Pray for Marriages (6G Experience)

 Greetings Prayer Warriors,

You probably know about and even use 5G because you want great connectivity. But have you heard of 6G? It has the largest network and delivers amazing and reliable connectivity in one’s marriage.

Foundations of 6G

God - King of Connectivity - He towers above all; reaches every soul

Grace - Wireless; penetrates the heart and mind when obstructions are removed 

Gratitude - Necessary for uninterrupted service

Giving - Builds the network to secure solid connections

Growth - All to the above cause growth to both the receiver and giver

Glory - Improved communications build stability, and connectivity perfects. Shouts of glory reach the main tower.

[It is] only God, who causes the growth. For we are God’s co-workers; you are God’s field, God’s building. 1 Corinthians 3:7, 9

In other words, God must always be our foundation if we are to grow. Even if only one spouse is doing all the praying, invite God into the relationship, even if He was previously kicked out, never invited, or ignored. Pray for the grace necessary to improve connectivity to your spouse, but also offer to your spouse the grace of patience, understanding, and forgiveness, especially during disagreements or when you find their imperfections annoying! Give willingly of your time and attention. Show gratitude to your spouse through acknowledgement of all they do and appreciation for the blessing they are, being specific.  Such generosity leads to the spiritual growth of each spouse. Then, when you realize you improved connections not just during the hilltop experiences, but also in the valleys and deserts, you’ll know you’ve reached the 6G experience because praise and glory will spill forth from your lips and reverberate to the heavens.

For we are God’s co-workers; you are God’s field, God’s building. 1 Corinthians 3:9

Help others have a 6G experience. Pray, pray, pray, pray, pray, pray! 

Worthy are you, Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power! Revelation 4:11

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

Increase connectivity within your network. Pass it on!  

Pray for Families (A Companion for the Journey)

Greetings  Prayer Warriors,

Today is the feast day of the Assumption of Mary, thus I feel impelled to celebrate not only that the Lord gave us earthly mothers, but He gave us his own mother! 

“Behold, your mother.”John 19:27

Jesus wanted all of us to receive all the love, tenderness, compassion, and guidance that he experienced from his mother on earth. What a gift! 

Consider all those who lost mothers in childhood, were abandoned at birth, had mothers with addictions, mental disorders, personality defects, or spiritual wounds that resulted in unwarranted harshness, neglect, and inability to love. Reflect on those who mourn the loss of their mothers at any stage of life. Add those who feel alone and misunderstood as single persons, parent(s), widows, or divorcees. Only one who has suffered greatly, like the Blessed Mother, can understand such suffering, and walk with you through it. She is a mother of consolation, kindness, and love.

“Most blessed are you among women.” Luke 1:42

One of great humility, she will gently build you up in the virtues.  

“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior, for he has looked upon his handmaid’s lowliness." Luke 1:46-48

She will lead you to great holiness!

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

In doing so, she will guide you to Jesus.

The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. 

Luke 1:49

Will you accept Christ’s gift to you, His own Mother?

Ask the Blessed Mother to pray with you to Jesus for all your family’s needs and the desires of your heart. She will delight in your request! And so will the Lord!

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

Keep praying, especially for family! Pass it on! 

Pray for Marriages (The Cobblestone Road to Holiness)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

Nothing is as beautiful to God as a soul crying out to Him. Perhaps He has been waiting for that very moment when a beloved child realizes how much he needs the Father. How often in our lives have we ignored God until we hit a breaking point, and then our soul reawakens and we cry out to the only one who truly loves us unconditionally, our Lord!

This can happen at any time in life, but especially in marriage. One finds their “true love”, pushes God aside, has their “dream wedding” and neglects to invite the Lord, and as the honeymoon phase wanes, reality begins. Or, one does invite the Lord to the wedding, but the “seven year itch” wasn’t in their plan!  Riding on cobblestones no longer seems romantic and the journey becomes unpleasant. Who was expecting so many bumps? Love becomes harder and as the feelings fade, love transitions to a conscious act of the will. We learn that love is a choice, and we must choose to love, as true love is an action. The road to holiness has begun!

Since my heart was embittered and my soul deeply wounded, I was stupid and could not understand; I was like a brute beast in your presence. 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. Psalms 73:21-24

Let us pray for all those marriages traveling on the cobblestones and rocky roads in life. May their souls reawaken to all the Lord has waiting for those who love Him. Curb their desire to flee, and help them fall in love with Thee. For it is in loving You, that they will receive the grace to reflect Your love to their spouse and find a love reignited.

We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

Though my flesh and my heart fail, God is the rock of my heart, my portion forever. Psalms 73:26

May the Lord bless all of you for your faithfulness!

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

Say a prayer; help a marriage. Pass it on! 

Pray for Families (Prayer and Scripture)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

Change is hard, whether it’s developing a new habit (e.g.Daily prayer time) or breaking a bad one (e.g. Too much screen time). It starts with a desire, and then a commitment to move forward one day at a time. But then there is the forced change, usually dictated by employers or the culture, such as keeping up with technology, changing your vocabulary to comply with current dictates, and learning AI. 

Most of us have dealt with unwanted change, but AI is still new to most of us.  While no one can argue its utility, I remain concerned about just who is programming who?  

While we can’t always halt “progress”, we can commit to being guardians of our family, especially when it comes to technology and the ever changing cultural “norms”. However, we must be informed and  grounded in the Truth. It starts with a foundation of prayer and scripture. 

The Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth. He will not speak on his own, but he will speak what he hears, and will declare to you the things that are coming. John 16:13

Lord, help us discern, find moderation, and never fear speaking the truth in love. 

Indeed, the word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

Lord, grant us wisdom, that we may reflect your love and truth within our families. Help us to teach and listen. Guide us as we build like-minded communities of prayer, to strengthen, protect, encourage, and hold us accountable, especially when we feel weary and alone. May our Guardian Angels remain at our sides, to light and to guard, to rule and guide. Amen.

And your ears shall hear a word behind you: “This is the way; walk in it.” Isaiah 30:31

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

Build your community to strengthen families. Pass it on! 

Pray for Marriages (Understanding and Perseverance)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

We have been praying for marriages for a long time, and graces have been abundant as a result of that. You may have been praying for a particular marriage, perhaps your own or a loved one’s.  Maybe you saw the effect of your prayers, maybe not. However, if I’ve learned anything in life, it is that God’s timing has little resemblance to MY (preferred) timing. We often pray thinking that if we follow a specified formula, we will get what we want. But then when that doesn’t happen, we question God. WE knew what WE needed. How could the answer be silence or inaction? 

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. 

Matthew 7:7-8

This can leave us confused. But the Lord does answer. Perhaps He first tests your faith. Then he may test your commitment to your marital vows. He may even take the opportunity to help you grow in virtue (understanding, patience, perseverence). He may even help you remove the beam from your eyes!* He is pouring out gifts to you, but you don’t notice because they weren’t what you asked for, but He knew they are what you (or your spouse) needed. “Everyone who asks, receives!” He is opening the kingdom to you, but preparing you first!

Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer. Romans 12:12

He never wearies of your voice, your prayers, and your petitions. In fact, he delights in them.

Lord, we admit, that we can sometimes become weary in prayer, as we wait in anticipation of a response. We sometimes feel hidden, neglected, and unheard. Help us to understand that we are always seen by a loving Father who never loses sight of His children, are loved by God beyond human measure, and that every murmur and sigh of ours is heard with clarity by our Lord. Help us to see our spouse with the eyes of the Father. Grant us the patience with our spouse the Lord provides to us. Finally, help us to persevere in prayer with an unwavering trust. Be generous with your gift of faith. You are our strength, Lord, and we will always trust in you. 

“I do believe, help my unbelief!” Mark 9:24

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

Belief is born of prayer. Keep praying and pass it on! 

* Matthew 7:5

Pray for Families (A Loud Witness of Faith)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

Do you ever feel like your spiritual wisdom falls on deaf ears within your family? Do family members roll their eyes when the subject matter of your conversation is spiritual in nature? Do they exchange glances with each other knowingly acknowledging each other’s perceptions of what they perceive to be over the top?  

What we really want them to say/think is:

“Where did this man [woman] get such wisdom and mighty deeds? 

Matthew 13:54

Most likely that’s not going to happen!  But the reality is, you are in good company!  Jesus endured this very thing among his community.

And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and in his own house.”  

Matthew 13:57

Do not become disheartened, but rather, may it become a motivating spark for you, for you have found a new purpose; to pray for an increase of their faith!  

Lord, we pray that how we live our lives becomes a much stronger voice than our words. Grant those we love the gift of faith. May the grace bestowed on our family and loved ones help them discover the spiritual and emotional stability only born of faith. With that growth, may they  abound in joy and find true and lasting peace beyond not only their imagination, but ours. Finally, help all of us persevere in prayer for family and one another. Together, we are stronger! Increase our family blessings! Jesus, we trust in You! Amen.

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

Ignite someone’s faith. Live as a witness and pray! Pass it on! 

Pray for Marriages (Respect and Self-Control)

 Greetings Prayer Warriors,

Did I mention that I am studying and meditating on an expanded list of virtues? If they pertain to life, they pertain to marriage, so let’s discuss two of them, respect and self-control. 

How easy it is in marriage to inflate ourselves with self-righteousness and become disrespectful to our spouse as a result of a lack of self-control. How easy it is to judge, air grievances, and create a punitive sentence! We slam shut the door to our heart, or force the other to do so in self-defense. When our burdens are the heaviest, be they emotional or physical, self-control is the hardest. Let’s turn to Jesus and Mary who did not lose self-control when they were faced with unimaginable crosses, but rather, remained steadfast in endurance, love, and trust. 

For I do not do the good I want, but I do the evil I do not want. Now if [I] do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me.  Romans 7:20

Lord, how often we can default to “the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” How often do we let anger take control of our emotions and actions? How often do we poison the air with our words? How often do we justify our unwise and uncharitable actions by blaming another? Clearly, we are in need of your grace. Help free us from sin and grant us all we need to grow in virtue. Teach us to love others as you love us, with kindness, compassion, and gentleness. Grant us the self-control you and your Mother Mary had, trusting and resting in the secure arms of the Father and leaving all judgement to Him, while still praying for your persecutors. Walk with us Lord; show us the way. Amen.

Do not subject us to the final test, but deliver us from the evil one.  

Matthew 6:13

Prayer is the ultimate weapon against Satan, and our best weapon. Keep praying for marriages, especially those in the most need.

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

Every prayer counts. Make prayer go viral, and pass it on!

Pray for Families (A “Different” Approach)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

Have you noticed it isn’t as easy living as a Christian as it may have been decades ago? There is both a subtle and not so subtle push against Christian principles. There is a current against any type of Godly virtue, especially when it comes to morality (and even dress). Truth is now pedaled as relative, not objective (ie “My truth”). In a “look at me world” humility has been tossed aside, never considered (and seldom taught). A practicing Christian now stands out as “different”. 

Let’s embrace different! People need to see and experience more charity, kindness, patience, forgiveness, generosity, attentiveness, temperance, wisdom, respect, etc. Let’s never be daunted by living a virtuous life on full display. Let’s not worry about the pushback or lack of acceptance, nor be discouraged when we fall, but arise in the joy and freedom only found in Christ.

We are afflicted in every way, but not constrained; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our body.  2 Corinthians 4:8-10

Begin building the virtues in your family, find a like-minded community, and go out and shine His light in this darkened world. But of course, pray first!

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

We do nothing alone. Begin each day in prayer. Pass it on! 

Pray for Marriages (Forgiveness)

 Greetings Prayer Warriors,

Are you a continuous learner? I like to think I am. However, the more I learn, the more I realize how much I don’t know! Currently, I am doing a self-guided spiritual retreat (with book and workbook) on growing in the virtues. (46 of them!) While each is challenging, I was struck by the chapter on forgiveness. My knee-jerk reaction was that I have forgiven everyone, but then I was quickly awakened and challenged.  Thus, I offer the challenge to each of you …

Ask the Lord to show you whom you still harbor unforgiveness towards.  For the purpose of our group prayer, let’s focus on spouse or family. Begin with “Dear _____, I am angry with you because _____….   (Go into detail, and let it flow.) Then, follow up with “Dear _____, I forgive you for _____… (same detail). 

 If one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do. Colossians 3:13

You will find this challenging, humbling, and transformative. Perhaps the person you have to forgive is yourself? No need to stop at one person!

All bitterness, fury, anger, shouting, and reviling must be removed from you, along with all malice. [And] be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another as God has forgiven you in Christ.  Ephesians 4:31-32

Lord, as we pray for marriages (and family) lead us to a place of healing, forgiveness, and contrition, for all we have done, and all we have failed to do. May we be equally merciful to all who have hurt, ignored, abused, and offended us in any way, especially our spouses. Help us to love as you have loved, with an unwavering and unconditional love. May your grace be abundant, so that we can grow in the virtue of forgiveness.  Jesus, we trust in You!

Please continue to pray for one another and for all marriages, as Satan delights in it’s destruction. Fight back with prayer! 

Peace, Joy, and Love, 

Janet

Prayer is a most powerful weapon! Pass it on!

Pray for Marriages (A Double Portion)

 Greeting Prayer Warriors!

I am on vacation and my internet  connection is spotty at best. So this will just be a simple reminder to pray for marriages while I can find a connection. 

 Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:15-16

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

Pray a double portion and pass it on! 

Pray for Families (Forever United)

 Greetings Prayer Warriors.

Forever united, a loving bond so true,

Always there for each other, lifting each other up too.

Moments we cherish, and heartfelt prayers that we share,

In every moment of our lives, always show that we care.

LOVE is the foundation, the Rock of true blessing,

Year over year, our faith is progressing!

I ask that supplications, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings be offered for everyone. 1 Timothy 2:1

Keep on praying for and with one another, including other families as well. 

Peace, Love, and Joy, 

Janet

Pray for a family member and pass it on! 

Pray for Marriage and Family (Dependence and Independence)

 Greetings Prayer Warriors,

Independence Day came and went, but do know I continue to pray for you all! I hope you were spending treasured time making memories with family and friends. 

Because of the holiday, I kept contemplating independence, freedom, and dependence. In marriage, we depend on one another. In families, we depend on each member to do their part.  Knowing you can depend on one another is what allows for some independence. Then I read this: 

“The Creator has endowed men with rights and liberties; men got them from God! In other words, we are dependent on God, and that initial dependence is the foundation of our independence.” -Bishop Fulton J. Sheen.

Hierarchically, if we are first dependent on God, and then one another, don’t we experience the greatest of freedoms?

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 2 Corinthians 3:17

God granted us free will.  With freedom comes a responsibility to do not what you feel like, but what you ought to do. 

 Be free, yet without using freedom as a pretext for evil, but as slaves of God.  Peter 2:16

For freedom Christ set us free; so stand firm and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery.  Galatians 5:1  … for a person is a slave of whatever overcomes him. 2 Peter 2:19

Prayer is a powerful weapon against temptations and all forms of evil. Whether you pray the rosary or another form of prayer, remember that while no one lives a life without temptation, temptation can be dissipated and conquered through prayer, which brings us closer to God. That is the power of freedom in Christ! 

May your prayers unite you with the Father and build a fortress of protection around your marriage and your family. The family that prays together stays together!!

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

Pray and play! Pass it on! 

Pray for Marriages (Prayers and Promises)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

Many are at least loosely familiar with the story of Sodom and Gomorrah. Yet, far fewer are familiar with Abraham’s negotiations with the Lord to save the innocent, which highlight how compassionate Abraham was and how incredibly just God is.   

 “Will you really sweep away the righteous with the wicked? Genesis 18:23

Abraham petitioned the Lord, showing incredible faith. 

Suppose there were fifty righteous people in the city; would you really sweep away and not spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous people within it? Far be it from you to do such a thing, to kill the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous and the wicked are treated alike! Far be it from you! Should not the judge of all the world do what is just?” The LORD replied: If I find fifty righteous people in the city of Sodom, I will spare the whole place for their sake. Genesis 18:24-26

Abraham negotiates downwards, all the way down to 10 people! 

Abram* put his faith in the LORD, who attributed it to him as an act of righteousness. Genesis 15:6

What does any of this have to do with marriage, you are thinking? Consider the power of the prayers of the righteous! Abraham's petitions were heard and the Lord consented! So when you pray for your spouse or your marriage, the Lord hears you and is working in your relationship. Not all the Lord does is immediate, let alone seen by us as He is looking at the long game, but do remain hopeful and confident.

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

So whatever your situation, or the one you are praying for, have faith, and if you don’t, pray for that gift!

Sanctify one another in prayer, and continue to petition the Lord on behalf of marriages.

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

Let your petitions be heard and pass it on! 

*Genesis 17:5

Pray for Families (Respite in His Heart)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

Have you noticed that as soon as we are old enough to understand what sin is, we begin making excuses for our sin?  This habit unfortunately continues into adulthood.  

We have a whole arsenal of excuses for our sins. The Evil One first tempts us with something very minor, so it feels like we are only cracking the window open. But then more windows open, then the door, and it can progress very rapidly into grave sin. Perhaps as an adolescent, we should have been taught about “gateway sin” versus just “gateway drugs!”   

Common excuses:

• We can’t make it to church on Sunday, our kid has tournaments every weekend!  
• I know that item isn’t mine, but they won’t miss it anyway or they’re rich and privileged and I am not, so it’s my right to take it! 
• I know I wasn’t where I said I’d be, but my (parents/spouse) just wouldn’t understand.
• That lie was just a “white” lie. It’s for their protection! 
• If it’s private, it’s not hurting anyone else, right?

Paradoxically, it isn’t the Lord who will accuse you of your sins, but Satan will do so incessantly! That can lead to not forgiving yourself! However, the Lord, with His merciful and Sacred Heart, will never stop loving you.  It is because of that love that he will softly call you to repentance. 

Where sin increased, grace overflowed all the more. Romans 5:20

For Christ, while we were still helpless, yet died at the appointed time for the ungodly. God proves his love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us. Romans 5:6-8

Pray for your entire family, that no matter the sin, they may always seek reconciliation with the Lord, and find respite in His Sacred Heart.

I tell you, [...] there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance. Luke 15:7

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

Fortify each other in prayer and run to his merciful heart! Pass it on! 

Pray for Marriages (Servant of God!)

 Greetings Prayer Warriors, 

Many things inspire me in my daily walk with God and my desire to become holy; prayer, scripture, saints, and  sometimes it’s a special Servant of God.  One of my favorites when it comes to inspiration in my marriage is Elizabeth Leseur. Becoming a Servant of God is the first step in 4 necessary steps to sainthood. What made her so extraordinary is that while she was a Catholic, she had an atheistic husband who would mock her religion. Rather than shooting figurative arrows back at him, she would offer up each slight and offense for his conversion. She kept a diary of this.  When she died, her husband found and read her journal, and was so moved by it, he converted and became a priest! Now that is inspirational! 

A few insights gleaned:

She did not focus on what was wrong with her marriage, but on the Lord.

She atoned for her sins and those of her husband. 

She embraced suffering and prayer. 

She remained gentle and kind.

She prayed for peace in her soul. 

She practiced thinking less about her faults and more about Christ’s love. 

She reflected the light of Christ to everyone she came in contact with.

Rather than focusing  on her loneliness, she made Jesus the companion of her solitude.

 Thus, by becoming Christ-like, and mirroring his love and mercy, the Lord was able to convert a precious soul (and most likely, more)! Praise God!  

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens, as he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and without blemish before him. In love he destined us for adoption to himself through Jesus Christ, in accord with the favor of his will, for the praise of the glory of his grace that he granted us in the beloved.  Ephesians 1:3-6

Lord, we have much to aspire to, but help us to focus on you versus our shortcomings, for you always stand in the gap and give us all the graces we need . Help us to love purely and completely, in good times and in bad, with gentleness and kindness. May we be an oasis of your mercy and your love, grounded in peace for our spouse and all those we meet. Thank you for being our Beloved, and seeing the belovedness in each of us. May our praise of You never cease! Amen.

             

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

The path to holiness begins with prayer. Pass it on!