Pray for Marriages (From Doubt to Belief)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

Reading today’s Gospel* about the father whose son was possessed by a mute spirit which even the disciples couldn’t drive out, I was struck by the next scene. It’s one of a father so desperately wanting to believe, but truly having doubts. It’s most of us. He brought his son to Jesus in hopes that he could exorcise the demon.(faith) But his words betray him…

”If  you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” Mark 9:22 (doubt)

Jesus said to him, “‘If you can!’ Everything is possible to one who has faith.” Mark 9:23

Jesus is aghast at his lack of faith, i.e. our lack of faith in asking.

Then the boy’s father cried out, “I do believe, help my unbelief!” Mark 9:24 (Self-awareness)

Who can’t relate to this on some level. I think of all of those struggling in their marriages, wanting to believe there is hope. Each of you know of a marriage, perhaps yours, perhaps a family member, or even a friend or coworker, whose hope is dwindling.  

Would you pray for them this week and include each prayer warrior's intentions?  

May you and those you pray for be inspired by this quote I recently heard on social media: 

“You know what a perfect marriage is? … A perfect marriage is an imperfect husband married to an imperfect wife who absolutely refuse to give up on one another. That's a perfect marriage. That’s holiness. That’s sanctity. That’s sainthood in the making.” - Fr Wade Menezes

Amen to all the saints in the making!!  Let's pray for more saints!

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

Prayer is that fuel that propels marriages forward. Can you spare a tank? Pass it on! 

*Mark 9:14-29

Pray for Families (From Grumbling to Joyful Acceptance)

 Greetings Prayer Warriors,

Are you a grumbler? Do you find yourself grumbling out loud, under your breath, or in your heart? Why me? Why now? Lord, why? Why! Perhaps grumbling is hereditary. More likely, acquired! But in many ways, it is a natural human response.

No finger pointing here. As much as we try to follow Christ and tell Him we want to conform our life to His, when He does “gift” us a cross, as His Father gifted Him, we don’t always accept it with gratitude and thanksgiving. Yet, Christ shows us the appropriate response.

Abba, Father, all things are possible to you. Take this cup away from me, but not what I will but what you will.” Mark 14:36

Christ contemplated the will of the Father, understanding that the Father finds sacrifice both pleasing and good. Self-sacrifice takes discipline as well as love for another more than self. Sacrifice produces an eternal good. 

At the time, all discipline seems a cause not for joy but for pain, yet later it brings the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who are trained by it. Hebrews 12:11

When you find yourself weary from a cross(es), challenge yourself to practice contemplation in lieu of a negative default response. Ask the Lord to help you understand which virtue needs pruning, fertilization, and growth. Then carry that cross with pride, knowing the beauty of your “yes” will bud and blossom, creating new virtues in the garden of your soul.  May these virtues emanate fragrantly, awakening others to a renewed peace as they witness your silent contemplation, acceptance, and joy in the midst of your crosses. May your discipleship be the template by which positive and holy ways are “acquired” throughout your family.  

Let’s pray for one another and each others’ families, that we may become imitators of Christ and true disciples, 

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

Each step is propagated by prayer! Pass it on!

Pray for Marriages (The Image of the Trinity)

 Greetings Prayer Warriors,

Are you ever fascinated by the Lord’s ways? I know I am!  

I’ve spoken often of Satan’s attacks on marriage and the family. Do you understand why he has such animosity?

As explained by St. Augustine, the family is the image of the Trinity.  God is the Father, the Lover. The Son is the Beloved. The love between them is so immense that a third person proceeds from them, the Holy Spirit.

Now think about marriage and family. The husband is the father, the lover. The wife is the beloved, and the result of their love is a child or several children.

Is it any wonder that Satan constantly tries to redefine marriage and family in his image, neither male nor female, sterile, and with an immense love of self?  He  promotes ways that result in over abundant self-love, a lack of child-bearing, and thus seeks to destroy the Trinitarian image of family.  He promotes fear, narcissism, vanity, and anything else that will convince young adults not to have children.  For those already married, he tempts them constantly and manipulates their perceptions to create division.

We are on the battlefield EVERY DAY. Our prayers are a mighty shield against Satan, so stay in the battle!

Finally, 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. Ephesians 6:10-13 

May your eternal blessings be great!

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

Be a soldier for Christ. Pass it on! 

Pray for Families (Celebrating like a Valentine)

 Greetings Prayer Warriors,

Many consider Valentine’s Day a time to celebrate love, with dinner, flowers, and chocolate. All those things are wonderful and show you care, but those are the easy actions. Rarely, however, do we hear about the origin of the day, which is named after the valiant St. Valentine. 

One would guess he was a man of great romance and love, who had the ability to make women fall in love with him. But no, that would just be a fantasy. He was a holy priest with a  great and deep love of the truth, which ultimately brought about his demise.  

“If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32

Emperor Claudius II banned all marriages and engagements in the late 3rd century, thinking that would help him build his military. Valentine, a priest, saw how unjust this was and counter to God’s law, so he secretly performed marriages. That deed was Love personified. While the Emperor ordered Valentine’s execution ending his earthly existence, Valentine did receive an eternal heavenly reward.  

We, like St. Valentine, are called to love as Christ loved, especially in our marriage and in our family. Love is sacrificial (not just a box of chocolates!)

No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. John 15:13-14

May your love flourish in your family and in your life.  It is all made possible with prayer, so pray for your family!!

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

Love until it hurts. Pass it on! 

Pray for Marriages (Heavenly Focus)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

Blessing of joy to all of you!  

Marriage is a blessing, but during some days/weeks/months, it may not feel that way. When you have doubts, remember who the true bridegroom is and stay the course, recognizing our final destination.

 I will betroth you to me forever: I will betroth you to me with justice and with judgment, with loyalty and with compassion; I will betroth you to me with fidelity, and you shall know the LORD. Hosea 2:21-22

The Lord is the true keeper of your heart, so in love and trust, give it to Him more completely. He will protect it, renew it, and fill it with His love, so that you can persevere in love.

I love you, LORD, my strength, LORD, my rock, my fortress, my deliverer. Psalm 18:2-3

Beloved Lord, guide each of us on our path, strengthen us in faith, and renew our marital love each day, so that our marriages may be a beautiful reflection of Divine Love, as unfailing as Yours. Amen.

Peace, Joy, and Love, 

Janet

Introduce others to the heavenly Bridegroom. Pass it on! 

Pray for Families (Lifestyle Reset)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

Family life can get crazy, and it seems like the frenzy ramps up with each generation! I remember a simple life. School, homework, playing outside, board games, playing cards, TV, and family time. Kids would be in scouting, music lessons or play on a sports team during the summer, but that was about it. Sundays were made for God and family, and there was Mass, followed by a family-affirming activity (picnics, socializing, etc.) Businesses were closed.

What we’ve lost is the calm and connectedness. Now there is school, followed by multiple activities, many of which encroach into and dictate the weekends, separating family members while stealing away time. The family meal around the table, which used to be a given, has been squeezed out by competing schedules, and is too often replaced with drive-through, takeout, or meals eaten on the run. Now, there are two working parents trying to make ends meet. Parents become frazzled due to the double-shift of work followed by home responsibilities. Electronics (between phone, tablets, computers, television and streaming services) while helpful in some regards, can be anxiety provoking in other regards. In excess, they have replaced in-depth human conversation. No one planned this destination, but here we are! Look all around you and everyone is engrossed in something electronic! Change is in our hands.

Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest awhile. Mark 6:31

The Lord never stops beckoning us. Are we hearing Him? If only we put as much effort into connecting with him as we do getting a good cell signal! Can you hear me now?!

Let us pray for a rediscovery of calm and connection, both with our family and the Lord. 

Lord, frenetic nonstop activity and mindless preoccupation is the Evil One’s way of drowning out your voice, your peace, and your presence. Help us to be mindful of that. May we each do an inventory of our time spent with you versus other activities and make some hard but life-affirming choices for the good of marriage and family. Help us to plan out our time for conversation and connection, until it becomes a habit. May we seek quiet in a world so noisy one can hardly think. May your peace fill our souls, making us hungry for more. Help us to increase our family connectedness, through a “spring cleaning” of useless activities. Finally, may family life be one that glorifies you, versus us. Jesus, we trust in your never ending love and assistance!

The Lord is my Shepherd, there is nothing I shall want. In verdant pastures he gives me repose. Besides restful waters he leads me. He refreshes my soul. He guides me along right paths for the sake of his name. 

Psalm 23:1-3

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

Pass it on, then put that electronic device away!

Pray for Marriages (Forever Accompanied)

Greetings Prayer Warriors, 

Marriage is very nuanced. Perhaps over time, some of you may feel that your particular situation and subsequent struggles have not been represented here. If not, this one's for you. Yes YOU! 

Each journey is indeed unique.  The only commonality is the purification. My hope is that no one feels that they walk alone. Ever. May each of you feel the strength of the prayers said for you. Whether you have the perfect marriage with only occasional conflict or you have the  conflicted marriage with only occasional perfection, we pray that the Lord blesses your union. 

Since you have purified yourselves by obedience to the truth for sincere mutual love, love one another intensely from a [pure] heart. You have been born anew, not from perishable but from imperishable seed, through the living and abiding word of God. 1 Peter 1:22-23

Lord, there are those deeply pained by the state of their marriage. Hear our prayers for them! There are those in various stages, from good to teetering. Come, Holy Spirit and fill the empty spaces in their hearts with love, hope, and peace. Guide their journey to one of perfect unity.  May they never feel alone, but rather always accompanied by prayer. Increase their faith. Work miracles, so that more may come to know you. We trust in your merciful love, so may it come forth like a tsunami! Jesus, we trust in you! 

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

Prayer is a mighty weapon. Pass it on! 

Pray for Families (The Sacrifice of Love)

 Greetings Prayer Warriors,

One of my coworkers was extremely stressed this week because her parents, who just moved from out of state to be near her, had some minor medical issues. At first I was perplexed at what seemed to me an overreaction, but when I stepped back, I realized that never having children (nor wanting them), she wasn’t used to sacrificial love. She was a first time parent to her parents and responded like any first time parent!!

Parenting is one of the hardest vocations on earth, yet also can be the most rewarding. It involves much sacrifice, and frequent denial of self for the good of the other.  When parents are sacrificial in attending to the needs of their children, or grown children are sacrificial in attending to the needs of their elderly parents, they are reflecting Christ, whose love was kind, gentle, and unconditional. Christ came to give us an example and to show us the way. Not so that we would have a cushy life here, but that we might have eternal life. 

I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly. John 10:10

When we are challenged to deny our own desires for the good of another, it is a gift, as the journey strengthens and purifies us.  We will always fall short, but with the grace of God we can be renewed in perseverance and love.

He gives power to the faint, abundant strength to the weak. Though young men faint and grow weary, and youths stagger and fall, they that hope in the LORD will renew their strength. Isaiah 40:29-31

Lord, as we all labor in these earthly pastures, we ask for special graces for parents, and those who care for them. When we are fearful of what lies ahead, may we contemplate your time in the Garden of Gethsemane, and like you, pray to the Father to have the courage and strength to do His Holy Will. When what we do for others isn’t appreciated, but instead taken for granted, may we not complain about the scourge of unappreciation but instead contemplate how little appreciation you receive. When our position of authority is disregarded and mocked, and as our hearts are pierced, may we meditate  on your crown of thorns and what you endured for us. When we are exhausted, may we unite ourselves with you as you carried the cross of our sins.  And if we find ourselves crucified socially, physically, or intellectually, may we turn toward you, knowing you have already won the battle through your death and resurrection. Father, strengthen us, and grant us the perseverance, disposition, and love necessary to expand your kingdom here on earth, especially within our families. Jesus, we trust in you!

Peace, Joy, and Love, 

Janet

Imitate Christ. Pray! Pass it on!

Pray for Marriages (Encouraging the Vocation)

 Greetings Prayer Warriors,

Satan can attack marriage in many ways. And it’s just not directly on the marriage.

God who created man out of love also calls him to love—the fundamental and innate vocation of every human being. CCC 1604

So if you are the Evil One, and despise love, and despise marriage as it is the building block of society, what do you do? You keep people from ever wanting to get married!

We have all seen it; couples living together, but shunning marriage. Or couples preferring pets to children. Also, men never maturing to a stage where they want the responsibility of marriage or family.  Or, women so stuck on body image that they won’t consider carrying a child.

I am seeking sickness here, in need of some prayer!

“The well-being of the individual person and of both human and Christian society is closely bound up with the healthy state of conjugal and family life.” CCC 1603

For in the image of God have human beings been made. Be fertile, then, and multiply; abound on earth and subdue it. Genesis 9:6-7

Lord, as society has strayed from you, obscured any likeness to you, and have become very spiritually sick. You are the nurturer of our hearts, the One who kindles our love, yet several generations have shunned you, and anxiety has filled the void. We ask for an outpouring of your healing graces, as society is slowly awakening to new hope in you. Come quickly for all your lost sheep, and shepherd them back to your pastures. Revive the desire for marriage, that our society may be rebuilt on the Christian family.

Now to the unmarried and to widows, I say: it is a good thing for them to remain as they are, as I do, but if they cannot exercise self-control they should marry, for it is better to marry than to be on fire. 1 Corinthians 7:8-9

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

Don't waste a second. Pray without ceasing. Pass it on! 

Pray for Families (Growing and Sharing)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

Do you know anyone who hasn’t experienced chaos, crises, or heart-wrenching hurt in their lives, whether momentary or long-lasting? I imagine not. No one leaves this life without having carried several crosses.

When faced with such heaviness and pain, we often cry out to Jesus, and wonder where He is. Doesn’t He hear us or know we need Him, like NOW!?

But of course He does! Yet we often treat Him like a broom that needs to clean up our messes, like a personal assistant who has to jump to our attention when we call, and like a transportation steward that needs to take us away from all we are dealing with!   

“Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!” They had not understood the incident of the loaves. On the contrary, their hearts were hardened. 

Mark 6:50, 52  

What we truly lack, is faith in HIS PLAN for us.

He said, “Come.” Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw how [strong] the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” Matthew 14:29-31

Like Peter, when things go wrong, we think God messed up rather than look to our own lack of faith and trust. His plan is to prepare us for heaven, while our plan is for a comfortable, uneventful life. So let us take time to pray for a greater gift of faith. Not just for us, but for our entire family and those of the prayer warriors.  

Lord, how often do we doubt you; your love, your care, your plan? We allow our suffering to harden our hearts. Lord, help us see all the good you do in our lives, so that our hearts may begin to soften. You, Father, love us unconditionally and care about our welfare and that of our family. Yet our faith in you is paltry. Increase our faith that we might believe, especially in times of hardship. Faith is a gift. Father, generously grant that our faith may grow exponentially, giving us a holy desire to share that gift. With gratitude, with praise and thank you. Amen.

Be still and know that I am God! Psalm 46:11

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

Share the gift of faith. Pass it on!

Pray for Marriages (Fruit-Bearing)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

Have you noticed the new boldness of faith sprouting up again in this country, a land which has been spiritually parched for some time? Athletes are proclaiming Christ as their Lord and Savior, and others in the public spheres (some celebrities, social media influencers, etc.) seem to be finding their voice. The Spirit is moving! People are awakening to the fact that without the Son, nothing good will blossom, and good fruit won’t be produced.

The same is true for marriage. Without Christ, it will wither and fail to bear fruit.  It may not die, but it won’t know true joy, true love, true peace, nor will it find its true potential.

Remain in me, as I remain in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me John 15:4

Now is as good a time as any to do a self-inventory and check where your priorities may have shifted. Is Christ the center of your life and marriage? Or, has He moved into the periphery? Or worse, have you lost sight of Him all together? Perhaps it’s time to invite Him back in or renew your initial invitation? Are you bold enough to make Him a permanent house guest? Or, introduce Him to other couples who haven’t made His acquaintance or could benefit from an invitation?

What is the Lord calling YOU to do?

If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you. By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples. John 15:7-8

Lord, we come as humble and flawed warriors who call out to you. We often do what we want versus do what we ought. We are stubborn and weak, and when we wander from you, our strength to do what is right subsides. You see the good that we do, as well as the good we fail to do. You are Infinite Love that never leaves us, yet we sometimes walk away from you. We ask you to come into our marriages in a new, more profound way, awakening us to a new boldness of faith, hearts to love, and hands united to respond to your call. May we live out the Gospels, shining your light to others. Heal the wounds that make us doubt, and help us to see one another as You see us, beloved and precious in your sight. 

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

Prayer opens the door to Christ. Pass it on! 

Pray for Families (Accompaniment)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

It’s been my pleasure these last couple days to travel out of state to see my elderly mother and accompany her to her doctor appointments. It’s also been very eye opening. NOTHING about her physician visits were senior-friendly. From the lengthy electronic check-ins, to waiting rooms that were poorly designed, to providers not pausing to make sure the senior understands, to giving them follow-up appointments a year out, (for what, a 2026  paper calendar?), they seem to have left seniors in the dust. For as much as our society loves to tout the importance of equity and inclusion, I saw none of it in regards to seniors. As everything becomes more electronic and app-based, even ongoing communication regarding chart notes can only be found online, it’s too much for even independent seniors to navigate. 

Now I know many of you understand this all too well, many having parents living with them or even being a senior yourself.  

I share all this as we pray for families. Let’s focus our prayers this week for seniors. May our prayers rise up in word and be displayed in deed, as we accompany seniors by offering more of our time and presence, including joint prayer time.

Yet I am always with you; you take hold of my right hand. With your counsel you guide me, and at the end receive me with honor. Psalm 73:23-24.  

Lord, bless the seniors, especially those ever closer to your embrace. Give us all the grace to be more present to them, exhibit more patience, and to become joyful advocates. Preserve their dignity, and bless them with many who surround them with love and care.  

Peace, Joy, and Love, 

Janet

Be a gift to seniors and be present. Pass it on! 

Pray for Marriages (Unbreakable)

 Greetings Prayer Warriors,

There are so many things that can add stress to a marriage, moving, having children, new or lost jobs, and financial disagreements, just to name a few.  Yet, I cannot even fathom the stress of those who have lost everything, especially the security of housing. While I am thinking about the California fires, this also pertains to those in war-torn areas around the world. 

Again I saw all the oppressions that take place under the sun: the tears of the victims with none to comfort them! Ecclesiastes 4:1

At a time when most couples need to join together in unity, often the opposite happens and they become divided. I feel called to pray for those couples, those marriages, facing absolute disbelief on the tragedies that just occurred, while struggling to find a path forward. Let us pray that rather than turn from God, they instead call out to God to give them strength, hope, and a fortified love. 

Two are better than one: They get a good wage for their toil. If the one falls, the other will help the fallen one. But woe to the solitary person! If that one should fall, there is no other to help. Where one alone may be overcome, two together can resist. A three-ply cord is not easily broken. 

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, 12

Heavenly Father, comfort those couples suffering from devastation, allowing them to feel your heavenly embrace, reviving them in hope. Sweetest Jesus, give them the grace that in faith, they may rest in you, finding joy, even in the darkest hours. Holy Spirit, renew the hearts of your faithful, and kindle in them the holy fire of your love! Holy Trinity, open their hearts, obtaining permission to entwine yourself into their holy union, creating the unbreakable cord!  Amen.

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

Faith, Hope, and Love. Pass it on! 

Pray for Families (Life in His Son)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

Sometimes when we reread something for the umpteenth time, it hits us differently.

If we accept human testimony, the testimony of God is surely greater. Now the testimony of God is this, that he has testified on behalf of his Son. Whoever believes in the Son of God has this testimony within himself. Whoever does not believe God has made him a liar by not believing the testimony God has given about his Son. And this is the testimony: God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever possesses the Son has life; whoever does not possess the Son of God does not have life.

1 John 4:9-12

“God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.” Contemplate that.

Jesus said to them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you. Whoever eats  my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. John 6:53-54

Then many of his disciples who were listening said, “This saying is hard; who can accept it?” John 6:60

As a result of this, many [of] his disciples returned to their former way of life and no longer accompanied him. John 6:66  

(Note the symbolism of 666 as they separate themselves from eternal life.)

As we pray for family, inevitably we pray for their return to God, the Church, and the Sacraments. But until that time, our prayer can also be to offer up our receiving of the Eucharist for them, so that one day they may return to the Lord and have eternal  life.

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

Embrace the power of the sacraments. Receive, and pass it on!