Pray for Marriages (Love and Life)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

This month marks the 50^th Anniversary of Humanae Vitae, an encyclical written by Pope Paul VI in 1968 on God’s plan for married love and the transmission of human life. It was very controversial at the time (and still is), because at the height of the sexual revolution of the 60’s, it condemned birth control.  Looking back however, it was quite prophetic. Think about what has occurred in society over the last 50 years: infidelity, divorce, pornography, casual sex, cohabitation, the sexualization of children, etc.  Consider reading the entire document, and prayerfully contemplating it’s message.

Section 17, Consequences of Artificial Methods

  Responsible men can become more deeply convinced of the truth of the doctrine laid down by the Church on this issue if they reflect on the consequences of methods and plans for artificial birth control. Let them first consider how easily this course of action could open wide the way for marital infidelity and a general lowering of moral standards. Not much experience is needed to be fully aware of human weakness and to understand that human beings—and especially the young, who are so exposed to temptation—need incentives to keep the moral law, and it is an evil thing to make it easy for them to break that law. Another effect that gives cause for alarm is that a man who grows accustomed to the use of contraceptive methods may forget the reverence due to a woman, and, disregarding her physical and emotional equilibrium, reduce her to being a mere instrument for the satisfaction of his own desires, no longer considering her as his partner whom he should surround with care and affection. 

Who would have ever dreamed of any government’s interest in other’s sexuality and even their “funding” the prevention of conception/birth?

Finally, careful consideration should be given to the danger of this power passing into the hands of those public authorities who care little for the precepts of the moral law. Who will blame a government which in its attempt to resolve the problems affecting an entire country resorts to the same measures as are regarded as lawful by married people in the solution of a particular family difficulty? Who will prevent public authorities from favoring those contraceptive methods which they consider more effective? Should they regard this as necessary, they may even impose their use on everyone.

The only conversation here is a personal one with yourself and God.  How might you move toward a more intimate, respectful marriage?

Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ loved the church and handed himself over for her to sanctify her, cleansing her by the bath of water with the word. Husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. Ephesians 5:25-26, 28

Pray for each other as you make a daily commitment to live your marriage vows as God intended. Rejoice in the fact that our God is rich in mercy and love!

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

Challenge yourself. Read, pray, then pass it on! 

Pray for Families (Children Young and Old)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

Family is a training ground to understand the love of the Son for the Father and the Father for the Son. Their love is perfect and sacrificial, always grounded in love. Perhaps this scripture will speak to you, and provide guidance on what love looks like. We are all children of God, and we were born of an earthly mother and father that we might prepare ourselves for our heavenly Father and Mother.

Children, listen to me, your father; act accordingly, that you may be safe.

For the Lord sets a father in honor over his children

And confirms a mother’s authority over her sons.

Those who honor their father atone for sins;

They store up riches who respect their mother.

Those who honor their father will have joy in their own children,

And when they pray they are heard.

Those who respect their father will live a long life;

Those who obey the Lord honor their mother.

Those who fear the Lord honor their father,

And serve their parents as masters.

In word and deed honor your father,

That all blessings may come to you.

Are excuses popping into your head?  Continue reading.

A father’s blessing gives a person firm roots,

But a mother’s curse uproots the growing plant.

Do not glory in your father’s disgrace,

For that is no glory to you!

A father’s glory is glory also for oneself;

They multiply sin who demean their mother.

My son, be steadfast in honoring your father;

Do not grieve him as long as he lives.

Even if his mind fails, be considerate of him;

Do not revile him because you are in your prime.

Kindness to a father will not be forgotten;

It will serve as a sin offering—it will take lasting root.

In time of trouble it will be recalled to your advantage,

Like warmth upon frost it will melt away your sins.

Those who neglect their father are like blasphemers;

Those who provoke their mother are accursed by their Creator.

Sirach 3:1-16

Pray for guidance and strength to live out your earthly role as a child. Then pray for your siblings, parents, and/or children. May the fruit of your prayer be abundant!

Peace, Love, and Joy,

Janet

As you are called to do so, pass it on!  

Pray for Marriages (Springtime of Love)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

Since God is outside of time, I suppose our prayers can benefit both those who have come before us and those who will come after us, for the blessings we receive today are most likely the fruit of someone’s prayers.

My heart is telling me to pray for future marriages. Each decision one makes today will affect their future. Lord, we pray that single men and woman be strong in faith, hold firm to chastity, seek out your mercy, and persevere in hope until that time in which they find their life’s love. Lord, pour out your graces so that the vocation of marriage will have a new springtime. May great and fruitful marriages abound! May the world see your perfect plan for marriage and family as new marriages emit your radiant Light.

And this is my prayer: that your love may increase ever more and more in knowledge and every kind of perception, to discern what is of value, so that you may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God. 1 Philippians 9-11

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

Be steadfast in your prayers for one another! Pass it on!