Pray for Families (Allowing the Light to Shine)

 Greetings Prayer Warriors,

The Blessed Mother brought the Light into this world by her “yes” to the Angel Gabriel. There is nothing we need more in this world today than to invite the Light back in, as he has been banished in many places, many homes, and many hearts. Let’s examine where we have allowed darkness to creep in, especially in our families.

The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came to be through him, but the world did not know him. John 1:9-10

It is ever so slowly one can enter into darkness. We dim the Light in our lives every so slowly, so imperceptibly, until we find ourselves in darkness, not understanding how we got there.

 

And this is the verdict, that the light came into the world, but people preferred darkness to light, because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come toward the light, so that his works might not be exposed. John 3:19-20

Now is the time to pray for your families, that the Light might shine in the darkness; that the light of Christ might penetrate the cracks, giving the recipient new eyes to see and a desire for greater Light.

What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:4-5

Pray, pray, pray! We all need to banish the dark spaces in our life, so that we can welcome the Christ Child with open arms and open hearts. That is the greatest gift we can give Him!

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

Unwrap the bindings of your heart, that you may fully gift it to the Lord. Pass it on! 

Pray for Marriages (Hope Fulfilled)

 Greetings Prayer Warriors,

Hope can be difficult at times. How often when life gets rough, or your marriage hits a snag, do you moan and complain as if the hard times will last forever? The cross may be heavy at times, but isn’t it we who decide whether or not we are going to invite Jesus to assist us with it?

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a wish fulfilled is a tree of life. Proverbs 13:12  

Christ carried the tree up Calvary to give us life anew. He gave us hope that crosses lead to salvation!

For in hope we were saved. Now hope that sees for itself is not hope. For who hopes for what one sees? Romans 8:24

We must pray for hope! Hope, and the anticipation of what is to come, gets us through each day, each week, each month, each year.

For this momentary light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to what is seen but to what is unseen; for what is seen is transitory, but what is unseen is eternal.  

2 Corinthians 4:17-18

Lord, you are the eternity in which we hope! Sustain us, perfect us, and most of all, continue to fuel our hope! Jesus, we trust in you!

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

Ignite some hope. Pass it on! 

Pray for Families (Preparing for the Light)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

Now is a time to pause, recollect, and reflect as we enter into the Advent Season. What is Advent? It is the preparation for the coming of Christ. We need to take time to ready ourselves to receive him anew, to prepare our hearts for the Light coming into this darkened world.

What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:4-5

Pray for your family, regardless of where each individual is spiritually. Create a visual reminder of Advent for such as an Advent Wreath/Candles.  Pray the prayers* each of the four Sundays of Advent as you light each candle each week with an alternating focus on Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love.

Lord, shine your light into the darkened areas of our lives, the parts that we are most ashamed of. Grant us the grace to “clean house” and ready our souls to receive you in the manner you deserve. Help us walk in your light, that we may remain children of the Light. As you search hearts of our family, find the cracks in even the most closed hearts that your Light might penetrate and begin to warm the cold.

I came into the world as light, so that everyone who believes in me might not remain in darkness. And if anyone hears my words and does not observe them, I do not condemn him, for I did not come to condemn the world but to save the world. John 12:46-47

“While you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become children of the light.” John 12:36

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

Spread the Light. Pass it on! 

*https://hallow.com/blog/advent-candles-and-advent-wreaths/

Pray for Marriages (Be-Attitude Positive)

 Greetings Prayer Warriors,

There are lots of ways one can “be” over the holidays that cover a whole range of attitudes.  Some are less than attractive and hardly Christ-like.  Yet, one’s attitude can depend on one’s situation, and that can shift daily especially during the holidays. 

Prayer time is especially important during the holidays where ironically it can be squeezed out. Dispositions shift without prayer (at least mine does) so carve out that daily time! Hold on to your attitude of gratitude, and it will serve you well as you guard your actions and speech.  For inspiration, meditate on the beatitudes and you will learn how to be too blessed to be stressed.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you [falsely] because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven. Thus they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5:3-12

Be positive, stay positive, remain in prayer and His peace guard your hearts.

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

You never walk along when you have prayer warriors. Pass it on!

Pray for Families (Positivity, Gratitude, and Praise)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

Why is it that our focus so often drifts to what is going wrong in our lives versus what is going right?  Most likely because negative things consume our thoughts more! But if we are honest, blessings predominate in our lives!   

Do not let love and fidelity forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart.  Proverbs 3:3

The challenge for this weekend is simple. Each morning (or evening) recount your blessings and praise God. Trust He will help you with the rest, knowing His ways are not our ways, but certainly the ways of a loving Father. 

Spend the weekend praying prayers of gratitude and praise.  Bring others in, especially family. Be positive in your speech and it will spread! 

Have a blessed weekend!  

Peace, Joy, and Love, 

Janet 

Praise and gratitude are a winning combination. Pass it on! 

Pray for Marriages (Gaining Sight)

 Greeting Prayer Warriors,

Now as he [Jesus]approached Jericho a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging, and hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what was happening. They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” He shouted, “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!” The people walking in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent, but he kept calling out all the more, “Son of David, have pity on me!” Then Jesus stopped and ordered that he be brought to him; and when he came near, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” He replied, “Lord, please let me see.” Jesus told him, “Have sight; your faith has saved you.”He immediately received his sight and followed him, giving glory to God. When they saw this, all the people gave praise to God. Luke 18:35-43

In life, and in marriage, we are the blind man, only we don’t know we can’t see! Our words, our behavior, our tone, and our lack of charity towards our spouse can be glaring…to THEM. 

Spend some time in prayer, asking the Lord for your sight. Or if you have the courage, ask your spouse where your blind spots are.  If you are Catholic, consider the sacrament of Reconciliation. His grace will continue to open your eyes.

Then in praise and thanksgiving, give all glory and honor to Him!

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

Increase in love and gratitude. Pass it on!

Pray for Families (Thanksgiving Actions)

 Greetings Prayer Warriors,

The holidays are rapidly approaching as Thanksgiving is less than a week away, and then we will feel the full force (stress) of the commercial celebration of “holiday”.  Yet, let us keep our focus on Christ and receive His gift of peace.  

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. John 14:27

Peace will lead to joy.

Worry weighs down the heart, but a kind word gives it joy. Proverbs 12:25

Let us focus on kind words, kind gestures, and spreading joy.

Everything indeed is for you, so that the grace bestowed in abundance on more and more people may cause the thanksgiving to overflow for the glory of God. 2 Corinthians 4:15

Let us be grateful for the grace we receive and give praise to God! 

Persevere in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. Colossians 4:2

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.  Philippians 4:8

Peace, kindness, praise, and joy: these are the best family prayers of all!

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

Peace and calm. Pass it on!