Pray for Marriages (Discern to Love)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

Scripture speaks a lot about judgement. But it also esteems discernment. 

Judgment is about criticizing and forming negative opinions, lowering others, and in essence, elevating ourselves. Whereas discernment is more thoughtful, focusing on what is right, appropriate, or beneficial to an individual, seeking understanding while retaining boundaries.

Thus, we should not judge, especially in our marriages (where it can come too easily)!

Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven. Luke 6:37

Wise words. However, marriage does call for discernment, so that we may respond and act in a manner appropriate to the situation.

The wise of heart is esteemed for discernment. Proverbs 16:21

Wisdom can remain silent in the discerning heart, but among fools she must make herself known. Proverbs 14:33

In marriage, focus on discerning while seeking to mitigate any judgement. Be gentle with your spouse and yourself, pondering each situation in life, just as our Blessed Mother did.  

Who can discern his own errors? Cleanse me from my hidden faults. 

Psalm 19:12

Lord, bless us in our marriages, that we may reflect more our own actions rather than those of others. In prayer, help us see the way. Take us by the hand and guide us.

It does not concern me in the least that I be judged by you or any human tribunal; I do not even pass judgment on myself. 1 Corinthians 4:3

Love remains the answer!

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

Love, pray, and pass it on! 

Pray for Families (In Service of Self and Others)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

We are spiritual and corporeal beings who help and provide for others. We can easily be in perpetual motion caring for their children, parents, and spouse. Slowing down may appear impossible.

Don’t neglect yourself in service of others. No one benefits.

“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Romans 13:9 (Emphasis added)

Take care of yourself, so you can be of greater service to others. Nourish yourself both physically and spiritually so the Spirit can work through you. 

This sounds easy, but I imagine at times it can be unimaginably challenging. Ask yourself, “What prevents me from taking care of my own needs so that I can be of greater service to my family, others? Is that hindrance something I can impact?” Ask the Lord to show you. (Note, doing a Lenten penance isn’t neglecting yourself, it’s strengthening you spiritually!)

Do you not know that your body is a temple of the holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? 

1 Corinthians 6:19

Come Holy Spirit, enlighten us! Help us all to be good stewards of the physical and spiritual gifts you have bestowed upon us. Out of love for you, may we self-minister, preparing ourselves to utilize our blessings on behalf of others, especially our families. With you, we can accomplish anything. May we always remember we have you to lean on!

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

Contemplate, meditate, and pass it on!  

Pray for Marriages (A New Heart)

Greetings Prayer Warriors, 

Lent is a great time for self-reflection, which can be painful. It is so much more pleasant (but not nice) to evaluate areas for improvement in others! Instead, reflect on what you are and aren’t bringing to your marriage. Where might you find a few opportunities for improvement?  

If you mind draws a blank, I am sure your spouse can help you!  

Additionally, spend some time in prayer, asking God how you might be a better wife or husband. Ask Him to show you, and He most likely will!

And we have this confidence in him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in regard to whatever we ask, we know that what we have asked him for is ours. 1 John 5:14-15

Lord, we ask for your light, that we may truly see ourselves as we truly are. We ask for the courage to critically assess our deeply ingrained behaviors, our thoughtless words, and our daily actions or omissions. Grant us the grace to become the person and the partner you created us to be. Jesus, we trust in You!

I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. Ezekiel 36:26

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

A good practice for Lent is to praise God and pass it on! 

Pray for Families (Sacrificial Perseverance)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

Lent has begun and maybe you are off to a great start!  Honestly though, it’s easy enough to stumble out of the starting gate. Or maybe you weren’t even paying attention, or were apathetic to begin with and never even left the gate. No need to beat yourself up, but rather just reset and start now to get on course. 

Not sure what to do or sacrifice?

Offer praise as your sacrifice to God; fulfill your vows to the Most High. Psalms 50:14

To keep the law is to make many offerings; whoever observes the commandments sacrifices a peace offering. and one who gives alms presents a sacrifice of praise. To refrain from evil pleases the Lord, and to avoid injustice is atonement. Sirach 35:1-2,4-5

Is this not, rather, the fast that I choose: releasing those bound unjustly, untying the thongs of the yoke; Setting free the oppressed, breaking off every yoke? Is it not sharing your bread with the hungry, bringing the afflicted and the homeless into your house; Clothing the naked when you see them, and not turning your back on your own flesh?  Isaiah 58:6-7

What would prevent you from any of the above? Whatever it is, that’s what you need to give up!

Most importantly,  offer all of your sacrifices to God  on behalf of yourself and your family. What a beautiful prayer of love. 

Finally, pray for one another for perseverance in our Lenten promises!

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

Lead with gratitude. Pray and pass it on! 

Pray for Marriages (Protection and Healing)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

Each of you holds intentions for marriages close to your heart. Perhaps it’s for you or some dear friends or relatives. Today our intention is a ‘warriors’ choice”, your personal marriage intention. As we pray for one another’s intentions, may all find comfort knowing that others are praying for exactly what you desire, while providing a canopy of protection for marriages.  

Let me dwell in your tent forever, take refuge in the shelter of your wings. Psalm 61:5

As a community, our prayers form a beautiful bouquet of gratitude for the Lord, as with faith and trust, we place our petitions before Him. Open your hearts and lift up your voices!

Pray for one another, that you may be healed. The fervent prayer of a righteous person is very powerful. James 5:16

Harness your power! Pray without ceasing!

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

Don’t let up! Pass it on! 

Pray for Families (Seeking Trust During Loss)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

When contemplating where our prayers should focus, I was directed to loss. In pondering loss, I realized that it is a wide umbrella. Consider those who have lost a family member, those who have an estranged relative, those who may be losing a foster child, and those feeling the emptiness of a loved one that moved far away. Then there are those experiencing the fear of potential loss– a sick child, a terminal relative, upcoming “reductions in force", potential bankruptcy, probable foreclosure, a teetering  business– the list goes on.  

Yet the Lord always reassures us, and asks us to trust in Him.

Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span? Matthew 6:27

Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil. Matthew 6:34

Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10 

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

 

Lord, it is obvious that we don’t trust you enough. Surrendering to your will, your providence, your plan, is very scary for us, as we like to have control. You continually beg us to jump into your arms for safety, yet we live in fear that you will drop us, desert us, or take things away from us. We wrongly equate suffering with rejection, yet only you can transform sadness into joy.  Grant us the grace of faith and hope, that we may with confidence imitate the faith-filled words of Job:

“Naked I came forth from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I go back there. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD!” Job 1:21

Blessed are you, Heavenly Father, for you are the giver of all good gifts, including our crosses! Protect our families, fill our hearts with love, guide our steps, and grant us the humility to accept your Divine Will with trust. 

For I know well the plans I have in mind for you—oracle of the LORD—plans for your welfare and not for woe, so as to give you a future of hope. Jeremiah 29:11

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

Continue to encourage one another. Pass it on!

Pray for Marriages (Works of the Spirit)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

There is no shortage of intentions to pray for in marriage. For each one of you has a unique intention, if not for your own marriage, for another’s. More likely, you have multiple intentions,, so, let us focus on those!  

Humbly place yourself before the Lord and pray. Ask that the Lord heal each person of their woundedness, those deep wounds that fester if left unattended. Pray for the unshackling of hearts. May hurts and resentments be released, allowing the Holy Spirit to move in. 

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

Lord, we are a wounded people. Give us the fortitude, resolve, initiative, and desire, to first look within and ask for you to mend our brokenness. Help us persevere in prayer for our spouses and for other marriages as well.  Pour your grace upon us, so that the fruits of your Spirit may live fully within us and serve to transform the hearts of those around us. Jesus, we trust in You!

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.  If we live in the Spirit, let us also follow the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-33, 25

In you Lord, we can be beacons of love, as love heals!  Thank you for loving us first. 

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

Pray for you, pray for your spouse, and pray for us all! Pass it on! 

Pray for Families (Support for our Trials)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

Who doesn’t rejoice when the Lord blesses them? 

We thank you, God, we give thanks. Psalm 75:2 

Yet when life takes a downturn for you or a loved one, it’s easy to feel like it’s a punishment and the Lord has abandoned you. 

Beloved, do not be surprised that a trial by fire is occurring among you, as if something strange were happening to you. But 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 4:12:13

Let us pray for family members who may be struggling with their trials as they bear the weight of their cross.

I will refine them as one refines silver, and I will test them as one tests gold. They will call upon my name, and I will answer them; I will say, “They are my people,” and they will say, “The LORD is my God.”  Zechariah 13:9

Lord, help us all to suffer well, and look upon us with mercy as our grumblings reach your ears. As we intercede for others, may our prayers be pleasing and rise sweetly as incense to the heavens. Strengthen our loved ones as they carry their crosses, be generous with your grace, and help them never to lose hope. In your generosity, help us to persevere in prayer!

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

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

May the strength of our prayers storm the heavens! Pass it on! 

Pray for Marriages (Hope for the Weary)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

To those who suffer in silence, take heart and do not lose hope!

Wait for the LORD, take courage; be stouthearted, wait for the LORD! Psalm 27:14

Waiting is hard, especially when your cross is heavy. The fight is within, as dropping the cross may bring relief, but does it get you to where you desire?  Perseverance in prayer will increase endurance and fuel your hope!

For in hope we were saved. Now hope that sees for itself is not hope. For who hopes for what one sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait with endurance. Romans 8:24-25

Lord, we pray for all marriages, but especially those losing hope and flirting with despair. Holy Comforter, refresh the souls of the weary, and like an invigorating wind, lift their spirits and renew their hope.  Heal all brokenness in marriages, especially the wounds that are hidden and festering. Be the balm that brings healing and restoration, so that all marriages may be a reflection of your divine plan of love. Jesus, we trust in You!

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

Pray and pass it on! 

Pray for Families (Inspiration from the Saints)

Greetings Prayer Warriors, 

How uplifting it is to read about the lives of the saints and their life journeys. Most seem to progress from heartache to wholeness.  I am most fascinated and drawn to those who began as the greatest sinners.  I can relate to their brokenness and am encouraged as they slowly die to their old self and put on Christ. 

Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the desires of the flesh. Romans 13:14

When we fret about friends, family, coworkers, or relatives who have drifted far from God, saintly conversion stories provide us with hope. They showcase the depth of God’s love for his children and the effects of His grace in bringing about conversion, renewal, and restoration. They highlight the Lord’s desire not to lose even one of us. 

I have not come to call the righteous to repentance but sinners. Luke 5:32

Lord, we come before you, not just on behalf of our families, but on behalf of ourselves, as we acknowledge our own sinfulness. Guide us to the path of righteousness, that we may become living witnesses for others, especially those who know not what or whom they seek. We know, Lord, that only you can satiate their desire. Good Shepherd, hurry to find your lost sheep so that they may find rest in You.

Have mercy on me, God, in accord with your merciful love; in your abundant compassion blot out my transgressions. Thoroughly wash away my guilt; and from my sin cleanse me. For I know my transgressions; my sin is always before me. Against you, you alone have I sinned. Turn away your face from my sins; blot out all my iniquities. A clean heart create for me, God; renew within me a steadfast spirit. Psalm 51 3:6, 11-12 

Save us, Lord!

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

May the saints join us in prayer as we pray for conversion, renewal, and restoration! Pass it on! 

Pray for Marriages (The Grace of Perseverance)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

In a marriage, couples can become hyper-focused on their differences versus all that they hold in common. It’s an easy snare set by Satan, as he reminds us of all that we should be annoyed about. But prayer is your weapon! Rejoice and give thanks to God (and affirmation to your spouse) for your marital unity and it will serve to minimize the polarities.

Let love be sincere; hate what is evil, hold on to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; anticipate one another in showing honor. Romans 12:9-10

Again, [amen,] I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:19-20

Pray together and ask for the graces your marriage needs. Christ heals, fortifies, and blesses, and delights in your prayers! 

Perhaps you’re thinking, “But I don’t have a praying spouse, or one who will pray with me.” The Lord will still hear your prayers of petition on behalf of your marriage, but don’t forget the praise and thanksgiving too!

And we have this confidence in him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in regard to whatever we ask, we know that what we have asked him for is ours. 1 John 5:14-15

And for those with still waning hope…

Do not grow slack in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer. Romans 12:11-12

May you rest in knowing that others are praying for you and imploring God for your enduring perseverance!  🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

Jesus, we trust in you enough to pass this on to another!

Pray for Families (Suffering in Silence)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

Most will agree, despite the many blessings in life, it is not without its challenges. While one can have numerous friends and family members, when tragedy strikes in any of its forms, one can still feel alone.

I turned every way, but there was no one to help; I looked for support but there was none. Sirach 51:7

For who can understand one’s hidden pain, that which is so hard to articulate? Who can comprehend the complexity of its origin, the path of its existence, and prescribe the antidote to ease the pain?

Then I remembered the mercies of the LORD, his acts of kindness through ages past; For he saves those who take refuge in him, and rescues them from every evil. I called out: LORD, you are my Father, my champion, my savior! Do not abandon me in time of trouble, in the midst of storms and dangers. Sirach 51:8, 10

Has the Lord unexpectedly put someone on your heart?  Perhaps he is nudging you to reach out for a reason?  Maybe the Lord is sending you to be His representative! Sometimes the  gift of our presence is all that is needed— a word, a note, a text, a call. While one can’t always know who is suffering in silence, each can be more attentive to the Lord’s promptings.  

Conversely, maybe you are the one in need of support. Ask someone for help/assistance if you can. But if that feels overwhelming, turn to the Lord of mercy and love, and know he will never abandon you.

Lord, we lift up our family and friends, and even those we don’t know, and ask you to bless them.  Allow us to be your hands and feet in service. Give us the ears to hear your call, the heart to spread your love, and the gentleness of your loving compassion. See the internal and external suffering of your children, and beckon them to rest in your sacred wounds, and bathe them in your merciful love.

Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:8

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

Pray, listen, and pass it on!

PRAY!

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

As life keeps pulling me in different directions, I hope you have developed a habit of prayer that needs little to no reminders.  

That being said, be attentive to those who ask for prayers, for it takes such humility to ask. Consider praying as well for those who may need prayer, but may not have the courage nor prayerful network whom they could ask. Then trust in the power of each prayer and God’s desire to answer in the way He finds most efficacious for that soul!

The lost I will search out, the strays I will bring back, the injured I will bind up, and the sick I will heal. Ezekiel 34:16

The Lord is faithful, so be faithful to prayer!

Peace, Joy, and Love, 

Janet

Pray twice and pass it on!

Pray for Families (Placing in His Care)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

In talking with friends, relatives, and acquaintances, there is no shortage of prayer intentions for one’s family.  Most Christians worry more about their families than themselves. Spouses, parents, children (young and adult), nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, friends and neighbors - all weigh on our hearts as we want what’s best for them - to know and trust the Lord throughout whatever trial (short or extended) that they are going through. We desire that they experience His love and peace. 

While all of us here believe in the power of prayer, when we combine it with fasting, it becomes turbo-charged.  While I’m not so sure that is the terminology the Lord would use, scripture does show that in times of repentance or deep need, the petitioner both prayed and fasted.

I turned to the Lord God, to seek help, in prayer and petition, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes. Daniel 9:3

So we fasted, seeking this from our God, and it was granted. Ezra 8:23

With prayer and fasting, [they] commended them to the Lord in whom they had put their faith. Acts 14:23

When you feel your prayers are not bearing fruit (that you can see), consider adding fasting. Fasting comes in many forms.  It is a custom in the church to fast on Wednesdays and Fridays.  Some people will choose a day and fast between certain hours.  Others may choose to abstain from meat.  Still others, from their favorite food. However, not all fasting has to be from food.  What is your guilty pleasure?  Perhaps you can fast from“screen time, video games, alcohol, gambling, pornography, or any other vice on behalf of your prayer intention. Then at least two people benefit!

Lord, our hearts are full of worry and sorrow regarding our loved ones. Help us to trust you more and place those we cherish into your loving arms.  We unite our prayers and sacrifices, however small, to your ultimate sacrifice.  Look kindly upon our petitions, and in your mercy, hear and answer us.  Amen.

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

Pray and fast for one another. Pass it on! 

Pray for Marriages (Faith and Trust)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

Those who are close to Christ know that joy can be found even amidst sorrows. Crosses can strengthen us, yet everyday we need to renew our commitment to love our crosses! But for many who struggle in marriage, the journey can be crushing, especially if they are unyoked spiritually. They can’t unite through Christ. The Lord shows us however, that even He fell 3 times from the weight of believers and unbelievers alike, but through faith, He understood that the Father would give Him (and us) the strength to continue the journey. And on that journey, He will put people in your path to assist you.

Spend a moment thinking about those who have unexpectedly entered into your journey for a moment or more.  Praise God for his tender love!  He has a plan for you that is beyond comprehension.  It just takes faith and trust.  

If any brother has a wife who is an unbeliever, and she is willing to go on living with him, he should not divorce her; and if any woman has a husband who is an unbeliever, and he is willing to go on living with her, she should not divorce her husband. For the unbelieving husband is made holy through his wife, and the unbelieving wife is made holy through the brother. Otherwise your children would be unclean, whereas in fact they are holy. 

1 Corinthians 7:12-14

Consider that with your assent, you may be an instrument of holiness!

If the unbeliever separates, however, let him separate. The brother or sister is not bound in such cases; God has called you to peace. For how do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband; or how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife? 1 Corinthians 7:15-16

Yet, even the unbeliever has free will. 

Lord, we pray that we may know your will, and surrender to it. Guide each one of us in our marriages, and make the good ones even better! Give light to the unbeliever. Grant us the wisdom and restraint we need in our words, behaviors, and actions. You are our strength, and in You we cannot fail.  Jesus, we trust in You!

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

Pray for fortitude in marriages. Pass it on!