St Wilfrids Catholic Church York Yorkshire England

Prayers shared by anon from

USHAA AND FAMILY... INDIA Be comforted...the Lord will be with you and help you through. Trust ever more deeply in His providence. Ps 87:14 "Lord, I called to Thee...in the morning I shall see Thy hand helping me."

PAUL UK Spiritual warfare. Many prayers are with you...from all over the world. Michael, the Archangel, is the special patron of all in such a struggle. In his protection, you shall find much help. The devil would have us in his camp...but God wills otherwise. Be of good hope. Psalm 24:2 "In You, O Lord, I place all my trust..."

MICHAEL...LISE...ENGLAND Prayers are offered by so many for your welfare and mum's.. In His hands we can trust and in His heart we can find the love we need. "Ps 64:10 "...in many ways Thou hast enriched us." Peace and joy to you both.

M, UK ... PAIN IN HIP...Many will pray for you welfare. I know you have much pain. My is sad for you. May the Lord bless you...look to you...shine His face upon you...give you the healing you pray for. Waste not the pains...for, offered up, they can become so many prayers for the conversion of the world. Psalm 61: "The Lord is my salvation. Shall I not lean upon Him?" Peace and love.

ISA, PORTUGAL Many will pray for your family and peace in your home. Do not be fearful...be rather full of trust. He will watch over and you shall be safe. Psalm 66:2 "May He shine His face on us to bless us..."

MARVIN...TOO LATE TO TURN...I pray for God's peace for you...I see a great sorrow that may become a great good. God's blessings.

FOR EACH INTENTION HERE...We pray with faith and love...Dear Lord, May You bless and keep each one...Turn Your face to each...Let Your healing blessings flow...Give hope and patience to all who pray and wait. Amen

CHIARA AND GABIELE "May the Lord bless thee both and keep thee and turn His face unto thee. Know that many will be praying that His will come forth...whatever that will may be.

NOT TIED DOWN...Imitation of Christ Bk 3 Ch 38 "Blessed are they who are free...not drawn away to temporal things...who stand upon the temporal to contemplate the eternal..."

FEAR...Psalm 26:1 "Of whom should I be afraid since the Lord is my Protector?..."

TRUST...Imitation of Christ Bk 3 Ch 37 "...and they do not trust Me fully and so they busy themselves in fruitless self care." anon

NOT WEAKENED...Psalm 25:1 "...I have placed all my trust in the Lord...I shall not be weakened."

IN THOSE EMPTY PLACES...Let your love for God prompt you to send a prayer of homage to all the places where He may be forgotten, ignored, denied, mythelized, unloved and unwanted. Then, in every place, a prayer shall go up, like incense, to the very throne of God.

INTENT UPON GOD...Imitation of Christ Bk 3 Ch 35 "...Set thy heart fixedly on the Lord...How else shall you remain in Him?" anon

GOD WILL BLESS...Psalm 23:5 "He shall receive a blessing from the Lord...and mercy shall be upon him."

TO NOT LOVE ONESELF...Think of the harm that self hate does. It destroys the will to do better things, to help others, to work for justice, to speak out for the underling. To self hate is to go against the wishes of God. He loves us so much and our lack of kindness towards self does not please Him. Pride is one thing to be avoided...the hatred of one's own being is a strike against one of God's own works.

NOT IN SELF...Imitation of Christ Bk 3 Ch 36 "To one that confides in God more than in himself...to him, what shall be grievous?" anon

TRUST...Psalm 24:2 "In Thee, dear Lord, I place all my trust..." Who has found peace if not those who have learned to trust in God with deep faith? anon

REFUGE...Imitation of Christ Bk 3 Ch 34..."O Lord, for me, there is no other place of refuge than in Thee."

EVEN FUTURE GENERATIONS..."A people not yet born hall be told of Thy goodness." Christ on the Cross recited this Psalm...praying for people of all time..

COME 'Come and seek Me...the door is open wide...you shall a love that is beyond what you might call 'fullest.'

TRIAL...Imitation of Christ Bk 3 Ch 29 "Blest be Thy name, O Lord...Trial has come to me...I fly to Thee so that this may turn to a good for my soul."

REJOICE...Psalm 9:3 "I shall rejoice in You O Lord...I shall sing Thy praise with gladness..." anon

NOT CAPTIVE...Imitation of Christ Bk 3 Ch 27 "If thy love is well ordered thou shall not be in captivity to anyone . Covet not what thou cannot have in good conscience."

PAUL UK...Be assured that many are praying for you. I pray daily for all who seek Him and are in a struggle. " I am with you ALL days' He said. anon

GRACE TO GO ON...Psalm 3:4 "Thou Lord, art the lifter up of my heart..." When we are down and in sadness, where better to flee?

NOT ENTANGLED...Imitation of Christ By 3 Ch 26 "O Lord, he;lp me...Let me not be overly entangled in the things of this life...so that may great concern be of Thee and Thy ways."

AID...Psalm 4:2 "When I called upon Him, He heard me and enlarged me..." The love of God pours forth grace to those who seek.

QUEEN OF THE GOLDEN CROSS...Imagine a Cross, bigger than the highest building on the earth. Imagine how estimmed it would be and people would come from all over to see and touch this cross. That rough, blood stained wooden cross of Golgotha on which the Divine Lamb was slain is of such greater value ...we cannot begin to compare. Think of Our Lady, Queen of the Golden Cross and ask that you might love the Cross far more deeply than anything else you might regard as 'precious.'

UNCTION...Imitation of Christ...Bk 3 Ch 26.."Lord, give me, not the riches of this world, but the sweet unction of Thy Holy Spirit...and a deep love of Thy sacred name."

SEEK HIM EARLY...Psalm 5:4"Lord, early in the day, You shall hear my voice..." What good time to pray...ahead of all the distractions of the day. A time to seek His grace..to offer to Him our praise as the Highest Good we could ever know.

CONDUIT...Did you ever realize that God may be using you o spread His blessings? Just by kindly presence to another, there is a flow that comes from God (to Him be the praise) and bestows some blessing on that person. Let us be open to His work through us.

UNSELFISH PRAYER...A prayer most dear to the heart of God is an unselfish prayer wherein we pray, not for ourselves or any of our hopes, but completely to beg the mercy of God on others...even those we may not know. And add a verse of Scripture like: Ps140:2...Like incense rising, so let my prayer arise to Thee."

UTTER MYSTERY...Looking, I could not see. Hearing I could not understand. Reaching I could not take hold. At last, I knew He dwelt in the cloud of not knowing...there I came to Him in wordless prayer.

PAUL UK...'Nothing shall be impossible with God." I pray for you daily. Cling to Gd...He shall not let you down.

UTTERANCE..."BE GLAD IN YOUR LITTLENESS..SEARCH FOR ME IN YOUR CLOUD OF UNKNOWING..MY NAME IS I AM WHO AM..."

EAGER...John 20:2 "...She ran to tell Peter..." When a person is full of love and faith, there is an eagerness to tell the good news.

LIGHT...Imitation of Christ Bk 3 Ch 23 "O good Lord, enlighten me...draw away all darkness from me that I may rejoice in Thy precious light...Light up my path."

LORD ABOVE ALL...Imitation of Christ Bk 3 Ch 21 "Above all things, Lord, is Thy supreme Lordship;...All that is not Thee, I do not desire."

LIFE ETERNAL...John 17:2 "A power to the Son so that He may give eternal life to all the ones the Father sends to Him."

UTTERANCE...God has a design for each of us...it may seem strange to us but we trust in Him...He knows how to bring good out of terrible things. Consider Calvary

SEEKING WHOM?...John 18:4 "...Jesus went to meet them...He asked: 'Whom do you seek? ' " Lord, may I seek Thee always for Thou art my Supreme Good.

THE GOOD PATH...Imitation of Christ Bk 3 Ch 22..."Open my heart, Lord, ...come and teach me what it is to love Thy ways...help me to walk in the good path...forgetting selfish aims."

UNION...John 15:4 "Abide n Me and I in you...no branch can bear fruit unless it is attached to the vine."

DRAW ME, LORD...Imitation of Christ Bk 3 Ch 20 "Pity me Lord...draw me out of the mire of my sins so that I may not be stuck in them forever."

UTTERANCE..."Still the Spirit roams the world, looking for an open door."

LEARN FROM THE CROSS...Imitation of Christ Bk 3 Ch 19...Strive to bear all in patience...think of the heavier pain that others are bearing today...and learn from My Cross."

FAITH...John 14:1..."Let not your heart be so troubled...Do thou believe in Me..'

FOR ALL MANKIND...Imitation of Christ Bk 3 Ch 18 "Because I love thee, I took upon Myself so many miseries...I came for thy salvation and that of all mankind."

LIGHT...John 12:46 "I am come as a Light to the world...all who believe in Me shall walk in brightness..."

PENTECOST...Come, once more O Spirit from above...How much we need Thy Presence and love! anon

POOR AND DESPISED...Imitation of Christ Bk 3 Ch 18 "If thou wouldst walk with Me thou must be as ready to hunger as to eat...as poor as your desire to be rich might be...as lowly as you might want to be proud and praised and lifted up."

SADNESS THAT TURNS TO JOY...John 11:4 "...this sickness is not unto death but unto the glory of God." Sometimes sadness is the door that leads to a great comfort and peace.

HIS CARING...Imitation of Christ Bk 3 Ch 17 "Lord, what You say is truth...greater is Thy care for us than any care we might show ourselves."

HEAR HIS VOICE...John 10: "They hear his voice and He calls them by name...they know Him and they follow him out."

SHARE...The insights given to you..especially in times of quiet prayer...are meant, not for you alone, but for those you find who are in need. What was given to you is not for you alone but for those you encounter on the way. Lord...Sometimes we are quick to receive but slow to pass along.

NOT AS I WILL...Imitation of Christ Bk 3 Ch 15 "Say on every occasion 'Lord, if this be Your will and pleasing to Thee...so let it be. '

EARLY...John 8:1 "Early, He went to Mt Olivet to pray.." The early morning is such a good time to pray...before the day comes crushing in. Early to prayer could be our guide for any problems that we face. Early...We sought His grace.

GRACE

COME ONCE MOREO Spirit of God Come once more For we are in such need Come, our souls to feed Come with all Thy power Bless His Church that Imay flower. anon

JOY IN GOD

I LOVE YOU

OH MOST HOLY TRINITY

INFLUENCE...When a good person is blessed by the Spirit of God, they work a good without even knowing it. They bring the Presence of God and all His grace to simple situations where they might be. They do not take credit for any of it..it happens even without their knowing it.

WATER AND THE HOLY SPIRIT...John 3:5..."He cannot enter the Kingdom unless he be born once more...this time, by water and the Holy Spirit." Lord, lead us to this new life that you call us to.

WILL OF GOD ...Imitation of Christ Bk 3 Ch 11..."There is much yet to learn...be not a lover of self but be zealous in the doing of My will." Anon

MAY...Long standing tradition has seen May as the time to especially remember Mary and her role in our Redemption. Her 'fiat' became a model for all who would strive to love Him and revere His holy will. 'Lovely lady, dressed in blue...Teach us how to pray...'

GOD WAS AT WORK...Mark 16:20..."And they went and preached everywhere and God was with them in the signs that they performed." In our efforts to do good, God is always at work preparing hearts for the glad news of the Gospel.

SILENCE...Mark 15:5..."Jesus was silent...and Pilat wondered greatly." Silence sometimes is the only really effective response to another. It will make them think about what they have just said. it may give them a chance to reconsider their position. Silence is a much under sought thing in our day.

ON YOUR HEART...The Spirit of God wishes to write upon your heart. Keep it as a vellum not yet written upon...ready...expectant...waiting...open...

REFER ALL TO ME...Imitation of Christ...Bk 3 Ch 9..."Principally refer all things to Me for I am Giver of all you can see and all you have; Consider all the good that flows from the Supreme Good.'

FUNERALS...What a time of grace this can become. We are reminded that we are not made for this life but for that wonderful life beyond...no man has seen, nor thought of, nor imagined what God has prepared, as Paul said. It can be a 'retreat time' for us. Yesterday, Martha's memorial was so beautiful and so full of love and caring. Joy and peace to her...blessings to her family.

MANE NOBISCUM DOMINE... Stay with us, Lord. A very short but beautiful prayer right out of the Easter Scriptures. Remember how the disciples implored Jesus to stay with them 'for night comes on wherein no man can walk.' Love to chant this little phrase...it is so full of meaning.

GUARD...Mark 13:5 "...Take heed lest any man deceive you..." We will always have those who try to lead us down a path that is not for us if we truly love Christ and want to do His will.

PRIDE LOST...Imitation of Christ Bk 3 Ch 8..."If I learn to humble myself and realize my littleness...Thy grace shall come to me...Thy light will shine on my heart...my pride shall lose itself by Thy grace."

LOVE OF RICHES...Mark 10:23..."How hard it is for those who love the riches of this world to come into the Kingdom.' I treasured the wealth of this world and forgot about the spiritual riches that God was offering me. It was not the riches...but the attachment to them that wounded me.

MOCKERY ENDURED...Mark 27:43 "He trusted in God. Let God deliver him. You know He said 'I am Son of God' " The humble Christ endured such mockery for the sake of all sins of pride wherein we see ourselves as other than we really are.

COMPASSION...Compassion moves us to pray for that soul who needs a prayer at this very moment and yet has no one to utter itt. The Love of Christ presses on us.

HUMBLE...Imitation of Christ...Book 3 Ch 6..."When you see the fall of the proud man...take heed and learn to keep yourself in humble thoughts." All we have is from God...and so to Him is all the credit due.

TRUST...Imitation of Christ...Bk 3 Ch 3..."Know this: My promises deceives no man...nor do I send away empty those who come to Me trusting in My merciful love." anon

NOT FOR SOME GIFT...Imitation of Christ Bk 2 Ch 11..."All who love Him for Himself and not for some 'gift' He might bestow, truly love God in all His majesty! anon

AND FOR WHOM TO PRAY?...The old nun was asked about who to pray for. Her reply: "Pray for those, unknown to you perhaps, who are very much in need of a prayer right now...pray for those who have forgotten the goodness of God...pray for those for whom the riches of this world are enough and they care not about spiritual wealth...pray for the despondent and save them with your prayer for them...pray for sick and dying that they may soon be in the joy of Heaven...and ask the Holy Spirit for He will tell you much more." anon

SEEK HIS GRACE...Imitation of Christ Book 2 Ch 9..."When grace comes, is this not desirable to all? Carried by the grace of God...what a gift He sends!"

OIL FOR YOUR LAMP...Matt 25:13. "...You know not the day no the hour...Wait in readiness."

LITTLEdependingneedingtrusting looking up.

TRUSTBe stillTake courageHold His hand Rejoice! anon

A KEYSo to have that special keyTo the palace of the King;It is the little and meek that shall easily enter in.

LITTLE...The great ones cannot enter For the gate is low; Only the little ones Can easily go in." anon

TWO THINGS...Imitation of Christ Bk 1 Ch 25..."These two things shall do thee much good (1) To withdraw from things that are evil yet still call to you and (2) To pursue that virtue that God most desires in you...the virtue you stand in need of most." anon

BE NOT A FOOL...Imitation of Christ Bk 2 Ch 8..."Thou dost foolishly it thou trust is in any one else than God. Do not rejoice in any other than Him."

FOLLOW THEIR WORDS...Matt 23:3 "Follow their words but the example of some is sad and not to be followed.

THE LOVE OF THE GIVER...Imitation of Christ Bk 1 Ch 15..."Know this:God regards not so much the gift of the lover BUT the Love of the giver. So fruitful are all the things done with love as their foundation."

A HOUSE FOR WORSHIP...Matt 21:13 ..."My house is a house of prayer...but look at this."... To love God is to love the places that are special to Him.

LOVE...There is a certain path by which God came down to us...That is deepest love. That same path is the way we climb back up to Him...deepest love.

LORD, FORGET ME NOT...Lord, I forget of Thy love...Forget me not...I forget of Thy giving to me...Do not forget me...I forget to love you in the poor...Please mercifully remember me.

HIS THUMBPRINTS...Imitation of Christ Book 2 Ch 4..."There is no creature no matter how small or simple that it does not show forth the wisdom and goodness of God." Study a wild flower and pause in the Divine Presence that engulfs the world.

MERCY OF GOD...See Matt 20...The later laborers are paid just as the early laborers were. In His mercy, He does not pour blessings miserly on those who come to Him in repentance at the last hour. it is beyond our way of thinking. But is not God free to do as God wishes? His ways are not our ways...thank God.

A CLEAN HEART...Imitation of Christ...Bk 2 Ch 4..."If there be any joy in this world...the clean of heart possess it..."

DOING GOOD...Imitation of Christ Bk 2 Ch 3..."The peaceable man does more good than the learned man. Be at peace yourself before trying to bring peace to others."

WHO IS THE GREATEST?...Matt 18:2 '...and Jesus took a little child and put him in their midst...' The lesson was short and to the point. Simple trust and child like humility will mark the great ones.

THOSE WHO PREACH...John Paul II..."Why do they not speak of eternity...about eternal union with God...Faith teaches that this is the vocation of man, his destiny and his end?"

SEEING HIM IN A DIFFERENT MANNER...Matt 17:2..."His face was like the sun...His clothing was white as snow." When the Divinity showed through.

HOLINESS...From Bardic Triad of St Paul: "...An ardent seeker of truth...One who does justice...One who shows much mercy."

POOR CROP...See Is Ch 5...'..I shall sing of the lord of the vineyard...He labored so long and hard...He tilled and fertilized...pruned and watered. But at harvest...there were only wild grapes. I will sing of His love and giving. I will sing of the good crops that should have come." Mercy, Lord

DOES HE MEAN SOMETHING TO YOU?...Matt 16:15 "Whom do YOU say I am?" It is a question for me to address to self each day. Who and What is He really to me? Mercy Lord.

LOVE AND PRAYER...anon..."In all prayer...if love is there...so is the Presence of God. In all our woes...if trust is there...So is the caring of God. In all sadness...if reliance on Him is there...So is much peace."

JOY IN GOD...Imitation of Christ...Book 4 Ch 11..."In truth, my whole heart ought to be inflamed and weep for joy...for Thou art present with me here."

WHEN AND WHERE TO PRAY...It matters not...When a prayer is said with a loving heart...GOD IS THERE.

FAITH IN HIM...Matt 15:28 "Woman how great is thy faith...be it done as you requested. And the daughter was made well.' Faith touches the heart of God deeply.

GOD'S WILL...Imitation of Christ Book 1 Ch 25..."As soon as he committed himself to the will of God...he found comfort and consolation and anxious thoughts fled away...'

FAITH...John 20:29 "Thomas...there are many who will believe even without signs. Blessed are they."

DO YOU FEEL LIKE YOU ARE IN THE PLACE WHERE GOD WANTS?...In a recent article, a priest writes about the spiritual life. One thing that stood out was this: "Do you feel that God wants you to be where you are?...or does He want you somewhere else?" Great point. In my own case...I care for my dear wife who suffers much, Parkinsons, partial loss of sight, pain from two back operations that were not successful and now some confusion over simple things that she always was very sharp on. I feel that there is absolutely no where else for me than at her side the rest of her life. I am glad to be where He wishes me to be.

NOT THIS WORLD'S WAY...Romans 12:2 "Do not conform to this world's way of life..But be renewed by the grace of God so that you may look towards the will of God...and consider all that is good and holy...and acceptable to Him..."

LISTEN?...Matt 11:15..."He that hath ears let him hear." Wonder how many times we have missed something very special from God because we did not listen.

WELCOME THE WORD...Matt 13:3...'The sower goes forth to sow the seed..." Receive God's Word gladlyand humbly. It comes to bless you and lift you to greater good and closer union with the Divine.

RULES...SEE Matt 12:1-3...On the sabbath day, they plucked corn off the stalks and ate it. The enemies of Jesus took note. Christ said to them that God was loving and kind and loved people in their needs rather than the 'laws' that were so sacred!

WHERE THEY SEEK YOU NOT...A certain nun prayed this prayer everyday. When she died, God revealed to her how pleased He was with this loving prayer. "Lord, I pray for all those souls who seek You not this day. Call to them again. May their hearts respond now to You."

WATCHFUL...Imitation of Christ Bk 1 Ch 23..."Be therefore always ready so that death may not find you unprepared." Daily acts of Faith, Hope, and Charity and Spiritual Communion are a most excellent start. anon

THE LOST SHEEP...Matt 10:6 "...go ye to the lost sheep..." In His love He directs the efforts of His disciples to those deemed as 'lost.'

LIFE ETERNAL...Imitation of Christ Bk 1 Ch 18..."Consider the saints...They hated their lives here below so to keep focused on eternal life with Him.."

FAITH...Matt 9:8 "...and seeing His power they were amazed.." They saw and so believed. Blessed are they who have not seen but yet are full of faith in Him.

DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY...Let us join in this celebration is some little manner...maybe tell someone I am sorry.Or better, let the Spirit tell you how to mark the day. He may surprise you!

EVIDENCE...Matt 3:8 "John said to them: 'Let me see works of goodness as evidence of your cleansed hearts...' "

HAPPY EASTER..."For this is the day the Lord has made...Let us be glad and rejoice in it!" Not one soul is excluded from this wish for joy in Him this day! anon

FAITH...Matt 8:2..."Lord, if Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean..." A trusting faith touches the merciful heart of God in a most powerful way.

JOY IN THE CHRIST VICTOR...Rejoice we, this is the day HE has made. This day is His feast of eternal life. Today is the renewal of all hope. Our Saving Lord has gone before us...has led the way. We follow in joyful praise! Happy Easter!

HOW DO I MEASURE?...Matt 7:2 "How you measure out...that is the way it shall be measured unto you." Generous...Full ...or skimpy...miserly?

WHY IS THAT DAY CALLED "GOOD?"...Good Friday, we rare repentant. No love is greater than this. anon

SAINTS...Imitation of Christ...Bk 1 Ch 14..."Consider the saints...they were like strangers to this world...but they were the familiar friends of God." To be close to God...is that not perfect joy?

MOST BLESSED SACRAMENT...Lord Jesus Christ, You became 'manna' for your people. The food for their souls in the wild desert...food for the journey. Food to sustain and nourish. Most Precious Gift! May they come to You in joy and most grateful thanks. Amen anon

GOOD OUT OF THE NOT SO GOOD...Imitation of Christ Bk 1 Ch 16..."...leave it all to God...May His will be done. He knows well how to bring good out of evil. May He be honored in all circumstances." anon

LIFE WITHOUT HUMOR...Life without laughter is hardly life at all. Humor is like water to the man in the desert...it is something he very badly needs. Humor not expressed is like the water in the earth and the well has not yet been dug. To share humor is a unitive practice so vital to good living. To give humor away is to hand bread to the hungry...you never know how badly that person needs your joke...your little story. Surely, Christ Himself, found stories and jokes for His dear companions for it is another way of saying 'I love you.'

LOVE...A love that does not find expression...is hardly to be called love at all for love dies without finding ways to express itself. It is life giving water in a well that has not yet been dug. anon

CALLED...Sometimes, you are called to do something for another. You do it...simple as a handshake...and God lets you know how important that was for that person. Was led to wish a person 'a really nice day.' Later found out that the effect was so very important. That man was suicidal and I did not know it...it just came to me to greet him. God calls. May we answer well. anon

PRAISE...Ps 150:2 "Give praise to Him in the multitude of His great goodness"

WHOM DO YOU SEEK?...John 18 vs 4...The Lord could be saying that to us...each one. Whom do you seek? Would that we could say 'You, alone, O Lord.' anon

THRESHOLD OF HOPE...John Paul II..."There is every reason for the truth of His Cross...to be called to the Good News is to let ones self be led across the threshold of hope." anon

WORDS...Imitation of Christ...Bk 1 Ch 5... Words...so often we are concerned over WHO said this or that but really the emphasis should be on WHAT was said. "...love the simple truth...consider WHAT is said over WHO has said it." How wise are they who look for Wisdom...not just high sounding phrases. anon

SACRED PASSION...What one word tells the entire story? Love...He did not refuse the cup and prayed 'Not as I will...' When have we ever given ourselves so completely to God? Surrendered...Entrusted self...said such a YES?

NAME ABOVE ALL OTHERS...See Phil 2...Paul writes about the obedience of the Eternal Son...so deep was that obedience that it even went to death...and death by crucifixion. How deep that love...How holy this Victim.

FORSAKEN...Ps 22... ref...In the Passion of Christ, this certain sense of abandonment hurt Him so deeply. Why this empty darkness? This seemingly absence of love? He was atoning for our sins and this was part of His pain. We may feel lonely...but probably never like the lonely Christ.

A WORD TO THE WEARY...See Is 50...What a gift this is...to have a word for the weary...for the saddened...for the lonely. Words can wound...we all know that..But words can lift and heal. Give us, O Lord, that gift. anon

ALL THAT IS GOOD...See Romans Ch 12...Offer yourselves to God as a sacrifice and a dedication to good...no matter how small it may be..to not follow the fashions and morals of today...What worth do they hold?...Consider all that is good and kind and unselfish and giving...And, surprise...You shall come to a joy that overflows and makes your heart sing...tho you did not seek that joy. anon

THE TALL PINES...On my daily walks, I often walk beneath some very tall pines. It is quiet and your feet walk on the bed of countlesspine needles. In that place...I swear...there is a certain 'closeness to God' that I don't experience elsewhere. I really think the veil is very thin there...the veil that separates us from touching the very hand of God...In fact, reach up...His hand is on the other side of the veil! Please...go for a walk today...and look for that thin place where you know He is very present. You will know when you are there. anon

NOT KNOWING...John 16:3..."..these things they will do because they have not known Me nor the Father.." Good springs from a knowledge of the Christ and Him Who sent Him. anon

TEMPTATIONS INTO PRAYER...With the right intention and God's merciful grace...Times of temptation may become beautiful prayers. Lord, look at my many temptations and let them turn into moments of praise and thanks. You turned mere water into a very fine wine...Turn all my sinful inclinations into loving prayers to Thee. Have mercy on me, a sinner. Misere. anon

TOUCHED...In a conversation today with a man I had never seen before...he told me..'You and I are a part of every single person we have met in our lives.' When we think of it...we find it true...we are an influence for good or evil or indifference for all whom we have met. Don't we wish to be that gentle push towards good? anon

FRETFUL...John 14:1 "Let not your heart be troubled...You believe in God, believe also in Me..." When anxiety comes upon us, we might ask ourselve: 'Do we believe in the One Who watches over and Who said: 'the hairs of your head are all numbered...?' anon

LOVED THEM...John 13:1..."Having loved His own, He loved them to the end..." Such love for us all...loving us to the very end. anon

TO LOVE...Longfellow..."Love keeps the cold out better than a cloak." To really care...to show concern...to be loved in return...to be somebody special to someone. Is that not to warm the space wherein we live?

JUST EXIST?...Oscar Wilde..."To live is the rarest thing in the world...Most people exist, that is all." We ask: What is it to be truly alive?...full of interest...full of concerns and interests...full of connection with others?...etc. anon

LOVE THAT FINDS EXPRESSION...John 12:13..."...a certain Mary washed His feet with her tears and anointed them." anon

STAY WITH US...Luke 24:29...Mane nobiscum Domine. What a beautiful prayer to recite over and over as we center on the Divine Presence. It helps us to have a brief prayer to bring us back to our meditation. We wander off so easily but God understands. t is the intent that matters to Him...to remain quiet in the Sacred Presence and focus all our attention on Him and whatever He is saying to us...or not saying. Love does not always need the words.

PRAISE ALWAYS...George Hebert..."Give me, O Lord, a heart whose very pulse is praise." Imagine that every pulse in you whispers to God...'Love You..Love You. Love You'...

NOT WORDS...Imitation of Christ...Bk 1 Ch 1 "It s not in sublime words that make one dear to God but a virtuous life...in conformity will of Christ."

THE TRUE SHEPHERD...John 10:2...The true Shepherd enters by the door...the others sneak in another way. Jesus came with clear and open message but their ears were closed.

DEATH TO LIFE...John 11:11..."Jesus said: Lazarus is asleep..I go to awake him." Faith tells us that, though dead, we shall awake to a new life. Blessed are they who believe...they shall be welcomed to a new life.

REFLECTION...Oscar Wilde..."Every sinner has a past and every saint has a future." In His love, He welcomes the sinner and urges them to leave their past...And the sainthood they come to shall everlast.

HE INVITES..."When He calls...I hear His voice...I come to Him..love gives me no choice. He welcomes even me...So sinful, you see...He will be my God...Where ever these feet will trod." anon

REJOICE...Do we rejoice in the infinite mercy of God? Daily thanks be to God. He could walk on by...but He grabs us and hugs us after we have rejected Him. It is beyond us. We shall know better in eternity. ... with Him... anon

KINDNESS AND ITS EFFECTS...Lord Byron..."Be thou the rainbow in the storms of life...that evening beam of light that smiles the clouds away and tints tomorrow with prophetic ray." Our caring, our empathy, our kindness can change and uplift those in pain.

OUR LITTLENESS...T Merton..."The surest sign that we have received a spiritual understanding of God's love for us is when we come to truly appreciate our own wretched poverty and the vastness of His infinite mercy."

HIM ALONE...Imitation of Christ Bk 4 Ch 13..."Who shall give me this, O Lord,...to find Thee alone...to open my heart entirely to Thee...to enjoy Thee as my soul desires... May Thou alone, O God, speak unto me." anon

LIGHT...John 9:5...' I am the light of the world.' Imagine trying to find your way in total darkness..the confusion...the fear...the frustration...the anxiety. He has come to light the path!!! anon

SUPREME GOOD...Phil 3...Paul reminds us to value the faith we have in Christ. For He is 'the supreme good' and knowing Him is our greatest treasure. anon

GREAT THINGS...Ps 126...'The Lord has done great things for us and joy fills our hearts.' Let us never forget the goodness He has shown to us all through our lives. anon

NOW...I WORK IN YOUR MIDST...Is 43...Truly He is the God of past miracles BUT He tells us to look TODAY and be mindful of His loving Presence and aid in the here and now. anon

LACK OF FAITH...John 7:5 '...neither did His brethren believe in Him..' When we are frustrated, we might think of Jesus and His sorrow over lack of full acceptance of Himself. Even after all His miracles (many more than are written about) they still did not believe. Lord, give to us a faith that is full and deep and sincere.

SO TO HEAR HIM...Luke 15..."The tax collectors and sinners drew near so to her Him." Eagerness to learn...willingness to listen...searching for the truth...engrossed in what he had to tell them. But others did not care...they were full of their own 'wisdom.'

THE INNOCENT LAMB...2 Cor 5...Paul reminds us that the sinless One became sin for us...the Lord suffered in atonement, not for Himself...but entirely for us. Let us recall this when we have pain and trials and heart break. He was the Victim of OUR wrong doing. Maybe some pain on our part is fitting.

PRAISE...Psalm 34...'At all times, I shall glorify the Lord; His praise shall be ever in my mouth.' anon

THE DAYS OF MANNA WERE OVER...Joshua 5...The manna did not go on and on...it ceased when the people had a land to till and seeds to plant. So with us...we do not expect God to work so many miracles to completely sustain us...We ask for the earning of our food and drink. We do not sit by and expect the Lord to do it all.

TO NEED A SIGN...In John 2, we read that many believed in Him when they saw the signs that He did. How blessed are they who believe even when not seeing a miracle. Faith that is firm and true needs not the 'signs' that some might expect. When we believe in a loved one's story...we do not need that they prove their account...we trust and believe.

THAT NOTHING BE LOST...In John 6, we read of the feeding of the multitudes. We almost miss that remark of Jesus 'Gather ye the fragments so that nothing be lost." Such is the heart of God...a concern for salvation for each soul...Oh, that none be lost!

GOOD ST JOSEPH...Soon we shall celebrate his feast. It is one of my favorite feasts. I reflect on his goodness, faith that endured, obedience to God, living the mystery that he was in. A model for all who seek to love unselfishly...to give and forget self...to labor for the good of others and not seek glory for self. No wonder he is the dear saint of thousands! anon

FUN...We rarely think of fun and charity in the same sentence. But when you look at it, isn't charity and mutual love and accord and companionship all expressed in a playful fun thing? Some very loved people have been part of my really fun times. It is especially fun when charity prompts you to tell a stranger a funny story...maybe you re in line...or pumping gas at the station...or taking a walk. To smile and reach out...is not God pleased? anon

CHRIST'S LOVE FOR US...Imitation of Christ Bk 4 Ch 8..."Son, I seek thee not thy gift. As I gave Myself for you upon the cross, so I hoped that you would offer thyself." A suggestion for morning prayer: "Lord, I consider Thy love for me...Let me love Thee and freely offer You myself this entire day. anon

HUMILITY...T Merton..."A humility that freezes our being...is not humility at all but a form of pride...It dries up the roots of our spiritual life and makes impossible for us to give ourselves entirely to God." Lord, we pray for the humility that is simple truth...we are your creation...and deeply loved by You in spite of all that we might have done that is sin or failure or human weakness.

IF YOU KNEW...See John 5...Christ spoke to the woman at the well: 'If you knew...you would ask of Me living waters...' What are living waters? These are the spiritual things that God gives to quench our thirst for Him and the things of lasting value...the interior blessings that fortify the soul. Let us ask Him for living waters. anon

ORDINARY MIRACLES...Received a nice card today. Birthday greetings. On it was these words..'...wish you a day of joy and peace...a day full of ordinary miracles...' Made me think of just what are the ordinary miracles...the bread on the table...the love of your spouse...the fresh airand the morning sun...the tall pines across the way...the birds singing their songs..the love of your children...the kindness of even strangers... We could go on and on. Our lives are full of miracles...but they are so ordinary, we forget the mystery of each...to ponder only a bit a bit of time is to come to 'see' those miracles when before we saw not the hand of God in little blessings sprinkled along our path. Deo gratias. anon

WELCOME, DEAR SOUL...Imitation of Christ Bk 4 Ch 12... "Come draw near...I am He that invites thee...Come, I will supply what is lacking..." How kind and gracious is that invitation of God to us. Who are we to be called to such a Presence?...all holy...all majestic! anon

HOLY SPIRIT...John 3:8 "Jesus said ' The Spirit breathes where He will...and you do not know where He comes from or where He goes.' " The workings of the Spirit are so important to us but they are always in a certain mystery. It is enough for us to know He hovers over us and no good is ever accomplished without His sacred influence. Lord, that we may always be open to that action of the Spirit for we know that it is necessary for goodness in our llife styles.

LOYAL AND UNAFRAID...John 19:25..."...now there stood by the cross, Mary, His mother.." When our hour comes, may she also be standing next to us...to pray...to comfort...to strengthen.

LOYAL?...Luke 23:18 "'...and the crowd shouted 'Away with this man...give us Barabbas..' " How sad...this rejected One was the One who taught as none other...who healed their sick..Who did such wonders for them. Some of these same people were shouting His praises and honoring Him just a few days before.

CHRIST THE LIGHT...John 1:5 "The Light shone in the darkness but the darkness did not comprehend it..." Sad words...the Saviour came but many did not understand nor welcome Him. anon

SILENCE IN THE MIDST OF CLAMOR...We are called by God to find Him in the desert of silence. We live and move in great noise...it is difficult to hear that wee small whisper...the moment of silence allows us to hear the goodness of God. We pray for this grace..we practice this withdrawal from clamor and move into His Presence. He invites us. He calls. He enables.

WHEN THE EARS ARE CLOSED...In Luke 16, we read... ' ...they would not listen even if one should rise from the dead...' We are reminded that some have refused to be open to the truth even though One has died and risen for their salvation. Pity them and pray for them for the door that is locked blocks the entrance way of much grace.

TO REJOICE IN EVIL...In Luke 22, we read of Judas and his visit to the elders and the teachers...'...they were glad and promised to give him coins...' How sad when evil becomes a time of rejoicing. Something is so turned around here. To be glad when justice is denied to someone...to be glad when someone lives a sinful life...to be glad when the honest man suffers injustice. Lord,how far off the path have we come? Show us the way.

A DAILY LITTLE PRAYER...Not just for Lent, but all year round. "Lord I pray for all those whom I should not judge nor condemn, all for whom I should extend forgiveness and pardon, and all whom I ought to love more deeply today." Amen anon

HIS GRACE DID MORE ABOUND...In Romans Ch 5 Paul speaks of the grace of God. I love this passage because it has much to say to me personally. The grace and goodness of God did more abound in spite of my background, terrible growing up influences, bad companions, poor choices on my part. It was like He said 'Here is a really bad case...let's send him more grace than ever. Where lack of goodness prevailed, He sent goodness to overpower the evil. How good God is to those who call out to Him! anon

EARLY TO SEEK HIS FACE...We are told 'pray always. This is true but there is something very special about praying arly in the day. We tell God about the coming day and our duties and hopes for that day, As a most loving Father, He assures us that divine help lbefore dawn...when the sky gets just a little lighter, was the ideal time to seek the Great Spirit's help. In their struggle to sustain themselves,they KNEW they needed help from some Mighty Power and they sought His face early. 'The bird sings to the new day...even when it is still dark.' Faith is something like this.. anon

SILENCE HAS FLED...Ecclesiasticus 31:9 "Hear in silence; your quiet reverence shall bring good grace to thee...' In this noisy world, even the churches have become noise places. Have you noticed the chattiness of those who have come to worship the Lord? Surely we can visit later but our intent in coming to church was to seek God in reverential silence. We do both..but in proper order. anon

WISDOM...Ecclesiasticus 51:26 "Wisdom...I stretched out my hand towards her...I was sad because of my lack.' When we know our needs, that is a grace from God. How pleased He is when we see our litleness and call for help. What parent would not run to help a child that had fallen down? anon

SPARE THIS ONE, LORD...In Luke 13, we read Jesus' tale of the tree that produced no fruit. The master wished to cut it down. But the gardener said 'Wait another year...I shall dig and water and fertilize...Then we might see some change...but give it another year.' So with us and God...He grants us a little more time in His love and mercy. Maybe He shall see some change in us.anon

BUT HE WAS NOT PLEASED...I Cor 10...Paul tells of the people (and surprising note) 'God was not pleased with most of them..' We want to be in the number who d please the Lord. O Lord, draw us near...fill us with grace. Misere. anon

HOW SHALL WE PRAY?...In Luke C 11, we are taught that the the disciples saw in Jesus a man of deep prayer. So they asked Him..'teach us how to pray..' What He gave them was a beautiful style of prayer...a child's prayer..with simple truth...with humility...with a concern of the little daily needs (not a lfetime of blessings)...a sense of needing forgiveness and a willingness to forgive...and strength for the testing of faith...and a love of the Divine wishes. What He did not intend, I think, is a formula of prayer BUT a STYLE of prayer. anon

MERCY...Ps 103...Read this...it is such a song about His love and mercy. anon

BURNING BUSH...In Ex 3, there is the wonderful account of Moses and the burning bush. We all have times when God speaks to us quite plainly. 65 years ago...I had an unusual experience. I will tell l the details but only part of them: It was after dark...I was walking home...I heard a voice inwardly saying 'Go to the Church.' I told myself...it is late and the church will be locked...The voice insisted 'Go anyway' '...So I went and knelt in the darkened doorway where so no one would see me. I made a very brief visit to Christ in the Sacrament of His Love...I rose...now, I hide the rest of the story...But I knew that something had happened...it was my own burning bush...an experience I shall never forget. anon

HOW WE MEASURE...In Luke 6 Jesus talks about 'how we measure.' Pity us when we have been using a cup to give and a bushel basket to receive. Pity us when we have thought much about our own interests and so little over other's and their needs. anon

EACH ONE PERSONALLY...Thomas Merton..."We all have a common destiny but each one has to work on his personal salvation for himself...each one must find himself.' We cannot shift the job to someone else. We must seek Him and find Him and find our true selves. anon

THAT SPECIAL STONE...In Luke 20 we read about the 'stone that the builders rejected becoming the cornerstone..' In building the arches in ancient days, they rejected the odd shaped stones...UNTIL they came to that most central stone, the very center of the arch. It had to be different to fit and to hold all others in place. This Lent, let us think about the Christ and His most important part in our structure...our journey towards eternity. anon

ASKING FOR HELP...Today I asked a neighbor for some help. They were happy to and came right away. It took only about ten minutes but I learned something about asking. Asking is a humble act (pleasing to God) and the giving on another's part (God is pleased again)...There are two good reasons to be an asker...Don't try to go it alone! anon

SHOW ME...Sorry to say but there are people who do not believe in God at all. Part of their disbelief is helped along by the 'believers' who do mean things...legal but immoral things like cheating a poor woman out of rightful due...selfish behaviour...values placed on material things over spiritual, etc. Perhaps, those non believers are simply saying 'Please show me the goodness that your God is and inspires.' A kindness done without any hope of reward or compensation can be one way of 'revealing' God to those short of faith...but very observant. anon

STANDIN IN THE NEED OF PRAYER...How much God loves the persons who are most aware of their need for God...for His grace...for His guidance and shepherding. 'In need' is a very good attitude to carry to the throne of God. See me, Lord, in so much poverty...littleness...weakness...lack of firm faith...quick to say good but not do it, etc. Misere. anon

TO RECEIVE US...Brother Lawrence...'..Let us begin in earnest...let us repair the lost time with full assurance that the Father of mecries is always ready to receive us with great affection.' Such is the love of God for us. anon

KEEP ON PRAYING...In Luke Ch 18, Jesus stresses the need for us to really go to God and become a pest til He blesses us. The examples he gives are so clear...the beggar who will not go away is a stanch role that Christ approves of. Some think...'I will ask God once...but I won't pester Him' don't hear the message of Jesus. He says 'Be a nuisance!!!' anon

MESSAGE OF GOD...Imitation of Christ..Book 4..Ch 1..."Come unto Me...Lord these are Your words for You have uttered them. They are also mine since they have fallen on my heart. You call to welcome...to console...to give blessings...to bless each one. " anon

AN ACCOUNTING...See Luke 16...Each of us is a steward of the things God has given us. The talents...the wealth perhaps...the opportunities for good, etc. That is nice, we might think, BUT these are sobering words and we are uneasy reminded that there is a day of accounting. What did you do with the gifts??? anonI

FAITH...When all is going well it is so easy to have faith in God and His Providence. BUT when troubles come and temptations rant and bills are due and we see no immediate good before us...THEN can we say "Lord, I will trust in You?" Reminds one of the story of Job...perfect tale to describe this 'easy faith' vs 'hard faith.' " Lord, we pray for a better world and more peace and more justice. We are all Your children...that alone should draw us together!" anon

COME...Imitation of Christ Bk 4 Ch 1 "Why then, am I not more inflamed in seeking Thy adorable Presence when You have called out 'Come ye all to Me ' " anon

AS THE GROWING THINGS SEEK THE SUN...In this time of Lent, let us seek God as the living plants naturally turn to the sun. He calls, He invites, He pleads... What holds us back? What trivia (in comparision) holds our heart when He is the great Delight of the soul? Thou hast sought us, Lord...O that we might seek Thee...everyday. anon

TO TRUST IN HIM...Imitation of Christ Bk 3 Ch 59 Thou, Fountain of all goodness,...to trust in You is the very strongest comfort for Thy servants..." What shall we entrust to Him today? anon

WAIT...ANOTHER CHANCE...Luke 13 8-9 "...let it alone...do not cut it down...hopefully it will bear fruit when we dig and fertilize and trim it...but, wait til another year." God waits for our change of hearts...another chance. God wishes to see fruit and goodness in us. Wait...perhaps it shall produce good fruits. Such is the patience of our God. anon

MORE THAN WE CAN UNDERSTAND...Imitation of Christ..BK 4 Ch 18 "God is able to effect more than any man can understand." Blessed is that simplicity that leaves the path of doubt and follows the path called "will of God.' Misere, Domine. anon

TO SERVE...Albert Schweitzer..."I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I do know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve." So worth the pondering! anon

WASH YOUR FACES...Remember the Gospel where Jesus tells the people 'Wash your face when you fast...let no one know of your sacrifice. Your Father will see and will reward. You need not the acclaim of man'...A good thing to recall in Lenten practices. Are we going to tell all the world how devout we are? Are we going to let everyone know what offerings we are making to God? 'Take care that your good deeds not be seen by man...The Father will see and that is enough.' Teach me 'the secret way', Lord. anon

THE SECRET GIFT...There is something so dear to the heart of God when we do a hidden deed of goodness...no one has to know who did what...but everyone is moved by the kindness that is in the world in someone's heart. A neighbor saw his neighbor's truck 'warming up in the drive and went and cleared all the snow off the vehicle. When the owner came out, the kind one was gone...too late to be thanked. But God smiled!!! anon

NEVER BEFORE HEARD OF...See Gen Ch 5..."Look at the sky, Abram, and see the stars...count them if you can...so shall your descendants be..." Faith starts with the unbelievable. anon

EXPECTATION...Ps 26:14..."I shall wait for the Lord..Take courage, my heart.." What a beautiful prayer in which we shall wait for Him and His time and His will, and His blessings! anon

STAND FIRM...Phil Ch 3...Paul tells them "Stand firm then...do as they have done...cherish the Word..." anon

WHO IS THIS?...The story of the Transfiguration...See Ch 9 of Luke.."..Who can this be...bright as the sun...blinding our eyes...is the Jesus from Nazareth we know? And hearing the voice of the Father...stunned." Lord, that we might realize Who You really are. anon

ALL IS CLEAR...Luke 12:2..."...And the things, hidden, shall all be uncovered...The the secret things shall be made known." All is clear to the eye of God...we may be confused...BUT He is never! anon

POOR BUT SO RICH...Brother Lawrence: 'The saints who have gone before us...Poor they were, but so rich as dear friends of God...' anon

WHEN COMES THE QUIET...Imitation of Christ Bk 3 Ch 34...'And so the old man in me is not dead yet...not crucified...and he strives to lead me to all that is not God...and the struggle goes on. When shall the kingdom of my soul know quiet?' anon

SELF DECEPTION...1 John 1:8...'If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.' Lord, be merciful to us. Help us to humbly search our ways and come to change our hearts. anon

LIGHT...John 1:4 "...In Him was life and that was the Light for man.." Sad when the Light is not welcomed and some people grope in the dark...still. anon

AN UNUSUAL FAST...A friend, now gone to God, used an unusual penance. When the mail came...there was all the routine things we all get...and there was one very special one he was dying to open. As an act of denial for love of Christ Who endured so much for us, he would set that one aside and delay the opening of that one. So little a fast...but, with love in the heart, so pleasing to God. anon

UNION...Imitation of Christ Bk 4 Ch 13 '...To give my heart to God completely and be closely united with Him...This is my whole desire...' We long to belong to Him completely and yet, we reserve to ourselves the things we are not willing to surrender. Misere Domine. anon

WHAT SHALL I GIVE HIM?...Dt 26..."..Put your basket belong the Lord...I shall shall return to Him first fruits..' What shall we offer if not the best of the crop that He has given to us? anon

TROUBLE...Psalm 91...'Be with me, Lord, or I am in trouble.' How many times we have made in troubled times because we have caused the troubles by going our own way? By not caring about God's will. anon

WATERS...John 4:10...(Jesus to the Samaritan woman) "...perhaps you would have asked of Him and He would have given you living water..." His loving grace is that living water that the soul thirsts for. anon

ASH WEDNESDAY...So we come to another Lent...prepartion for the great days of Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Vigil of Easter, and the wonderful feast of Easter. Each one knows, in their hearts, what manner of prayers and offerings that would prepare them well. For some, a giving up...for some a simple giving, like more time for prayer, spiritual reading, quiet times in the Presence of God. In our noisy world, I lean towards a most quiet time. A time for the 'desert.' May your Lent be much blessed by our dear Lord! anon.

PREACHED AND EVANGELIZED...Luke 8:1...'...He went about preaching and evangelizing.' To preach is to spread knowledge...to evangelize is to set hearts on fire. How great a difference. Lord, may Your grace set out hearts aflame! anon

CHAIR OF PETER...Feb 22...Let us pray that our respect for the authority of the Church may be more honored and deepened. After all, He said 'And I am with you til the end of all time." anon

CARING..."Lord, teach me...lead me...guide me this day. Let me grow in love so I may begin to resemble You...even in an infinitely small way." anon

TO MY HOUSE...See Luke 7..."Lord, I m not worthy that YOU should come to my house..." Certainly, my house is poor and shabby but in His love, He comes here anyway. So tender of heart is He towards who invite Him in. anon

THOUGHTFULNESS...Today, a dear woman who is jobless and so poor she can't pay for rent brought us some cup cakes she made. How kind. There's a beautiful quote...'God cares not so much for the gift as the LOVE that stands behind the gift.' anon

TEMPTED...See Luke 4...In the desert, He fasted 40 days and was hungry. The devil used this chance to tempt Him. When we are hungry, does the tempter come to lead us away? May Christ be with us in every temptation...and may our temptations all become prayer and praise times for we know our weakness and we hurry to Him in prayer. How frustrating for the devil! anon

EAGER...In Luke 5...'...the crowds pressed on Him eager were they to hear His words.' Would that we also pressed upon Him with eagerness...with interest...with love of His words. Misere Domine. anon

NEEDS...Luke 6...On the Sabbath Jesus said to the man with the withered hand 'Stretch forth your hand...Immediately is was restored.' The enemies of Christ were happy that He had violated the Sabbath. He shamed them when He reminded that the needs of a suffering person were more important than some 'rule.' Good lesson for those who love rules more than love the kindly Christ! anon

GROW IN GRACE...2 Peter 3:18..."...Grow in grace and in knowledge of Christ...Remember to Him belongs glory now and forever." anon

PRUDENCE...! Peter 4: 7-8 "...Be prudent..on the alert, the better to give yourselves to prayer...practice constant mutual love..." anon

SEEK AFTER UNITY...1 Peter 3:8-9 '...all of you should be like minded, sympathetic, brotherly in affection, full of mercy, humble...never returning evil for evil..' anon

DRAW NEAR...I Peter 2:4 Draw near to Him, the living stone, rejected by some but chosen and honored by God. You are a spiritual edifice...and a holy priesthood..." anon

Feb 22nd...CHAIR OF ST. PETER ...LOVE HIM..."Love the Lord though you have not seen Him. If you continue in faith, you shall exult with unspeakable and holy joy...when you come to your reward for faith." anon

HUMILITY...! Peter 5: 6-7...'.Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God...He shall lift you up in due time...Cast on Him alll your anxiety for He indeed cares for you." anon

DEAR LADY OF LOURDES...Feb 11th..."O Immaculate One, you revered to yourself as 'handmaid of the Lord'...May we also proclaim ourselves as 'His servants' and love and obey Him with glad hearts. Pray for us, dear Lady." anon

BETTER THAN...Proverbs 16:16 "Seek wisdom for it is better than gold...Look for prudence for it is better than silver." If we have wisdom and prudence we surely have been blessed by the goodness of God. Let us give daily thanks! anon

LENT ...Soon we shall enjoy the time of Lent. The time when some 'give things up' and a time when some 'take up things.'...like Daily Mass, Stations, acts of hidden charity, acts of denial (though small are not to be ignored). It is a sort of retreat time to ready us for the glorious feast of Easter. Let us be eager on our sacred journey. To choose only one thing and be faithful to it is so pleasing to God. Perhaps a prayer each day that begons with: 'O Lord, You endured so much for me, what is it that I may give to Thee?' anon

TO THE ROOT...Luke 3:9...'..and the axe is laid to the roots of the trees...' When we seek God with all our hearts, we consider not just our failings but the very root of our problems. Perhaps we shall do far better when we consider, prayerfully, what is the root cause. Maybe we pray too little...maybe we love the place where we often fail...maybe some companions are bad for our souls...maybe we are too taken up with the culture of our world...maybe we need to talk to a good and holy confessor. anon

BELIEF...'...and he saw and he believed...' John 20:8 Christ spoke of us when He said 'Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.' Blessed are those who simply have faith and have never seen a marvelous miracle. Surely faith is a gift from God and when we accept it and live it, God is pleased and we are more fully under His wing. anon

A LITTLE BECOMES MUCH...John 6...We read about the multitude fed by Jesus. What started with a few loaves and fish turned into a meal for thousands.And there was even enough to gather up so that it be not wasted. We may think our efforts for promoting peace and justice are so little...BUT in the hands of God, the meager becomes most plentiful...and effective. anon

LIKE AN ACORN...Thomas Merton..."Grace, which is charity, contains within itself all virtues in a hidden and potential way. The acorn hides the leaves and branches of a great oak tree within. Habitual grace brings with it all manner of virtues in seed form...in a wonderful potential." anon

POINT TO HIM...John 21:7...'John said to Peter: 'It is the Lord.' ' Here is an example of how we are to 'point' to God for our neighbors' benefit by our example, by kindness, by understanding. This 'witness' will not be without good effect. anon

GRACE, Gift of God...Imitation of Christ Bk 3 Ch 54...'Grace is precious...cast away all obstacles to grace...If you desire its infusion, pour out prayer to God Who is all giving...' anon

AND THE NIGHT WAS BETTER...A word on contemplative prayer: "And the night was better" Better because it is a time of quiet...a time of waiting for the Light...a time for reflection without the busyness of our days...a time when we know we need God for if we have no Light then we shall stumble in the dark. "And the darkness tried to swallow up the Light...but it could not" John reminds us. anon

THE WORD...Romans Ch 10...'...that Word is in you...the Word I preached to you...It is in your heart and let it be in your mouth...this Word of Faith..' anon

WITH US...Ps 91...'Be with me, Lord, for I am in trouble...' This little prayer can be so powerful with God. He runs to help the little ones. anon

TEMPTATION...We shall soon be reading Luke 4 and considering the temptations of Christ. We suffer them daily BUT they can be turned into great moments of grace when we give them to God and proclaim His goodness and our littllenessIN. Lord, let all tempting thoughts become prayer thoughts. IN YOU, we shall be safe!!!! anon

FIRST FRUITS...See Dt 26..." I shall return to God and offer to Him 'first fruits.' " anon

TRUST...Proverbs 16:20...'...and all who learn to trust in Him shall find great blessings...' anon

PEACE OF SOUL...Imitation of Christ Bk 3 Chap 53...'When love of self is overcome, there follows a great tranquility and peace of soul.' anon

JOHN THE BAPTIST...Luke Chap 1...The beautiful story of Elizabeth and Zachary who have longed for a child but it did not happen. BUT...By God's will, she conceived a child...John the Baptist! Shall anything be impossible with God? What 'impossible' thing shall you ask of the Lord? anon

BLESSED ARE YOU...Soon we shall hear this lesson in Luke 6. Christ teaches us that 'blessed are you who mourn, who suffer, who are hungry, hated and denounced. You are the ones who shall be comforted and fed and rejoicing.' In suffering, know this for certain...there is a great comfort being prepared for us! anon

BE MY FRIEND...Albert Camus..."Don't walk in front of me, I may not follow...Don't walk behind me, I may not lead...Walk beside me and just be my friend." anon

AS WE TRULY ARE...Imitation of Christ Bk 3 Chap 50..."O God, what each man is in Thy sight...is truly what he is...no more...no less...said the humble friar St Francis. anon

CHRIST IS INDEED THE LORD...In Cor 15 Paul reminds us how central this faith principle is. If He be not risen...then we are so to be pitied. Our Christ is indeed the One who died and ROSE AGAIN. anon

DELIGHTS IN THE LORD...Psalm 1...The Psalmist points us to God Who is our help, our strength, our sustainer. Let us be at the water's edge...close to God. anon

A TREE AT THE WATER'S EDGE...Soon we shall hear Jeremiah 17...and the story of the flourishing tree planted at the water's edge. What a good way to describe 'closeness to the Lord' and its effects. We carry this thought with us in our hearts and find great meaning in this. anon

ETERNAL LIFE...John 17:3 "Now this is eternal life: To know Thee, the eternal God and Jesus Whom Thou hast sent." anon

OUR OWN DEEDS...George Elliot..."Our deeds determine us, as much

WHOLE...John 5:6 "And Jesus said to him: Wilt thou be made whole?" The Lord asks us to desire holiness of life...ask for pardon of sin...seek justice and peace...etc Do we really look to Him for our wholeness? anon

12 AND THEIR LACK OF FAITH:..."...His brethren..they did not believe in Him" Jesus' sadness...after He had shown them so many proofs.

CHRIST'S LOVE...John 3:14,15..."...Jesus

PRAISE...Ps 133:2 ..."...lift up your hands...praise ye the Lord." What a beautiful prayer this is. anon

A KINDLY MANNER...Cardinal Newman..."...definition of a gentleman: One who never inflicts pain." Consider the persons that we have known in life that were just like that. I recall many. They were gifts of God to me in times of sorrow. anon

WEALTH OF SOUL...Ecclesiasticus 30:15 "Health of the soul and holiness of life are far better than great piles of silver and gold." anon

TRIALS WILL COME...John 16:4 "...These things I told you so that when that hour comes, you shall recall that I told you." To follow Him is not without setbacks, trials, temptations, betrayal, spite ... But consider His own path and what He endured for all. anon

BE NOT TROUBLED...John 14:1..."Let not your heart be troubled...You believe in God, believe and have faith in Me." anon

BEAUTIFUL IS SHE...St Bernadette..."She is so lovely to see that you would gladly give up your life to see her again." Feast of Our Lady, Feb 11th... anon

TO BEAR FRUIT...John 15:2..."...the branch that bears no fruit shall be removed...the branch that bears shall be pruned so that it may bear more fully..." Suffering is sometimes the very best thing for our souls...in need of some pruning. anon

MARY OF LOURDES...Feb 11th...A quote from St Bernadette: "From this moment on, anything concerning me is no longer of any interest to me. I must belong entirely to God and God alone." Entirely to God...such love for God! anon

VOCATION...Luke 5..."They brought their nets to shore...left all...and followed Him." God has called each one to a particular place and circumstance...and called us to serve. anon

HOLD FAST... I Cor Ch15...'Hold fast to the message I have preached to you...or I shall have preached in vain." anon

GOD'S HELP...Psalm 137 (138) vs 3 "On that day, I shall call out to Thee and Thou shall be strength for me." Lord, help us in all our days. anon

KIND AND COMPASSIONATE...John 8: They brought to Hm an adulterous woman. He stated to write in the sand. They watched Him and slowly went on their way. He knew the meanness of their hearts..also their own sins for which they did not wish to be punished..."Where are they, woman. go n thy way...sin no more.' So with us, He says 'Go on now...do better than you have done in the past. A caring and compasionete Christ to absolve our sins and bid us to walk in a better manner. anon

THE DOOR...John 10:7 "I am the door for the sheep" There would be others, but they are thieves and robbers who care for themselves,not for the flock. Good Shepherd, we center on You..that only Door to life. anon

SEEKING HIM...John 11:9 "...they came, not so much to see Jesus, but to see Lazarus who had been raised from the dead" Do we do that? Focus on the the things around Jesus but not center on Him? Thought to ponder.May God's grace be with us. anon

GOODNESS...On a car bumper sticker: 'God make me half as good a person as my dog thinks I am.' A little humor shared can be such a lift to people. You don't know what suffering they may have and your goodness to them can be so important. anon

"BUT THE GREATEST..." Sunday, we will read the beautiful passage on love. I always have liked this passage. Ii confess that it makes me humbled since my charity is not like Paul speaks...I am a gong and a clanging cymbal...Ora pro me. anon

WHO IS HE...Lk Ch 4...In the synagogue they sneered at Jesus. "Who is he? It is Joseph's son...Joseph the carpenter. This man claims to be God's only begotten...imagine that.' We are asked "What and Who is this Jesus of Nazareth...Is He our Lord and Shepherd...Is He the One we follow and trust?' anon

Unity...Union of those who believe...So dear to Christ Who prayed: "That they may all be one as Thou n Me and I in Thee, O Father,' Today is the final day of prayers for the respect and understanding that ought to appear among all who believe...even if they believe in different manner from each other. Differences are not walls. Mutual love is a bridge we still need to cross. "If I have not love...then I am a gong of brass or a crashing cymbal."

UNION..."That all may be one' This is during the week for unity prayers. What if all who believe in a Supreme Being were into mutual respect and acceptance of others who differ from them?...What if the various faiths worked together on justice, peace, feeding the hungry,housing for the homeless, rescue of those entrapped, helping the addicted back to normalcy, etc. How blessed our world would be!!! Domine, misere nobis. anon

LYN...May God bless you in all your works. God shall bless that marriage. God shall bless you in your widowhood. Let us all trust more fully in Him and in His Divine Mercy. anon

CAREN FISHER...May they both be in the perfect joy of God's Presence. "When we love someone...they can never get away...Someone holds them in their heart everyday." DB

UNITY...anon...To love your neighbor as yourself...Fine principle but, sadly, is in short supply. The Unity Octave prays for this love and mutual respect among all believers. It is part of loving God (or whatever you may call Him) and is a serious injunction for all mankind. Lord, how shall we call Thee? How shall we grow in neighborly love? The night is dark. Light the way...and Thy will shall be done.

UNITY..."...united as one...How good and pleasant this is..." Psalm 132:2

UNITY..."God searches the hearts of all and nothing is hidden from Him..." See Wisdom Ch 1 He sees how we fail in our love towards others because they are not of our belief. We forget that he commanded us to be kindly and loving towards all.

UNITY..."...be at peace with all men..." See John 12

UNITY...'...love one another as I have loved you...'See John 13

FORSAKE THYSELF...Imitation of Christ...Bk 3 Ch 37..."What I say again to you is 'Forsake thyself...You shall find much peace.' " How many times is our lack of peace due to our own seeking of self? How many hurts are inflicted on others because WE have to have it our way? How many families are broken and saddened because someone or someones had to seek their own path? God be merciful to us.

GENTLE AND FULL OF MERCY...(See Is 42)...The flame that is just about to burn out...He will fan into full light and fire. A great thought for us when we are really down and need just a little lift...He will be with us. anon

FAITH TO SHARE...anon...Ecclesiasticus 42:15 "I will remember now all of His works...I shall declare what I have seen." We share our faith thoughts for we never know when this simple thought may change someone's heart from pain to consolation. God be glorified!

MARY...anon...To learn of Mary is to come to love Jesus more...To love Jesus more is to learn of Mary' faith and goodness...Surely she will help us by her intercessions!

BROTHER ANDRE OF MONTREAL...I shall never forget the example of this simple and holy brother who loved St. Joseph...the neglected saint, some call him...and he promoted devotion to Joseph for he believed that God was very pleased when the foster father of Jesus was honored. Across the road from the seminary, where he worked as porter or door keeper, there was a very high hill. On his time off, Brother would walk over there and pray. One of his special loves was devotion to St. Joseph. One day, he placed a small statue in the crook of a tree and prayed "Joseph...someday with God's help, I shall build a shrine here." Time went by. A wooden chapel was built. Many people came and prayed and some very special cures took place. Brother always said "It is not I...it is God hearing the prayers of Joseph." Today, there is a wonderful shrine on that high hill and God must be pleased with the devotion to Joseph shown there. Not much is known about Joseph b ut this much is known: When he is mentioned in Scripture...God's will is being given to him and he is completely obedient though he does not understand the whole story. He knows that God's will is holy and is to be followed.St. Joseph pray for us that we might love God's will for us and be faithful in following it. anon

GIFTS...Ecclesiasticus 1: 22-23 "Both are gifts from God: peace and wisdom. Let us fear the Lord and rejoice in the fruit of our salvation." How blessed are we, bathed in the loving kindness of our God!!

LETTING GO...T Keating..."Centering prayer is training for letting go"' How much peace do we forfeit by not letting God do the work of God. He has no need of our worry nor concern.All our anxiety will not add one inch to the mile of our lives. Since He is Lord of all...maybe, we should give Him the reins. anon

SPIRITUAL COMMUNION...What a blessed practice this is. When not able to receive Him sacramentily, you humbly ask that He come to your heart, unworthy though that is, to be with you in love. It shows Him how much you love the Sacrament and how greatly you wish to be in union with Him...and the Father...and the Spirit. You cannot divide the Blessed Trinity. If God is present, He is present as one Divine Being having three persons. anon

CALL ON HIM...Today I heard a talk about the spirituality of some of the American Indians. One thing that they believed was that the best time to talk to the great Spirit was very early, way before the sunrise for it was the time of expectation. The upcoming day was full of possibilities...some good...some harsh. Call on Him as you look forward to what the day may bring. Thank Him for anticipated blessings...ask pardon for offenses of the past...seek good things from His hand. In our morning prayer...there ought to be this kind of sacred expectation...or virtue of hope for '...nothing is impossible with God.'

MERCY OF GOD..."...That path that pleases Thee most...help us to walk therein. No real joy is found apart from You...give us joy. No real peace will fill the wrong doer...Mercy, Lord. No light is like that Light that You send...darkness is dispelled by Your Gift. No hand to aid, like the hand that You extend. No love is like the love that You direct towards us all...saints and sinners alike. anon

THE FURNACE OF DIVINE LOVE...Some worry about past sins. Sins that they have repented of...even many times. Let them consider the fire of the Divine love. Once we have returned to God in real sorrow, our sins have have been incinerated by His most loving regard for us. Lift up your heart! anon

MOST HOLY NAME OF JESUS...Let us praise Him every morning for the many times that His name shall be taken in vain. A little atonement...but it pleases the heart of God greatly. anon

RISE UP...See, how the Lord has blessed the people. His Light has come...no need for sun, nor stars,nor moon. The Light of God shall make clear the path ...you shall not wander, nor be lost like those who stumble in the darkness The walls that were torn down are rebuilt. (See: Is. 60)

BY A DIFFERENT ROUTE...'After the wise men adored the infant Christ, they returned home by a different route.' (Matt 2:12) When we have come to prayer and worship of the Lord, do we return in a different mode? If we are not changed by our experience of drawing near to God...then...have we really come to adore? Let let Thy grace change our hearts in the ways that please Thee most.

"AND SHE PONDERED ALL THESE THINGS ..." What an example for us in Mary. She kept going over in her heart and mind, the God of all goodness...and all the goodness that God has shown. See Lk 2:19

EACH DAY, PART OF THE JOURNEY...T Keating..."Just by the very nature of our birth, we are on a spiritual journey." Lord, be with each of us. We cannot find our way unless we welcome the Light. anon

PRAYER WARRIOR...Thanks for the reminder to pray and ask the Angels' help. They are also of His Creation and want to glorify Him in all they do...and so they want to help us on our way. Blessings for you. Angels watch over, surely.

CHANGED...When I am tempted and distracted by so many thoughts, I ask God to somehow to change them all into a praise and homage prayer to him. He brought the water out of the solid rock...He changed the water at Cana into a good wine...He changed the fisherman, Peter,into leader of the Church and even to martyrdom. Surely this is not difficult for Him.

PRAYERS...Chris who is intensive care with pneumonia and heart problems...your compassion and prayers are needed. May Mary hold him in her heart and arms.

IN THE GREAT DARKNESS...A Light came down upon us to guide our steps...to lead us in justice...to fill us with peace and goodwill. Welcome, O little One...little, yet the Son of the Most High God.

PRO NOBIS, CHRISTUS NATUS EST...For us poor ones...He became our wealth...For sinners, He became a cleansing balm...For us straying sheep...He came in love to guide. Blessings to each one of you.

HOW LITTLE...Brother Ignatius..."Behold how little the greatness of God has become for our sakes' as he held high the image of the Infant taken from the chapel crib.

OFFERING...Consider Hannah giving her son, Samuel, to the Lord and leaving him in the temple. How much that speaks about the giving with great love. Think of Mary and the Oblation of her Son. As he gave Himself to the Father, surely she gave him up as well. See 1 Samuel 1

LOOK TO ME...Anon...In all thy trials, look to Me for I am Thy Helper, thy Strength, thy Hope of safety. Have faith...come, draw near.

HATRED FOR OUR SINS...A thought came to me in prayer the other day. The thought was not to simply be sorry over my sins but to learn, by God's grace, to hate those sins because they are a wall of brass between me and God. My soul cannot fully relish God and delight in Him if there is mere sorrow for sin.I pray for this grace: to learn to really hate my sins since they rob me of those joys that the good God intends for me. Consider the joy of John the Baptist in his mother's womb at the mere nearness of the Divine in Mary's womb.Anon

FOR THOSE IN SADNESS...Be assured that God is near and He will be with you in your pain. He will be your comfort and strength. Many churches are having a 'Blue Christmas' service just for those who are in sadness over a loved one deceased or in a terminal illness. It is so fitting to think of those who feel that they shall never smile or laugh again...for it is they who need the Good News heard again. ' Comfort ye one another.'

FAITH...When we feel that God is so far away and hardest to reach...then it is that he may be closer than we ever thought. His closeness is not a matter of 'feeling' but a matter of faith. The promise of God is firm: "I will be with you all days...even til the end of time." Speak to Him even when you feel He is far off and not caring.

INMOST SELF...Proverbs 20:5 "A wise man is he that will draw wisdom from his inmost heart." The Spirit works in the heart of those who seek God and His ways. In the hearts of such, there is planted much holy wisdom and we go to it to draw from the well.

BLUE CHRISTMAS SERVICE...Anon...A contemplative church to which I belong, is having a 'Blue Christmas' service on the Sunday before Christmas. It will be for all who are enduring pain and hurt and in need of healing. It will strive to comfort the sad...to help the bereaved...to wait with those who are in a 'Calvary"...and it is hard to go to the Joy of Noel. It will speak of being OK to wait andwatcht with hope and faith. Healing will come for that is why He came...His blood is our balm. Say a prayer, please, for all who suffer in some way at this time of gladness for so many people. Those in sadness need the kindness we must show! Anon

WALL OF BRASS...Anon...I have come to this grace: to hate all my sins for they are a wall of brass between me and my heart's Desire.

FROM THE HEART...Ecclesiasticus 21;29 "..From the heart, the wise man speaks. The fool speaks with only his mouth..." The words of God are meant to be internalized before they are shared.

THAT QUIET SPOT...Anon...Our world is so full of noise...We are bombarded from all sides. How necessary for us to imitate our Redeemer Who went to the silence of the desert to commune with His father and be in communion with the Spirit. It may be only a small portion of your day...a tiny part...but it can be such a great blessing to you and your spiritual self. From there, you return to love the world anew and self as well. You have gone to the Well to drink.

FOUNTAIN OF GRACE...Anon.."In the hearts of man I have placed a flowing fountain...But what is that if it quenches only the thirst of that one man? Go and be the blessing that I have given."

A PRAYER SHAPED BY GOD...Anon...We pray for many people, each with different needs. We believe that He will create a blessing shaped to fit the needs of each one. No need to beg for this or that...just trust in His handiwork. Nothing is hidden to Him...Nothing is impossible for Him. Direct your prayers with this simple trust. He shall do the rest.

A BLESSING ...Anon...When has there been a greater need for blessings? That wish that you express for another...that prayer that they be favored...that hope for their health or welfare...that desire to see good come to others...etc... When has the world needed a good wish more than right now, this year, this season, this year ahead. Do not be slow to wish another well for it fills a great empty place. And be generous in your goodwill.

FAITH IN TROUBLED TIMES...Anon...A time of hurts...a time of unrest...a time of worry and anxious thoughts... In these times, God speaks deeply within the soul 'Have faith...it shall be well. For a time thou art in sadness but wait for My aid...seek it...pray for it...and it shall surely come.'

REJOICE ALWAYS...In the spiritual life, there is a joy that is very deep and still. It is not a joyful shout...It is not the clapping of hands...It is very real but not easily expressed in words. This is the 'rejoicing' that is so special and it is His gift.It springs from His love for each one and it dwells in quiet. It does not run about and shout. Be still, my soul...rejoice...for you are held in His love. Anon

WHILE DISTRACTED...T Merton..."The memory of His unfailing Presence is the surest anchor for our minds and hearts in the midst of storms of distractioin and temptation..." We try to pray and our thoughts lead us away. It is our faith in His Divine loving Presence which saves the day and strengthens our contact with Him. anon

MAIRE...UK...Know that you are prayed for in all your needs. May the Virgin Mother be a strong tower for you in all your concerns. You are covered by her blue mantle and your needs are included in her prayers to her glorious Son. Have faith.

ROSELEEN and WILLIAM...Anon...Many prayers are offered to Mary the Queen of Peace for your welfare. They ask that you have faith...wait in confident hope...know always that you are loved. The darkest hour is sometimes the hour just before the dawn.

IMMACULATE MARY...Anon...Pray for us O sinless one...Full of grace, be our helper in life...and in death, walk with us to His throne.

PEACE OF SOUL...Let the troubled be as they have chosen...for thyself, choose the God of peace and His directions. He will keep thee. He will speak deep within thee, words of holy comfort. He will safeguard thee.

SEEKERS...T Merton..."We have what we seek...it is there all the time, and, if we give it time, it will make itself known to us." God has already supplied what we need and yearn for. In time it shall be clearer to us than it is now. We wait in faith and trust for the light that will brighten our darkness. ANON

TO REST...Imitation of Christ Bk 3 Ch 21: "O my soul earn this above all things: To rest in the Lord for He is the eternal rest for those who love Him..." In our all too busy days, how much need is there for brief times of just being with God and sitting with Him in His most loving Presence. "...and you shall find rest for your souls." ANON

JOHN THE BAPTIST...Advent recalls the work of John, the last prophet of the old Testament and the first confessor and martyr of the New testament. Recall how he pointed out the Savior saying 'Behold, there is the Lamb of God." We too, by our lives are to 'point' to the Savior and proclaim Him by our faith and good deeds. St. John, pray for us all. ANON

ALL IN NEED...Remember always to pray for those who need a prayer at this very moment. These are souls who need grace and perhaps, have no one to pray and care about them. In Eternity, God shall introduce you to those many souls that your prayers have helped...for those in pain...for those in depression...for those homeless and feeling lost...for all the dying who have no prayer-minded person to care...etc. ANON

JENIFER AND ANDY...May the blessing of God fall upon you both. He has begun a great work in you two and He wishes to foster it and bring it to level that you both cannot see right now. Many shall be praying. Have courage. There is nothing impossible for Him. ANON

ANXIOUS THOUGHTS...So many times we are troubled with questions that we are worried about and answers that are only 'maybes.'' It is wise to entrust these worries and concerns to God. In time, due to His wisdom and love, we shall know the questions so much better and shall be given the answers. It is all about learning trust. anon

HAPPINESS...T Merton..."Happiness is not a matter of intensity but of balance and order and rhythm and harmony." To seek the will of God will bring us to a happiness that will surprise us. anon

JOY...Imitation of Christ bk 3 ch 5: "O Lord, my God, when Thou shall come to me, all that is within me shall be filled with joy." We exist in His Presence; when we invite Him in...then we know trruly the joy of His Presence. Anon

CLOAK OF MOURNING...See Baruch 5...We look forward to the joyful day of of our Saviour's coming. No need to be sad and gloomy for the Light begins to rise in the eastern sky and we know that He comes for each one. Sadly, some will not be moved one way or the other...but for the humble and little ones, there will be a great rejoicing. For the seekers, a Treasure will be found. For the wandering, a Shepherd will come. For the hungry, Bread from Heaven shall come down. Anon

Daniel...Anon...May the Source of all life and the infinite Ocean of goodness, bend low and whisper a blessing on your wife, your child, yourself, your hopes and all who love life.

JOHN ...Surely you are in many prayers this night for many will love you and pity your needs. Pray that you can forgive yourself for the anger that slipped out. I am sure Mom has forgiven you. About God pushing you away...Recall the Saviour weeping over Jerusalem and saying that He would draw them near like the hen does her chicks.So He has drawn you near. We pray for a job as well. To see your girl friend...you need no money...just the time to be in each other's company. Forget the expensive evening...just to help each other and talk over things. Remember, O Lord, to pour so many blessings on John...as Your loving heart already has wished to do. Anon

TO ANNA USA...Dear Anna...Such pain and agony you suffer. I shall include you in prayers everyday. My wife has constant pain from two failed back operations...diminished sight in both eyes...and now, Parkinson's. We know about the road to Calvary. God help you everyday in every way. Anon USA

Please pray for our new president and that he can undo the mishaps that have been left to him.pray for hector and his family let them find peace , please pray for chritina alicia that she can find the path thats right for her please pray for me that I can find a way to keep my transportation and my home.

IN ALL OUR PRAYERS...Bill and Carol Ohio USA...Know that you share in the prayers and caring of so many people all over the world. You are also in the prayers and good works of persons who do not know you but, everyday, they make an intention for 'All in need'...'All suffering the loss of a loved one as I am today'...or 'By the merits of Jesus Precious Blood, may all in sorrow be blessed and given strength to bear the load.' One day, I was walking and their parents, I said "Lord, I offer this walk as a prayer for all the broken hearts." A few steps further, there, under a tree was a beautiful sand colored heart shaped stone...broken in half.' I think it was the Lord saying "Yes, that is what I wish you to do...pray for broken hearts. The rock is now here before me and when I touch it, He knows what I mean. Blessings on all of you in sorrow. anon

Rosa and Gabriel Spain... May the Lord bless you both. May His loving arms be around you and those you love. May His grace bring you all the good things you are praying about.

EVERYONE IS CALLED TO BY GOD... How sad it is When they do not answer That call of Mine That pardon I offer That call of love to them.

NOT TO EASILY FORGET...Anon:

ANON: "We know this much: The Divine Being is a Mystery beyond us. He has allowed us to see some but not all...to know a little but not to understand fully...to have some light on our path but not total brightness."

SILENCE...Anon: "I wanted to speak but silence in His Presence was the choice of the Spirit...so I sat and said not a word."

BILL AND CAROL...We give you to Mary. Her Son died in a most cruel and barbaric way. She knows of your pain. Sometimes the greatest sadnesses help us to build beautiful bridges and the saddened ones can cross over into that land of joy and peace. To be in His Kingdom, to be planted in His courts...even as the tiniest flower in the far corner...just to be with Him. Prayers are with you in your loss.Our love is with you.

My god I love him so much, that life without His love is unthinkable. HELP ME. Thank you.

BILL and CAROL Ohio USA...How sad is your plight. Be assured that you are in the heart of God and all over the world, people who go to God each day will find you there as well as the Infinite Love of the Deity. Make frequent acts of Spiritual Communion for when you are united with Christ, you are united with your son and all believers the world over. You are in many people's prayers ...be assured. anon

FOR ALL...This prayer is to God for His loving mercy on Hannah, Traci, Jason, Ray, Spencer, Laurie, Patrick, and the Household of Faith. Also for all who are in need of a prayer today. Blessed Jesus, ever present in the Sacrament of Thy love...Gift above all gifts...we ask Divine help for each one who has requested prayers. In Your goodness and compassion embrace each one, hold them close under Thy wings where they shall find great blessings. Thank You. "A tiny prayer entered the heart of God...when it emerged it had become a mighty unbelievable force for good." So be it.

HANNAH...May the blessings of God keep you well. May the Blessed Virgin Mary Immaculate, Our Lady of Lourdes, intercede for you all the days of your life. It looks like God has a job for you: To encourage others in their faith. "A tiny prayer entered the heart of God...when it emerged it had become a mighty force for good!'

MLK LEGACY...Let us remember the dream. Let us stand together with anyone, anywhere, who is treated unfairly. Let us not look away. Let us not think it is not our concern. Let us be moved by the injustice suffered anywhere in the world. anon

LITTLE HANNAH...Dear little one: May God be with you and make you well and strong...May His blessings cure you and keep you well...May you know His love and be favored all your lifetime. Amen. anon

LAURIE...Many people will be joining in prayer for you. I add my own. May the Lord smile upon you...look towards you...keep you and bless you always. Amen anon

(Never Known To Fail) Oh, most beautiful flower of Mount Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of Heaven. Blessed Mother of the Son of God; Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. Oh, Star of the Sea, help me and show me you are my Mother. Oh, Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succour me in my necessity. (Mention your request here). There are none that can withstand your power. Oh, Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee. (3 times). Holy Mary, I place this prayer in your hands. (3 times). Amen. Thank you for the prayer answered

BILL AND CAROL...Know that you are sheltered in the heart of God and that many will pray for your good. May your pain be used to help those who are also in deep bereavement through your wonderful understanding of this awful pain. 'May the Lord bless and keep thee...May His face be turned towards thee and those whom you console.' Anon

For those who know it, please pray the Saint Gertrude Prayer Chaplet for the Souls in Purgatory. Thank you & God Bless.

LORAINE AND HER FRIENDS...Be assured that prayers will be said for freedom from drugs and association with drug abusers. Mary will help if we just intercede. Give her to the maternal care of Mary Immaculate. Break those chains, Lord. You can do all things, Hear our prayer. anon

SHIRLEY AND HUSBAND...God be with you. He has already been at work in your lives. It is a great gift from God to see ourselves as we really are and to call out to Him in humble admission of need. The journey is not easy...but so worth the effort. Water from Lourdes has been used...'go and wash' the beautiful lady said...I did that for you with water from the grotto. Do not get discouraged...join a group, each of you, for both will need nurturing and support...and you have much to give to the group as well..

URGENT PRAY REQUEST: Marc Alexendre Gagnon may he came home from the hospital.Please also PRAY URGENTLY THAT HE WILL BE ABLE TO LEAVE WITH MOM AND DAD. GOOD NIGHT.

Please pray for Sharmalee who is extremely anxious and needs help. She is disabled and lives alone. She is so worried about being displaced, she is worried she may lose the flat she bought and worked hard for. She needs many prayers.

(Never Known To Fail)

O Most beautiful flower of Mount Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in this my necessity.

dearest mother mary, i plead with you to ask jesus your dearest obedient son to grant every happiness healing blessing grace and the grace of motherhood for rochira. i plead with you to bring into her life a happy healthy child soon, a loving caring understanding sharing healthy extrovert husband and a happy married life with an intimate relationship of husband and wife and as friends to each other. i also plead for her to be made permanent in her job soon. mother mary i have placed her into your care and in your holy hands eversince she was born and i know for sure that you are carrying her thru every moment of her life and your beloved son is going to grant all these petitions soon for her favour his greater glory your honour and for making witnesses of us. thankyou mother mary in advance for these petitions that will be granted to her.

Dearest Mamma Mary - i have placed Laveera in your holy arms and plead with you for every blessing healing happiness health in her life. bring about every success re her studies friends and other needs. bless her with spiritual growth and hair growth and keep her on the right track always close to you and jesus. i truly believe that jesus will answer these petitions when you place them into his lap. thankyou mother.

dearest mamma mary - into your holy hands and wrapped in your blue mantle are my pleadings for every happiness blessing grace and our needs and wants to be taken care of by you. plead with jesus to grant us an infilling of the holy spirit and love joy peace and all the fruits and gifts of the holy spirit. also for every hearts desire of henry and me - happy to become a valid genuine document with his job, our home freed from all problems, all afflictions to be wiped out and every blessing to be replaced into our family home lives and situations and for the grace of grandparenthood for us soon - a healthy happy child. thankyou mother mary in advance for all your intercessions.

FOR MARK...Mother of God, Mary Immaculate, our wonderful advocate before God's throne, pray for Mark. Intercede for him and obtain the graces he needs. He was purchased with the Most Precious Blood of your Son. May he return to the faith and to the ones who truly love him and who prayerfully hold him in their hearts. Spouse of the Holy Spirit, Daughter of the Heavenly Father and Mother of the Saviour-Son come with your prayers to rescue a wandering sheep. Amen.

FOR STEPHEN D. TAYLOR...Most merciful Jesus, we entrust Stephen to Your loving care. Bless and comfort and heal, Blessed Lord. Be with him and help him and give him a special blessing. Those hands that blessed and healed in Galilee, STILL do dispense wonderful blessings. Mercy, Lord. In Thy name, we pray. Amen.