Lent is a time where we pray, fast and give alms to weed out the disconnection, or sin, in our lives to become closer to God. Building a habit of prayer supports us in this journey. Prayer purifies our hearts and makes room for praise and the goodness of God.
Continue reading “Habit of Prayer”
Lent readies our heart and soul for Easter. Be careful to not be too busy with all the available resources, leave room for quiet prayer and reflection to focus and prepare for the great miracle of the Easter Resurrection. Jesus died for all of us, He has risen from the dead, and He is with us always, until the end of the age. This reality fills my heart with joy, and peace, and love.
Today, Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent. Will you mark the day by attending Mass, receiving ashes on your forehead, fasting, and setting in place a plan for experiencing a holy and spiritual Lenten season? Will you spend additional time in prayer, in scripture or attending Stations of the Cross? These practices help us be still and listen to what God wants to tell us. We hear the voice of love itself. What are you waiting for?
I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matthew 28:20
Tomorrow starts the penitential season of lent. This is a time where we seek and focus our attention to that which brings us to the newness of life through Christ’s death. Our intentional fasting, almsgiving and prayer through these 40-days connects us more deeply to God and to each other. Wiping away the sin of the world.
Lord Jesus Christ,
Search my heart and show me if I need to fast from gossip, comparison, sweets, TV, movies, secular music, meat, negativity, complaining, speeding, music in the car, shopping or instant gratification.
Teach me to be of service to others through giving a financial gift, volunteering, helping someone in need, offering to cook a meal for someone, sending flowers, writing a note or sending a text to someone each day of lent or calling people to have conversations.
Help me to be closer to you through prayer, attending daily mass, offering a mass for someone, praying a daily rosary, stations of the cross (especially Friday’s), daily examine, weekly adoration, or confession.
Amen
Jesus is all about healing, he invites ears and mouths to be opened. We are called to be open to the presence of God in our midst, to hear God’s voice, and our mouths open to proclaim his praise. Our faith is handed down through oral tradition, through the word of God and by example. We echo the faith as we receive those we meet in our day. The simple command “be opened” invites us to share the faith we profess in baptism and through Eucharistic living.
Lord Jesus Christ,
You opened the ears and mouth of the deaf mute, and he spoke plainly. Open our ears so that we may hear your voice clearly. Open our mouths so that we may proclaim your goodness. Open our hearts, so that we may love more fully. Open our hearts, O God.
Amen
Where do you turn in your time of need? For comfort after a stressful day, after a conflict with someone or something like unexpected news about your health? We often turn to things of this world to satisfy these areas of need within our heart rather than what will satisfy our needs.
Continue reading “Where Do You Turn?”
Go out and serve the Lord with your life.
Every Mass across the world ends with this call to action in how we can praise God. How do you serve the Lord with your one sacred, holy and precious life?
Continue reading “Your One Precious Life”
Much of the journey of spiritual growth is about choosing the better part. This is the way we praise God giving glory through our life. When two good things are in front of you, how do you make the right choice? The better choice usually involves trust and self-surrender.
Continue reading “Choosing the Better Part”
As we face another day, consider whether you have made yourself too busy for God. Let’s praise God and ask how we can make time and be available to help fulfill His plan today.
Continue reading “Too Busy for God?”
I’m waking up with praise this morning, after my time in scripture, Psalm 45, which lets me know God’s heart and that I can trust.
Continue reading “Wake Up to Trust”
He (Jesus) then asked, “And you – what are you saying about me? Who am I?” Peter gave the answer: “You are the Christ, the Messiah.” Mark 8:29
Jesus,
You are Christ, the Messiah –
the promised anointed one who saved the world.
You are The Light of the World –
able to shine through all darkness.
You are The High Priest who tore the veil –
through you, we have direct and free access to God.
You are The Good Shepherd –
guiding, protecting, and calling us back when we stray.
You are The WayMaker –
moving mountains, healing, bringing beauty from the ashes.
Lord, continue to show me who you are, and I will gladly tell others all about you.
Amen
Prayer Bowls blog 1/28/24
Smitten With Goodness 