Pray for Marriages (End of Year Reflections)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

It’s hard to believe another year is ending.  It makes me very introspective.  Am I fulfilling the purpose for which the Lord created me?  Since I do not know the length of my life, but realize it is shortening with each breath, am I living each second, minute, hour, and day conscious of how finite my existence is here, and with a purpose of gaining an eternity with God?  Am I bringing other souls closer to Him?  

It is the hour now for you to awake from sleep. For our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed; the night is advanced, the day is at hand.  Romans 13:11-12

What have I done to serve and glorify the Lord this year?  What have I failed to do? In what ways do I unconsciously offend the Lord?  Have I glorified Him in my life, especially in my marriage?  Do I reflect on how the Lord is working in my life, and praise Him for the many blessings?

With reminders in every other segment of our lives, perhaps 2020 is the year of embracing technology to remind us to pray and read scripture, for each brings us closer to God. Plus, the Word is the perfect guide to perfect living.

• Let love be sincere; hate what is evil, hold on to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; anticipate one another in showing honor. 
• Do not grow slack in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.
• Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer.
• Contribute to the needs of the holy ones, exercise hospitality.
• Bless those who persecute [you], bless and do not curse them.
• Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.
• Have the same regard for one another; do not be haughty but associate with the lowly; do not be wise in your own estimation.
• Do not repay anyone evil for evil; be concerned for what is noble in the sight of all.
• If possible, on your part, live at peace with all.   Romans 12: 9-17

Life is a marvelous journey, made more joyful when one is united with prayer warriors like yourselves. Know you never walk alone, for the Lord is always with you. Know you never pray alone either, for we all remain united in prayer for one another.
 

O Lord of all, I know how much you love each one of these prayer warriors. Please provide abundant blessings for each one, with extra graces upon their marriage and family. Defend and protect them, and bring them your enduring peace. Help them to see the wisdom of your perfect plan for them that they may glorify you in this life and the next. Amen. 

Peace, Joy, and Love, 

Janet

Praise God by increasing the heavenly noise in 2020. Pass it on! 

Pray for Families (Life and Light)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

While you enjoy these 12 days of Christmas, continue to spend time with your family and rejoice in such a gift!  Pray for He who is Light to enter in to both illuminate the love and eliminate any darkness that seeks to sow discord, conflict, and division. 

All things came to be through Him, and without Him nothing came to be. What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race!  John 1:3-4

Praise to you, Heavenly Father, for the gift of family! Continue to bathe us in your Light, immerse us in your Love, and fill us with your Peace!

Peace, Joy, and Love, 

Janet

A prayer is a source of life and light, so share it by passing it on!  

Pray for Marriages (Pray, Play, Give Thanks)

Greeting Prayer Warriors, 

Simply pray, stay, play, give thanks, and celebrate the blessings of marriage.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Philemon 1:25

The Lord never tires of hearing your prayers of petition, praise and thanksgiving! You will be in my Christmas prayers as each one of you is a gift!

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet 

Have a very blessed and merry Christmas! Pass it on! 

Pray for Families (Unexpected Blessings)

Greetings Prayer Warriors, 

As travel increases before the Christmas holiday, what a blessing it is to welcome home adult children who no longer live at home, students ending the school year, and relatives arriving to share the Christmas joy. I am reminded of the Virgin Mary going in haste to visit Elizabeth, to share the awe-inspiring wonderment of being blessed with unexpected maternity. The visit magnified the excitement of God’s many blessings. They were filled with an Advent joy. 

Let us hold onto that joy, for we too are brought blessings in unexpected ways. Let us divert from small annoyances, family drama, and petty arguments to comprehending how our lives would be hollow without the richness of family and extended relatives. May we focus on what unites us all in love, our Lord, Jesus Christ.

“Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means “God is with us.”  Matthew 1:23

Lord, open our hearts that we may invite you into every family gathering, for you are always with us, waiting in anticipation to asked to “enter in”.  We rejoice in your unwavering love for us.  May we contemplate your earthly poverty, and be generous in our giving. As we open gifts, may we pause to reflect on the immeasurable gift of salvation you gave us.  Help us love each other as you continue to love us.  No matter the difficulties we face, may we forever trust your saving plan for each one of us.  Amen.

Peace, Joy, and Love, 

Janet

Love is meant to be shared.  Pass it on! 

Pray for Marriages (Joy in the Journey)

Greetings Prayer Warriors, 

Marriage is a journey in which we come to know the object of our love more intimately. Along the way, we learn all the events that shaped their life. We share in their joys and their sorrows. We understand what melts their heart, stirs their soul, and invigorates their mind. We also learn what ticks them off, what hurts them deeply, and what inflames their anger. In the process, we uncover our own brokenness. We learn how to apologize and seek forgiveness and, as a result, we are drawn closer together. We are never meant to journey alone, but together.

Our walk toward God is a similar journey. It is only in spending time with Him that we understand the intimacy of His love, the tenderness of His heart, and how our sin greatly offends Him. When we seek forgiveness, he awaits us with open arms and a merciful heart. He has promised to never leave our side, yet frequently we ignore his presence. 

As we progress through this last week of Advent, let us become more intentional in preparing our hearts to receive Him, both individually and as a couple.

Let us know, let us strive to know the LORD; as certain as the dawn is his coming. He will come to us like the rain, like spring rain that waters the earth.” Hosea 6:3

O precious Jesus, God of mystery and of light, you entered into this world as we did, an innocent baby. Yet in great humility, you were born among the animals with a feeding trough as your crib, so that none would fear to approach you. As they gazed upon your face, your radiant love captured their hearts. As the celebration of your nativity approaches, help us to prepare room in the inn of our hearts, that we may worthily receive you and give you a place of comfort and rest. May we draw close to each other as Mary and Joseph did, knowing that with You in our embrace, any journey will be a cause for joy. Amen.

Enter, let us bow down in worship; let us kneel before the LORD who made us!  Psalms 95:6

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

Help others find Joy in the journey. Pass it on! 

Pray for Families (The 12 Days of Peace)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

Christmas is 12 days away, and many of you are probably grumbling you don’t have enough time to execute on everything (known as pressures placed on self), let alone keep up with your emails before Christmas day arrives. If you are not crazed, you are with someone who is. So, if you do read this, know that I am sending you each PEACE from above.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.  John 14:27

Since the 12 Days of Christmas begin on Christmas Day, I am dubbing the 12 days leading up to it, the “12 Days of Peace”. The hope is that by saying a prayer for peace each day, you will experience a renewed peace of mind, heart, and soul. Then the important preparation will be complete, and the soul will be prepared to receive it’s King. 

I will be praying for you and your families, please pray for each other’s and mine. May the power of united prayer bring you unexpected joys that culminate in a new peace.

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

Be a calming force. Pass it on! 

Pray for Marriages (Full of Grace)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

The one thing we are promised in this world in a share in Christ’s cross, for he didn’t even spare his own Mother!  What is clear though, is that he bestows grace proportionate to the cross he gives you. One must however say “yes” to this grace, just as the Blessed Virgin Mary did after being told she would conceive by the Holy Spirit and bear a son who would become the Messiah.  She instinctively knew the weight of this request.

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

What is our response to the crosses the Lord bestows on us?  One might find it difficult to understand that He is actually telling us, his beloved,

“Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you.”  Luke 1:28

Perhaps we can take a lesson from the Blessed Mother.

Mary kept all these words, pondering them in her heart.  Luke 2:19

So whether you have a great marriage or a horrible marriage, or something in between, speak less and ponder more, for the Lord has a mighty plan for you too!

We continue to pray that your marriage is filled with grace.  Accept this gift and carry on! May our prayers lighten your cross, may the Lord be your constant companion, and may your sacrificial efforts always glorify the Lord.  

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

Be persistent in prayer and your crown will be glorious!  Pass it on!

Pray for Families (A Gift of Light)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

With Christmas approaching at warp speed, many are busy preparing, shopping, wrapping, baking, and decorating. While all are wonderful traditions, do not let the preparations overshadow or eclipse the reason for the season, celebrating the birth of Christ, our Savior!

And the Word became fleshand made his dwelling among us.  John 1:14

God chose to send his Son into the world as an innocent baby. Isn’t it ironic, that in a culture where many no longer consider babies a gift from God, they also don’t see Christ Jesus as a gift!  Or perhaps it’s the other way around.  If the birth of Christ isn’t considered a gift, then it’s no surprise that all other babies aren’t thought of as special either.  When the greatest gift is rejected, one seeks gifts of self-gratification to fill the God-sized hole. Still feeling empty, they fail to realize that it can only be filled by the Light of World, Christ!

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. John 3:17

With fervent prayer, pray that all come to know the Lord, especially our immediate and extended families.  

Lord, break open our darkened hearts, that Christ may enter in more fully. May our hearts yearn to “Come let us adore Him!” Bestow on us the courage to evangelize by witnessing to others the wonders Christ has performed in our own lives. May your light shine through us to reach even those unmoved by words. May our eyes see the wonder of your ways and rejoice!

That just might be the Christmas miracle each of us needs. 

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

Spark the Light and pass it on!

Pray for Marriages (Preparing the Way)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

When I inventory my house, I am always amazed at the useless stuff I cling on to.  As compelling as my reasoning is, it is still useless stuff that takes up space that can be used for a better purpose.  Similarly, we may hold on to anger, resentment, pride, etc. that clutters our heart and prevents us from receiving spiritual graces. 

A clean heart create for me, God; renew within me a steadfast spirit. 

Psalms 51:12

As we enter into Advent, now is a good time to “clean house” and empty ourselves of all the useless clutter that fills our heart and mind. We need to make room for the coming of our Savior. Will there be room in your heart to receive Him or will he find no room at the inn? What are the rooms of your heart filled with?  Dust from under use? Childhood “records” that keep skipping and should have been tossed years ago? Or perhaps adolescent insecurities that use all the oxygen and choke your ability to love? 

 The LORD, your God, will circumcise your hearts. Deuteronomy 30:6

If you are married, look through the lens of marriage. If an obstacle exists in your relationship with your spouse, it is likely the same obstacle that prevents Christ from fully entering in. In prayer, ask the Lord to shed light on what you are to let go of.  He may just surprise you. 

 “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light.” Ephesians 5:14

Lord, we kneel before you with contrite and humble hearts.  Rather than being overwhelmed by Cyber deals and racing to see what we can acquire, help us downshift to prepare our heart and soul to release all that darkens it. We have lots of “stuff” that only gets in the way of our moving closer to you, and even our spouse. Loosen our grip on the false narratives we have let define our lives. Give us the grace to purge our hearts of anger, resentment, selfishness, vanity, pride, and lust, so that we may offer you pristine lodging in which to dwell. Help us to let go of worldly treasures that interfere with our gaining you, our only treasure.

“For human beings this is impossible, but for God all things are possible.”  Matthew 19:26

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

Let us all make room for Him. Now is the time! Pass it on!  

Pray for Marriage and Family (Thanksliving)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

As I reflect on my life, some of my happiest times were when I had nothing. I didn’t know excess and luxury, so I never missed it but rather just wondered what it was like. As decades passed and I got to taste and own some of the finer things, I found that they didn’t impact my true happiness, because that was grounded in the Lord, the real cause for my joy. 

You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence. Acts 2:28

This week let us all pause, give thanks, and hit the resetbutton. Take time for self-reflection. Have you been focusing on the gifts you’ve been given or the crosses you’ve been carrying? Have you been grateful for the blessings or complaining you haven’t been given enough? Do you grumble about your marriage, or give praise for the journey that has helped you grow as a person? 

Although now for a little while you may have to suffer through various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold that is perishable even though tested by fire, may prove to be for praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:6-7

Lord, you are our joy, our hope, our strength, and our comfort. We praise you! We adore you!  We love you! Help us to be forever mindful of the love your never stop showing us. Thank you, Lord for training us in the virtues. Thank you for our marriages, and the gift of our families.  May we give thanks not once a year, but live a life of thanks by praising you with every action, word, and deed. Praise to You who not only gives us life in this world, but have promised us life in the next!

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

P.S. Lord, I personally give you thanks and praise for these faithful prayer warriors. Bless them abundantly and pour graces upon their families so that others may ask the cause for their joy.

Always give God the glory! Pass it on!  

Pray for Families (Precious and Loved)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

You love your family and do all you can to demonstrate that love.  Yet many of you may have loved ones who feel depressed, anxious, or irritable. Perhaps they don’t feel good enough, smart enough, pretty enough, or loved enough. Perhaps this describes you. The following is for everyone; a love letter from the Lord.

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you. Because you are precious in my eyes and honored, and I love you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. Those whom I love, I reprove and chastise. Be earnest, therefore, and repent. I am the way and the truth and the life. I am the gate. Whoever enters through me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture.  Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name: you are mine. Jeremiah 1:5, Isaiah 43:4, John 14:27, Revelation 3:19, John 14:6, John 10:9, Isaiah 43:1

Pray for your family, pray for one another, that all may see themselves through the Lord’s eyes. Beautiful. Precious. Loved so much, that Christ ransomed his life for you.

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

It’s the greatest love story ever told. Pass it on!

Pray for Marriages (A Blessing and a Cross)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

Marriage is both a blessing and a cross, gifted to you by God. Sometimes the duality of that gift is difficult. While the blessings are wonderful, we are often tempted to let go of our cross when we get tired of carrying it. But we were given a partner to carry it with us. It’s weight distribution is rarely 50-50. More often it can be 80/20, 40/60, or 100/0. Like Jesus, we are called to carry our cross and climb our own personal Calvary, with faith, with hope, and with love. When we fall, if we ask with faith, we will be given the strength to persevere.

Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials, for you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. And let perseverance be perfect, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4
Accept all disappointments and sufferings with joy, out of love of our Lord. Trust in his greater plan for your marriage.

You have endurance and have suffered for my name, and you have not grown weary. Rev 2:2

To the victor I will give the right to eat from the tree of life that is in the garden of God.” To the victor I shall give some of the hidden manna;I shall also give a white amulet upon which is inscribed a new name, which no one knows except the one who receives it.” Rev 2:7, 17

Lord, for all those spouses weakening under the weight of their cross, walk by their side and help them carry it. May their blessings overshadow the heaviness of their cross, for through endurance and perseverance, their strength and love will increase, resulting in a lightening of their cross. Come Holy Spirit and set their hearts on fire! You showed us that a heart filled with love conquers all. Help us to imitate you! 

The righteous must still do right, and the holy still be holy.” Rev 22:11

Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet

Encourage one another.  Pass it on! 

Pray for Families (Increasing Love for Him)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

If you’ve ever read any of the writings of the saints, when you hear them talk about God with such adoring love, such impassioned words, you may wonder, “What do they know that I don’t know!”  The answer is, they KNOW him. They have emptied themselves of self-love, vanity, pride, possessions, or anything else that preoccupies their attention. They make room for Him. Not to say they weren’t attentive to their duties based on their station in life. Of course, they were! They just did those duties for the love of God.

Ask yourself, what is getting in your way of knowing Him more? Think of friends and family that are in love with the Lord.  How does that impact you?  Your family? If more people seek a deeper relationship with the Lord and live their life in service to the Lord, it’s impact will ripple to others, including your family.  Say a prayer for yourself and then for your family members, that their desire for the Lord will grow like a mustard seed.

“Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and that of the gospel will save it. Mark 8: 34-35

Plant some mustard seed with your prayer! Water it with your tears of hope.

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

Plant and water, for He causes the growth! Pass it on! 

Pray for Marriages (The Battle Within)

Veterans Day

Greetings Prayer Warriors, 

As we pray for marriages, let’s pray a double portion for our veterans. They show us how to serve one another out of love for the greater good, a beautiful analogy of Christ serving the Church. They sacrifice time with their spouse and family, so that all of us may know freedom and peace. They often put themselves in personal danger, for love of country, which is love for each and every person regardless of race, gender, or creed.  They protect others, hoping their friends and family will protect and support their spouse left behind to carry the weight.

Tell me, LORD, have I not served you for their good? Have I not interceded with you in time of misfortune and anguish? Jeremiah 15:11

They need our prayers in a big way.  While one can leave a war, the emotional and mental battle may continue for years if not a lifetime. Physically, they may return from deployment, but grieve for those who did not. They may withdraw from their spouse when they return, because how could they relate to what they experienced? I am sure the list could go on and on, but the greatest, most powerful gift we can give to them is prayer for their marriages.

It is the LORD who goes before you; he will be with you and will never fail you or forsake you. So do not fear or be dismayed.  Deuteronomy 31:8

Heavenly Father, you raise up all types of warriors. May we, the prayer warriors, stand in the gap for the freedom fighters, our beloved veterans. Heal their emotional, physical, and spiritual wounds. Reconnect them to their spouse in a deeper more intimate way, for your cross can span any divide. Free them from memories that oppress them and replace them with the knowledge of your love and mercy. Send your Spirit upon them that they may be lifted out of any anxiety, depression, or fear.  Lord, please do the same for their spouses, who experience a much different, yet very real battle. By your grace, may they each rejoice in your boundless love and be filled with a penetrating peace!  Amen.

Asking peace for your mind, joy for your soul, and love to encircle your marriage …and may St. Michael the Archangel always be ready to defend you in battle, 

🙏🏼 Janet

Love a veteran by passing it on! 

Pray for Families (Trusting in the Shepherd)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

How many of you have children or perhaps other family members you worry about because they have wandered or even run away from God?  By the mere fact that you are reading this, you most likely find it concerning. Yet how long was your own journey to truly loving the Lord?  Did he not continually seek you out and continue to recommend new paths, all with a gentle voice and unwavering patience?  Did he not bring special people into your life, those who made you question your ways? Did he not beckon you to come closer, even when you thought you already were faithful?  Such a Good Shepherd we have!

I saw their ways, but I will heal them. I will lead them and restore full comfort to them and to those who mourn for them, creating words of comfort. Peace! Peace to those who are far and near, says the LORD; and I will heal them. Isaiah 57:18-19

Give glory to God and thank Him for drawing you into a prayerful life. Offer a sacrifice of joy to Him who loves your family even more than you do! With thanksgiving, pray for your family and surrender each member into His loving hands, asking that He guide, love, reprimand, and strengthen them on their journey towards Him.

I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and chant praise to the LORD. Psalms 27:6

Lord, hear the prayers that each reader prays in their heart for their loved ones. Be generous with your grace, protective with your hands, and loving with your gaze. Break the chains that bring about anxiety and depression. May your boundless mercy buoy each one out of the pits of despair, self-loathing, and narcissism. Ground them in the Truth, for we have complete trust that by your grace, all will be singing you songs of praise!

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

Hope does not disappoint! Pass it on! 

Pray for Marriages (A Restful Soul)

Greetings Prayer Warriors, 

The unifying love of God is a beautiful blessing in a marriage.  But over time, it’s easy to become distracted from the spiritual life, overwhelmed by the demands of daily living, and agitated or annoyed by the most benign actions of one’s spouse.   Satan smiles, waiting in the wings for his opportunity to enter.

Be sober, be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8

Guard against sin and persevere in prayer.

St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle!

 Pray for your marriage, pray for one another, and wait with confident trust in the Lord.

For God alone my soul waits in silence, from him comes my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly moved.  Psalm 62:1-2

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet 

Say a prayer, call upon the militia of angels, and pass it on!  

Pray for Families (From Sinners to Saints)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

So often, the power of God’s grace and the depth of God’s love is hard to fathom. We look in the mirror and just see a sinner starring back at us. We look at the lives of our family members and think, “Lord, have mercy!” as we wonder if they ever will turn their lives around and follow Him. Yet, history continues to record how the Lord can take the biggest sinner and make him/her the biggest saint! There is hope for all!

“A humble soul does not trust itself, but places all its confidence in God.” -St. Faustina

One life is all we have and we live it as we believe in living it. But to sacrifice what you are and to live without belief, that is a fate more terrible than dying. -Joan of Arc

God removes the sin of the one who makes humble confession, and thereby the devil loses the sovereignty he had gained over the human heart. -Saint Bernard

“Pain and suffering have come into your life, but remember pain, sorrow, suffering are but the kiss of Jesus — a sign that you have come so close to Him that He can kiss you.” -St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta 

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of faith. Hebrews 12:1-2

Take some time and explore the lives of the saints and get inspired.  Use that inspiration to launch your prayer life to new heights. Pick a saint for each of your family members and ask them to intercede on behalf of your family members. Pray that the Lord will receive the prayers of so great a cloud of witnesses on your family’s behalf. May the grace and love of the Lord remove all doubt. 

Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet

Let us harness the power of heaven by asking for the prayerful intercession of all the saints. Pass it on! 

Pray for Marriages (The Imperishable Crown)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.”  This quote from Charles Dicken’s could easily have been talking about marriage and its guaranteed highs and lows over the years. Perhaps the only difference between long marriages and short ones is how one responds to the lows.  When one has slipped from the giddy joy of being a newlywed to the harsh reality of real-life stressors such as children, finances, and waning affirmations, the thought of having to climb out of the valley and back up to the mountain top can be too overwhelming to consider. But just as you train and nourish your body to last a lifetime, do the same for your marriage. For since you were made one in in matrimony, you must support and encourage each other in the journey.

Do you not know that the runners in the stadium all run in the race, but only one wins the prize? Run so as to win. Every athlete exercises discipline in every way. They do it to win a perishable crown, but we an imperishable one. Thus, I do not run aimlessly. 1 Corinthians 24-26

Trust in His merciful love to strengthen and guide you. 

For the LORD will be your confidence, and will keep your foot from the snare. Proverbs 3:26

Lord, may our collective prayers for marriage provide strength, endurance, confidence, and a strong desire in couples to finish the race.  May their crown be glorious!

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

Pray that all marriages may end in victory. Pass it on!

Pray for Families (Warriors of the Truth)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

As a chill enters the air and the summer warmth dissipates, the autumn leaves respond by transforming into warming glow of color.  Seasonal change is so predictable, and even comforting. Yet cultural shifts have been less predictable and often go unnoticed or are dismissed as a fad.  What shift has occurred that you have been too preoccupied to notice?

You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky; why do you not know how to interpret the present time?  Luke 12:56

When sex and gender are being challenged and marriage and family are being redefined, do you not see that we are in a spiritual battle?  When lies are called truth and truth is called a lie, not only our children but our entire families can be swept into believing and defending false narratives.

God created mankind in his image; in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God looked at everything he had made, and found it very good.  Genesis 1: 27, 31

To battle the Father of Lies, our recourse to is to ask the intercession of the Blessed Mother, she who crushes the head of Satan.

Blessed Mother, who the Lord has bestowed with the power to defeat Satan, come to our defense! On our behalf, ask the Lord to give our families eyes to see, ears to hear, and a courageous voice to speak out. May we not fear dissent when we defend the truth. May our hearts remain loving and compassionate toward all, as we become warriors for truth, justice, and freedom of conscience. May the choirs of angels guard us and light our way!  Jesus, we trust in your promises!

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

Recruit more warriors! Pass it on! 

Pray for Marriages (Journey to Abundant Life)

Greeting Prayer Warriors,

A thief comes only to steal and slaughter and destroy; I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly. John 10:10

I find the above interesting when viewed through the lens of marriage. When difficulties arise contemplate in prayer whether you or your spouse have left room for the thief, the devil that seeks to destroy love. The Lord promised the abundant life, yet he never said that the road there wouldn’t have potholes, rocks, detours, and frequent construction.  So, keep the faith and journey on, for our prayers are with you!

He did not doubt God’s promise in unbelief; rather, he was empowered by faith and gave glory to God and was fully convinced that what he had promised he was also able to do. Romans 4:20-21

Veni Sancte Spiritus!  Come Holy Spirit!  Fill the gaps in our marital love, and let nothing enter in that may decay and corrupt it. Do not let the sun set on our anger, but give us a firm voice to speak the truth in love. Comfort us in our sorrows, guide us in our steps, and heal each heart too weakened to beat with love.  Increase our faith to believe in your promises, that by doing your will we may give you glory and praise!

Peace, Joy, and Love, 

Janet

Be a road warrior. Pass it on!  

Pray for Families (Renewal of the Mind)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

What’s hip, happening, and trendy in each decade can be quite alluring as one gets swept up in the culture of the day and carried along by its tide. However, what is not trendy or hip, but always consistently present, reliable, and unwavering is the Lord’s call to each of us to walk alongside him. He has a perfect plan for you and asks that we surrender our will to him. Yet we struggle with letting go of our grip, believing we are in perfect control of our lives.

Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect.  Romans 12:2

The will of God?  Ask yourself if discerning the will of God is even on your radar? What is he asking of you? What fills your mind with and what is he calling you to empty it of?

Lord, help us not be seduced by the enticements of the day, but rather come enter in and break the chains that bind us. Open our eyes to the deceptions of this world and grant us wisdom, renewed faith, and a greater peace. We ask this not just for us, but also for our families. May we always seek to be good and pleasing in your sight.  Amen.

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

Start a new cultural wave and pass it on!  

Pray for Marriages (Needing a Do-over or two…)

Greetings Prayer Warriors, 

There are many people who wish they could have a pocketful of “do-overs” in life; Erasing a regrettable action and having a second (improved) chance to act. Perhaps you’ve done something that has impacted the quality of your marriage; improper actions, unkind, cutting words, infidelities, lies, etc. While it may take a while for your spouse to forgive you (if ever), the Lord will always forgive you when you ask with a contrite heart. 

The LORD’s acts of mercy are not exhausted, his compassion is not spent; They are renewed each morning—great is your faithfulness! 

Lamentations 3:22-23

You also have to forgive yourself and seek to make reparations with your spouse. Humility is a great beginning. 

Therefore, putting away falsehood, speak the truth, [… ] for we are members one of another. Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun set on your anger, and do not leave room for the devil.  Ephesians 4:25-27

Lord, bless and sanctify marriages by showering them with unleashed grace. Give each of us forgiving hearts, that we may mirror your merciful love. “Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.”For the most grievous betrayals, bring healing of heart, mind, and soul. For those who wound and betray, provide the grace needed for a full conversion. Lord, you make all things new. Bind and renew all marriages throughout the world, that others may come to know the saving power of your love. Amen.

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

Unending hope.  Pass it on!  

Pray for Marriages (Seeking the one)

Greeting Prayer Warriors,

Some of you may have met your spouse at a young age, others much later, but finding your true love was a great celebration. Yet some may have compromised on their choice, settling for a sure thing versus nothing at all. Others may have married before having the maturity to understand the importance of their choice. In hindsight, any married person past the honeymoon stage understands the importance of finding a good match. Today I feel called to pray for those looking for Mr. or Mrs. Right.

Lord, help single adults to first love themselves. May you become their first true love, so they will know what unconditional love feels like. Help them to understand that they are perfect the way you made them, and that you only create beautiful things.

I praise you, because I am wonderfully made; wonderful are your works! Psalm 139:14

When filled with self-doubt and numerous insecurities, give them the grace to refrain from immoral behaviors that only momentarily fill their emptiness.

Do you not know that your body is a temple of the holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been purchased at a price. Therefore, glorify God in your body. 

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Train them in the virtues, giving them the patient endurance to trust in your plan for them.

Charm is deceptive and beauty fleeting; the woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Proverbs 31:30

May they not put their trust in material wealth, but in the wealth of one’s love to be shared.

Better the meagerness of the righteous one than the plenty of the wicked. Psalms 37:16

May the grace of our Almighty God result in their peace and patience as they await his perfect plan for their lives.

Wait for the LORD, take courage; be stouthearted, wait for the LORD! Psalm 27:14

Peace, Joy, and Love, 
Janet

You are never alone. The Lord walks with you and our prayers follow you! Pass it on! 

Pray for Families (Seeking Truth)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

Truth. What is truth? Just as Pontius Pilate grappled with this question almost 2000 years ago, today much of society still struggles with the same question. Where does one go and whom do they rely on as a trusted source of information? The mainstream media is no longer impartial. It can be very disquieting to have to question everything. In comparison, internet sites and smart phone social media apps offer artificial, airbrushed realities, guaranteed to make most people feel inferior and inadequate, often leading to anxiety or even depression.

The Lord wants you to know that he loves you and each member your family just as they are. You are precious in His sight. There is nothing you can do to make Him love you any less or any more. He wants you to draw nearer to Him. 

“Follow me.” Matthew 9:9

Trust in Him, and He will guide you to all truth, for there is no firmer a foundation.

“I am the Way, the Truth and the Life.”  John 14:6

Trust in the LORD forever! For the LORD is an eternal Rock. Isaiah 26:4

Let us pray for our family members who feel less than, inadequate, and never good enough. May the Lord's voice pierce through all the untruths on the airwaves, on the internet, and in print that seek to destroy, corrupt, demean and mislead.  May your intercessory prayers rise to the heavens and form a shield of protection!

Peace, Joy, and Love, 

Janet

The Truth can be found.  He is waiting for your permission. Pass it on! 

Pray for Marriages (Dwelling in Darkness)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

Have you literally ever been in pure darkness?  I still remember the time I was walking in a cave and the person with a flashlight moved well ahead of me.  Without a source of light from any direction I felt an unknown fear, as I had no sense in which direction I should move.  

Similarly, many have felt that way at some point in their marriage; paralyzed by darkness, abandoned by the one they trusted to accompany them with light, they have no idea which way to turn next.

The Light of the World awaits your call, “Lord, come be my Light!”

I will arise; though I sit in darkness, the LORD is my light.  Micah 7:8

For you, LORD, give light to my lamp; my God brightens my darkness. Psalm 18:29

Sometimes it is not until we have stumbled into darkness or have left the Light, that we realize the power and comfort of its illumination. Let us pray for God’s light to pierce through the darkness of so many marriages.  

Lord, may your Light radiate into the hearts, minds, and souls of married couples. Help them to see all that blocks the Son, so that each may self- prune appropriately, providing for an increase in your Light. Illumine pathways previously unknown, guiding these couples to new pastures of peace, fields of abundant joy, and a love so plentiful that it is poured out in imitation of you. 

I, the LORD, have called you for justice, I have grasped you by the hand; I formed you, and set you as a covenant for the people, a light for the nations.  Isaiah 42:6

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

Keep the flame burning brightly. Pass it on!

Pray for Families (Shedding the Excess)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,


Most have read or heard the following scripture passage:

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and decay destroy, and thieves break in and steal.But store up treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal.Matthew 6:19-12

I must admit there were times I never knew I had a treasure until the moths got to it!

All kidding aside, some if not most of us accumulate more than we need, thinking perhaps we might need it someday. Perhaps now is the time to reassess. Who might benefit from our excess?

Perhaps you’ve been blessed with intangible gifts. Are you sharing your kindness, hospitality, talent for fixing things, knack for organization, or knowledge of scripture?

As we leave summer and enter Fall, a season where even trees know to shed their excess so that they can blossom more beautifully in a coming season, let us pray that the Lord show us what to let go of, what to share, and what part of ourselves we are to give more generously to our family. Sometimes the most perfect prayer is one of action. Winterize your soul by turning of the heat of your love.

Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet

Don’t fall behind. Let the pruning begin. Pass it on!

Pray for Marriages (Saintly Prayer and Perseverance)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

The saints are constant sources of inspiration. Their ability to persevere in the face of all types of adversity, shows us that the heavier the cross, the more grace God bestows on an individual.  

“My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” 

2 Corinthians 12:9

Meditate on the lives of the saints. Then aspire to be a saint and vow to never lose hope for a marriage, be it your own or someone else’s. Persevere either in honoring your own marital covenant or in your prayers on behalf of another’s marriage. Both require faith and abundant grace.  

Indeed, the grace of our Lord has been abundant, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 1 Timothy 1:14

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

Pray like a saint and pass it on!