Category Archives: Prayer

Which person in the Trinity do you find it easiest to pray to?




 
 Many of our formal prayers end with the Glory Be prayer. I asked my friends which person in the Trinity they found it easier to turn to, and who they found it difficult to turn to in prayer. There is no wrong answer! After reflecting, I realized that during my prayer journey (my pilgrimage) I have come to know each of the persons in the Trinity in a more personal way.

Save

Seven Prayers to the Sacred Heart of Jesus




 Sacred

How often have we heard that God is Love? It is not surprising then that a devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus would become popular. The devotion was evident in the early church by writings of St. Justin Martyr and in the seventh century with Pope Gregory the Great. The devotion became more popular after a vision by St. Gertrude the Great. However, it became widespread after a series of visions received by St. Margaret Mary Alacoque instructing her to spread this devotion.

The Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is celebrated on the second Friday after Pentecost by the Catholic Church. It was recognized and approved by Pope Clement XIII in 1765.

St. Margaret Mary Alacoque is the patron saint of polio victims. She was born in 1647 in Burgundy, France. She was bedridden for five years as a child with rheumatic fever. She had a devotion to the Eucharist. Refusing marriage, she entered the Visitation convent. St. Margaret Mary was a visionary. She had a series of visions of Christ which instructed her to spread the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. When she shared her visions, she met great resistance. However, eventually the devotion was officially approved. We celebrate the feast day of St. Margaret Mary on Oct. 17. In one of her visions Jesus gave her twelve promises to those devoted to His Sacred Heart.

The Twelve Promises of Jesus to Saint Margaret Mary for those Devoted to His Sacred Heart:

  • I will give them all the graces necessary for their state of life.
  • I will establish peace in their families.
  • I will console them in all their troubles.
  • They shall find in My Heart an assured refuge during life and especially at the hour of their death.
  • I will pour abundant blessings on all their undertakings.
  • Sinners shall find in My Heart the source of an infinite ocean of mercy.
  • Tepid souls shall become fervent.
  • Fervent souls shall speedily rise to great perfection.
  • I will bless the homes where an image of My Heart shall be exposed and honored.
  • I will give to priests the power of touching the most hardened hearts.
  • Those who propagate this devotion shall have their names written in My Heart, never to be effaced.
  • The all-powerful love of My Heart will grant to all those who shall receive Communion on the First Friday of nine consecutive months the grace of final repentance; they shall not die under my displeasure, nor without receiving their Sacraments; My heart shall be their assured refuge at that last hour.

– From Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque’s Vision of Jesus

The devotion to the Sacred Heart includes contemplation on the wounds of Christ, especially his side pierced by a sword and the graces which flow from the Heart of Jesus, healing and forgiving souls. The wound in the heart of Jesus symbolized the wound of love: He was “pierced for our offenses, crushed for our sins.” (Is 53:5)

From the time of St. Margaret Mary the devotion to the Sacred Heart has steadily grown. Many prayers have been written in honor of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

The following prayers to the Sacred Heart of Jesus can inspire us and deepen our devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

sacred-heart-of-jesus-public-domain-image-1

Prayer of Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

O Sacred Heart of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, to Thee I consecrate and offer up my person and my life, my actions, trials and sufferings, that my entire being may henceforth only be employed in loving, honoring and glorifying Thee. This is my irrevocable will, to belong entirely to Thee, and to do all for Thy love, renouncing with my whole heart all that can displease Thee.

I take Thee, O Sacred Heart, for the sole object of my love, the protection of my life, the pledge of my salvation, the remedy of my frailty and inconstancy, the reparation for all the defects of my life, and my secure refuge at the hour of my death.

I fear all from my own weakness and malice, but placing my entire confidence in Thee, O Heart of Love, I hope for all from Thine infinite goodness. Annihilate in me all that can displease or resist Thee.

Imprint Thy pure love so deeply in my heart that I may never forget Thee or be separated from Thee. I beseech Thee, through Thine infinite goodness, grant that my name be engraved on Thy Heart for in this I place all my happiness and all my glory, to live and to die as one of Thy devoted servants. Amen.

St. Margaret Mary Alacoque

sacred-heart-of-jesus

Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

O Adorable Heart of Jesus, the tenderest, the most amiable, the most generous of all hearts!

Penetrated with gratitude at the sight of Thy benefits, I come to consecrate myself wholly and unreservedly to Thee! I wish to devote all my energies to propating Thy worship and winning, if possible, all hearts to Thee.

Receive my heart this day, O Jesus. Or rather take it, change it, purify it, to render it worthy of Thee; make it humble, gentle, patient, faithful, and generous like Thine, by inflaming it with the fire of Thy love. Hide it in Thy Divine Heart with all hearts that love Thee and are consecrated to Thee; never permit me to take my heart from Thee again. Let me rather die than grieve Thy Adorable Heart.

Thou knows, O Heart of Jesus, that the desire of my heart is to love Thee always, to be wholly Thine in life and in death, in time and in eternity.

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I trust in Thee.

sacred-heart-of-jesus-public-domain-image-4

O Sacred Heart of Jesus, I Place My Trust in Thee

O Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place my trust in thee. Whatever may befall me, Lord, though dark the hour may be;

In all my woes; in all my joys, though nought but grief I see, O Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place my trust in thee.

When those I loved have passed away, and I am so distressed, O Sacred Heart of Jesus, I fly to thee for rest!

In all my trials, great or small, my confidence shall be unshaken as I cry, dear Lord, I place my trust in thee.

This is my one sweet prayer dear Lord, my faith, my trust, my love. But most of all in that last hour, when death points up above,

O sweet savior, may thy face smile on my soul set free. Oh may I cry with rapturous love…I’ve placed my trust in thee!

sacred-heart-of-jesus-public-domain-image-6

Prayer to Sacred Heart

Most holy Heart of Jesus, fountain of every blessing, I love You. With a lively sorrow for my sins I offer You this poor heart of mine. Make me humble, patient, and pure, and perfectly obedient to Your Will.

Good Jesus, grant that I may live in You and for You. Protect me in the midst of danger and comfort me in my afflictions. Bestow on me health of body, assistance in temporal needs, Your blessing on all that I do, and the grace of a holy death. Amen.

sacred-heart

Act of Love to the Sacred Heart

How great, O my Jesus, is the extent of Thine excessive charity! Thou hast prepared
for me, of Thy most precious Body and Blood, a divine banquet, where Thou
gives me Thyself without reserve. What has urged Thee to this excess of love?
Nothing but Thine own most loving Heart.

O adorable Heart of my Jesus, furnace of Divine Love, receive my soul into the wound of Thy most Sacred Passion, that in this school of charity I may learn to make  a return of love to that God Who has given me such wonderful proofs of His love.

St. Gertrude the Great

sacred-jeart-11

Memorare to the Sacred Heart

Remember, O most sweet Jesus, that no one who has had recourse to Thy Sacred Heart, implored its help, or sought its mercy was ever abandoned.

Encouraged with confidence, O tenderest of hearts, we present ourselves before Thee, crushed beneath the weight of our sins.

In our misery, O Sacred Heart of Jesus, despise not our simple prayers, but mercifully grant our requests. Amen.

jcheartenh

Prayer to the Sacred Heart for the souls in purgatory

O most gentle Heart of Jesus, ever present in the Blessed Sacrament, ever consumed with burning love for the poor captive souls in Purgatory, have mercy on the souls of Thy departed servants. Be not severe in Thy judgments, but let some drops of Thy Precious Blood fall upon the devouring flames. And do, O Merciful Savior, send Thy holy angels to conduct them to a place of refreshment, light, and peace. Amen

St. Gertrude the Great

Save

Save

Save

Do Heaven and Hell Really Exist?




Last Judgement by Michelangelo Public Domain Image
Last Judgement
by Michelangelo

Save

Save

 

Be Not Afraid! Praying with the Scriptures and Psalms to Conquer Fear




 

The psalms are prayers in the Old Testament. The majority of them were written by King David. As a boy David tended sheep and prayed to God with his music. David sang to God in all moments of his life during every emotion.

Each of the psalms is actually meant to be sung. If you are experiencing anxiety or are in need of healing turn to the psalms to guide you in prayer.

Life is filled with stress and suffering. Every moment of our lives we need to turn to God for guidance. If we truly trust Him, we will be guided in how to deal with the problems we are experiencing. Praying with scripture can be very beneficial. There are many passages in scripture which we can pray in regard to fear.

Philippians 4:67 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known.

Isaiah 41:10 Fear not for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your god, I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord you God goes with you, he will never leave you nor forsake you.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight.

The Psalms can also be prayed to find comfort and inspiration.

The following six psalms are songs of trust and turning to God in time of need. Pray (or sing) them and find the ‘Peace of Christ’.

Sacred Heart of Jesus

Psalm 3   Trust in God under Adversity

O Lord, how many are my foes! Many are rising against me; Many are saying to me, “There is no help for you in God.”

But you, O Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, and the one who lifts up my head. I cry aloud to the Lord, and he answers me from his holy hill.

I lie down and sleep; I wake again, for the Lord sustains me. I am not afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around.

Rise up, O Lord! Deliver me, O my God! For you strike all my enemies on the cheek; you break the teeth of the wicked.

Deliverance belongs to the Lord; may your blessing be on your people!

Jesus, The Good Shepherd

Psalm 23   The Divine Shepherd

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; He restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff…they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long.

Psalm 27   Triumphant Song of Confidence

The Lord is my light and my salvation ; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

When evildoers assail me to devour my flesh…my adversaries and foes…they shall stumble and fall.

Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war rise up against me, yet I will be confident.

One thing I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after; to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple.

For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will set me high on a rock.

Now my head is lifted up above my enemies all around me, and I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and make melody to the Lord.

Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud, be gracious to me and answer me! “Come,” my heart says, “seek his face!” Your face, Lord, do I seek. Do not hide your face from me.

Do not turn your servant away in anger, you who have been my help. Do not cast me off, do not forsake me, O God of my salvation! If my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will take me up.

Teach me your way, O lord, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies. Do not give me up to the will of my adversaries, for false witnesses have risen against me, and they are breathing out violence.

I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!

Psalm 56   Trust in God under Persecution

Be gracious to me, O God, for people trample on me; all day long foes oppress me; my enemies trample on me all day long, for many fight against me. O Most High, when I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God whose word I praise, in God I trust; I am not afraid, what can flesh do to me?

All day long they seek to injure my cause; all their thoughts are against me for evil. They stir up strife, they lurk, they watch my steps. As they hoped to have my life, so repay them for their crime; in wrath cast down the peoples, O God!

You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your record? Then my enemies will retreat in the day when I call.

This I know, that God is for me. In God, whose word I praise, in the Lord, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I am not afraid. What can a mere mortal do to me?

My vows to you I must perform, O God; I will render thank offerings to you. For you have delivered my soul from death, and my feet from falling, so that I may walk before God in the light of life.

Psalm 91   Assurance of God’s Protection

You who live in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty, will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust.”

For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence; he will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. You will not fear the terror of the night, or the arrow that flies by day, or the pestilence that stalks in darkness, or the destruction that wastes at noonday.

A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only look with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked.

Because you have made the Lord your refuge, the Most High your dwelling place, no evil shall befall you, no scourge come near your tent.

For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone. You will tread on the lion and the adder the young lion and the serpent you will trample under foot.

Those who love me, I will deliver; I will protect those who know my name. When they call to me, I will answer them; I will be with them in trouble, I will rescue them and honor them. With long life I will satisfy them, and show them my salvation.

Psalm 121   Assurance of God’s Protection

I lift up my eyes to the hills…from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade at your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night.

The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time on and forevermore.

Save

Save

 

Save

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: St. Gertrude Caterina Comensoli, Feast Day Feb. 18




St. Gertrude
The feast day of St. Gertrude Caterina Comensoli is celebrated on Feb. 18.

St. Gertrude was born in Biennio Brescia, Italy in 1837 into a large family. From early childhood she was always aware of the presence of God, especially in the Eucharist. She was drawn to prayer in the presence of the tabernacle. At the age of 15, Gertrude wanted to join the convent. Because of illness she was forced to wait. She worked as a domestic worker for a priest.

St. Gertrude was concerned about the transition of Italy’s rural society into an industrial one. She gained a private audience with Pope Leo XIII who encouraged her to do something which focused on the education of young women.

On Dec. 15, 1882 she founded the Congregation of the Sacramentine Sisters of Bergamo. It’s focus was on adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and education. The sisters committed their lives to prayer and helping those who were most in need.

St. Gertrude died of natural causes while praying in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in 1903.

 

Arm yourself with prayer rather than a sword,
wear humility rather than fine clothes.

Quote of St. Dominic; Feast day August 8

 

February is the Month of the Passion of the Lord

Save

Save

 

How Much Do You Know About The Sacraments Of The Catholic Church?




Seven Sacraments of the Catholic Church
Seven Sacraments of the Catholic Church

There are seven sacraments in the Catholic Church. A sacrament is described as “an outward sign instituted by Christ to give grace.”

Grace is a gift from God. We can ask for it, but it cannot be forced. God gives us his grace by his own free will. Imagine Christmas. The gifts under the tree are presents freely given. God’s grace is the present of God’s presence.

Each sacrament is an opportunity to receive God’s grace (His presence in our life). When we receive the grace of God through the sacraments, we become more open to the presence of God in our life.

The seven sacraments are  Baptism, Reconciliation, Eucharist,  Confirmation, Holy Matrimony, Holy Orders, and the Anointing of the Sick. Test your knowledge to find out if you understand the sacraments.

  1. Which sacrament can be received as an infant?
  2. A deacon can be the minister in which sacraments?
  3. The Holy Spirit has three symbols. What are they?
  4. Extreme Unction is another name for which sacrament.
  5. Which sacrament makes us a member of the family of God?
  6. Before receiving the Eucharist, one must be in a state of _________.
  7. To have ones sins absolved, one should receive this sacrament.
  8. Water is the symbol of which sacrament?
  9. A priest or deacon must be a witness to this sacrament.
  10.  What is another name for the sacrament of Reconciliation.
  11. In which sacrament do we receive the Holy Spirit?
  12. Which three sacraments are called the sacraments of initiation?
  13. Which two sacraments are vocational sacraments?
  14. Which two sacraments are sacraments of healing?
  15. Which sacrament removes the stain of original sin?:
  16. Which sacrament requires an act of contrition?
  17. The presence of Jesus in the Eucharist is also known as what?
  18. There is only one sacrament we are encouraged to receive often, even daily. Which one is it?
  19. In which sacrament do we choose a patron saint?
  20.  Which sacrament  must be administered by a bishop not a priest?

Each of the sacraments has a biblical beginning  Read the biblical text which refers to each sacrament. The last photo you will find the answers to the questions.

Sacrament of Baptism
Sacrament of Baptism

Sacrament of Baptism

Mathew 28:19-20

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Sacrament of Confirmation
Sacrament of Confirmation
                                                           
 

Sacrament of Confirmation

Acts 8:14

Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. The two went down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, (for as yet the Spirit had not come upon any of them, for they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then Peter and John laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit.

Sacrament of Holy Matrimony
Sacrament of Holy Matrimony
                                                          

Sacrament of Holy Matrimony

Matthew 19:3-11

Some Pharisees approached him, and tested him, saying, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any cause whatever?” He said in reply, “Have you not read that from the beginning the creator made them male and female,” and said, “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, no human being must separate.”

They said to him, “Then why did Moses command that the man give the woman a bill of divorce and dismiss her?” He said to them, “Because of the hardness of your hearts Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so. I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, unless the marriage is unlawful, and marries commits adultery.”
His disciples said to him. “If that is the case of a man and his wife, it is better not to marry. He answered, “Not all can accept this word, but only those to whom it is granted.”

Sacrament of Holy Orders
Sacrament of Holy Orders
                                                            
                                                                      

Sacrament of Holy Orders

Mark 3: 13

He went up the mountain and called to him those whom he wanted and they came to him. And he appointed twelve, whom he also named apostles to be with him and to be sent out and proclaim the message and to have authority to cast out demons. So he appointed the twelve: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter) James, son of Zebadee and John the brother of James (Sons of thunder) and Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew and Mathew and Thomas and James, son of Alphaeses and Thadaeus and Simon the Cananaen and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.

Sacrament of Reconciliation
Sacrament of Reconciliation

Reconciliation

John 20:19

When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you”.

After he said this he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.

Jesus said to them again “Peace be with you. As the Father sent me, so I send you.”

When he had said this he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them,  if you retain the sins of any they are retained.”

Sacrament of the Eucharist
Sacrament of the Eucharist
                                                           

Eucharist

Mathew 26:26

While they were eating, Jesus took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it, he broke it, gave it to the disciples and said “Take and eat, this is my body”.

Then he took a cup and after giving thanks he gave it to them saying “Drink from it all of you for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.  I tell you, I will never drink of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Fathers kingdom.”

Sacrament of Annointing of the Sick
Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick
                                                     

Anointing the sick

Mark 6:7

He called the twelve and began to send them two by two and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. He ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff, no bread, no bag, no money in their belts, but to wear sandals and not to put on two tunics.

He said to them, Wherever you enter a house stay there until you leave the place. If any place will not welcome you and they refuse to hear you, as you leave shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.”

So they went out and proclaimed that all should repent. They cast out many demons and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.

Seven Sacraments of the Catholic Church
Seven Sacraments of the Catholic Church
                                   

The Seven Sacraments of the Catholic Church

1. The Sacrament of Baptism is often received as an infant.

2. A deacon may baptize, anoint the sick and witness a marriage.

3. The symbols of the Holy Spirit are wind, fire and a dove.

4. Anointing of the sick is another name for the sacrament formerly known as Extreme Unction.

5. Baptism initiates a person into the family of God.

6. One must be in a state of grace (free from grave sin) to receive the Sacrament or the Eucharist.

7. In the Sacrament of Reconciliation the priest (in the name of Christ) absolves (forgives) the person of his or her sins.

8. Living water is the symbol of Baptism. It must be flowing water.

9. The sacrament of Holy Matrimony must be witnessed by a priest or deacon to be considered a sacramental marriage.

10. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is also call the Sacrament of Confession or Penance.

11. We receive the Holy Spirit in the Sacrament of Confirmation.

12. The sacraments of initiation are Baptism. Eucharist, and Confirmation.

13. The vocational sacraments are Holy Orders and Holy Matrimony.

14. The sacraments of healing are Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick.

15. Baptism removes the stain of original sin.

16. Reconciliation requires an Act of Contrition.

17. The belief that the bread and wine in the Eucharist become the body and blood of Jesus after being consecrated by the priest or bishop is known as “The Real Presence.”

18. We are encouraged to receive the Eucharist daily if possible.

19. When receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation we choose a patron saint.

20. Holy Orders must be received from a validly ordained Bishop. Every Catholic bishop can trace his ordination back to the original twelve Apostles.

.



Save

Save