#The manifold grace of God

[wiirocku]

1 Peter 4:10 (NKJV) - As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

[windvexer]

i apologize if this ask is confusing or super loaded but, in your opinion, when is it required to actually begin blessing and invoking the spirits of ingredients in a spell?

like, with kitchen magic, you can do it just fine without it, but how about something like a talisman? or a small short ritual?

i think what i’m trying to say is at what point (in your opinion and experience) do spirits stop being willing to do their part of the spell for free? or at what point is it generally advised that you begin to pay them for their time?

kitchen magic post

Hi, I do think I'm a little confused because it seems like you're asking a few separate questions here.

when is it required to actually begin blessing and invoking the spirits of ingredients in a spell?

It is never required. Many witches or other practitioners perform magic all the time that use only correspondences and energy work, or only energy work, or some other method, and never evoke spirits at all.

You do not have to evoke spirits to enchant a talisman. You do not have to evoke spirits for rituals, long or short.

Spirit-working sorcery is a choice. I talk about it a lot on my blog because it's what I do, but I actually don't even really think it's that common, at least not compared to using energy work to empower one's own correspondences.

So hopefully you are not under the impression that all magic must have spirits involved to make it work.

i think what i’m trying to say is at what point (in your opinion and experience) do spirits stop being willing to do their part of the spell for free?

Well, I assume this point would be at the moment that you've run out your welcome. The spirits are diverse and their motivations and sympathies are manifold. Their history and relationships with you are unique. I could not hazard a rule of thumb in any situation.

The spirit-working witch is probably extremely well served to not limit reciprocity to the spirit world only to specific payment to spells, but also to strive to be a good neighbor by holding regular offerings to various spirits of the path, the home, and the land; to cultivate a healthy relationship with the land; to provide spirit homes and shelters, and so forth.

In this way, a person might be less paranoid about "overdrafting" on spells where no payment is offered, but perhaps the spirits help regardless.

This all sounds very transactional but this is a shorthand of respect. The point in paying the spirits is to honor them, restore them, and give them what they're due.

at what point is it generally advised that you begin to pay them for their time?

I always recommend offering equitable exchange to the spirit world in exchange for their help in spells and their grace and support in our lives. At this time I could not imagine myself recommending calling on the spirits and asking them to perform a task, and not offering reciprocation.

But again, you don't have to do this for every work of magic anyway. I do lots of magic which doesn't involve evoking and paying spirits.

You can enchant a perfectly good lunar talisman by using energy work to draw energy out of the full moon and siphon it into the object, and you don't have to believe in gods or spirits to do that. You can ground, shield, create wards, enchant objects, perform rituals of transformation and empowerment, and effect manifestation through magic without ever calling on a spirit.

You don't even necessarily have to do energy work, either. Magic just exists and can be collected and deployed without a person themselves being a sorcerer. And also all the other ways it can be done, lol. Energy work and spirit work are not the only 2 things.

Yeah. Calling and paying the spirits in this manner is a narrow path, far from all-encompassing. If the working does not lend itself to calling a spirit, no need to shoehorn them in.

[talonabraxas]

Nataraja ॐ

The symbolism of Nataraja, the Cosmic Dancer

The Cosmic Dancer The cosmic dance is the dance of life itself, including creation, preservation, destruction of the entire universe and spiritual grace to understand and go beyond to liberation.

In Hinduism, the objective of life is not to go to heaven but to attain liberation, which means to understand the true nature of ourselves beyond the ego-person that we are familiar with.

I have always wondered why dance was chosen as the art to represent this, not music, painting, poetry, sculpture or any other art. In my view, it may be because dance is the only art that cannot stand by itself without the artist.

One can observe and enjoy paintings, sculptures, poetry and even listen to music, but there is no dance without the dancer being present and visible in the moment. It is a powerful way of showing God is immanent in all of creation. The creator and creation are inseparable.

Ring of Fire

Shiva’s dance is set within a ring of cosmic fire, prabha mandala, which represents time (which destroys everything) and which is shown as a circle to symbolize the Hindu belief that time is cyclical and without end.

Within the cosmos represented by the ring of fire, the form of Nataraja is seen as comprised of five concepts:

Srishti, creation, evolution Sthiti, preservation, support Samhara, destruction, evolution Tirobhava, illusion Anugraha, release, emancipation, grace

Srishti His upper right hand holds a small hourglass shaped drum (damaru) that makes the primal sounds of creation Shrishti.

There is this interesting idea in Hinduism that creation originates as sound, as vibration. Fritjof Capra found echoes of quantum theory in this, where all matter is vibrating at the atomic level.

Here are a couple of extracts from Fritjof Capra’s The Tao of Physics:

“The Dance of Shiva symbolizes the basis of all existence. At the same time, Shiva reminds us that the manifold forms in the world are not fundamental, but illusory and ever-changing. Modern physics has shown that the rhythm of creation and destruction is not only manifest in the turn of the seasons and in the birth and death of all living creatures, but is also the very essence of inorganic matter.

“According to quantum field theory, the dance of creation and destruction is the basis of the very existence of matter. Modern physics has thus revealed that every subatomic particle not only performs an energy dance, but also is an energy dance; a pulsating process of creation and destruction. For the modern physicists then, Shiva’s dance is the dance of subatomic matter, the basis of all existence and of all natural phenomena.”

In recognition of this profound and seamless bridging of mythology, religion, science and the ever-changing universe, a large bronze Nataraja stands at CERN, Switzerland, home to the Large Hadron Collider and the main home of modern research into particle physics.

Sthiti His lower right hand makes the abhaya mudra. It is the gesture of fearlessness or protection for his devotees. It also indicates preservation/support for the cosmos

Samhara His upper left hand holds a blazing flame or agni, symbolizing his power of destruction.

The way both creation and destruction are held in the dance pose signifies the balance between the two.

There is another interesting aspect of balance as well, that’s not often discussed.

Nataraja has different earrings in each ear. On the right ear is an earring in the shape of a crocodile, usually worn by men. His left ear has a traditional circular earring worn by women. The divine can be seen as male, female, both, and neither, another facet of Hinduism.

Tirobhava His right foot is on a dwarf, personifying human ego, ignorance and spiritual illusion which he keeps under control. This is the act of tirobhava or veiling — that is, reality is veiled from our understanding.

The serpent around his neck represents both our evil tendencies but also the coiled kundalini shakti within us (those interested in yoga would likely have come across the term kundalini).

Anugraha Anugraha, grace and emancipation, is indicated by the combination of the lower left hand, which points toward his upraised foot, showing the way to moksha in surrendering to the lord.

The uplifted left leg is revealing grace, which releases the mature soul from bondage. Hindus touching the feet of their elders in respect is an echo of God’s feet being considered holy.

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

The late S. M. Lockridge wrote this encouragement to trust in Jesus.

No barrier can hinder Him From pouring out His blessing. He’s enduringly strong; He’s entirely sincere; He’s eternally steadfast; He’s immortally graceful; He’s imperially powerful; He’s impartially merciful. He’s the greatest phenomenon that has Ever crossed the horizon of this world. He’s God’s Son. He’s a sinner’s Savior. He’s the centerpiece of civilization. I’m trying to tell you, Church— You can trust Him! He does not have to call for help, And you can’t confuse Him. He doesn’t need you and He doesn’t need me. He stands alone in the solitude of Himself. He’s august and He’s unique. He’s unparalleled; He’s unprecedented; He’s supreme and preeminent. He’s the loftiest idea in literature. He’s the highest personality in philosophy. He’s the supreme problem of higher criticism. He’s the fundamental doctrine of true theology. He’s the cardinal necessity of spiritual religion. He’s the miracle of the age. He’s the superlative of everything good that you can call Him. I’m trying to tell you—you can trust Him! He can satisfy all of our needs And He can do it simultaneously. He supplies strength for the weak. He’s available for the tempted and tried; He sympathizes and He sees. He guards and He guides. He heals the sick. He cleansed the lepers. He forgives sinners. He discharges debtors; He delivers captives. He defends the feeble; He blesses the young. He guards the aged; He rewards the diligent. He beautifies the meek. I’m trying to tell you—you can trust Him! He’s the key to knowledge. He’s the wellspring of wisdom. He’s the doorway of deliverance. He’s the pathway to peace. He’s the roadway to righteousness. He’s the highway to holiness. He’s the gateway to glory. You can trust Him. He’s the Master of the mighty. He’s the Captain of the conquerors. He’s the Head of the heroes. He’s the Leader of legislators. He’s the Overseer of the overcomers. He’s the Governor of Governors. He’s the Prince of princes. He’s the King of kings. He’s the Lord of lords. You can trust Him. His office is manifold. His promise is sure. His life is matchless. His goodness is limitless. His mercy is everlasting. His love never changes. His Word is enough. His grace is sufficient. His reign is righteous. His yoke is easy. His burden is light. I wish I could describe Him to you! He’s indescribable because He’s incomprehensible. He’s irresistible and He’s invincible. You can’t get Him off your hands. You can’t get Him out of your mind. You can’t outlive Him And you can’t live without Him. Pilate couldn’t stand Him When he found out he couldn’t stop Him. Pilate couldn’t find any fault in Him. The witnesses couldn’t get their testimonies to agree. Herod couldn’t kill Him. Death couldn’t handle Him. And thank God, the grave couldn’t hold Him. There was nobody before Him. There will be nobody after Him. He had no predecessor, And He’ll have no successor. You can’t impeach Him, And He’s not going to resign. You can trust Him!

[santoschristos]

Temple Portal To the Sun

The worlds are bound with the ropes of thy will, Like steeds are they stayed and constrained By the reins of invisible lightnings.

With bands that are stouter than iron manifold, And stronger than the cords of the gulfs, Thou withholdest them from the brink Of outward and perilous deeps, Lest they perish in the desolations of the night, Or be stricken of strange suns; Lest they be caught in the pitfalls of the abyss, Or fall into the furnace of Arcturus.

--To the Sun, Clark Ashton Smith

Image by --Mahaboka Surya Beej Mantra:

Om Hraam Hreem Hraum Sah Suryay Namah

This mantra praises the Sun god for his divine and magnificent power to render a life of fame and abundance with austerity and prosperity. The hymn also praises the Lord for his healing powers that can free a person of any negative impact or disease. The chanter is blessed with grace and positive vibrations.

[traumacatholic]

Could I ask you to pray for me? My best friend of 7 years suddenly broke it off with me yesterday and I’m faced with a gigantic hole in my life where they used to be. I’m going to need God’s strength to get me through the long long grief period ahead of me without hardening my heart to my other relationships.

Thank you so much for caring and God bless you, truly.

I'm sorry to hear about your struggles and pain, losing a best friend, particular one that has been your best friend for so long is definitely very difficult to manage. Please allow yourself to grieve as much as you need, and as much as it might hurt right now, please don't try and rush yourself to get over it or hold it against yourself for how long it might take.

Now would also be a good time to reach out to the other people in your life. Please always make use of your support system as much as you can, reach out to other people with what you're struggling with. Something that might help is getting a journal (or you can just type something up in a word document or whatever) and just getting all of your thoughts and emotions out on the page. I find that this can be a really good way of untangling some of the mess in my head, and by untangling things, it can make it a little easier to process and get through. When we keep all of our thoughts and emotions in our mind, it can become very easy to spiral. Getting it out on page somehow, and then using that to pray can be really fulfilling.

Please also try turning to the Psalms. They can be a great source of comfort and strength. The Psalms are such wonderful prayers to sit with and pray with.

Under the readmore I will attach some prayers for you, and I hope they are of some comfort to you.

Prayers in Time of Need

Almighty God, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, come to my help and deliver me from this difficulty that besets me. I believe Lord, that all trials of life are under Your care and that all things work for the good of those who love You. Take away from me fear, anxiety and distress. Help me to face and endure my difficulty with faith, courage and wisdom. Grant that this trial may bring me closer to You for You are my rock and refuge, my comfort and hope, my delight and joy. I trust in Your love and compassion. Blessed is Your name, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.

O God, our help in time of need, Who are just and merciful, and Who inclines to the supplications of His people. Look down upon me and have mercy on me and deliver me from the trouble that now besets me. Deal with us not according to our iniquities, but according to Your manifold mercies, for we are the works of Your hands, and You know our weaknesses. I pray to you to grant me Your divine helping grace, and endow me with patience and strength to endure my hardships with complete submission to Your Will. Only You know our misery and sufferings, and to You, our only hope and refuge, I flee for relief and comfort, trusting in Your infinite love and compassion, that in due time, when You know best, You will deliver me from this trouble, and turn my distress into comfort. We then shall rejoice in Your mercy, and exalt and praise Your Holy Name, O Father, Son and Holy Spirit, both now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen

Prayer for Mental Health Troubles

O Master, Lord my God, in Whose hands is my destiny: Help me according to Thy mercy, and leave me not to perish in my transgressions, nor allow me to follow them who place desires of the flesh over those of the spirit. I am Thy creation; disdain not the work of Thy hands. Turn not away; be compassionate and humiliate me not, neither scorn me, O Lord, as I am weak. I have fled unto Thee as my Protector and God. Heal my soul, for I have sinned against Thee. Save me for Thy mercy's sake, for I have cleaved unto Thee from my youth; let me who seeks Thee not be put to shame by being rejected by Thee for mine unclean actions, unseemly thoughts, and unprofitable remembrances. Drive away from me every filthy thing and excess of evil. For Thou alone art holy, alone mighty, and alone immortal, in all things having unexcelled might, which, through Thee, is given to all that strive against the devil and the might of his armies. For unto Thee is due all glory, honor and worship: To the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Prayer for Lost Friendship

Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You for the season of friendship You granted me with the person You placed on my heart today. It didn’t last as long as I thought it would, but it was a gift nonetheless, and so I praise You in spite of the pain of loss I still feel today.

Please shield me from the cords of bitterness that sometimes rear their ugly heads, and give me eyes to see the greater good that You have in store for me and for my friend as we continue life’s journey on separate paths.

Bless [him/her], Lord, and provide for [his/hery] every need and for mine, as well. Blessed is Your name, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.

Prayers for Our Enemies

[I understand that using the term enemies might not feel appropriate, these prayers are just for those that have caused us harm in some way. We don't have to consider that person our enemy to make use of these prayers.]

Lord Jesus Christ, our God, accept from me, Your unworthy servant, this prayer for my enemies and our enemies. Forgive us all our sins. Have mercy on all our enemies who hate us, or insult us, or persecute us, or torture us, and do not judge them as they deserve, but according to Your great mercy turn them all: turn the nonbelievers to true faith and godliness, and may the believers step away from evil and do good — so that none of them die because of us, Your unworthy servants.

Merciful Lord, I beseech You particularly for those who have offended me in any way at all, or grieved me, or have done me harm in any way: Do not punish them for me, a sinner, but pour out Your rich kindness upon them.

I pray you also, Lord, for those whom I have sinfully provoked or incited to the sin of animosity, and forgive both them and me. Remember, Lord, that we are all human, and as humans we sin against You and against each other; but You, O God, as our Creator and Father, mercifully forgive us and have mercy.

Lord, Lover of humankind, God our Saviour, forgive us our sins and our hostility toward one another; tear out from our hearts, O Lord, every mutual displeasure, prideful malice and remembrance of evil, and all that can obstruct love and weaken brotherly affection.

For You are the God of mercy and love for mankind, and You commanded us to forgive even our enemies, and to pray to You for those who hate us and persecute us. Glory and thanks be to You, the only Lover of mankind, for everything and everyone unto all ages.

Amеn.

--

Lord Jesus Christ, Who didst command us to love our enemies, and those who defame and injure us, and to pray for them and forgive them; Who Thyself didst pray for Thine enemies who crucified Thee: Grant us, we pray, the spirit of Christian reconciliation and meekness, that we may heartily forgive every injury and be reconciled with our enemies. Grant us to overcome the malevolence and offences of people with Christian meekness and true love of our neighbor. We further beseech Thee, O Lord, to grant to our enemies true peace and forgiveness of sins; do not allow them to leave this life without true faith and sincere conversion. And help us repay evil with goodness, and to remain safe from the temptations of the devil and from all the perils which threaten us, in the form of visible and invisible enemies. Amen.

--

O Lord, our God, pre-existing before all ages and remaining forever; who are as great in compassion as you are in uncontainable power; who because of your ineffable mercy bowed the heavens, came down on earth and became man for the salvation of sinners; who put on and immortalized our nature and ascended with it to the place from which you descended; hear from heaven and become merciful to all those who cry out to you with a broken heart. You, O Master of all, lend you ear and hear us. We know your undefeatable love for your creation and your inexhaustible goodness. Hence, we throw ourselves into the ocean of your compassions and entreat you: turn not your face from us nor cast us away from your countenance neither hand us over to those who are so furiously attacking us. Look upon us with your compassionate eye. Show us how to rise above both the visible and invisible enemies. Place in us a power from on high; encompass us with your almighty right hand; keep us under the protection of your wings; fortify us with love for one another and grant us unshakable peace. But before all and above all, instill in us your fear and your love that your holy name may also be glorified in us. Upon you alone we look, on you alone we have placed our hopes, and to you we send up the glory, together with your Father, who is without beginning, and the life-creating Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Prayers of Intercession

Save, O Lord, and have mercy on Thy servant(s)________ Deliver him (her, them) from every tribulation, wrath and need, From every sickness of soul and body, Forgive him (her, them) every transgression, voluntary and involuntary, And do whatever is profitable for our souls

--

Blessed Mother of those whose names you can read in my heart, watch over them with every care. Make their way easy and their labors fruitful. Dry their tears if they weep; sanctify their joys; raise their courage if they weaken; restore their hope if they lose heart, their health if they be ill, truth if they err, and repentance if they fall. Amen.

[I'm putting this because you might find it helpful to pray for them, these are just very good prayers for doing just that .]

Prayer for Protection

O Lord, Thou who steadied the hand of Peter as he began to sink on the stormy sea, if Thou are with me, no one is against me. Grant to me the shield of faith and the mighty armor of the Holy Spirit to protect me and guide me to do Thy will. The future I put into Thy hands, O Lord, and I follow Thee to a life in Christ. Amen

Prayers for Oneself in Time of Need

Almighty God, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, come to my help and deliver me from this difficulty that besets me. I believe Lord, that all trials of life are under Your care and that all things work for the good of those who love You. Take away from me fear, anxiety and distress. Help me to face and endure my difficulty with faith, courage and wisdom.

Grant that this trial may bring me closer to You for You are my rock and refuge, my comfort and hope, my delight and joy. I trust in Your love and compassion. In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.

[ginandoldlace]

Today on the Feast of St Barnabas the Apostle, we rejoice and give thanks for the worship, community life and witness of our Corporate Members, St Barnabas, Ranmore and The College of St Barnabas, both in the Diocese of Guilford. We pray that, with St Barnabas, they would enjoy the manifold gifts of the Holy Ghost and ever use them to the honour and glory of God.

Images: St Barnabas, Ranmore The College of St Barnabas The Collect

O LORD God Almighty, who didst endue thy holy Apostle Barnabas with singular gifts of the Holy Ghost: Leave us not, we beseech thee, destitute of thy manifold gifts, nor yet of grace to use them alway to thy honour and glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

[theadau]

The Angel & Devil AU | Characters line-up and designs.

ERA 0: The Divines. aka the first beings created by Dream XD (Divine Niki Nihachu & Divine Jack Manifold)

ERA 1: where The Earth was planned to be made. therefore, Samuel, The Grim Reaper was made and given a purpose.

…and, The First Angel is born and then a few others.

ERA 2: The Angel has fallen from grace, banished from Heaven. One and only place He calls home…is gone.

then…another Angel was born, proclaimed to be the first by DreamXD himself. Angel Schlatt came down to earth, to be God's messenger, guiding the misguided. giving humans faith in God with the three of Its followers (future saints).

as Angel Schlatt went back, Its curiosity got the best of It. cautiously, entering the gates of hell. there it is, The Fallen Angel. now he called himself The Devil.

Devil Quackity, threatened Angel Schlatt, as his anger builds up. The Angel tries to explain why Its presence is here. The Devil slowly calmed down and the both of them had a small chit-chat.

Angel Schlatt returns and pleads forgiveness to God...DreamXD has warned It about the dangers of Hell before, but since He is a merciful and forgiving being. He lets It go, lucky.

A being made from Hell's deepest and hottest fire was finally made, The Devil called him 'Helire'

ERA 3: well, in this Era, things happen alright. relationships are formed, conflicts, etc. and especially, The war between Heaven and Hell. sacrificing many lives of human souls, safe to say that… The Devil's fury was much, much more powerful than The Angel's sorrow. honestly, If that war didn't happen I wouldn't exist!

Unfortunately, I could not remember many of the positives that happened to me. It ended on a bittersweet note.

ERA 4: the present. that's all that I could betell, - sincerely, H

[roman-catholic-mass-readings]

12th January >> Mass Readings (USA)

Feast of The Baptism of the Lord

(Liturgical Colour: White. Year: C(I))

Either:

First Reading Isaiah 40:1–5, 9–11 The glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all people shall see it.

Comfort, give comfort to my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her service is at an end, her guilt is expiated; indeed, she has received from the hand of the LORD double for all her sins.

A voice cries out: In the desert prepare the way of the LORD! Make straight in the wasteland a highway for our God! Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill shall be made low; the rugged land shall be made a plain, the rough country, a broad valley. Then the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together; for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.

Go up onto a high mountain, Zion, herald of glad tidings; cry out at the top of your voice, Jerusalem, herald of good news! Fear not to cry out and say to the cities of Judah: Here is your God! Here comes with power the Lord GOD, who rules by a strong arm; here is his reward with him, his recompense before him. Like a shepherd he feeds his flock; in his arms he gathers the lambs, carrying them in his bosom, and leading the ewes with care.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Or:

First Reading Isaiah 42:1–4, 6–7 Behold my servant with whom I am well pleased.

Thus says the LORD:

Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one with whom I am pleased, upon whom I have put my spirit; he shall bring forth justice to the nations, not crying out, not shouting, not making his voice heard in the street. A bruised reed he shall not break, and a smoldering wick he shall not quench, until he establishes justice on the earth; the coastlands will wait for his teaching.

I, the LORD, have called you for the victory of justice, I have grasped you by the hand; I formed you, and set you as a covenant of the people, a light for the nations, to open the eyes of the blind, to bring out prisoners from confinement, and from the dungeon, those who live in darkness.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 104:1b–2, 3–4, 24–25, 27–28, 29–30

R/ O bless the Lord, my soul.

O LORD, my God, you are great indeed! You are clothed with majesty and glory, robed in light as with a cloak. You have spread out the heavens like a tent-cloth.

R/ O bless the Lord, my soul.

You have constructed your palace upon the waters. You make the clouds your chariot; you travel on the wings of the wind. You make the winds your messengers, and flaming fire your ministers.

R/ O bless the Lord, my soul.

How manifold are your works, O LORD! In wisdom you have wrought them all— the earth is full of your creatures; the sea also, great and wide, in which are schools without number of living things both small and great.

R/ O bless the Lord, my soul.

They look to you to give them food in due time. When you give it to them, they gather it; when you open your hand, they are filled with good things.

R/ O bless the Lord, my soul.

If you take away their breath, they perish and return to the dust. When you send forth your spirit, they are created, and you renew the face of the earth.

R/ O bless the Lord, my soul.

Second Reading Titus 2:11–14; 3:4–7 Jesus Christ saved us through the bath of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.

Beloved: The grace of God has appeared, saving all and training us to reject godless ways and worldly desires and to live temperately, justly, and devoutly in this age, as we await the blessed hope, the appearance of the glory of our great God and savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to deliver us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for himself a people as his own, eager to do what is good. When the kindness and generous love of God our savior appeared, not because of any righteous deeds we had done but because of his mercy, he saved us through the bath of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he richly poured out on us through Jesus Christ our savior, so that we might be justified by his grace and become heirs in hope of eternal life.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Gospel Acclamation cf. Luke 3:16

Alleluia, alleluia. John said: One mightier than I is coming; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Luke 3:15–16, 21–22 When Jesus had been baptized and was praying, heaven was opened.

The people were filled with expectation, and all were asking in their hearts whether John might be the Christ. John answered them all, saying, “I am baptizing you with water, but one mightier than I is coming. I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” After all the people had been baptized and Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

[orthodoxydaily]

Saints &Reading: Wednesday, February 21, 2024

february 8_february 21

E PROPHET ZECHARIAH (ZAKHARIAH) THE SICKLE-SEER FROM AMONGST THE 12MINOR PROPHETS (520 BC)

The Prophet Zachariah the Sickle-Seer the eleventh of the twelve Minor Prophets. He was descended from the tribe of Levi, and seems to have been a priest (Nehemiah 12:4,16). He was called to prophetic service at a young age and became, in the wondrous expression of church hymnology, “a spectator of supra-worldly visions.”

The Book of the Prophet Zachariah contains inspired details about the coming of the Messiah (Zach 6:12); about the last days of the Savior’s earthly life, about the Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem on a young donkey (Zach 9:9); about the betrayal of the Lord for thirty pieces of silver and the purchase of the potter’s field with them (Zach 11:12-13); about the piercing of the Savior’s side (Zach 12:10); about the scattering of the apostles from the Garden of Gethsemane (Zach 13:7); about the eclipse of the sun at the time of the Crucifixion (Zach 14:6-7).

“Enlightened by dawnings all above,” the Prophet Zachariah, “saw the future as it were the present.” According to Tradition, this “most true God-proclaimer” lived to old age and was buried near Jerusalem, beside his illustrious contemporary and companion, the Prophet Haggai (December 16). The title “Sickle-Seer” given Zachariah comes from a vision in which he saw a sickle flying in the air, destroying thieves and perjurors (Zach 5:1-3).

The holy Prophet Zachariah died around 520 B.C. His tomb was discovered in 415 in a village near Eleutheropolis (Sozomen, Hist. Eccles. VI:32, IX:17). At the prophet’s feet was the body of a child dressed in royal accouterments. His holy relics were transferred to the church of Saint James the Brother of the Lord (October 23) in Constantinople.

1 PETER 4:1-11

1Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. 3 For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles-when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries. 4 In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you. 5 They will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6For this reason the gospel was preached also to those who are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit. 7 But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. 8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for "love will cover a multitude of sins." 9 Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

MARK 12:28-37

28 Then one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, perceiving that He had answered them well, asked Him, "Which is the first commandment of all?" 29 Jesus answered him, "The first of all the commandments is: 'Hear, O Israel, the LORD our God, the LORD is one. 30 'And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.' This is the first commandment. 31 And the second, like it, is this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these. 32 So the scribe said to Him, "Well said, Teacher. You have spoken the truth, for there is one God, and there is no other but He. 33 And to love Him with all the heart, with all the understanding, with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love one's neighbor as oneself, is more than all the whole burnt offerings and sacrifices. 34 Now when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, He said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." But after that no one dared question Him. 35 Then Jesus answered and said, while He taught in the temple, "How is it that the scribes say that the Christ is the Son of David? 36 For David himself said by the Holy Spirit:'The LORD said to my Lord, Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool." ' 37 Therefore David himself calls Him 'Lord'; how is He then his Son? And the common people heard Him gladly.

[hieromonkcharbel]

If we are tempted to dwell on the past or the future, does this mean that we are not in the spirit of obedience?

If we prayerfully reach out into both the past and the future, all things concentrate into the present before the Lord, and the grace of God liberates us from the burden of the past and the uncertainty of the future. In fact, by praying in this way, we train ourselves to acquire the vision of the world to come, the way in which God sees all things. As Saint Sophrony describes it:

The whole of our earthly life, from birth to our last breath, in its final conclusion will appear as a single act without duration in time. Its content and quality will be seen at a glance.

However, when a thought of the past or of the future comes from the enemy, it robs us of our freedom. For this reason, the Fathers highly appreciate spiritual mourning which manifests itself in an uprush of prayer.

The true ascetic does not weep for the loss of money, career or glory; he weeps for the grace of God, which is the most precious treasure in his life; he mourns to be reconciled to God and to have the constant care of His grace.

If we go through afflictions on our own, we will be perplexed because, humanly speaking, there is often no solution. But if we torment our hardships with prayer before God, He will enlighten our mind to understand many mysteries, and many impasses will receive their solution. Saint Silouan writes:

With our minds we cannot know even how the sun was made; and when we beg God to tell us how He made the sun, the answer rings clear in our soul:

'Humble thyself, and thou shalt know, not only the sun but the Creator of the sun likewise.' But when the soul comes to know the Lord, for very joy she forgets the sun and all creation, and abandons anxiety for earthly knowledge.

When we humble ourselves, we become of the household' of the all-wise Creator of all things, and the way in which creation was made becomes secondary; it is no longer even our concern.

How do we bring the 'last times' into our lives?

In other words, how do we bring eternity into time? Saint Sophrony finds the answer in the word of the Gospel:

However strange it may seem, the luminous rays from the heavenly kingdom begin to reach us the moment we start to believe in Christ-God. 'Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake, Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting.’

Therefore, in God, Who is 'the Fount of time and eternity’, already in this life, we are given a foretaste of the perfection that we will witness at the end of the world. In the measure to which we become partakers of God, we are given to stand at the intersection of time and eternity, witnessing and experiencing our personal eternity.

When Saint Paul says that Christ is 'the same yesterday and to day and for ever', he means that Christ bears within Himself all the past, all the future and above all the present. All eternity is concentrated in Christ, and we bring the last times into our lives by striving to keep our spirit in constant touch with the Lord, especially through the prayer of repentance. In this way, we become His partakers who constantly await and receive a Saviour from heaven.

“Flying Over the Abyss”

Archimandrite Zacharias Zacharou

[apenitentialprayer]

We confess together that the faithful can rely on the mercy and promises of God. In spite of their own weakness and the manifold threats to their faith, on the strength of Christ's death and resurrection they can build on the effective promise of God's grace in Word and Sacrament and so be sure of this grace. This was emphasized in a particular way by the Reformers: in the midst of temptation, believers should not look to themselves but look solely to Christ and trust only Him. In trust in God's promise they are assured of their salvation, but are never secure looking at themselves. Catholics can share the concern of the Reformers to ground faith in the objective reality of Christ's promise[.]

- Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification by the Lutheran World Federation and the Catholic Church (§34-36a)

[A]t a given moment the Catholic generally cannot know with certainty that he is in a state of grace, yet he can be assured of God's faithful power to save and that God intends his salvation. This I will describe as relational. [… And] although a Catholic generally cannot be assured that he will persevere in grace, he can be assured that God will provide the grace needed at this moment to take the necessary next stop toward attaining salvation. This I will describe as dynamic.

- Br. Ignatius Schweitzer, O.P. (Hans Urs von Balthasar on the Assurance of Faith)

[ongolecharles]

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS (DSR) 📚 Group, Fri June 07th, 2024 ... Thursday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time, Year B/Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

Reading 1

____________

Hos 11:1, 3-4, 8c-9

Thus says the LORD:

When Israel was a child I loved him,

out of Egypt I called my son.

Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk,

who took them in my arms;

I drew them with human cords,

with bands of love;

I fostered them like one

who raises an infant to his cheeks;

Yet, though I stooped to feed my child,

they did not know that I was their healer.

My heart is overwhelmed,

my pity is stirred.

I will not give vent to my blazing anger,

I will not destroy Ephraim again;

For I am God and not a man,

the Holy One present among you;

I will not let the flames consume you.

Responsorial Psalm

______________

Is 12:2-3, 4, 5-6.

R. (3) You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation.

God indeed is my savior;

I am confident and unafraid.

My strength and my courage is the LORD,

and he has been my savior.

With joy you will draw water

at the fountain of salvation.

R. You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation.

Give thanks to the LORD, acclaim his name;

among the nations make known his deeds,

proclaim how exalted is his name.

R. You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation.

Sing praise to the LORD for his glorious achievement;

let this be known throughout all the earth.

Shout with exultation, O city of Zion,

for great in your midst

is the Holy One of Israel!

R. You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation.

Reading 2

____________

Eph 3:8-12, 14-19

Brothers and sisters:

To me, the very least of all the holy ones, this grace was given,

to preach to the Gentiles the inscrutable riches of Christ,

and to bring to light for all what is the plan of the mystery

hidden from ages past in God who created all things,

so that the manifold wisdom of God

might now be made known through the church

to the principalities and authorities in the heavens.

This was according to the eternal purpose

that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord,

in whom we have boldness of speech

and confidence of access through faith in him.

For this reason I kneel before the Father,

from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named,

that he may grant you in accord with the riches of his glory

to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner self,

and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith;

that you, rooted and grounded in love,

may have strength to comprehend with all the holy ones

what is the breadth and length and height and depth,

and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge,

so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Alleluia

________

Mt 11:29ab

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Take my yoke upon you, says the Lord;

and learn from me, for I am meek and gentle of heart.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Or

_________

1 Jn 4:10b

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

God first loved us

and sent his Son as expiation for our sins.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel

________

Jn 19:31-37

Since it was preparation day,

in order that the bodies might not remain on the cross on the sabbath,

for the sabbath day of that week was a solemn one,

the Jews asked Pilate that their legs be broken

and they be taken down.

So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first

and then of the other one who was crucified with Jesus.

But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead,

they did not break his legs,

but one soldier thrust his lance into his side,

and immediately blood and water flowed out.

An eyewitness has testified, and his testimony is true;

he knows that he is speaking the truth,

so that you also may come to believe.

For this happened so that the Scripture passage might be fulfilled:

Not a bone of it will be broken.

And again another passage says:

They will look upon him whom they have pierced.

***

FOCUS AND LITURGY OF THE WORD

One just has to open a newspaper today or watch the daily news to see a plethora of examples where the world’s darkness reveals that the light of God’s love needs to be shone more brightly. In the spirit that lives within all of us, we too may hold onto a heavy-hearted darkness about ourselves, or places where there may be stumbling blocks to God’s love truly finding a home in our hearts.  So, to celebrate a day of unconditional love, a sacred love, flowing forth from the heart of Jesus, is a devotion and a day of solemnity that brings hope to our world and a joy to our hearts.

I would like to reflect a bit on why this solemnity of the Sacred Heart is a dear devotion for me and a devotion to which I owe my vocation to the priesthood recall the genesis of this devotion, and why for us it is a solemn day of celebration and a transforming devotion that will change our hearts and the heart of our world for good, for God. 

First, a personal story. When I was a young boy, our home parish, Immaculate Conception in Waukegan, Illinois, had to the left of the Altar, a huge mosaic to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. I used to love to sit in front of that piece of art and was mesmerized in the connection between the love that Christ had in his eyes and the love that that exposed heart symbolized.

Second, all celebrations, like this solemnity, have their beginnings. This story, is all about heart, the heart of a nun’s story, the heart of the Jesuit’s story.  heart of our story. First, the heart of a nun’s story. The place was the Visitation convent at Paray-le-Monial in France. Between 1673 and 1675, our Lord appeared three times to a contemplative nun, Margaret Mary Alacoque, showed her his heart. In the first appearance, Jesus commissioned her to spread devotion to his sacred heart. In the second, he asked for Holy Communion and a Holy Hour of Reparation.

Third, during the octave of Corpus Christi in 1675, Jesus asked her to see a special feast established in reparation to his heart for the injuries done it. He added: "Go to my servant the Jesuit Father, Claude de La Colombiére and tell him from me to do all in his power to establish this devotion and give this pleasure to my heart." And Claude did "all in his power." The young Jesuit whom Jesus identified to Margaret Mary as "my faithful servant and perfect friend" preached the devotion to the end of his short life. (source: https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/the-revelation-of-the-sacred-heart-of-jesus-paral-le-monial-france-13719.

This devotion remains a devotion that is promoted and defended in the Society of Jesus to this day.  even though celebrated with remains alive in the Society.  In a more recent Jesuit General Congregation (General Congregation 35, 2008) the Jesuits stressed and emphasized promoting Christ’s sacred heart when it proclaims, “Nothing could be more desirable and more urgent today, since the heart of Christ burns with love for this world, with all its troubles, and seeks companions who can serve it with him.”

And finally, Christ’s sacred heart and us. And so, what’s wrong with a little devotion, why has it become an outmoded practice. The word devotion is a word of affection, of love, of knowing that someone is so in love with us they are devoted to us, and in return we, in our love for them, and the things that represent them, like the Sacred Heart of Jesus, we are so in love, so devoted to them.  So, the heart of Christ, as well as our own hearts, symbolizes something wonderful, something that is about the lifeblood flowing through our veins yes, but also, of what is and should be the heart of our faith, the heart of our very life, and this, this is love divine.

For love has the power to transform our very lives, to transform our world, in radical and wonderful ways, away from our own brokenness and need for healing, and into those places in this world that still live in darkness, oppression, hatred, and injustice, so that these places, these hearts of ours can feel too love’s clear promise of heaven.  We recollect this image of Christ’s sacred heart, and see there a love given freely, a love fraught with all meaning, and see Christ’s love encouraging us to be brave, to not be afraid, for it’s only love after all.

***

SAINT OF THE DAY

Bl. Franz Jagerstatter

(May 20, 1907 – August 9, 1943)

Blessed Franz Jägerstätter’s Story

Called to fight for his country as a Nazi soldier, Franz eventually refused, and this husband and father of three daughters—Rosalie, Marie and Aloisia—was executed because of it.

Born in St. Radegund in Upper Austria, Franz lost his father during World War I and was adopted after Heinrich Jaegerstaetter married Rosalia Huber. As a young man, he loved to ride his motorcycle and was the natural leader of a gang whose members were arrested in 1934 for brawling. For three years he worked in the mines in another city and then returned to St. Radegund, where he became a farmer, married Franziska and lived his faith with quiet but intense conviction.

In 1938, he publicly opposed the German Anschluss–annexation–of Austria. The next year he was drafted into the Austrian army, trained for seven months and then received a deferment. In 1940, Franz was called up again but allowed to return home at the request of the town’s mayor. He was in active service between October 1940 and April 1941, but was again deferred. His pastor, other priests, and the bishop of Linz urged him not to refuse to serve if drafted.

In February 1943, Franz was called up again and reported to army officials in Enns, Austria. When he refused to take the oath of loyalty to Hitler, he was imprisoned in Linz. Later he volunteered to serve in the medical corps but was not assigned there.

During Holy Week Franz wrote to his wife: “Easter is coming and, if it should be God’s will that we can never again in this world celebrate Easter together in our intimate family circle, we can still look ahead in the happy confidence that, when the eternal Easter morning dawns, no one in our family circle shall be missing—so we can then be permitted to rejoice together forever.” He was transferred in May to a prison in Berlin.

Challenged by his attorney that other Catholics were serving in the army, Franz responded, “I can only act on my own conscience. I do not judge anyone. I can only judge myself.” He continued, “I have considered my family. I have prayed and put myself and my family in God’s hands. I know that, if I do what I think God wants me to do, he will take care of my family.”

On August 8, 1943, Franz wrote to Fransizka: “Dear wife and mother, I thank you once more from my heart for everything that you have done for me in my lifetime, for all the sacrifices that you have borne for me. I beg you to forgive me if I have hurt or offended you, just as I have forgiven everything…My heartfelt greetings for my dear children. I will surely beg the dear God, if I am permitted to enter heaven soon, that he will set aside a little place in heaven for all of you.”

Franz was beheaded and cremated the following day. In 1946, his ashes were reburied in St. Radegund near a memorial inscribed with his name and the names of almost 60 village men who died during their military service. He was beatified in Linz on October 26, 2007. His “spiritual testament” is now in Rome’s St. Bartholomew Church as part of a shrine to 20th-century martyrs for their faith. Blessed Franz’s liturgical feast is celebrated on August 9.

***

【Build your Faith in Christ Jesus on #dailyscripturereadingsgroup 📚: +256 751 540 524 .. Whatsapp】

[feedingtheflockministry]

Morning Prayer Graciously come to us this morning, O God, and bless us. We deserve no favor at Your hand — but You are a God of mercy. Out of the depths, we have cried unto You. Lord, hear our cry, and let Your ear be attentive to the voice of our supplication. If You should mark iniquities against us — we could not stand before You, for we have sinned in manifold ways. But there is forgiveness with You — that You may be feared. We wait for Your mercy, for with You there is redemption. You have a purpose for each one of our lives today, something You would have us to do. May You make it plain to each of us as we go out, and go through the hours, what it is You have in Your plan for us. We would do Your will and not our own all the day. Show us what You will have us to do. Teach us to do Your commandments. Let us not follow the foolish counsels and devices of our own hearts. Let us not lean unto our own understanding. Incline our hearts to follow You, and to walk in the way of Your commandments. So may we please You and glorify Your name. We desire to be blessings in the world, and we ask You for grace to show to all who see us, Your beauty in our own lives. Fill us with Your Spirit and then Your life shall shine in us. May the joy of Jesus be in our hearts. Help us to be comforters to those who are in sorrow. May we be enabled to help others with the burdens that are too heavy for them. Teach us how to sympathize with those who are suffering. Help us to be winners of souls. Bless our home, and keep us while absent one from the other, bringing us all together in the evening. And may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with us. Amen.

[traumacatholic]

hi, i'd like to ask a prayer for a friend who struggles a lot mentally and has a strained relationship with her family. thank you

Of course, may God bless her and comfort her. And may He bring forth peace and healing in her family relationships.

I have attached under the readmore some prayers that you might find beneficial.

Prayers for Someone that is Sick

Let us pray to the Lord.

Lord have mercy.

O Lord Almighty, the Healer of our souls and bodies, You Who put down and raise up, Who chastise and heal also; do You now, in Your great mercy, visit our sister (Name), who is sick. Stretch forth Your hand that is full of healing and health, and get her up from her bed, and cure her of her illness. Put away from her the spirit of disease and of every malady, pain and fever to which she is bound; and if she has sins and transgressions, grant to her remission and forgiveness, in that You love mankind; yea, Lord my God, pity Your creation, through the compassions of Your Only-Begotten Son, together with Your All-Holy, Good and Life-creating Spirit, with Whom You are blessed, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

--

Let us pray to the Lord.

Lord have mercy.

O Lord our God, Who by word alone did heal all diseases, Who did cure the kinswoman of Peter, You Who chastise with pity and heal according to Your goodness; Who are able to put aside every malady and infirmity, do You Yourself, the same Lord, grant aid to this Your servant (Name) and cure her of every sickness of which she is grieved; lift her up from her bed of pain, and send down upon her Your great mercy, and if it be Your Will, give to her health and a complete recovery; for You are the Physician of our souls and bodies, and to You do we send up Glory: to Father, and to Son, and to Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

For Someone Else in Time of Need

O God, our help in time of need, Who are just and merciful, and Who inclines to the supplications of His people. Look down upon ____________and have mercy on them and deliver them from the trouble that now besets them. Deal with ____________ not according to their iniquities, but according to Your manifold mercies, for we are the works of Your hands, and You know our weaknesses. I pray to you to grant ____________ Your divine helping grace, and endow them with patience and strength to endure their hardships with complete submission to Your Will.

Only You know our misery and sufferings, and to You, our only hope and refuge, we flee for relief and comfort, trusting in Your infinite love and compassion, that in due time, when You know best, You will deliver ____________ from this trouble, and turn their distress into comfort. We then shall rejoice in Your mercy, and exalt and praise Your Holy Name, O Father, Son and Holy Spirit, both now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Prayer for the Intercession of Saint Anastasia the Greatmartyr

O holy saint Anastasia, healer and minister to captives, who did suffer greatly as a martyr while relieving the suffering of the poor and the sick, pray for us who are ill in soul and in body. Relieve us by your intercessions from the illnesses of our minds, from all evil temptation that seeks to disturb us, and from the suffering of our many afflictions. We ask these things boldly of you as you boldly approach the throne of our Lord Jesus Christ who alone is the Healer and Lover of Mankind. Amen.

Prayers for the Intercession of Saint Dymphna

O holy-martyr Dymphna, thou who didst imbibe of the saving doctrines of the Christian Faith at thy pious mother's breast, and flourished amid thorns like a beauteous lily: perfume us who run to thee with the sweet fragrance of reverence. Heeding the great apostle who dost thus admonish the faithful – “Ye are the temple of the living God Wherefore, be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers” – thou didst flee headlong from thy heathen father, desiring to escape the most vile profanation of the temple of thy body; teach us, O venerable martyr, to hearken also unto the Apostle’s commandments that we might flee from all unbelieving thoughts and evil suggestions.

Through many ages, pious Christians have journeyed from afar, to venerate thy precious relics, O holy virgin, for like an ever-flowing fountain thy tomb is a source of countless miracles. Wherefore, Gheel rejoiceth, as the place where thou didst lay down thy life for Christ; and all Flanders is filled with gladness, having thee as its glorious protectress. But we beg thee, blessed Dymphna, that through thy unceasing holy prayers the Lord send beams of grace upon us and all the faithful throughout the world. May all of us who suffer the darkening and delusion of mind find in thee a steadfast advocate and a wellspring of wondrous healing. Wherefore, thus healed, may we with a clear mind give glory, worship and honour to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

--

Good Saint Dymphna, great wonder-worker in every affliction of mind and body, I humbly implore your powerful intercession with Jesus through Mary, the Health of the Sick, in [name's] present need. (Mention it.) Saint Dymphna, martyr of purity, patroness of those who suffer with nervous and mental afflictions, beloved child of Jesus and Mary, pray to Them for me and obtain my request.

(Pray one Our Father, one Hail Mary and one Glory Be.)

Saint Dymphna, Virgin and Martyr, pray for us.

--

Saint Dymphna, Virgin and Martyr, pray for us.

Lord Jesus Christ, You have willed that St. Dymphna should be invoked by thousands of clients as the patroness of nervous and mental disease, and have brought it about that her interest in these patients should be an inspiration to and an ideal of charity throughout the world.

Grant that through the prayers of this youthful martyr of purity, those who suffer from nervous and mental illness everywhere on earth may be helped and consoled.

I recommend to You in particular (Here mention those you wish to pray for).

Be pleased to hear the prayers of St. Dymphna and of your Blessed Mother

Help of the sick and Comforter of the afflicted, on behalf of those whom I recommend to the love and compassion of Your Sacred Heart.

Give them patience to bear with their affliction and resignation to do Your divine will.

Give them the consolation they need and especially the cure they so much desire, if it be Your will.

May we all serve Your suffering members with a charity which may merit for us the reward of being united forever in Heaven with You, our Divine Head, who lives and reigns with the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit forever.

Amen.

I turn to you, dear virgin and martyr, confident of your power with God and of your willingness to take her cause into your hands.

As patroness of the nervous and emotionally distressed, I firmly hope that through your kind intercession He will restore her lost serenity. Please gain for her the grace that He may expel from her soul the evil spirt of depression, hatred, fear and any other negative forces that may dwell within. May He speak to her heart and reassure her: “My peace I give you. Let not your heart be troubled nor let it be afraid.”

Pray for me, dear St. Dymphna, that her nervous and emotional turmoil may cease, and that she may again know serenity and personal peace. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

--

Prayer for Families Experiencing Difficulties

[This is taken from a Novena, you might find that praying the Novena to be of benefit]

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. 

Amen.

Dear Lord, we thank You and praise You for the many ways You have blessed us in our lives. We humbly ask You to pour out Your grace and assistance on all families struggling with difficulties.

In the midst of suffering and trials, it is not always easy to be strong and to persevere. Families who are struggling with difficulties are in great need of perseverance as they seek healing and all they need for a healthy family life.

Please give all families who are struggling with difficulty the assistance they need, and we particularly ask today that You help all families struggling with difficulty to grow in perseverance.

Help us to grow in every virtue we need for holiness. Give us the grace to dedicate our whole lives to You, even when we are suffering. 

And we especially ask in this prayer for (mention your intentions here).

Lord, hear our prayers!

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. 

Amen.

[shammah8]

“But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.”

(1 Pete 4: 7-11)