Greetings Prayer Warriors,
While I was reflecting on today’s feast day, Our Lady of Sorrows, I also happened to learn that today is National POW/MIA Recognition Day. How ironic and fitting that these two days overlap. For those who may not know, a POW is a prisoner of war, while MIA is a military service member who never was found and is thus “missing in action”. As a mother, I can only imagine the pain of having a child imprisoned under unthinkable conditions, or worse yet, never to be found. The pain of having no closure must keep the wound festering. We honor and pray for those who served and prayed a heavy price and for those family members who suffered for and with them.
Our Blessed Mother suffers with us. She knows only too well this pain.
Rejoice to the extent that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that when his glory is revealed you may also rejoice exultantly. 1 Peter 4:13
While most of you may not know of a POW or MIA, you do know how a parent suffers for their child. Whether you have a child (or relative) in jail or prison, or one who is a prisoner of an addiction, you know suffering. If you have a child, sibling, or other relative who is missing, and you don’t know if they are alive or dead, you too know suffering.
The ability to endure, persevere, move forward, and remain optimistic, only comes from prayers said on another’s behalf. So let’s get to praying!
Lord, hear our heartfelt prayers. Please console all those who worry or mourn for their loved ones, especially those who were/are POWs/MIAs. Heal the minds and bodies of all former POWs and bring repose to the souls of the MIAs . For all those imprisoned in other ways, please break the chains of all that controls them. For all missing children (and adults),, send your angels to guard them and bring to fruition their safe return. With abundant love and mercy, protect the most vulnerable of our relatives. As you gave us your Mother from the Cross, may we open our hearts and homes to her, that she may guide and protect us, as she did her most precious Son. No matter how difficult our journey, in your mercy may we one day all be united and find everlasting rest in our heavenly home. Amen.
When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his home. John 19:26-27
Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet
Prayer is the air that buoys another. Pray and pass it on!
