Pray for Marriages (From Seed to Blossom)

Greetings Prayer Warriors, 

Marriage provides a landscape that needs a lot of TLC and continuous work. However, it also provides rich soil for personal growth. When tended regularly, one’s marriage will eventually flourish. But what if one spouse has a green thumb and the other isn’t much interested in “gardening”?

When polarities of the spouses become pronounced, it is difficult to make the marriage bloom without some 3-in-1 Trinity “fertilizer".  Thus, being the warriors that we are, let us lift these couples in prayer.   

Heavenly Father, change the pH of all marital soil that does not encourage growth. Plant the seeds of faith, hope, and love, and provide ample Son-shine to chase away the chill. May new roots sprout, drawing deeply from your living water to rehydrate the will which has withered. May the winds of the Spirit refresh the air, and re-oxygenate love which has become hypoxic.

Like the crocus it shall bloom abundantly, and rejoice with joyful song. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon; They will see the glory of the LORD, the splendor of our God. Say to the fearful of heart: Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God.  Isaiah 35:4

Just as flowers reach for the sun as if to say thank you, so too in time will you give Him all the glory!

Let us go early to the vineyards, and see if the vines are in bloom, If the buds have opened, if the pomegranates have blossomed. There will I give you my love.  Song of Songs 7:13

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

God causes the growth!  Pass it on!

Pray for Families (In Full View)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

Do you ever reflect on the fact that nothing that you do, think, or say is hidden from God? Ponder that!

LORD, you have probed me, you know me: you know when I sit and stand; you understand my thoughts from afar. You sift through my travels and my rest; with all my ways you are familiar. Even before a word is on my tongue, LORD, you know it all. Psalm 139:1-4

Lord, help us that we might be more mindful of you in our ways! You made us in your image and likeness, yet how often we fail to reflect your essence of purity and love!  Help us, that we may be a good example for our family members.  May we pray for each one of them in this manner:

For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that he may grant you in accord with the riches of his glory to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner self, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the holy ones what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:14-19

Heavenly Father, help us all to be more pleasing to you!  For "every saint has a past and every sinner has a future!"*

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

Ongoing prayer can lead all to a holy transformation. Pass it on! 

*Oscar Wilde

Pray for Marriages (More Gifts Please!)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

"Women marry men hoping they will change. Men marry women hoping they will not. So each is inevitably disappointed."- Albert Einstein  Who knew a physicist could be this spot on about marriage?!

Marriage is a gift from God. But so is faith, wisdom, knowledge, fortitude, understanding, counsel, and fear of the Lord. Perhaps we just need to pray for more wedding gifts from God!!

While it’s fun to joke about marriage, living it as God ordains and asks can be really tough. When marriage begins to feel like a cross, whether it be for a moment or for years, Jesus is directly calling you to “pick up your cross and follow me.” The Lord embraced His cross out of love, for He knew His sacrifice would save His beloved. In marriage, we are each called to do the same.  

Whoever does not take up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me. Matthew 10:38

As you struggle, the Lord hears the groanings of your heart, the pleas that slip from your lips, and senses the fatigue of your will. If you trust in Him and you will not lose hope.

The eyes of the LORD are directed toward the righteous and his ears toward their cry. The righteous cry out, the LORD hears and he rescues them from all their afflictions. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted, saves those whose spirit is crushed. Psalm 34:16, 18- 19

Lord, hear the collective prayers of these worthy warriors, and bless all marriages with an outpouring of gifts and grace!

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

Peace, Joy, and Love, 

Janet

May our prayers encourage anyone who feels crushed by the weight of their cross. May they soon sense He who walks beside them! Pass it on!  

Pray for Families (Vessels of Hope)

Greeting Prayer Warriors,

No one likes adversity; however, it actually has a purpose in life in that it strengthens us. Those who grew up during the Great Depression had no choice but to quickly learn coping mechanisms and become very resourceful. Those who experienced WWII, the Korean War, Vietnam, or any other war, whether on the front line or the home front were initiated by fire (figuratively) and quickly had to adapt to circumstances they had never faced before, as did their children. But decades later, many of our youth have lived the charmed life. Most never had to worry about being drafted or whether they had shelter, food, or clothing, but rather were more concerned how much they could buy. The only poverty most have experienced is poverty of spirit.  

It is thus not very surprising that they have immature coping mechanisms. What is alarming though and still quite shocking is that according to the CDC, 1 in 4 young adults aged 18-24 have contemplated suicide during this pandemic. A whopping 75% eave reported anxiety and depression. This is the real pandemic affecting our youth! 

So, let’s do what we do best. Pray! Fewer and fewer of our young adults know the Lord, and even if they do, these are the years in which they have walked away from Him. As a result, they begin to despair during a crisis, for they fail to understand the power of his compassion, love, and mercy. 

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff comfort me. Psalm 23:4

Lord, you love each and every one of your children. Come Good Shepherd and lead the lost and anxious to places of repose. Bring them into the shelter of your Sacred Heart. With your protective staff, pull them from despair and pour your love into their hearts. Make them vessels of hope for others and renew them with your peace. May we be used as your instruments for the common good, helping our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ!

The LORD is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack. In green pastures he makes me lie down; to still waters he leads me; he restores my soul. 

Psalm 23:1-3

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

Be a vessel of hope. Pass it on! 

Pray for Marriages (The Money Trap)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

One of the most common themes that couples argue over is money. While one or both spouses being unemployed can add financial (and other types of) stress, how one spends or manages their money, how much disposable income is available, and the freedom or lack thereof that if offers, can also lead to discord. Conflicts usually aren’t just the about the money, but the shifts in power, feelings of failure, increasing financial and emotional insecurity, and fear of an unknown future. The arguments that ensue can begin to feel like a circular trap with no way out.

Perhaps the Lord calls each to strive for increasing charity of heart. Maybe it’s a nudge to grow in the virtues of patience, kindness, courage, and prudence. Growth indeed comes with a price and is always difficult, but even bones don’t get stronger unless they are stressed!

[Love] is not rude, it does not seek its own interests, it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury. 1 Corinthians 13:5

Precious Jesus, hear the prayers of your faithful warriors and may your saving grace flood the lives of couples most in need. Do not allow what you have joined together ever to be torn apart! Lord, when financial arguments escalate, may your peace be a grounding force. When one feels the pain of doing without, may they praise you for your generosity and all the blessings which they have taken for granted. When they begin to doubt, may hope triumph. When they want to lash out at each other, may your love be the bridge to increased patience and perseverance. Grant them the grace necessary to keep the doors of communication open even when they are tempted to slam them shut. Cushion their shared words with kindness, compassion and love, giving way to a path forward. Give them the will to forge ahead united, believing in your eternal promises. 

Everything is possible to one who has faith.” Mark 9:23

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

Avoid the money trap. Find eternal security in the Lord. Pass it on! 

Pray for Families (Preparation for Battle)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

Depending on what news services you follow, you may or may not be aware of churches being burned and religious statues being desecrated. Add to that the destruction of marriage and family (as the Lord designed it), the hook-up culture, abortion, and lawlessness, and only God knows where all this will lead. We can surmise that it won’t be to a holier nation! Sometimes I think we Christians in the world are like frogs in a pot slowly being brought to a boil. The slow temperature (culture) change is so subtle that before we know it, we will wonder how we got in the pot!

A war is being waged for our souls and those of our family.  Anyone who has children of any age realizes this. We must be ready to fight for the souls of our loved ones and the soul of the nation. Now is the time to make sure you have all the armor of a warrior and are prepared for battle!

Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the devil. For our struggle is not with flesh and blood but with the principalities, with the powers, with the world rulers of this present darkness, with the evil spirits in the heavens. Therefore, put on the armor of God, that you may be able to resist on the evil day and, having done everything, to hold your ground.

 Armor is not optional. You must equip yourselves for battle.  Read the gospels so that you may share His message of peace. Know your faith so that you will not be left vulnerable to the Father of Lies. Become righteous by amending your life and receiving the sacraments, especially the sacrament of reconciliation. Cleansed and clothed in Christ, may your ears and eyes be open to discerning truth and destroying lies and may you always stand in readiness to do the will of God. 

So stand fast with your loins girded in truth, clothed with righteousness as a breastplate, and your feet shod in readiness for the gospel of peace. In all circumstances, hold faith as a shield, to quench all [the] flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:14-17

Additionally, place yourself under the mantle of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Always have a rosary in your pocket to pray, for it is our Blessed Mother who upon hearing your voice, will come to your aide and crush the head of Satan.

Finally, draw your strength from the Lord and from his mighty power. Ephesians 6:11

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

At-ten-tion!! Suit up! Pass it on! 

Pray for Marriages (One More Prayer)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

We know that all creation is groaning in labor pains even until now.

Romans 8:22

The need for prayer is endless. As the world goes a kilter, more and more marriages are being tested, stretched, and challenged. Oh, how I wish after over a decade of prayers I would stop hearing of marriages being put to the test and often crumbling!  Conversely, others are getting married with little thought to the challenges of marriage and the need for God. They believe that they are in control of their lives and subsequently begin on a path that leads away from holiness. Perhaps this is you, perhaps it is a beloved family member. For the lover of Christ, the pain felt for themselves or others is real, but when united with Christ’s, it gains supernatural efficacy.

I consider that the sufferings of this present time are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed for us. Romans 8:18

In these days of uncertainty, I ask all of you to persevere in your prayers and crank up the volume.  Can you add just one more prayer each day?  We will never know how many marriages were saved this side of heaven, but we do know that the Lord is faithful.  Not one prayer goes to waste.

The Spirit too comes to the aid of our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit itself intercedes with inexpressible groanings. Romans 8:26

My prayers remain with all of you. Continue to persevere!

Peace, Joy, and Love, 

Janet

Say one more prayer and pass it on!

Pray for Families (Sanctifying Wounds)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

Have you ever said something that you deemed a neutral statement and been shocked and perplexed at the wounded reaction of the other? It’s amazing how easily we can be triggered when someone unintentionally (or sometimes intentionally) pokes at our emotional wounds, especially within the family. We are a wounded people, each and every one of us. Some may relish their wounds, using them as a shield, an excuse, or a badge of honor. Others may feel completely defeated by their wounds. It all depends on how one chooses to frame it.  

What if wounds are our strength rather than our weakness? What if the Lord has “gifted” each of us with wounds, so that we may realize how weak we are without Him who strengthens us? What if our wounds are His voice begging us to come to Him who is the source of all truth and goodness? He who bore all of our sins and endured all the resulting wounds, wants us draw near to Him so that He can hide us in His holy wounds and heal us. 

He himself bore our sins in his body upon the cross, so that, free from sin, we might live for righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.  1 Peter 2:24

Lord, we cry out to you on behalf of ourselves and our family members. We each carry wounds, some of which are on the surface and some which we have deeply buried, for facing them is beyond our strength. You, however, are the Divine Healer, the Sanctifier, the Comforter, and the Redeemer. With your grace, give us the courage to come to you who longs to heal us both emotionally and spiritually. Hide us in your holy wounds and strengthen us for the journey. May our wounds be the source of our sanctification. Help us also to be mindful of the woundedness of others, so that your healing presence might shine through us, strengthening those around us. Jesus, we trust in your merciful love, and thank you for the gift of our wounds. 

“Come, let us return to the LORD, for it is he who has torn, but he will heal us; he has struck down, but he will bind our wounds.  Hosea 6:1

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

No one is without wounds and all are in need of healing, so pass it on! 

Pray for Marriages (For Life)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

Marriage is fascinating on so many levels. It is a commitment people make for life. Not many things are “for life” other than prison sentences for the worst offenders!  Even they have a chance at parole for good behavior! All kidding aside, the Lord created permanency of marriage for a reason. While there are many, perhaps one is because during our lifetimes, including during one’s marriage, there will be many crosses to bear. When they feel unbearable, the Lord doesn’t want you to flee from your marriage, but rather to flee to the shelter of His Sacred Heart. 

You who dwell in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shade of the Almighty, say to the LORD, “My refuge and fortress, my God in whom I trust.” Psalm 91:1-2

Crosses are heavy and painful, and on one’s own the instinct would be to drop it before it crushes you. or your spouse. However, the Lord wants us all to realize we never carry a cross alone. When yoked to Him, He carries it with you for even for you. He knows its weight as He carried it up the hill to Calvary.

“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.”  Matthew 11:28-30

Let us pray for all marriages feeling crushed by the weight of their crosses.  

Dearest Jesus, you have the most tender heart that bleeds compassion and beats with an unquenchable love for us. May your love pour into the hearts of those who feel a lack thereof, especially when it comes to giving or receiving it freely within their marriage. Breathe new life into each one, cleansing their minds to see that “life”can be found in You. Strengthen their resolve to continue the journey, making smooth their path. As you walk with them, may they find delight in your kinship. Fortify them in the virtues, until they find joy in embracing their crosses and no longer find them heavy. Lord, bless all marriages, especially those which are the focus of each prayer warrior.  Jesus, we trust in You!

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

You need never despair, for our prayers will blanket you with peace, joy, and love. Pass it on!