Blood and Spiritual)

Dear Prayer Warriors,

I didn’t want today to pass without a quick Friday reminder to close out the year praying for families. On this Feast of the Holy Family, let’s take some cues from them on how to live each day. Hug your children, parents, and relatives and tell them that you love them. Cherish your time together and focus on the positive. Guide and encourage each other in the love of God and glorify the Father in all you do.

Be imitators of God as beloved children. Ephesians 5:1

Praise God for all your brothers and sisters-in-Christ, your “bonus” family. Pray for them as well. Share in the mutual building up and support of each other and you will see the face of Christ.

Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. And over all these put on love, that is, the bond of perfection. And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body. And be thankful. Col 3: 12,14-15

Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet

Share the Love. Pass it on.

Pray for Marriages (Be of one heart)

Greetings Prayer Warriors!

As I admired my beloved Nativity Set yesterday and contemplated on what the focus of today's "Pray for M.O.M." should be, my eyes rested on the perfect couple. Mind you, they had the perfect Son but they certainly didn't have the perfect life. But something tells me they had a wonderful marriage. I looked at Joseph and thought, "steadfast, humble, selfless, protective, loving, prayerful, generous of heart, pious, gentle, contemplative, and true partner. I looked at Mary and the same descriptors came to mind. It was as if their message on marriage was, "Be of one heart and focus on the will of God."

One heart and one way I will give them, that they may fear me always, to their own good and that of their children after them. Jeremiah 32:39

So today, let that be our prayer. Father, we pray that all marriages be of one heart, focusing on your holy will for them. Be as generous with your grace, as you were with the Holy Family. May married couples continue to grow together as one, all for your greater glory.

Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet

On the 2nd day of Christmas my true love gave to me, (and everyone else) the gift of prayer. Share this with a friend.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas!!

May each one of you and your families be abundantly blessed on this most special Christmas day. May you be transformed through grace so that you may continue to grow in the love of Christ.

"Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests."

Wishing each of you...
Peace on Earth, Joy in your World, and the Love of Christ that surpasses all understanding,
:) Janet

P.S. Give the gift that keeps on giving. Give an an e-subscription to Simply Inspired Prayer. :)

Pray for Families (Share the joy)

Dearest Prayer Angels,

Have you ever played the “what if” game, either in your head or with your family? Wondering how your life would be different if…… you’d made different choices; had more/less kids; stayed single /gotten married; taken a different professional path?

Now consider how our life and our world would be different if the Blessed Virgin Mary had said, “No!” when the Angel Gabriel appeared to her. For she certainly had some idea of what a “yes” would entail. Instead, she responded with complete surrender to the will of God. In consenting to give our Savior life, she was also saying yes to giving all of us new life through Him. In becoming His mother, she became ours. Her yes, changed everything. By cooperating completely with the will of God, she brought to us a Savior that would be the sacrificial lamb gaining for us eternal life.

Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word. Luke 1:38

In these last couple days of Advent as you gather with family and those you have adopted as family, prepare your heart to be open to a new life in Him. Contemplate the joy of Mary and Joseph at the birth of Christ, and share in it. Surrender to Him, whatever you have been reluctant to let go of. Say "yes". Give lovingly of yourself to family and friends, making this a precious gift to the Newborn King. Say/sing a prayer of praise, and thank the Lord for the gift of family. May he continue to bring new life to all families.

Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet

Share the joy. Share the Gift. Pass it on.

P.S. There is special news that I will be sharing with you on Christmas Day. Check your email or this blog if you have time!

Pray for Marriages (Share the gift)

Greetings Prayer Angels,

Christmas is almost here and I feel the excitement building. I love the feeling of anticipation. I ponder what the anticipation of that first Christmas was like. What a holy night, that a Savior would be born to redeem us all!

Since there are twelve days of Christmas, with Christmas Day being the first, make sure you celebrate each day and contemplate what Mary and Joseph as a couple must have been experiencing. These twelve days will lead you to the feast of the Epiphany, when the 3 Magi arrived bearing gifts for the Newborn King. Again, contemplate what Mary and Joseph must have been thinking and experiencing!

As you journey through the twelve days of Christmas, consider a way to gift your marriage or that of a special couple in your life. Each day, give a non-material gift of love. Say a prayer for your spouse or a special couple. Make a personal sacrifice that will benefit your spouse or a special couple. Do the unexpected for your spouse or that special couple. The possibilities are endless. As you consider what to do, contemplate the amazing gift we were given in the birth of Christ.

The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.
Luke 2:10

Keep the season holy. Pray for marriages, especially for those in most need. May their marriages be infused with new life, new hope, and enduring peace.

Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet

Share the gift. Pass it on.

Pray for Families (Sharing His presence)

Greetings Prayer Angels,

Christmas is a little over a week away and perhaps there are still a few presents that you have to buy. Perhaps you are wondering if you picked the right gifts for the right people. Maybe you are wondering if you bought enough presents to give. Ask yourself, “Will more gifts make someone think more about Jesus, the reason we give gifts? Will your gift help them see Jesus in you?” Perhaps someone in your life would be happier with your time versus a gift. Do you have a special talent? Perhaps that is the gift you should share.

Whatever you do, be sure to give the gift of His presence. Likewise, make sure you are open to receiving the gift of His Presence.

You are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by all, shown to be a letter of Christ administered by us, written not in ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets that are hearts of flesh. 2 Cor. 3:2-3

Pray for families that they don’t get caught up in the gluttony of excessive gifts. Pray that they are able to be wholly present with each other when gathered so that His presence may be shared. Finally, pray for an abundance of grace to be poured out upon your family and every family during this beautiful Advent season.

Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet

Help share His presence. Pass it on.

Pray for Marriages (Removing Obstacles)

Dear Prayer Angels,

While reflecting on how to move closer to unity with God, it suddenly hit me that marriage is probably our best earthly training ground for achieving that. Whereas true unity in a marriage is impeded by various obstacles such a as selfishness, pride, stubbornness, and various vices, aren’t these the same characteristics that hamper our unity with the Lord? If we can’t display positive virtues in our marital relationship, will we be any more successful in our relationship with the Lord?

Seems like Advent is the perfect time to work on purging the old habits and behaviors that hamper unity, and work on replacing then with ones that can be given as true gifts: love, patience, kindness, helpfulness, understanding, and so on. A renewed countenance can make you a living expression of the Gospel. What a beautiful gift that would be to your marriage, not to mention the newborn King. Perhaps this is what gift-giving at Christmas is all about.

God is able to make every grace abundant for you, so that in all things, always having all you need, you may have an abundance for every good work. You are being enriched in every way for all generosity, which through us produces thanksgiving to God.
2 Corinthians 9:8, 11

Pray for all marriages, that each spouse can toss what obstructs and replace it with the fruits of His grace.

Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet

Encourage a couple to make room for better gifts. Pass it on.

Pray for Families (Seeing with new eyes)

Greetings Prayer Warriors!

The Christmas Season is upon us and that conjures up images of people scurrying around, trying to find just the right present and methodically checking items off of their to-do list. Tree? Check. Decorations? Check. Cards completed and mailed? Check. Presents? Check. Prepare our hearts and mind for the birth of Christ? Oops.

Help yourself and your family by creating visual reminders. Since you will see Christmas trees everywhere, note how the needles point heavenward, pointing us to what the direction of our focus should be. The everlasting green should remind us that mankind should never lose hope in His promise. Look to the stars in the night sky as a symbol of His promise of a Savior. When you shop and see decorative gifts all over, remember that God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son as the ultimate eternal gift to us. Remind yourself to give in that same spirit of generosity. Consider gifts of not just treasure but time.

Prepare our hearts and mind for the birth of Christ? Check!

Look, the heavens, even the highest heavens, belong to the LORD, your God, as well as the earth and everything on it. Deuteronomy 10:14

Pray that your family may be blessed with the joy of the anticipation.

Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet

Help share the reason for the season. Pass it on.

Pray for Marriages (An Advent Prayer)

Greetings Prayer Angels,

I found this wonderful Advent prayer for couples and wanted to share it with you.

O, Lord, you know the stirrings in our souls this Advent season. You are the source of the longing you have placed in each of our hearts. Help us to respond to that grace and open our hearts to each other with the light of your love. Share your patient love with us so that we may bring that gift to each other and cherish each other in a special way this night. Please keep our hearts open to those in our lives and in this world who need, as we do, to be healed by your loving light. Send us to carry that light into the world and open our eyes to those in our midst who need your healing touch this night. Amen. (Taken from Creightons’s online ministry)

Lord, you will open my lips; and my mouth will proclaim your praise. Psalm 51:17

Carve out some couple time this Advent. Take time to pray together. Then pray for all marriages, that the light of Christ shines warmly upon them this Advent.

Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet

Share a prayer. Pass it on.

Pray for Families (Tenderness)

Greetings Prayer Angels,

Today I heard children sweetly singing Silent Night. It made me think of how we are to be like children before the Lord. So if we are to be child-like and Christ-like, what does that look like, I thought? Then came the line, “Holy infant so tender and mild”.

Wow, what an impact that would have on our families, not to mention all of our brothers and sisters in Christ, if we were to become tender and mild.

I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a child quieted at its mother's breast; like a child that is quieted is my soul. Psalm 131:2

During Advent, pray for the grace to become tender and mild, especially with your family.

Peace, Love, and Joy,
Janet

Encourage tenderness in this world. Pass it on.

Pray for Marriages (Finding the Reason)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

After hearing about the passion and excitement given to Black Friday, wouldn’t it be great if that same passion and excitement were focused on preparing for the birth of Christ on December 25? Would people stand in line for hours to make sure they got the best seat at Mass/Church? Would they give up sleep to start their praise and worship at 3:00 or even 6:00 am if need be? Would they seek out the best gifts of Peace, Joy, and Love?

As we enter the Advent Season, take a moment to focus on the reason for the season. If one keeps focused on the Reason, their Christmas will be filled with joy and depression will be non-existent. Focus less on presents and more on Christ. Spend the days from now until Christmas in preparation and anticipation of the Newborn King. Pray the prayers and light the candles on your Advent Wreath. Read the Infancy Narrative in scripture throughout Advent. (Luke 1:5–2:52.)

He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” Luke 1: 32-22

Pray that marriages find a deeper union through Christ this Advent, which culminates in a rebirth of their marriage with the best Gift of all.

Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet

Share the joy. Share the love. Share the Peace. Pass it on.

Pray for Families (Give thanks)

Dear Prayer Warriors,

Give thanks, give thanks, give thanks!

"It is right to give him thanks and praise!"

Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet

Give continual thanks. Pass it on!

Pray for Families (Gratitude and Harmony)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

In less than a week, most of you will be gathering with friends and/or families to celebrate Thanksgiving and reflect on the blessings of the year. For some, such family gatherings can be stressful due to the unpredictability of family dynamics. Here are a few suggestions to keep the day a positive one.

Have you been wanting to increase your virtue? Focus on your behavior and practice patience, kindness, and humility.

Put the "giving" back into “Thanksgiving”. Invite someone over who would otherwise be alone on Thanksgiving. If you are the guest, give of your time, your talent, or your treasure. Offer to help with the cooking or bring a dish to share. Offer to set the table, bring flowers, wash the dishes, or keep the guests entertained.

Be thankful for each family member. Look at them through the eyes of Christ. Reminisce about all the positive memories that you've shared together and let each one know how special they are to you.

And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Col 3:17

Lord, we thank you for the gift of family and friends. May we always be open to sharing the many gifts and blessings that you have bestowed upon us, as all that we have, and all that we are, is a gift from you to be shared. Bless this food that you have given us in abundance. May it sustain us physically, just as you sustain us spiritually. Continue to bless each one of us and may each act of generosity, service, and love be a testament to our gratitude and bring greater glory to your name. We ask this in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Pray that all families have a loving and harmonious Thanksgiving. God bless you all!

Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet

Be thankful and giving. Pass it on.

Pray for Marriages (Hope in the midst of suffering)

Greetings Prayer Warriors!

I started this email/blog over 2 years ago as a result of hearing so many stories of marriages struggling or falling apart. Whether one’s pain was loneliness, poor communication, infidelity, differing viewpoints, indifference, or emotional suffering, it was usually the loss of hope and mutual purpose that finally tore the marriage apart. Since then, I know your prayers have helped sustain many marriages.

Every marriage has its challenges, and sometimes it’s how you frame something that helps you move forward versus standing still and giving up. With that in mind, I was really struck by the following reflection, which was written by an Auchwitz survivor, making it all the more profound. Whether one worries about their human life or the life of their marital union, personal suffering without hope is very painful.

“In some way, suffering ceases to be suffering at the moment it finds a meaning, such as the meaning of a sacrifice…..In accepting this challenge to suffer bravely, life has a meaning up to the last moment, and it retains this meaning literally to the end.” -Victor E. Frankel

He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain, [for] the old order has passed away.” Revelation 21:4

Perhaps the Lord calls you to a deeper trust. Hope is in the Lord. We only need to turn to the Lord in our suffering to find meaning. He embraces us in our suffering, He walks the rocky roads with us and wipes away every tear. Just as suffering led to the resurrection, so too, He will lift us up in our need and heal what is broken. We have to have faith, and trust in Him.

Lord may we find comfort in your faithfulness to us. Strengthen us in our journey, wherever it may lead. Bring hope to marriages lacking in hope. Help spouses trust in your goodness and fidelity. Bring your love as a flame, so that marital love may be rekindled. May our prayers be like incense to the heavens, delightful in your sight.

Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet

Share hope in the midst of suffering. Pass it on.

Pray for Families (Especially those with a veteran)

Dear Prayer Warriors,

Some things are just worth knowing about and sharing. I hope you agree.

A couple years ago I attended the military retirement of a friend, during which there was a deeply moving flag folding ceremony. A beautiful script was read which ascribed a special meaning to all twelve folds of the flag. Due to the religious nature of this particular script, the U.S. Air Force Academy was pressured years ago into removing it from their website. So that this beautiful version is never lost, I decided to share it with you so that you in turn can share it with others. (Highlights are mine.)

The flag folding ceremony represents the same religious principles on which our country was originally founded. The portion of the flag denoting honor is the canton of blue containing the stars representing the states our veterans served in uniform. The canton field of blue dresses from left to right and is inverted when draped as a pall on a casket of a veteran who has served our country in uniform.

In the Armed Forces of the United States, at the ceremony of retreat the flag is lowered, folded in a triangle fold and kept under watch throughout the night as a tribute to our nation's honored dead. The next morning it is brought out and, at the ceremony of reveille, run aloft as a symbol of our belief in the resurrection of the body.

The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.

The second fold is a symbol of our belief in the eternal life.

The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veteran departing our ranks who gave a portion of life for the defense of our country to attain a peace throughout the world.

The fourth fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in times of war for His divine guidance.

The fifth fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, "Our country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong."

The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

The seventh fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.

The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered in to the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor mother, for whom it flies on mother's day.

The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood; for it has been through their faith, love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great have been molded.

The tenth fold is a tribute to father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born.

The eleventh fold, in the eyes of a Hebrew citizen, represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon, and glorifies, in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

The twelfth fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Ghost. When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, "In God we Trust."

After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington and the sailors and marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for us the rights, privileges, and freedoms we enjoy today.

Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! His truth is marching on!

I share this information with you, to encourage you to pray for our veterans, our military, and our country, Lord bless us and strengthen us as individuals, as families, and as a nation, so that we can remain in your service, “One nation, under God, indivisible.”

Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet

Honor a veteran, pass it on.

Information taken from:
http://www.usflag.org/fold.flag.html

Pray for Marriages (Faithfulness)

Greetings Prayer Warriors.

Since one of two marriages end in divorce, perhaps our prayer needs to be focused on helping others see the Lord’s “big picture” view of marriage.
Consider this as one possibility.

"I, _______, take you, ________, for my lawful wife/husband,

Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

to have and to hold, from this day forward,

Through him we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in our hope of sharing the glory of God.

for better, for worse,

More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance,

for richer, for poorer,

and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,

in sickness and health,

and hope does not disappoint us,

until death do us part."

because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given to us. Romans 5: 1-5

Is it not surprising then, that as God is removed from more and more wedding ceremonies, and/or individuals chose to not remain faithful to their covenant with God, that marriages are more likely to fail?

Lord, continue to pour your love into our hearts. May those strongly united in marriage be a witness to your faithfulness. Strengthen the hearts of those struggling to honor their wedding vows, so that they too may know the hope that does not disappoint. For you will be their everlasting light, and God will be their glory.

Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet

Invite couples to renew their commitment. Pass it on.

Pray for Families (Unanticipated Joy)

Greetings Prayer Warriors!

Sometimes I wonder what "family" will look like in the next century. Will there still be kids? Pregnancy is often looked at as a disease that you need to prevent or get rid of.

While on a flight to Chicago today, I met a lovely young women who was sharing her life plans with me. She was married, employed as a middle manager, and looking into MBA programs. After completion of her MBA she would have kids. “Maybe. Maybe just one. My husband really is the one who wants kids,” she explained. “I’m kinda selfish.” Always the voice of reason, I said, “Kids cure that! You know, there never will be a perfect time to have kids. You'll get the MBA and want to delay kids until you find that great new job. Then you won't want to have kids until you've proven your worth in that new position. And the cycle will continue. That's because the timing is never ‘perfect’ to have kids."

Be fertile and multiply and fill the earth. Genesis 9:1

So how does one explain the joy of parenthood to young couples? Not verbally gifted, I thought perhaps it could be explained in a poem. Here’s my attempt!

Unanticipated

So afraid of what I'd lose, not thinking what I'd gain
The thought of children frightened me, the raising, not the pain.
I like my freedom, toys, and cash, and sleeping in too late.
I'd lose all this, become a bore, if kids became my fate!
But when I finally took the leap, my heart did then take flight
Each child became my constant joy and certainly not my plight!
The lessons learned were not just theirs, my selfishness abated.
My heart enlarged, my patience grew, parenthood was underrated!
And like the joy of His great light, filtering deep into my soul,
I stopped and thought just to myself, now why weren't kids my goal?

Please pray that couples say yes to the gift of life. Then pray for all families, that each family member grows in patience, love, and self-giving. May they become beautiful examples of the Lord’s handiwork.

Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet

Share the unanticipated joy of parenthood. Pass it on.

Pray for Marriages (Sanctification)

Dear Prayer Warriors,

On this day of All Hallow’s Eve, perhaps it’s a good time to think about some spiritual housekeeping in your marriage or other relationships. Are there any cobwebs on you heart? Ghoulish behaviors that you need to make amends for? Are there skeletons in your closet? Has your tone been one of a screeching cat? Is a cauldron of negativity brewing?

On this eve of celebrating the saints, make a resolution to become one. Do an examination of conscience. Seek reconciliation. Ask the saints to pray for you. Be renewed. Die to self and live like the saints. For tomorrow is a new day: All Saints Day.

Set your hopes completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Like obedient children, do not act in compliance with the desires of your former ignorance but, as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in every aspect of your conduct, for it is written, “Be holy because I [am] holy.”
1 Peter:13-16

Pray for your spouse, or if single, a loved one. Ask the Lord to help them become a saint. Then ask the angels and the communion of saints to pray for the sanctification of all marriages.

Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet

Be a saint, pass on this treat.

Pray for Families (Discerning His Will)

Greetings dear Prayer Warriors,

When I was young and in school, people who were in love with our Lord and stood on street corners with signs proclaiming ” John 3:16” were called “Jesus freaks”. I couldn’t understand the passion that drove them.

The apostles rejoiced that they had been found worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of the name. cf. Acts 5:41

As an adult, and through the grace of God, I look at things a bit differently now. I understand passion for the Lord. While we may not all be called to stand on the street corners directing the passersby to scripture verses, it is important to discern what we are called to do. Perhaps you are called to witness to your own families, even if they think YOU are a Jesus freak. Perhaps, you are emboldened to pray outside an abortion clinic during the 40 days for Life™ campaign, holding signs silently pleading for an end to abortion. Or maybe, you are called to a quiet witness of the virtues: fortitude, temperance, prudence, justice, faith, hope, and love.

Spend some time in prayer today, discerning God’s role for you in your nuclear family, as well as in His universal family. Through your “yes” to Him, all families will be strengthened.

Everything indeed is for you, so that the grace bestowed in abundance on more and more people may cause the thanksgiving to overflow for the glory of God. 2 Cor 4:15

Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet

Call someone to action. Pass it on.

Pray for Marriages (Unashamed)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

Sometimes you read something that you just want to share because it’s powerful and puts into words what is hard to express. Thus I am sharing the following and it is worth reading in full. Imagine what marriages would be like, not to mention the rest of our lives, if we were to all live this ideal.

THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE UNASHAMED
(Author unknown)

I AM A PART of the Fellowship of the Unashamed.

The die has been cast. The decision has been made. I have stepped over the line. I won’t look back, let up, slow down, back away or be still.

My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, and my future is in God’s hands. I am finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, the bare minimum, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, frivolous living, selfish giving, and dwarfed goals.

I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, applause, or popularity. I don’t have to be right, first, the best, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by faith. I lean on Christ’s presence. I love with patience, live by prayer, and labor with the power of God’s grace.

My face is set. My gait is fast, my goal is heaven. My road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions are few, my Guide is reliable, and my mission is clear.

I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of adversity, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.

I won't give up, shut up, let up or slow up until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, and spoken up for the cause of Christ.
I am a disciple of Jesus. I am a Catholic. I must go until He comes, give until I drop, speak out until all know, and work until He stops me. And when He returns for His own, He will have no difficulty recognizing me. My banner is clear: I am a part of the Fellowship of the Unashamed.

Adapted from the original (author unknown) by Patrick Madrid

Since you have purified yourselves by obedience to the truth for sincere mutual love, love one another intensely from a [pure] heart. 1 Peter 1:22

Lord, may you transform our hearts and minds that we may unashamedly praise you in all things. And for those struggling in their marriages, may each sacrifice be offered for the glory of your name and thus turn sorrow to joy. Bless them with wisdom and endurance, for all things are possible for those who have faith.

Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet

Pass it on.

Pray for Families (Forgiveness)

Greetings Prayer Warriors!

We all love to be forgiven. Forgiving others? Easier said than done.

Those who know Christ rejoice in the forgiveness and mercy he showed us through the sacrifice of the cross. We too are called to forgive, but too often we get comfortable with our lack of forgiveness, instead holding on to old hurts like they are weapons to save for the right opportunity.

Today and this weekend, pray for the grace to see from whom you are consciously or unconsciously withholding forgiveness. You may be surprised. Perhaps you are still holding on to anger from childhood. Are there hurts and disappointments that still bubble to the surface?

In him we have redemption by his blood, the forgiveness of transgressions, in accord with the riches of his grace that he lavished upon us. Ephesians 1:7-8

A lack of forgiveness keeps YOU in bondage. Kneel before the Lord and pray. Start by forgiving yourself for your weaknesses and failings. Then let go of old hurts such as lack of love, disappointments, hurtful words, repeated absences, etc. caused by members within your family. Rotate through your family members: mother, father, sisters, brothers, spouse, children, etc. Pray “Lord, I forgive ________ for __________. I release this old hurt to you.”

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, our kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and do not subject us to the final test, but deliver us from the evil one. If you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions. Matthew 6:9-15

Break the chains. Find peace in your heart. Pray for your family and those of others.

Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet

Help others out of bondage. Pass it on.

Pray for Marriages (Unite!)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

We know intuitively that there is strength in numbers. So too it is with marriage. Two standing together as one to achieve a common goal is stronger that two divided. To achieve oneness, one must loosen the grip on one's self-will and unite for the good of the whole.

I recently read the following, and when filtered through the lens of marriage, found it quite impactful. Take some time to reflect on it.

"No matter what your personal preferences may be, try to understand that a small result which is really achieved is worth more than a greater one that is not achieved; that there is no strength without union, no union without self-sacrifice. The triumph of the common cause is to be preferred to the triumph of one’s personal ideas."*

If there is any encouragement in Christ, any solace in love, any participation in the Spirit, any compassion and mercy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, with the same love, united in heart, thinking one thing. Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves. Phil 2:1-3

Pray that the union of marriage may be fortified and strengthened through our oneness if prayer. For when prayer warriors unite with one voice to our one Lord, we will always triumph.

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

Fortify our army. Invite someone to become a warrior. Pass it on.

* -taken from My Ideal, Jesus Son of Mary

Pray for Families (Increase Virtue)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

I don’t usually spend much time reading the dictionary, but it can provide incredible light. After reading it’s definition in the Oxford Dictionary,

sin (sin) noun
an immoral act considered to be a transgression against divine law

I think I understand now why the word is so seldom used anymore. Most “acts” aren’t considered immoral by this culture.

When looking at the definition of the word “virtue”, who knew that virginity and chastity were considered “archaic” virtues?

virtue(vir·tue) noun
1. behavior showing high moral standards: paragons of virtue
• a quality considered morally good or desirable in a person:
patience is a virtue
• archaic virginity or chastity, especially of a woman.

Why become virtuous? To help us avoid the slippery slope of immorality and so that we may receive our heavenly reward and spend eternity with God.

For healing in our families, we need to revisit the moral virtues of prudence, justice, fortitude, and self-control. By praying for an increase in grace, and cooperating with this grace, we can take the first steps in growing in virtue. If everyone begins to practice these habits and dispositions in an effort to joyfully do good, perhaps we can begin to impact not only our families, but our culture. Pray for an outpouring of God’s grace on families, that through an increase in virtue, they may become beacons of God’s light for all.

If one loves righteousness, whose works are virtues, She teaches moderation and prudence, righteousness and fortitude, and nothing in life is more useful than these. Wisdom 8:7

Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of flesh and spirit, making holiness perfect in the fear of God. 2 Corinthians 7:1

Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet

Help someone grow in virtue. Pass it on.

Pray for Marriages (Imitating Christ)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

Love is something we constantly seek, yet ironically, we aren’t so generous in the giving of it. Love multiplies when given away, so imagine what our lives, our marriages, our families, and the world would be like if we were less self-seeking of love and instead focused on being loving toward all.

If we love one another, God remains in us, and his love is brought to perfection in us. 1 John 4:12

If you want to be more loving, spend more time with Love itself. Meditate on Christ, imitate His behavior, and pray to be transformed into Love.

We love because he first loved us. 1 John 4:19

Become a Love Warrior and pray for marriages that have forgotten how to love. Ask Christ to make Himself present in that marriage. May hearts be transformed, and a may a spark of love given freely from a generous heart, create an inferno.

Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet

Ignite love. Pass it on.

Pray for Families (Prayer Sustains)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

Worry drains, prayer sustains.

Have you ever been worn out with worry about a family member? You just didn't know what to do once you realized how little control you truly had over the situation?

Worry only serves to drain you. How do you contain the drain? Prayer.

When you call me, when you go to pray to me, I will listen to you. Jer 29:12

By seeking out the Lord, we can plug the drain and instead, be filled with peace and hope. The Lord hears each prayer and uses it for good. Nothing is wasted. He gives us what we need in His time, and sustains us.

As for me, far be it from me to sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you and to teach you the good and right way. 1 Sam 12:23

Take some time today to say a personalized prayer for each and every family member by name. Ask that the Lord blesses them with whatever they need, as well as with the grace to know, love, and serve Him. Take comfort in the fact that all the prayer warriors are praying with you.

Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet

Recruit more warriors to join you in prayer. Pass it on.

Pray for Marriages (Mature Love)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

For those who are married, do you remember the excitement you had as you were preparing for marriage, holding on to dreams of a perfect life together? Once married, do you remember at what point fantasy faded and reality began?

Marriage is a life-long journey. It is a series of transitions that begin with romance, move toward disillusionment, and climax with mature love. Perhaps if couples realized that disillusionment was something you pass through rather than end in, they would be more willing to stay in their marriages.

Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:4

Cast all your worries upon (God) because he cares for you. 1Peter 5:7

Let us pray for all marriages languishing in disillusionment. May God give them the grace to persevere so that they may one day know the joy of mature and lasting love.

Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet

Help a friend move beyond disillusionment. Pray with them. Pass it on.

Pray for Families (Time-less)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

Recently I was talking to a customer about kids and their activities. She started talking about her son’s crazy schedule: School until 1:50 pm, football from 2-5:00 pm, basketball from 5-8:00 pm, with a drive-thru dinner squeezed somewhere in between. Weekends she said were taken up with tournaments and driving around her son’s friends. “I just don’t know how people with more than one child do this!” she exclaimed. “They don’t,” I responded. “Their children aren’t granted unlimited activities.“

This made me think. In today’s culture it seems that parents’ lives pivot around their children’s lives. Whereas when I was young, my life pivoted around my parents’ schedule. They led, I followed. Could this shift have anything to do with the breakdown of the American family? Has the overloaded schedule replaced family mealtime, family game night, time for pleasure reading, family conversations, and just plain quiet time? What exactly are we worshipping? If there’s no quiet time, how would one ever hear His voice? Does prayer time and church time get squeezed out because there isn’t any time leftover?!

For thus said the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel: By waiting and by calm you shall be saved, in quiet and in trust shall be your strength. But this you did not will. Is 30:15

As we lift up the family in prayer, let us pray that we have restraint in our own lives. If you are controlled by your schedule, schedule quiet time. Schedule prayer time. Schedule one-on-one time with a loved one. Let the healing begin at home.

Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet

Work on making your life more “time-less”. Then share it with a friend.

Pray for Marriages (Conquering the Impossible)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

Your ongoing commitment to pray for marriages touches my heart deeply. The need in this category is overwhelming, and I hate the thought of anyone losing hope, who is seriously trying to salvage their marriage.

This past weekend, songs and readings created an interesting fusion of thought. First I was stuck by some lyrics, then by a meditative reading.

Impossible is not a word, it's just a reason for someone not to try.*

Then I read this:

“For in becoming man, God chose to communicate himself not only in spite of fragility, but “through” it. …. we can stop looking at our limitations as a reason for discouragement or frustration, ……. and can start looking at them as stones to build with.”

“You do not find freedom from your own miseries by censoring them, but by handing them over to Christ, which is to say, by letting him embrace them.”**

All of this takes endurance, faith, and hope.

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access (by faith) to this grace in which we stand, and we boast in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we even boast of our afflictions, knowing that affliction produces endurance, and endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope, and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the holy Spirit that has been given to us. Romans 5:1-5

I've seen miracles just happen, silent prayers get answered, broken hearts become brand new, that's what faith can do.*

Prayer is the answer. Never cease praying for marriages.

Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet

Help a friend conquer the impossible. Lead them to prayer. http://simplyinspiredprayer.blogspot.com/

* lyrics from “That’s what faith can do” by Kutless
** Magnificat Vol. 13, No. 7

Pray for Families (Saving Grace)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

The best thing for bringing about unity in a family is family prayer. One of the hardest things to orchestrate though is bringing the family together to pray, while at other times the difficulty lies in just initiating prayer when together. And what do you do when everyone is at a different point on the yellow brick road of faith? Or when the family’s exuberance to pray runs from flat to fervor?

Be of one mind, sympathetic, loving toward one another, compassionate, humble. 1Peter 3:8

A good place to initiate family prayer is at mealtime. Start with Grace, being thankful for the food that gives us physical sustenance. Then slowly expand by adding individual prayer intentions and being thankful for the spiritual sustenance we receive. Before you know it you are praying as a family.

This actually emphasizes the importance of gathering at mealtime. Protect family mealtime. It is under constant attack by the enemy who knows where the modern family’s weakness is. Continue to pray for families as you pray with your family.

And over all these put on love, that is, the bond of perfection. And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body. And be thankful. Col 3:14-15

Heavenly Father, we thank you for our daily bread, which gives us the energy to serve you by serving others. May we always share what we have with those in less fortunate, knowing that they too are our family in Christ. Likewise, give us the grace to share your abundant love, not only with the family you have gifted us with in our home, but your entire family that you have shared with us here on earth. In your mercy and love, pour out your blessings upon each family. Strengthen them against the snares of the devil. One day through your grace, may we all be united as one voice, singing the praises of your glorious name. Amen.

Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet

Provide some saving grace. Pass this on.

Pray for Marriages (Stillness)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

So often when it feels like our life is falling apart or when it's just plain crazy, we hold on tighter to the reins and yell "charge!" attempting to slay whatever dragon is in our life. But why do we think that we're the commanding officer and the battle is all ours?

Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10

When you are in a frenetic state, being "still" might be hard to imagine. A questioning mind might ask "why?"

The Lord himself will fight for you, you have only to keep still. Ex 14:14

It's as if to say we waste a lot of energy fretting , worrying, pacing, & blathering when we only need to rest, trust, and look to our heavenly General.

Look to the Lord as an example. He allowed himself to be born as a completely helpless baby. Trust. Did he ever wear armour and charge into battle? Trust. Humility. Gentleness.

Where in your life aren't you still? Practice trust in the Lord. Then pray for all marriages. Trust that your prayers will be heard.

Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet

Offer some stillness to a friend. Pass it on.

Pray for Families (Gentleness)

Greetings Prayer Warriors!

I was reflecting on the fruits of the Holy Spirit and came upon “gentleness”.

gen·tle·ness \ˈjen-təl-nəs\

noun
:the quality or state of being gentle; especially: mildness of manners or disposition*

It occurred to me that I have never heard a sermon or homily on seeking to nurture the attribute of gentleness. Nor are their television programs and movies touting it. Perhaps that is why there are so few people (including myself) that I would call “gentle”. The attribute is highly undervalued, yet everyone likes to be the recipient of it.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

Say a prayer today that both you and your family members will grow in gentleness. Just saying the word “gentleness” makes you smile and feel good, doesn’t it? Become the ground zero of gentleness. Be contagious. Take it viral!

Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet

There’s more than one way to take something viral. Forward to a friend.

*Merriam-Webster dictionary

Pray for M.O.M. (Metamorphosis of the Heart)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

We often hear from people that they shy away from religion because of “all the rules”. It’s as if Christianity is nothing but a cross to bear and Scripture is nothing but a bunch of laws and commandments. We humans sure have a great fear of being restricted or inconvenienced.

But what if we shifted the paradigm and realized that a relationship with Christ doesn’t shackle you but unshackles you? Scripture isn’t meant to give a list of rules, but rather to soften and transform our heart so that we are no longer need the rules. (CCC 1968) In essence, our transformation grants us freedom from the law as the law no longer challenges us and as a result we are able to fulfill that law.

A veil lies over their hearts, but whenever a person turns to the Lord the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit,* and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 2Cor 3:15-17

What laws/commandments do you struggle with the most? This week, resolve not to fight the “law” but ask the Holy Spirit to unveil and transform your heart so that the “law” no longer challenges you. Find strength and encouragement in the Scriptures.

Take some time to pray for marriages. Ask the Holy Spirit to transform colliding hearts and minds, so that what may feel like a shackled union will metamorphose into a loving embrace.

Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet

Send a key to unlock the shackles. Pass this on.

Pray for Families (Consent to Ascent)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

One story in the bible that gives me so much hope is the story of Saul. He went from persecutor of the early disciples of Jesus, encouraging the stoning of St. Stephen, to one of the greatest Christian missionaries of the Church. His prolific epistles make up many of the books in the bible.

Going from Saul to Paul is total grace. Like Saul who was stuck blind by the Lord for 3 days to awaken him spiritually, we too sometimes need major events in our life to spark our momentum toward Christ.

So when things get tough for you or a member of your family, don’t despair but rather thank our Heavenly Father for the reminder to look to Him. Consent to ascent. He just may be preparing you for sainthood.

To you I raise my eyes, to you enthroned in heaven. Psalm 123:1

Prayer is the fuel necessary for ascending. Continue to pray for families, especially those in most need.

Peace, Joy and Love,
Janet

Help with the ascent. Forward to a friend.

Pray for Marriages (Love and Pray)

Labor Day

Dear Prayer Angels,

Love
A
Beloved
Or
Relative

toDAY

Relax and spend the day loving your loved ones. May your only labor be participating in God’s transforming love.

May your prayer for marriages be in deed, spoken word, or silent prayer.

It is Christ in you, the hope for glory. It is he whom we proclaim... ...that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. For this I labor and struggle, in accord with the exercise of his power working within me. Col 1:27-29

Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet

Labor less, love more. Pass it on.

Pray for Families (The Forgiving Hug)

Greetings Prayer Angels,

Children are so adorable, aren’t they? When they misbehave, not so much. Whether your children are young or now adults, nothing is more endearing than when they apologize for their actions (or lack thereof), you forgive them, and you both hug. The misdeed is forgotten and your love for them seems to grow larger.

So too it is with our heavenly Father. It tears at His heart when we don’t go to Him to seek forgiveness. He too wants to share His mercy and give us a big bear hug of love. He awaits us with open arms.

Lord, you are good and forgiving, most merciful to all who call on you. Psalm 86:5

Is there anyone who doesn’t like a big bear hug? It creates a sense of comfort, security, trust, and love. This long weekend, turn to the Lord for mercy and bask in His bear-hug love. Then pass on the love to your family members by giving them big hugs. You will feel the Father’s love flow through you. The smiles that result will be contagious. Enjoy the long weekend and squeeze in a few extra hugs.

Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet

Send a remote hug. Pass it on.

Pray for Marriages (Faith)

Greetings Prayer Warriors!

Faith is often a difficult concept to grasp. In this Internet age of having all types of information and answers at our fingertips, it is ironic how difficult having true faith is. That is because we want clarity and faith asks us to believe in what we can’t see.

John the Baptist was a beautiful example of true faith. Through grace, he accepted the will of God without question. As his faith journey became difficult, he remained steadfast.

I have always wanted to know John’s secret. He could have been quite angry with God and said, “I give my life to you and you reward me with a beheading!?" I think John reveals the secret to his much holier behavior in the following scripture passage.

He must increase; I must decrease. John 3:30

John spent his life emptying his self-will and completely surrendering to God’s will. He discovered that sometimes it is in the deepest darkness that we truly find the Lord. John’s love for Christ was so perfected, that he no longer feared bodily death.

There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear. 1 John 4:18

In marriage, how might one decrease so the Lord can increase? Surrender a difficult aspect of your marriage/your life to the Lord, so that He might increase in you and show you how to love. Then pray for the strengthening of all marriages, especially those in most need.

Peace, Love, and Joy,
Janet

Invite someone to decrease. Pass this on.

Pray for Families (Hypoxic)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

While on vacation, my family was playing the game, Trivial Pursuit. One of the questions was, “What does everyone die from?” The answer was hypoxia (lack of oxygen) to the brain. While we had our own discussion as to whether one dies from lack of oxygen to the brain or heart, it made me think of what gives us spiritual life.

If hypoxia equals death and the Lord gives us life, isn’t hardness of heart and other forms of sin a spiritual hypoxia/death? If you think of God as the air we breathe, and that he breaths life into us, don’t we seem foolish to ever willingly cut ourselves off from Him? Yet in essence, that is exactly what we do. With each sin we become more hypoxic, commencing a slow spiritual death we are largely unaware of.

For the spirit of God made me, the breath of the Almighty keeps me alive. Job 33:4

If you were physically hypoxic, you would carry around an oxygen tank. When one is spiritually hypoxic, we need to turn to the Giver of Life. As Catholics, we have the Sacrament of Reconciliation, for others there is prayer and repentance.

Lord, as we pray for families today, open our eyes to our own spiritual hypoxia. Breathe new life into us and give us the courage to get down on our knees to seek forgiveness for our sin, for our family’s sin, and for any generational sin. We believe in the depth of your love and the ocean of your mercy. As we turn to you, please stretch out your hand and lift us up, that we glorify your name in praise. Amen.

Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet

Offer spiritual oxygen to a friend.

Pray for Marriages (Hope and Trust)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

A dear friend of mine recently shared with me that her husband has an addiction to pornography. When I asked if he was going to quit, she said he didn’t think it was possible. (Despair) However, upon her insistence, he agreed to take steps to try. (Hope)

While we may think addictions (such as porn, alcohol, drugs, gambling) belong only to a few, let us remember that we all are shackled by our sin. Our own bondage is just not so obvious.

Take a moment and ponder what shackles you. If you are having trouble thinking of anything, think of something that you do that is unnecessary or in excess that keeps you from bonding time with your spouse, children, or the Lord. Is there something that creates a wall versus a door or window? Work? Shopping? Idleness? Constant activity? Whatever you spend the most time focusing on or doing, reveals what is number one in your life.

Our sin shackles us and it is through repentance (sorrow and trust) and the Lord’s mercy (pure love) that we are set free. There is always hope in the Lord.

Hope in the LORD; For with the LORD there is loving kindness, And with Him is abundant redemption. Ps 130:7

Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Is 40:31

Let us pray for all marriages that are weakened or crumbling due to the bondage of sin. May spouses never fall into despair, but place their hope in the Lord, because through Him, all things are possible.

Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet

It takes an army with prayer as it’s weapon. Enlist some new friends.

Pray for Families (Protect our Children)

Greetings Prayer Warriors!

Once again, I feel compelled to pray for children. It seems that all my spiritual reading continues to remind me of the importance of being child-like before the Lord. So I remind myself that children don’t waste time thinking about yesterday or worrying about tomorrow, they live joyfully in the moment.

But I feel a wave of sadness as I think how our culture rushes to push children out of their childhood. In essence, as natural childhood gets cut short, so does their spiritual childhood. Take a look around. Have you noticed that many of the children's clothes sold by retailers are miniature versions of adult clothing? Watch 10 minutes of a children’s television program. It is filled with innuendos and often worse. Wait for the commercials. What is seen in television commercials today, wouldn’t be allowed in primetime programming 50 years ago. Venture to watch a show targeted to a teen audience. It will be highly sexualized. Listen to a Top 40 radio station. Music is no longer about walking on the beach. What about the World Wide Web? A child can intentionally or even unintentionally bring subject matter to the screen that you would never allow through your front door.

Heartbreaking though it is, our children have become so desensitized, that they may not see anything wrong with the above. They just want to fit in. Rather than valuing the virtues that so naturally come to them, they are enticed by what is exalted by the culture: greed, lust, envy, pride, sloth, anger, and gluttony. Just watch any reality TV show to get a glimpse.

I ask that all of you pray for a change in our culture. May the heavenly Father protect his dear children. Lord, filter what is seen by their eyes and heard by their ears. Strengthen all parents and grandparents with fortitude, so they become a living and loving witness of what it means to “be like children.”

“I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike. Matthew 11:25

Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet

Invite anyone who is part of a family to pray with us.

Pray for Marriages (In word and deed)

Greetings Prayer Angels,

You have diligently prayed for marriages for a long time now. Thank you! Perhaps for some of you, your form of prayer has expanded to fasting, good deeds, or words of kindness. Or perhaps you have found new ways to show love and glorify God through that love.

Please continue to journey with me. Pray, fast, be kind, and show love. When you look at the calendar and see "Monday", please think of the following:

M any
O ffer
N oble
D eeds
A scending to
Y ahweh

May everything you do on Mondays be a form of prayer drifting up to the heavens like incense. Knowing His love and mercy, trust that grace will be showered down upon all marriages, especially those in most need.

I give thanks to my God at every remembrance of you, praying always with joy in my every prayer for all of you, because of your partnership for the gospel from the first day until now. I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus. Phil 1:3-6

Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet

Add to the "Many" on Mondays. Invite someone to prayer.

Pray for Families (Photosynthesis of the Soul)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

Have you ever been struck by the beauty of a magnificent tree, one with a wide trunk and beautiful long branches that reach out and up to the sky? You notice that the numerous leaves provide a sheltering shade that offers respite to all living creatures.

Now look at a tree and think of your family. Think of parents as the trunk and children as the branches. Throughout life much pruning, feeding, and nurturing occurs. Think of our heavenly Father as the roots. These roots provide stability and stretch out to provide you life-giving water, the same water that brought you to life in Christ during Baptism, which connected you to the Roots. Think of Christ as Light, the sun. Without the sun there is no growth and ultimately no shade. The Holy Spirit is the air, the wind that stirs us into movement. As shoots of growth occur, we turn and reach up toward the sun/Son, so that a photosynthesis of the soul can occur. Ahh! As a result one will begin to bear fruit, wholly unique to their branch. Each fruit complements the whole tree.

Then the angel showed me the river of life-giving water, sparkling like crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of its street. On either side of the river grew the tree of life that produces fruit twelve times a year, once each month; the leaves of the trees serve as medicine for the nations. Rev 22:1-2

Each family member has a unique purpose. Enjoy the fruit salad of your family. Pray that through growth, the fruit they bear will bring healing to the nations.

Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet

Share your unique fruit. Invite a friend to combine with you in prayer.

Pray for Marriages (On Mondays)

Good Morning Prayer Warriors,

Nurture your marriage.

Let mutual love continue.

Be kind and generous to your summer guests.

Do not neglect hospitality, for through it some have unknowingly entertained angels.

We are all prisoners of sin. Be forgiving, as we are all part of the Body of Christ.

Be mindful of prisoners as if sharing their imprisonment, and of the ill-treated as of yourselves, for you also are in the body.

Cherish and respect the sacrament of marriage.

Let marriage be honored among all and the marriage bed be kept undefiled, for God will judge the immoral and adulterers.

Don’t stress about the stock market.

Let your life be free from love of money but be content with what you have, for he has said, "I will never forsake you or abandon you."

We are children of a most loving Father.

Thus we may say with confidence: "The Lord is my helper, (and) I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?"

Find joy and strength in Scripture.

Remember your leaders who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.

Find peace in the constancy of the Lord.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Hebrews 13:1-8

May daily prayer be your guide, your joy, your peace, and your shelter. May it lift you high and strengthen you in faith. And may Mondays always be the day you pray for marriages.

Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet

Invite a friend to spiritually meet you in prayer on Mondays. simplyinspiredprayer.blogspot.com

Pray for Families (Becoming Child-like)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

Anyone with small children has witnessed their sweet child dissolve suddenly into a state of wild tantrums. Anyone with older children has seen the even less pleasant teen version of this.

Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:3-4

Unfortunately, I don’t think the Lord meant the above behavior, because in our lifetime, we as adults have probably had many tantrums and shouting matches with the Lord. (That’s hard to admit, isn’t it? Perhaps you should pause and reflect here. Imagine the Lord watching us have tantrums!)

So what do you think becoming like children means? I think it is having complete trust and faith in the one we are entrusted to. It’s unconditional love, even to those who can sometimes hurt us. It’s purity and goodness of heart. It’s seeing everyone as equally deserving. It’s sharing and sacrificing as an expression of our love for all. It’s having a special eye for all that is good and beautiful in the world, from a tiny butterfly, to the heart of a loving grandparent.

May the smile of a child fill you with joy today, giving you the courage and strength to live like one.

Pray for our children that their innocence may be protected and preserved.

Peace, Love, and Joy,
Janet

Invite an adult to become child-like. Pass this on!

Pray for Marriages (Call to Sainthood)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

I grew up reading “Lives of the Saints”. Those were some super-heroes. I remember their deaths never being all that appealing. I am one who would prefer to just drift off into sleep and never wake up. Somehow it wasn’t until adulthood that I learned that we are all called to be saints. Really??!! (I’m sure there must have been a few that drifted off into slumber besides Mary!)

I’ve learned that when married, aspirations of sainthood are much more challenging. Would any of you agree? There seem to be so many trials! The good news is that I found hope in one of the writings of St. Alphonsus Liguori*. Through tribulations, our souls are flooded with grace. Such trials are given because the Lord desires our welfare. They are a remedy, not a punishment. We must submit to His divine will and accept our trials joyfully, as did the Father’s beloved Son, Jesus Christ. Such trials are designed to keep us in prayer and help us grow in the virtues of humility, patience and submission to his will.

It is through trials and tribulations that the saints earned their glorious crowns. So the next time you are despairing of your trials, look to the Lord for consolation, persevere in prayer, and praise Him for the opportunity to become a saint.

In all these things we conquer overwhelmingly through him who loved us. Romans 8:37

And since we are all just a bunch of wimps, let’s continue to pray for all marriages, that they be strengthened, not crushed by tribulations, that spouses grow in virtue not vice, that anger is replaced by gentleness and compassion, and that by focusing on Christ, His love will give us the courage to live out His divine will for us.

Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet

Call someone to sainthood. Forward to a friend.

*Magnificat: Vol 13 No. 16 p. 31

Pray for Families (Transformative Prayer)

Dear Prayer Warriors,

You, more than anyone, know how transformative prayer can be. Not just for those being prayed for, but also for those praying. So when I discovered this beautiful scripture passage, I wanted to share it with you. I hope it warms your heart. Pray for your earthly family and the entire Body of Christ. I have added plural pronouns (second parentheses) so that these verses will more easily flow as a prayer for the family.

Dear Lord, I place my entire family at your feet. (Name them.)

"I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen (you) (them) with power through his Spirit in (your) (their) inner being, so that Christ may dwell in (your) (their) hearts through faith. And I pray that (you) (they), being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that (you) (they) may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." Eph 3:14-19

AMEN!

I just prayed this for all of you. I believe in the power of prayer. Let's pray this prayer all weekend long, asking that families be transformed as we pray this prayer of love.

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

Transform a life. Pray for them, then invite them to prayer.

Pray for Marriages (Christ-centered)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

In our society, it seems marriage is becoming more and more disposable. It seems to be in sync with the views on religion—it’s just not that necessary. Either people avoid marriage/religion or they break it off when they disagree with their spouse/religion. They believe that they can always find another one that is even better than the previous.

What is wrong with this picture?!

Marriage and religion have become weak because many people no longer put Christ at the center, but rather themselves.

Apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5

Let us pray and ask the Lord that there be an outpouring of wisdom and understanding on marriages, resulting in both spouses turning to Him for guidance and strength.

In him all things hold together. Col 1:17

May the fruit of this prayer be that all marriages in need, through Christ’s love and endless mercy, be be rewoven into a beautiful union. In turn, may they then become a beacon of hope to countless others.

Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet

Each and every prayer is heard. Recruit another voice.

Pray for Families (A gift)

Dear Prayer Angels,

Today let us give thanks for family.

No matter how much we love them or how much we disagree, no matter what our commonalities or differences are, when hardships or heartache arises, they are our gift from God.

How often are they our lifeboat, our teddy bear, our crying towel, or our rock? We are placed in a family to be a support to one another and to share our joys and sorrows.

May the peoples praise you, God; may all the peoples praise you! Psalm 67:4

So let us praise God for such an awesome gift! And then let us continue to boldly ask the Lord to build up families and fortify them against worldly assaults.

Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet

Fortify families with prayer. Pass this on.

Pray for Marriages (Judging)

Dearest Prayer Warriors,

Your email inboxes saw a reprieve from my blog last week, but I hope the Spirit still stirred you into praying for marriages and families.

Have you noticed that hardly a week can pass without you hearing of a marriage in trouble? That is why all of you are so cherished, because marriages are desperately in need of your prayer.

While doing some vacation reading, the following quote jumped off the page at me.

If you take the time to judge, you don’t have time to love.
~Blessed Mother Teresa

If one is busy judging it interferes with their ability to connect with that person. This harmful attitude can stem from self-righteousness as well as that deadly sin, pride. As a result one’s heart becomes damaged and it affects their ability to love as Christ loved.

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. Eph 5:1-2

If you are married, do a self-examination of your own marriage. If you are single, chose the marriage of a couple in need, and pray for them this week. As always pray unceasingly.

May the blessing of the Lord be with you each day.

Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet

Challenge a friend to stop the judging and turn to love. Forward to a friend.

Pray for Families (Forgiveness)

Greetings Prayer Warriors!

Summer means lots of family time. When togetherness starts to feel like sandpaper, it’s time to smooth things over with a little forgiveness. It is a long word that is often difficult to implement, especially in families where opportunity abounds. One might admit that sometimes holding a grudge feels good, although fleetingly. A lack of forgiveness eventually becomes the sandpaper in one’s own life. It will separate, create conflict, and perpetuate anger.

Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Luke 6:27-28. 36

The Lord calls us to forgive, because He forgives us and wants to show us the depth of His mercy. Can we be any less merciful toward those seeking forgiveness from us?

Contemplate what Christ might say to you.

Avoid feelings of anger and animosity and instead look upon those who hurt you with loving eyes.

Those prone to evil need love. Hate would only become the fuel for more evil.

Pardon disarms revenge.

A person’s armor is discarded when love prevails.

When I show my love to you, do you not then break down the wall you put between us?


Make forgiveness a family road trip. You might discover an unanticipated oasis.

Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet

Invite others on the road trip of prayer and forgiveness. http://simplyinspiredprayer.blogspot.com/

Pray for Marriages (Finding Freedom)

Happy Independence Day Prayer Warriors!

True freedom lies in the surrendering of oneself to the will of God.

And ye shall hallow the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof: it shall be a jubilee unto you; and ye shall return every man unto his possession, and ye shall return every man unto his family. Leviticus 25:1

Be free, yet without using freedom as a pretext for evil, but as slaves of God. 1Peter 2:16

Freedom has its life in the hearts, the actions, the spirit of men and so it must be daily earned and refreshed - else like a flower cut from its life-giving roots, it will wither and die. ~Dwight D. Eisenhower

For you were called for freedom, brothers. But do not use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh; rather, serve one another through love. For the whole law is fulfilled in one statement, namely, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." Galations 5: 13-1

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 2 Cor 3:17

True Freedom, begins and ends in love. Love your spouse. Pray for marriages.

Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet

Surrender to freedom. http://simplyinspiredprayer.blogspot.com/

Pray for Families (Love as the Mortar)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

I came across this gem and had to share it (bold added by me), because it really brings light to why we pray for families every Friday.

“All that you succeed in doing to support the family is destined to have an effectiveness 
that goes beyond its own sphere and reaches other people too, and has an effect on society. 
 The future of the world and of the church passes through the family.” Pope John Paul II-Familiaris Consortio

This is something to really contemplate.

If the future of the world passes through the family, and in our society families are breaking down at an alarming rate, God is being erased from education, and morality is no longer being taught, what does the future hold?

God created families to be foundational and secure. Family members are to be present to one another, sharing their time, talents, and treasure. Love shared within the family reflects the love God has for each of us. It is through the unconditional, selfless love experienced in the family that we first come to know and understand what God truly is – Love. We are to be His reflection to each other so that each family member can experience the love of God and then take that light out into the world.

If one doesn’t experience love in the family, and can’t share what they didn’t receive, will there be a loss of love in society – a loss of God?

God is love, and whoever remains in love remains in God and God in him. 1 John 4:16

Prayer is our most effective weapon against the breakdown of the family, and for the future of our society. Warriors, grab your weapon!

Heavenly Father, may our love be the mortar to each family stone that you lay. Strengthen us in our love, so that we may reinforce all that we build upon the foundation that is you. Patch up for us what has crumbled. Help us recover the missing stones. In your mercy, rebuild each family, become our cornerstone so that we may become a source of your love and a beacon of your light throughout the world. For this we humbly pray. Amen.

Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet

Invite a warrior to pray. Pass it on.

Pray for Marriages (Celebrate the good)

Greetings Prayer Warriors!

Yesterday was the Feast of Corpus Christi (Latin for Body of Christ). This was the feast day upon which I launched my prayer blog one year ago. (My actual emails have been hitting your mailboxes for 20 months.) Praise God! So I am in a celebratory mood of praise and thanksgiving. Let us celebrate in prayer the many blessings He gives us and praise Him for the example of good marriages.

Nothing is more beautiful than watching a marriage completely centered in Him. His love shines through the couple with amazing light, a beacon of hope for all who struggle.

So we, though many, are one body in Christ and individually parts of one another. Romans 12:5

Lord, we ask you today to abundantly bless those marriages where you have been placed at the center. May they be living witnesses to your glory manifest in them. May we be encouraged and strengthened by their example of mutual self-giving for the building up of each other. May all of us as the living Body of Christ, have the fortitude and faith to encourage each other to always walk in your ways, to help each other when we fall, and to be generous with our forgiveness and love, beginning in our own homes. We ask this in the name of your most precious Son, Amen.

Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet

Invite others to celebrate. Forward this invitation.

Pray for Families (Anchor in the Storm)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

I spend a lot of time contemplating families and family life. There is so much irony that exists. Family members both rock the boat and can anchor the family at the same time.

Think of each family as a sailboat in the ocean of life. Sailing starts out as such a pleasant experience. Then a storm hits. Just when you think you have tied all the knots securely, over time, some become loose resulting in sails that take you way off your intended course. Suddenly everyone thinks that they are the captain, which can lead to being completely lost at sea. While the temptation at times might be to declare mutiny and throw the unruly members overboard, we intrinsically know that instead we are called to love. Love unconditionally.

In their distress they cried to the LORD, who brought them out of their peril, hushed the storm to a murmur; the waves of the sea were stilled. They rejoiced that the sea grew calm, that God brought them to the harbor they longed for. Ps 107: 28-30

Our compass in life must be Christ. He will help us navigate the seas of life, as He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. We need to become beached upon His rock, our firm foundation. He is the gentle voice in the storm, if only we still our soul to listen.

Dear Lord, as the waves of family life ebb and flow, grant us the grace to be patient, love unconditionally, and allow you to shine your guiding light through us. May we provide life rings to all those family members who are being tossed by the waves. Keep them tightly tethered so that through us, they may see you, the hope of all salvation.

Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet

Throw out a life ring. Forward to a friend.

Pray for Marriages (Grace in abundance)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

Let us awake in joy knowing that the Spirit dwells in us!

This Monday morning, whether in life or in marriage, whatever is weighing you down, causing you heartache, stealing your peace, or making you less charitable in word and deed, hand it over to the Lord so that you may not carry it alone.

Rejoice. Mend your ways, encourage one another, agree with one another, live in peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Cor 13:11

That’s easier said than done, you think. Consider that you are not alone.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the holy Spirit be with all of you. 2 Cor 13:13

We are given all that we need; Grace in abundance, the love of our Creator, and the fellowship and guidance of the holy Spirit.

My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness. 2 Cor 12:9

Dear Lord, we pray that you bless all marriages. We ask that you be generous with your grace, lavish us with you love, and guide us with your Spirit, so that we may be a reflection of you to our spouse and they to us. When we feel challenged and weak, may we know that you are just strengthening and perfecting us for the journey. Lift us up Lord, that we may praise you always. We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord. Amen.

Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet

Lift up a friend. Invite them to prayer.

Pray for Families (Growth in Virtue)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

As I listen to the news on a daily basis, I am struck by the lost concept of sin. People don’t even try to hide their sin, but rather brag about it. Then there are those with the misguided concept that think that sinful behaviors done in private aren’t hurting anyone else. With the advent of the Internet and social media, opportunities abound like never before for family members to slip and fall into very dangerous territory. The irony is that when one is steeped in sin, it does not lead them to greater happiness, but rather misery. Sin separates us from God, the source of all joy. But by turning to the Lord and expressing sorrow, we can quickly move from sadness to joy.

Do not reprove me in your anger, LORD, nor punish me in your wrath. Have pity on me, LORD, for I am weak; heal me, LORD, for my bones are trembling. Ps 6: 2-3

I sought the LORD, who answered me, delivered me from all my fears. Look to God that you may be radiant with joy and your faces may not blush for shame. Ps 34: 5-6

As we pray, let us focus on the battle against the Seven Deadly Sins: greed, pride, anger, envy, sloth, gluttony, and lust. The virtues that help us overcome the deadly sins are known as The Seven Cardinal Virtues: generosity, humility, meekness, brotherly love, diligence, temperance and chastity. For our family prayer today, let us pray that all of us can be released from those deadly sins that most affect us. May the Lord generously pour out His grace upon us so that we may grow in the virtues that we need to be a light to others in the world.

Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet

Help others grow in virtue. Invite them to prayer.

Pray for Marriages (An end to divorce)

Good Morning Prayer Angels,

I am so excited because I have discovered how to end the desire for a divorce! You only have to follow two simple rules!

1. You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. Matt: 22:37

2. You shall love your neighbor as yourself. Matthew 22:39

If each spouse followed these 2 rules, they would love happily ever after!

The problem is that “feeling love” is so much easier than “love in action”.
When the feeling is gone many bail, and thus that’s why the marriage fails. ☺

So how does one put love into action? Read this slowly as if you are reading it for the first time. Chances are it was a reading at your own wedding.

If I speak in human and angelic tongues but do not have love, I am a resounding gong or a clashing cymbal. And if I have the gift of prophecy and comprehend all mysteries and all knowledge; if I have all faith so as to move mountains but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give away everything I own, and if I hand my body over so that I may boast but do not have love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, (love) is not pompous, it is not inflated, it is not rude, it does not seek its own interests, it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury, it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. 1 Cor 13: 1-8

Lord, hear our heartfelt prayer for marriages. Enflame our hearts for you, so that we may love you first, with all our heart, all our soul, and with all our mind. Teach us then to love our spouses in the way you have taught us. Transform us in our weakness so that we may reflect you, and mirror a beautiful generosity of heart. Pick us up when we trip and put us lovingly back on the path to love. We humbly ask you this in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

At present we see indistinctly, as in a mirror, but then face to face. At present I know partially; then I shall know fully, as I am fully known. So faith, hope, love remain, these three; but the greatest of these is love. 1 Cor 13:12-13

Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet

Share the two simple rules. Send to a friend.

Pray for Families (Growth in Faith and Love)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

Nothing is more frustrating for parents than when adult children make decisions contrary to how they were raised. Frustration, guilt, and hopelessness in the situation can often overtake the mind. We continually hit the “rewind” button in our brain to try to make sense of the situation, even though that seldom provides the answers we so desperately seek. Our biggest challenge is letting go of our desire to control the situation and trusting that God, seeing the whole picture, will hear our pleas, honor the good seeds we planted, and allow them to bear fruit in His time.

Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

Perhaps such situations are not just for our children’s personal growth, but for our personal growth in both faith and love. Do we not spend more time in prayer during such crises? Do we not then begin to make sacrifices before the Lord? In prayer we learn we have to continue to love our children as he has loved us through our own diversions and excursions from truly living out our Christian faith.

Give me again the joy of your help; with a spirit of fervor sustain me, that I may teach transgressors your ways and sinners may return to you. Psalm 51: 12-13

Living out your Christian faith may be the strongest words your children need to hear. Never lose hope, always have faith, depend on His love.

Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet

Renew hope, build faith, share His love. Forward to a friend.

Pray for Marriages (Fruit-filled)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ! Rom 1:7

Marriage is a marathon, not a sprint. This is hard to swallow if you are a sprinter. For even a half marathon would seem too long. For others, a 10K seems about all they can commit to. But the Lord calls everyone to honor his or her marriage vows until death. So we must surrender to Him, and trust that the Divine Trainer ☺ will teach us how to complete the marathon with joy.

First, we must have faith.

Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen. Heb 11:1

We must never lose hope.

Hold firm and take heart. Hope in the Lord! Ps 27:14

We must always act with love.

Above all, let your love for one another be intense, because love covers a multitude of sins. 1Peter 4:8

And as prayer warriors, we must always pray not only for self, but for others.

Pray without ceasing. 1 Thes 5:17

As we pray for marriages, let us humbly ask that the fruits of the Spirit be the flowers given along the running path to all who commit to the marathon.

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Gal 5:22

Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet

Send a prayer bouquet. http://simplyinspiredprayer.blogspot.com/

Pray for Families (Our Foundation)

Good Morning Prayer Warriors,

Family dynamics are just that-DYNAMIC! Each member is in constant flux, due to internal and external influences. A family member never knows if they will be surrounded with crying, laughing, anger, shouting, silence, joking, arguing, apologizing, or just someone who is plain stressed-out! Adding to the rainbow of emotions are the life changes that factor into the family environment: members moving in and out, marriage, death, separation, sickness, unemployment, and unanticipated travel.

Ironically, even though forces affecting our family are unpredictable, our family is still our foundation. They provide us a source of understanding, for they know us better than anyone else. They are the arms we fly into when we need consolation and love, and are the ones who provide us safety in the unpredictability of life. God in His infinite wisdom and goodness knew the importance of bringing each us into the world through a family. His plan was that we first experience His love through the family we were born into.

However, every family is not ideal. But our heavenly family is.

Be still and know that I am God. Ps 46:10

We are never alone. Our Lord is our refuge in the chaos, our strength when we are weak. He is our loving Father who wraps us in His loving arms when are hearts our broken. He has given us a heavenly family to cheer us on. And he awaits the day we return home to Him.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult. He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. On God rests my deliverance and my honor; my mighty rock, my refuge is God. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. [Selah] Ps 46:1-3; Ps 62:6-8

Pray for families, that each member have the strength and courage to trust in Him and be a vessel of His love in their family.

Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet

Pray for Marriages (Reunification after Separation)

Dear Prayer Warriors,

As you observe Memorial Day today, start with a prayer for those who have given their lives in the Armed Forces as well as for the spouses and families left behind.

My heart goes out to marriages that are still recovering from the effects of both the absence of their spouse and events occurring during deployment. After extended separation, these couples need to find ways to knit their marriages back together. I ask that you pray for these marriages today, that the Lord will give them the grace, courage, and perseverance to stay by each other as assimilation back into everyday life occurs.

Make us know the shortness of our life that we may gain wisdom of heart. Relent, O LORD! How long? Have pity on your servants! Fill us at daybreak with your love, that all our days we may sing for joy. Make us glad as many days as you humbled us, for as many years as we have seen trouble. Show your deeds to your servants, your glory to their children. Ps 90 12-16

Lord God, it is by resting in you that we obtain the strength we need to do your will. Help us to rest, so that we may glorify you in all we do.

Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet

Pray for Families (Perseverance in Prayer)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

Today happens to be the feast day of St. Augustine. I love St. Augustine because he was so human. Prior to his conversion to Christianity, he was quite the party animal who enjoyed all types of worldly pleasures. However, the saint who has my complete admiration is his mother, St. Monica, because she prayed her son into holiness!

I am sure St. Monica had many days when she considered disowning her son, since his wicked, sinful behavior, was a poor reflection on her. But instead, she stayed close to the Lord and trusted that he would one day answer her prayers. Just as we need to stay connected to the Vine to bear fruit, so too our children need to stay connected to us, the branches, even when we feel like cutting them off. For through our connection to the Vine they will be given life. Parents and family become the lattice. The Divine Gardener will redirect their wayward shoots, and in time, will prune them so that they may produce fruit of their own.

You are already pruned because of the word that I spoke to you. Remain in me, as I remain in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing. As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love. John 15:3-5,9.

Spend some extra time today and throughout the 3-day weekend in prayer for families. Lord, give parents the strength to get down on their knees to pray for their children. Teach them to love their children unconditionally, as you have always loved us. Give them the fortitude and courage to persevere, especially when in their weakness and exhaustion, they feel they can’t.

For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that he may grant you in accord with the riches of his glory to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner self, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the holy ones what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to accomplish far more than all we ask or imagine, by the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:14-21

Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet