Greetings Prayer Warriors,
Growing spiritually is certainly a life-long
work-in-progress. Often, this journey begins within the family as one learns
about God’s love for them and how they can honor Him by following his
commandments and attending church on Sundays.
“You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” Luke 10:27
Over time, it becomes very easy to stumble, shift
priorities, and become apathetic about God and church, especially when life is
going well. When we are living the good life, we rarely think to praise God,
but He most certainly hears from us when our life takes a downward spiral. Suddenly all those activities we thought
nourished and refreshed us such as television, shopping, sports, and (fill in
the blank), leave us empty. Getting spiritually
back on track takes some effort of the will, but can be easily integrated into
one’s life. Perhaps it’s performing works
of mercy such as visiting someone who is sick or by donating food to poor. Others may pray, meditate, read scripture, go
to a church service or a Mass and/or if you are Catholic, may go to Eucharistic
adoration*.
Recently while out of town I decided to visit a beautiful Catholic
church on a college campus, knowing that they offered Eucharistic adoration
that day. I was excited to spend some
quiet time with the Lord. While I was entranced by the peacefulness of His
presence, I was deeply saddened by the emptiness of this church. I was struck by the fact that with the
exception of a lone student who came in for 15 minutes, there were only a
handful of adorers (non-students) over the extended time that I was there.
Could you not keep watch for one hour? Mark 14:37
Softly, I heard in my soul, “If people don’t want to spend
time with me here on earth, why would I think they would want to spend time
with me in heaven?”
Perhaps that is a good question for each of us to ask
ourselves and contemplate. Do we look at
spending time with Love Himself a blessing or an obligation? Do we look at
eternity as a person, a place, or other? Is
salvation a right or a gift? Does the
answer to these questions effect how we honor the gift-giver?
Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. Matthew 7:21
Commit to spending more time with the Lord. Invite your family to join you. Regardless of
how you choose to spend this time, I humbly ask that you start with a prayer
for families. Ask the Lord to help each
member grow in their ability to love the Lord and each other.
Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet
Pray that your love for God and others blooms. Then pass it on!
*Adoration is the
first attitude of man acknowledging that he is a creature before his Creator.
It exalts the greatness of the Lord who made us and the almighty power of the
Savior who sets us free from evil. Adoration is homage of the spirit to the
"King of Glory," respectful silence in the presence of the "ever
greater" God. Adoration of the thrice-holy and sovereign God of love
blends with humility and gives assurance to our supplications.
—CCC
no. 2628
