Pray for Families (Armaments for Battle)

 Greeting Prayer Warriors,

The world is in crisis. Truth seems to be lost. Too many people have lost a sense of reality.

“What is truth?” John 18:38

Losing a grasp on reality, the truth of who you are and whose you are, is the fallout of eliminating He who is Truth not only from all public arenas and discussions, but often from our own lives. Common sense and logic are slipping away. Pride and vanity are on the rise and Satan is gaining power, and that, dear warrior, is an understatement.  

Telling signs:

• People are beginning to believe sex and gender are fluid,  some parents aren’t assigning gender at birth, and society is accepting this
• Evil is being celebrated
• Good is being prosecuted
• Media is selling you lies
• We are being divided by being told everything including inanimate objects are racist
• Laws against pedophilia are being loosened
• The definition of marriage and family has been rewritten
• Sin and hell are considered fiction
• Satanism is now out in the open and being celebrated
• Christianity is being persecuted
• The Voice of Truth is being drowned out by a lack of silence and stillness

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

Unfortunately I could make this list longer. You and your family are under spiritual attack whether you realize it or not. Seek the light of Christ to see what is true. Persevere in prayer for family and self and become equipped!!

Draw your strength from the Lord and from his mighty power. 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. 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 With all prayer and supplication, pray at every opportunity in the Spirit. Ephesians 6:10-18

You’ve got this! The Lord be with you!

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

The best way to protect your family is through prayer. Pass it on!

Pray for Marriages (Support in the Last Leg)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

Marriage is a journey over hills and valleys, filled with roadblocks and detours. Nothing prepares you for the unexpected. It is at those moments we are forced to admit  that we are not in control. The Lord beckons us to trust in him and surrender to his will. While it may seem easy, it requires humbling ourselves and accepting his merciful embrace and loving assistance. Unfortunately, sometimes we say, “No thank you, I’ve got this!”, while in  hindsight, we now laugh about our overestimation of self. The Lord patiently awaits our call. 

Little is discussed however, about the last few miles of life’s journey when many endure the slow or rapid decline of their beloved. It is a much more frightening leg. One is more humble and often underestimates what they can handle. Let’s pray for these couples in a special way this week.

One’s spirit supports one when ill, but a broken spirit who can bear? Proverbs 18:13

Lord, bless all those married couples that are struggling through ill health, chronic disease, or terminal diagnoses, as well as the weight of caregiving and managing the necessities of life. Pour your grace upon those worrying about going through life alone, those already grieving their future. Help these couples to reconcile all old hurts rather than create new ones through their pain. May mercy and forgiveness spring forth from their hearts. Lord, send them earthly angels to walk beside them to comfort, uplift, encourage, support, and gladden them. Give others  a heart to see those suffering spouses who could use an encouraging word, a coffee date, or an open ear. And for those among us experiencing this situation themselves, give them the courage to ask for what they need. And when words don’t come, may all of our prayers bring them a sense of peace, that they never walk alone. Send your angels in abundance, for Jesus, we trust in you!!

I rise before dawn and cry out; I put my hope in your words. My eyes greet the night watches as I meditate on your promise. Hear my voice in your mercy, O LORD. Psalm 119:147-149

Peace,  Joy, and Love,

Janet

Compassion and presence. Pass it on! 

Pray for Families (Wisdom and Light)

 Greetings Prayer Warriors,

Whose heart isn’t full of love and concern for family members? If only we had the power to direct things?! Perhaps we need the wisdom to stay silent, pause, and listen to the Lord instead? 

Therefore I prayed, and prudence was given me; I pleaded and the spirit of Wisdom came to me. I preferred her to scepter and throne, and deemed riches nothing in comparison with her, nor did I liken any priceless gem to her. Wisdom 7:7-9

In foolishness, we lose focus, and revert to depending on ourselves. But with discipline, we need to turn back and renew our trust in her.   

Sincerely I learned about her, and ungrudgingly do I share—her riches I do not hide away; For she is an unfailing treasure; those who gain this treasure win the friendship of God, being commended by the gifts that come from her discipline. Wisdom 7:13-14

As you pray for family, may Wisdom guide your words, your actions, and your behavior, and renew your ability to love unconditionally. Wisdom is to be shared. May its light shine through you and illuminate those in darkness, especially your beloved family.

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

The world needs more Wisdom and Light. Befriend Wisdom and let your light shine! Pass it on!

Pray for Marriages (Emulating Virtue)

 Greetings Prayer Warriors,

On this celebrated feast of St Joseph, the Spirit calls me to reflect on St Joseph as a  husband and spouse.  Scripture has very few stories about him, and not one recorded word he spoke, yet it seems in the silence, his virtues shine brightly.

When he couldn’t fathom how his betrothed was with child, he, a righteous man, desired to bring no shame upon Mary.  Instead, he was compassionate and merciful. When he learned the truth of her pregnancy, he embraced God’s call in the greatest of humility.

Do you not know that if you present yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness?  Romans 6:16

His trust in the Holy will of God was astounding, especially in light of all the difficulties that the Holy Family continued to experience. (No room at the inn; fleeing into Egypt; losing Jesus in the caravan, etc).  He was a man who daily had to surrender to God’s providence.

Joseph was a strong protector, yet  a gentle and loving spouse. He was a hardworking provider, and  a faith-filled man, who spiritually led his family,  teaching them to honor all of God’s laws.

It is little  wonder that  God chose Joseph to be the earthly father of Jesus, as Joseph emulated a life united to the will of the Father.

 The LORD’s will shall be accomplished through him. Because of his anguish he shall see the light; because of his knowledge he shall be content;  Isaiah 53:10-11

Joseph was a man who emptied himself for those he loved, prefiguring Jesus’s desire to empty himself for us, his beloved children.

Let us pray with faith,  that as married couples we can emulate the virtues of Joseph: humility, gentleness, fortitude, charity, faith, meekness, steadfastness, and eternal hope. 

St. Joseph, Spouse of the Mother of God, pray for us!

Peace, Joy, and Love, 

Janet

St. Joseph demonstrates the way to the Truth. Pass it on!

Pray for Families (A Missionary Spirit)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

On this feast of St. Patrick, let’s draw inspiration and direction from his protection prayer.  Let’s pray for our families, like he prayed for his people..

May the Strength of God pilot us.

May the Power of God preserve us.

May the Wisdom of God instruct us.

May the Hand of God protect us.

May the Way of God direct us.

May the Shield of God defend us.

May the Host of God guard us

Against the snares of the evil ones,

Against temptations of the world.

May Christ be with us!

May Christ be before us!

May Christ be in us,

Christ be over all!

May Thy Salvation, Lord,

Always be ours,

This day, O Lord, and evermore. Amen.

Lord, grant us a missionary spirit like St Patrick, and the perseverance to remain steadfast!

Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; whoever is discerning, let him know them; for the ways of the Lord are right, and the upright walk in them, but transgressors stumble in them. Hosea 14:10

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

May the Lord look upon you kindly and be gracious to you. Pass it on! 

Pray for Marriages (Roadblock!)

 Greetings Prayer Warriors, 

There may be some of you who have hit a real roadblock in your marriage, or perhaps you know of a couple (or two) who feel they are at a dead end. Irreconcilable differences seems to be the legal term for it, but spiritually speaking, there is no such term. Is there anything the Lord can’t reconcile?

“Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.” 1 Samuel 3:9

Perhaps you think it would take some unfathomable changes for any such marriage to be successful. But what if all the Lord is calling couples to (or the prayer warriors who act on their behalf) is more humility and trust in their prayers for change?

Consider Naaman’s response when he initially refused the prophet Elisha’s cure for healing as too simplistic.*

“I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand there to call on the name of the LORD his God, and would move his hand over the place, and thus cure the leprous spot.” 2 Kings 5:11

Do we too sometimes expect extraordinary measures when all the Lord asks us is to “Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17  

Contemplate the level of your own faith in truly believing in the omnipotence of God. Resolve to spend more time in prayer for your marriage, another’s marriage, or perhaps for that couple you don’t know who is really in need of prayer. Believe that the Lord will answer your prayers.

Lord, hear our humble prayers for marriage. We pray that in all things, your Will be done! Help us to trust and to live peacefully in your Holy Will! 

Oh, that today you would hear his voice: ‘Harden not your hearts’. 

Hebrews 3:15

Peace, Love, and Joy, 

Janet

Pump up the volume of prayer. Pass it on! 

* “Go wash seven times in the Jordan and your flesh will heal, and you will be clean.” 

1 Kings 5:10

Pray for Families (Reflecting Christ)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

Recently, I was watching a family television series where the middle child was melting down in frustration, feeling ignored by both her parents and loved ones. Frankly, she felt invisible. As a middle child myself, I completely understood her as I flashed back through my life!  There is trauma in not feeling listened to, heard, cared about, valued, appreciated, and so forth, even if it is a finite period.

Look upon me, have pity on me, for I am alone and afflicted. Relieve the troubles of my heart; bring me out of my distress. Psalm 25:16-17

Many people at some point in their lives feel unvalued, alone, unheard. Maybe it’s a child, a sibling, a parent, an aunt, an uncle, or a widowed relative. Pause to consider who that might be in your immediate or extended family.

Do not hide your face from me in the day of my distress. Turn your ear to me; when I call, answer me quickly. Psalm 102:3

Lent is a good time not just to give up something, but to actively imitate Christ.Be his hands and feet. Be his voice. Bring his peace. Consider reaching out to family members that could use a good ear, companionship, a funny story, a comforting hug, or special help. 

Be doers of the word and not hearers only, deluding yourselves. James 1:22

Start spreading a little love and comfort. You may even find itt has a boomerang effect. 

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.  Matthew 5:7

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

Reach out and let someone know they are valued. Pass it on!

Pray for Marriages (The Eyes to See our Soul)

Greetings Prayer Warriors, 

In today’s readings one word kept jumping out: Mercy! The Lord tells us over and over that he is merciful to anyone who humbly comes before him and confesses his sin. In theory, that seems simple enough.  What is difficult though, is looking deeper into our soul to the root cause of our sin. We spend so much time looking at the faults of others and how their faults (ie spouse) affect us. If only THEY would change!! How little time we look at how our faults impact them and contemplate why we don’t change!!

Lord, great and awesome God, you who keep your covenant and show mercy toward those who love you and keep your commandments and your precepts! We have sinned, been wicked and done evil.  Daniel 9:4-5

Let us first pray for eyes to see into the depth of our soul. May we see how our unhealed wounds ooze out in negative ways, causing us to judge others. When we judge others (ie spouse) and lack mercy, we are hindering our ability to love them as Christ loves us.

Be merciful, just as [also] your Father is merciful. “Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven. Luke 6:36-37

Lord, hear our prayers, that we might first seek healing for our own woundedness, beginning with a humble confession of our sins. Give us the grace to let go of old hurts and wounds, so that we may see our spouse as you see them, Lord. Help us to not judge, but to grow in love and mercy. May we gaze upon the crucifix and meditate on your image of love and your example of mercy. Next Lord, we implore your grace for our spouse, that they too might seek healing of their soul. Gift them with the restorative graces needed to grow in love and mercy.

May your ears be attentive, and your eyes open, to hear the prayer that I, your servant, now offer in your presence day and night [...], confessing the sins we have committed against you.  Nehemiah 1:6

Humility, mercy, and love: Stepping stones to spiritual growth when fueled by prayer. Pray for one another’s marriage!

Peace, Joy, and Love, 

Janet

Prayer is the power behind our spiritual growth. Pass it on!

Pray for Families (Surrender and Humility)

 Greetings Prayer Warriors,

One of the hardest things about being a parent of an adult child is releasing control. We have an inherent need to direct those we love away from harm, bad decisions, etc. The same could be true in our love for any relative be it a wild sibling or a drug addicted parent. Letting go of the need or desire to control is always the hardest, even if we know in our heart that the only one in complete control is God. Our energies are best devoted to praying for his protection of our family members. That doesn’t mean the Lord won’t allow them to fall as sometimes that is part of his plan, for often one can’t appreciate the mountain top unless they’ve seen the valley.

It is an act of surrender and humility to let go and let God.  

If you are patient when you suffer for doing what is good, this is a grace before God. 1 Peter 2:20

Let us each pray:

Lord, I release each family member who weighs on my heart, into your hands, trusting in your loving care. Deliver me from the desire to take back the reins from you. May you reign in their lives, not me. Release me of the need to be needed, admired, affirmed, and praised by these family members. Hear my prayers for their spiritual and temporal needs, and open my ears to hear your voice, allowing me to intercede only when it is your desire. Deliver me from any fear of being despised, should I withdraw an unhealthy support, be it physical, emotional, or financial. May my trust in you blossom, for it is only in the fear of letting go that I realize how minimal my trust really is. With all my heart and soul, Jesus, I surrender my family to your Holy Will. Amen.

Our help is in the name of the LORD, the maker of heaven and earth. 

Psalm 124:8

Peace, Joy, and Love, 

Janet

Grow in humility and discover freedom. Surrender it all to God. Pass it on!