Pray for Marriages (Light Piercing the Darkness)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

During the Christmas season we are reminded that when the Savior was born, Light came into the world and dispelled the darkness.

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

Many marriages dwell in the deep darkness.  They stumble as they search for the light. Finding their way may seem difficult if not impossible, so some desperately search for the emergency exit door to find some light.  But that light is artificial and temporary.  Rather, they need to find True Light, which will filter in through prayer. Prayer is our roadmap in the dark.  It allows the Light to enter in through the cracks in one’s personal armor, often donned as a perceived fortress of protection. 

What is the way to the dwelling of light, and darkness—where is its place?  Job 38:19

For marriages we pray:

Lord, you are the light of faith; enkindle our desire to know you, who are Love and Mercy.

Lord, you are the light of hope; increase our trust in you by helping us shed our armor. 

Lord, the fire of your love illumines all that is false; incinerate all of our disordered passions.

Lord, your love is true; rekindle the flickering flames in marriages by placing your tender love in each heart.

Lord you dwell in unapproachable light; may all fall down and worship you in praise and thanksgiving, for you always light our way!

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light!  Isaiah 9:1

Jesus was born to bring light into the darkness of our lives. Let us welcome His Light!

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

Say a prayer to rekindle the flickering flame of someone’s marriage.  Pass it on!  

Pray for Families (The Light of Faith)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

Babies make us so curious, don’t they?  Who doesn’t want to at least glance at one to see if they can elicit a response; any response!  We know we are in the power position and thus must make the first move.   So we make faces, speak softly, or sing a song. 

Perhaps that is why Christ came as a helpless baby, born in poverty.  So non-threatening, almost begging us to come near.  Imagine you are there that night in Bethlehem. Move closer, assess the situation, and see what you can do. The light of faith then strikes you.  In awestruck wonder, you realize that He doesn’t need your help, you need His!  You are amazed at how His light and His smile transform you, the shepherds, and all who draw near.  But what do you give a heavenly King?  You have no gift to give….but wait….there is still a gift He wants from you.  Your presence!

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who lived in a land of gloom a light has shone. Isaiah 9:1

The righteous will give thanks to your name; the upright will dwell in your presence. Psalm 140:14

Christ the Savior is born!  He has rescued us from the power of darkness. Come, let us adore Him!

Pray for your family, and all families, that they may desire to live in His presence.

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

Be a holiday light.  Pass it on! 

Pray for Marriages (Gift of His Presence)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

Only days away, many are in anxious anticipation of Christmas.  Perhaps you look forward to large choirs singing the magnificent songs of Christmas at Christmas Mass or your Christmas Service.  Perhaps you look forward to seeing your children open presents Christmas morning, or if you have older children, the joys of having them come home for Christmas.

For many though, Christmas brings sadness.  In fractured marriages, the holidays may mean stress and arguments.  For couples who are divorced or separated, it may mean spending Christmas without their children as they get passed back and forth during the holiday.  For widows and widowers, it may be the first Christmas alone after decades of marriage.

I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. 

Ezekiel 36:26

I ask that you pray for all of those mentioned and any others that press upon your heart.

Lord, may the people we hold so dearly in our hearts, feel your presence in a special way this Christmas. Instead of the joy of presents, may they experience the joy of your presence. Instead of loneliness, your companionship. Heavenly Father, may we all see with new eyes, the gift of our Savior; the gift of our salvation. May we not favor material gifts, but the gift of eternity with you, which is beyond compare. Come Lord Jesus into our hearts that we may be like the light of the Christmas Star, guiding sojourners to your great presence. We ask this in the most precious name of Jesus, Amen.

The Mighty One has done great things for me, and Holy is his name. 

Luke 1:49

Wishing you the Peace found only in Christ,

Wishing you the Joy of family and friends, and

Sending you Love eternal.

Merry Christmas!

Janet

A new Light has come into the world.  Pass it on!  

P. S.   Give the last minute gift that keeps on giving!  Invite someone to be a prayer warrior and they will receive free reminders to pray for marriage and family!

Pray for Families (Keeping Christ in Christmas)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

On the first Christmas, there was no tinsel, no banquet, and no luxurious trappings.  Instead, there was a husband and wife, Joseph and Mary, who were humble, devoted to each other, and conformed to the will of God.   They sought not to acquire material gifts, but to surrender all.  They were rich in unity, love, and faith.  Mary’s “yes” ” brought us a Savior and Joseph’s subsequent “yes” brought us the Holy family.   The Holy Family provides us an example of what a family should be.

We are called as families to imitate Mary and Joseph.

The beauty of the Christmas Celebration is that it brings families together.  No matter where a loved one is, at Christmas they try to head to where their family is.  The scene is set for unity, gratitude, and love.  But just as Mary and Joseph each made a decision to say yes to love, we too must decide to love. We must decide to have an attitude of gratitude.

“Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:14

Let us not forget to keep Christ in our family Christmas celebration.   Give glory to God as a family for sending us a Savior!  That would be the most beautiful prayer!

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

Give glory to God always!  Pass it on!  

Pray for Marriages (Hope Does Not Disappoint)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

This time of year is one of anticipation and excitement.  For one who is struggling in their marriage, this is not so.  It can be a time of depression, heartache, and loneliness.  If this is you, remember that you do not walk alone.  The Lord is beside you, each step of the way.  Call upon him unceasingly!

For splintered marriages we pray:

May he send you help from the sanctuary, and give you support from Zion!

May he remember all your offerings, and regard with favor your burnt sacrifices! [Selah]

May he grant you your heart's desire, and fulfill all your plans!

May we shout for joy over your victory, and in the name of our God set up our banners! May the LORD fulfill all your petitions! Psalm 20:1-5

For in prayer we walk with you!  AMEN!

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

Hope in Him.  Hope does not disappoint!  Pass it on! 

Pray for Families (Loving through Presence)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

The Christmas Holiday Season can create such an mental overload!  I was really feeling it this week as professional year-end obligations loomed largely and personal obligations awaited my attention, subtlety staring at me as if my “To-do List” had eyes!  And of course there was this blog to write. 

I dared to open my mail as I really didn’t have the time to read it.  I tore open an envelope and inside was an alumni fundraising request.  What leap off of the page though was the word F.A.M.I.L.Y. :  Forget About Me, I Love You.  I tossed it aside and continued on with my evening.   I was feeling unsettled, when I grabbed something with scripture passages and began reading:

Reflect on the precepts of the Lord, let his commandments be your constant meditation. Then he will enlighten your mind, and the wisdom you desire He will grant.  Sirach 6:37

My mind flashed to the Ten Commandments, when the focus of such a meditation became clearer to me.

You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. Matthew 22:37-39

Suddenly the acronym F.A.M.I.L.Y. brought it all back into focus.  We exhibit love most fully (and convincingly) when we forget about ourselves and focus on another.  In doing so, we love Him more.   And isn’t that what Advent is about; opening ourselves to allow Him in, offering Him a greater presence in our life?

During this Advent and throughout the 12 days of Christmas, find true peace, joy, and love by meditating on scripture, spending time with family by being fully present, praying for and with family, and exclaiming in prayer, "Forget about me, I love You!"

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

Share the greatest gift, being present to another and asking Him to be present to you..  Pass it on!  

Our Lady of Guadalupe, patron of the Americas, pray for us!

Pray for Marriages (Full of Grace)

Feast of the Immaculate Conception

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

Happy Feast of the Immaculate Conception!  Today we celebrate the fact that the Blessed Virgin Mary was conceived without the stain of original sin. It makes perfect sense.  Should not the one who would be the tabernacle of our Lord, the mother of God, be “full of grace” and perfect in every way??  If you were God, would that not be how you would create her?

"Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you!"  Luke 1:28

While we were not born “full of grace” like Mary, the Lord does want to fill us with His grace and sanctify us, for we too are temples of the Holy Spirit!  

Grace has great sanctifying power. In marriage, this grace is most important, because one’s role as husband or wife is to help get their spouse to heaven!  Instinctively we know that this is not possible without grace upon grace!

From his fullness we have all received, grace in place of grace. John 1:16

As we pray for marriages, pray that each sacramental marriage be perfected by grace and that each union becomes a willing, worthy, and perfect dwelling place for the Lord.  Then will each learn the boundless expanse of God’s healing grace!

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! 2 Corinthians 9:15

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

Grace a couple with an unexpected email.  Pass it on!  

Pray for Families (Transforming Light)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

Transitions. Family life is full of them: Personal, financial, emotional, spiritual, and physical!  Such constant flux and can be quiet disconcerting. 

While change may throw us off-kilter, it does however reinforce our need and subsequent dependence on God.  Being connected to God always means our life will change.  But that is a positive!

Have you every witnessed the beauty of white light passing through a prism?  The result is a beautiful rainbow.  When light passes through a prism, it is dispersed and ultimately changed. 

This is much like the effect of God’s Light shining through you.  If you welcome the Light, and don’t block it out, your life will be changed, not because of you, but because you are now an instrument of the Light!  You are the prism and God is the Light.  Illumined and altered by Him, you are most beautiful!  In you, He becomes your strength, your joy, your peace, and your beauty!  United with Him, He will use you to bear much fruit for His kingdom!

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

Pray my friends, that no matter what one experiences in life, the highs, the lows, and everything in between, they may find that by opening themselves to the Light, they will eventually see the rainbow of the Lord’s promise. 

Lord, come be our Light!

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

Let others know that the Lord can take adversity and create a beautiful outcome.  Become an instrument of beauty-pray!!   Pass it on!

Pray for Marriages (Prepare your Heart)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

As the outside temperature lowers, we find ourselves drinking hot chocolate and warming our bodies by a crackling fire.  What a lovely and nostalgic image!  However, as we warm our bodies, sometimes our hearts remain cold.   Like winter in the high desert, they can remain icy and arid.  Advent is a time to warm the heart, and make it a welcoming place for the coming of our Savior.

A voice of one crying out in the desert: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.”  Mark 1:3

As Advent begins, carve out some time either as a couple or alone, to contemplate why you need a Savior.  Ask the Lord to enlighten your mind. Take a few moments daily throughout Advent to meditate on why the Lord would humble himself by taking on human flesh and coming as a baby to save you.

Next, lift your voice in prayer and ask the Lord to give married couples all the graces necessary to humble themselves, look within, and prepare their hearts to welcome their Savior.

May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the endurance of Christ.  2 Thessalonians 3:5

Peace, Joy, and Love

Janet

Warm a heart.  Pass it on!