Greetings Prayer Warriors,
Have you ever thought, “If God called me, I’d listen!” Of course in our minds, we’d do whatever God tells us, never aligning ourselves with the non-believers, the non-hearers, or those who don’t follow the Lord. Yet, since most people don’t hear locutions, if they don’t intentionally carve out quiet time to pray, read the Word of God, and be attentive to those they interact with, how will they ever hear his voice? If we aren’t listening, how do we know what God is calling us to?
“Oh, that today you would hear his voice: ‘Harden not your hearts.”Hebrews 4:7
We exist in a turbulent political environment. Those with a different ideology can be quick to look down on others. Many refuse to listen to opposing views. During Christ’s ministry on earth, many mocked his teachings. He was the victim of a kind of a mob mentality that had no room to hear another viewpoint. The result was his crucifixion! Yet those who crucified Him were so sure their ideology was right! He had been trying to teach them the Truth, but they refused to listen!
How about the parable of the rich man and the beggar? The rich man daily ignored a poor and sickly man on his step, who longed for even a scrap of food.
How blind are we to the outcasts? How easily do we overlook those in need, telling ourselves we’ve worked hard for what we have, not realizing that everything is a gift from God?
In this parable, the beggar dies, and is carried away to heaven in the bosom of Abraham. The rich man was sent to the netherworld. The rich man begs the Lord to send someone to warn his family so they don't suffer the same fate of eternal torment.
But Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the prophets. Let them listen to them.’ He said, ‘Oh no, father Abraham, but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ Then Abraham said, ‘If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone should rise from the dead.’” Luke 16:29-31
Ouch! Today we have the benefit of knowing Jesus conquered death by rising from the dead, yet, is that shaping our behavior? Are we any different than the non-believers and the non-hearers, or are we part of the living dead?!
We must stand in the gap with prayer for the salvation of souls, especially ourselves, our families, and the world. Would you join me in reciting as often as possible, the following Pardon Prayer?*
My God, I believe, I adore, I hope and I love Thee. I beg pardon for all those that do not believe, do not adore, do not hope and do not love Thee. Amen. (Repeat 3 times)
Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet
Our Lady of Fatima:"You know that many souls go to hell because there is none who pray for them." PRAY and pass it on!!
* Given to the 3 children in Fatima, by the Angel of Peace
