Pray for Families (Pruning for Maximum Growth)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

Busyness seems to be the new normal. Work, family, personal life, and all the corresponding responsibilities put us on an endless hamster wheel. But that is not God’s will for us. Yet, sometimes it feels unavoidable. While staying active is good, when it gets to the point of squeezing out time for prayer, the sacraments, and God, it’s a problem. Perhaps we need to pause and reassess the “must do’s” from the “would like to do’s”. The “must haves” from the “would like to haves”. The “need to attend” events from the ”would like to attend” events. The “must join” clubs, sports, groups, or charities from the “would like to’s”.

Interestingly, nowhere in scripture does it mention that we find God in all this craziness. 

There was a strong and violent wind rending the mountains and crushing rocks before the LORD—but the LORD was not in the wind; after the wind, an earthquake—but the LORD was not in the earthquake; after the earthquake, fire—but the LORD was not in the fire; after the fire, a light silent sound. 1 Kings 19:11-12

Yes, he is but a soft voice in the silence. How often do we drown out His voice with endless activity?

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

He calls us to trust Him, versus thinking we can do everything and fix all our problems. Yet, are we willing to let go of our imagined control?

For thus said the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel: By waiting and by calm you shall be saved, in quiet and in trust shall be your strength. But this you did not will.  Isaiah 30:15

Lord, we have bought into the culture’s “more is better” on every level. We have such good intentions but often lose sight of our purpose: union with You. May our will be one with yours. We humbly ask for the grace of clarity in our lives, that we can prune the unnecessary so that we may fully bloom for You, and as a family become a beautiful bouquet. May we learn to seek the moments of silence, where our prayer can become an intimate conversation. You are our strength, refuge, and peace. May we forever tether to you. 

Transformation of family life begins with a yes. Pruning away the noise can bring about the most beautiful blooms. Help your family blossom. Pray together!

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

Prayer is a great fertilizer. Pass it on! 

Pray for Marriages (Food for the Journey)

Greetings Prayer Warriors, 

Sometimes, prayer in action must take precedence over prayer in writing or word. Perhaps you noticed my break in these emails, perhaps not. Either way, I hope you remembered to pray for marriage and family! 

Scripture readings lately have been filled with references to the "bread from heaven". No matter the length or strenuousness of the journey, his promise is to feed us through the Eucharist, his Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity, the Bread of Life. How easy it is to forget that this fuel is there for us, daily if we choose.

When one experiences difficulties in marriage, turn to the Eucharist, where Christ gives you Himself.  

For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him. John 6:55-56

If you cannot get to the Eucharist, or are not a Catholic, turn to scripture to be fed by the Word. He will renew you and direct you in your journey. Hydrate yourself with copious amounts of prayer. One can never be overhydrated!

Consecrate them in the truth. Your word is truth.  John 17:17

Lord, we pray prayers of protection, conversion, and transformation on all those marriages under attack, through division, derision, or extreme hardship. As you walk with each one on their journey, take their hands, provide encouragement, and lead them to calmer waters and greener pastures. May your constant presence refresh their souls and help them to persevere. Amen.

“I pray [...] so that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us.   John 17:20-21

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

Feed a friend! Pass it on!