Pray for Families (Selling Out)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

Then one of the Twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?” They paid him thirty pieces of silver, and from that time on he looked for an opportunity to hand him over.  Matthew 26:14-16

Who is not horrified by the reading of this gospel? Do you find yourself saying, “I would never do that!”? Perhaps some self-reflection is in order.  How often have you “sold Jesus” for a passing momentary delight? Even more so a wretched one?  How often is your goal to acquire goods and comfort versus comforting Jesus and giving goods to the poor? How often after a pious moment do you slowly slide into gossip, retail therapy, or a growing accumulation of “toys”?  Are you kissing Jesus in a veil of piety while holding tight to your bad habits?

Selling out happens insidiously with seemingly insignificant consents; giving in to small pleasures, succumbing to slightly inappropriate words and behaviors, and increasing vanities. Gratitude to the Giver diminishes. Grace ebbs, and our souls become blind. Inadvertently, we shackle Jesus with our sin.

However, hope remains, and unlike Judas, we know to believe in the mercy of God. 

Lord, as we walk through the desert of Lent, restore our vision with the light of your grace, that we may see the current state of our soul. Help us not to hunger for possessions, but to hunger to fully possess you. May we lose our appetite for earthly delights and instead seek pleasure in delighting you.  Hear our prayers for family, and have mercy on us, especially if we have contributed to their "selling out". Save us, Savior!

God, who is rich in mercy, because of the great love he had for us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, brought us to life with Christ (by grace you have been saved).  Ephesians 2:4-5

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

Seek His unfathomable mercy! Pass it on! 

Pray for Marriages (Ponder Your Yes)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

The day you were married is probably deeply enshrined in your memory, however do you remember your wedding vows? Depending on what decade you got married, you either recited traditional vows, put a new spin on old vows, or cowrote your vows with your fiancé. But do you remember what you vowed before the Lord? Have you ever re-read your vows, even thought about or prayed to honor them as your marriage progressed? Did your “I do” mean yes? Does it still?

For an example of a perfect “yes” to God, one should look to the Virgin Mary.

“Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” (Lk 1:38)

Without hesitation, she honored this yes to an unknown future. Her life was filled with hardships, disappointments, and trials. She would become a widow and then lose her only son. Yet she never wavered in her “yes”.

Through Mary’s Fiat, the Word was brought into the world, that our life might be forever changed through Him.

Lord, fill our marriages with grace so that each day we may honor our wedding vows, especially the “for better and for worse”. May your will be done through our daily yes. Strengthen us through the Word. Like Mary, help us to have an unwavering yes,  grow in faith and love of You, and always pause to ponder things in our hearts.  Amen.

Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet

Say yes and mean it. Pass it on!

Pray for Families (Harnessing the Power of Prayer)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

Have you ever noticed how envy and jealousy begin as small waves and before you know it become large waves of emotion that quickly overpower you? It is difficult when others are receiving constant praise, attention, accolades, success, and favor while you are not, especially when you know you are just as deserving (if not more so). Yet allowing envy and jealously to reign ironically only leads to self-destruction.

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. Let us then throw off the works of darkness [and] put on the armor of light. Romans 13:11-12

Prayer and/or praying the rosary are powerful weapons against the darkness that continually seeks to enter our souls.

Lord, hear our prayers for family and self and be our Light in the darkness! Release us from the desire to be adored, acknowledged, praised, and believed in. May instead our desire be for you to be loved, adored, believed in, and hoped for.

“My God, I believe, I adore, I hope and I love You! I ask pardon of You for those who do not believe, do not adore, do not hope and do not love You!” *

Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet

Prayer will break the chains that bind you. Pass it on!

*Taught by the Angel of Peace to the 3 children of Fatima.

Pray for Marriages (Clothed with Righteousness)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

As we approach the feast of St. Joseph, I contemplate his role as husband. His life was one of total surrender to God, and thus to his family. He defended Mary’s honor even at risk to his own. He sheltered Mary in every way possible, even if that meant finding cover with the animals. He labored and toiled, so that he could provide the necessities for his family, focusing not on acquiring comforts and luxuries. The simplicity of their life made wealthy by love, allowed Joseph to easily move his family and when necessary, flee at a moment’s notice in accordance with the will of God.  He sought no glory for himself, but always gave glory to God. He continued to honor God by showing deep respect, love, and fidelity for Mary, as both his 

Joseph, [Mary’s] husband, … was a righteous man. Matthew 1:19

He who pursues righteousness and kindness will find life and honor. Proverbs 21:21

And the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever. Isaiah 32:17

St Joseph was obedient to the Lord and the ultimate husband and spouse.  If you are a husband, seek to imitate him.  If you are a wife, ask St. Joseph to intercede on your behalf and take your heartfelt prayers for your spouse to Jesus.  May the Lord provide abundant graces to your spouse, thus blessing your marriage.

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

St Joseph, hear our prayers for marriage.  As we pass this on, place each prayer before Jesus.

Pray for Families (Depression)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

Over the years, I can recall many times when I became angry with family members for not doing or behaving in the manner in which I thought they should. There were many words in my head that I used to describe them, none of them complimentary.  In hindsight, what I usually failed to see was that their behavior (or lack thereof) was the result of a depression.

Signs of a major depression may include changes in mood, sleep patterns, appetite, energy levels, concentration, and weight.  Irritability and social isolation may increase.

A glad heart lights up the face, but an anguished heart breaks the spirit. My dignity is driven off like the wind, and my well-being vanishes like a cloud.  

Proverbs 15:13; Job 30:15

Let us pray for those suffering from depression, that they will allow others to help them seek medical attention. Let us pray that the cloud of depression that rests on them, is blown away by the grace of God and those professionals he works through.

Lord, when one is downtrodden, they often don’t recognize the cause. Send friends, family, or us to guide them and lift their spirits. Hear their moans, see their immobility, and have compassion for them. Help us to be patient and merciful to those who are struggling with emotional and mental crosses that are exhausting for them to bear.  Divine Physician, send your Spirit upon them to renew their energy, joy, and gladness!  Jesus, we trust in You!  

Gladden the soul of your servant; to you, Lord, I lift up my soul. LORD, hear my prayer; listen to my cry for help. Psalm 86:4,6

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

There is help. Recognize the signs! Pray and pass it on!

Pray for Marriages (Fervently)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

Hoping everyone remembered to pray for marriages on Monday.

The fervent prayer of a righteous person is very powerful. James 5:16

May all marriages be blessed by your prayers!

Peace, Joy and Love,

Janet

Persevere on the Lenten journey, for blessings await you.  Pass it on! 

Pray for Families (A Peaceful Surrender)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

In the Old Testament, prized animals were sacrificed as an offering of atonement for sin. Now during Lent, we may choose to self-sacrifice fasting from certain foods, social media, or activities. The intent of both of these actions is good, but not very efficacious if the one making the sacrifice didn’t/doesn’t choose to amend their life.   

Obedience is better than sacrifice 1 Samuel 15:21

Thus, the Lord calls us to obedience as well. That is a hard word as most of us are strong-willed, and the last thing we want to do is to let go of the steering wheel of our life. It requires us to let go of our self-will and surrender to the will of God. That may seem terrifying to some, but if you are not ready to surrender, a good place to start is by asking the Holy Spirit to at least give you the desire to submit.

Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

We are also called to fast, a form of spiritual purification. Consider though how Jesus defines it.

Is this not, rather, the fast that I choose: releasing those bound unjustly, untying the thongs of the yoke; Setting free the oppressed, breaking off every yoke? Is it not sharing your bread with the hungry, bringing the afflicted and the homeless into your house; Clothing the naked when you see them, and not turning your back on your own flesh?  Isaiah 58:6-7

Fasting in this manner should begin in our homes. Perhaps a family member might feel oppressed or imprisoned by their life choices? Perhaps another is hungering to fill the void in their life and doesn’t realize they have a God-sized hole in their heart? Maybe another is experiencing a hard time financially and would welcome a home-cooked meal or some debt relief? When we build up our family, we empower them to go into the world and serve others, lifted by our prayers and guided by with the Holy Spirit.

What is the Holy Spirit saying to you?  Spend some quiet time in prayer for your family and allow the Spirit to show you how to minister to your family. The mission begins at home and will one day radiate out to the rest of the world.   

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

Pray! Fast! Give alms! Each will help you peacefully become obedient. Pass it on!