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Pray to your patron saint after receiving communion

raphael

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December 17, 2019

Pray to your patron saint after receiving communion

Ask your patron saint to keep in your heart the graces you receive after communion.

In the Catholic Church there exists a tradition where each person can adopt a patron saint to whom they feel a special connection. Sometimes this patron saint is based on someone’s birth name, or the feast day on which they were born, but more often this custom involves freely choosing a particular saint to be a person’s patron.

Whoever your patron saint may be, one holy practice is to pray for their intercession after receiving holy communion.

One reason why this is an important practice is because when we receive communion, we are put “in union” not only with God, but also all the saints in Heaven. This gives us a special opportunity to ask our patron saint for special graces and to help maintain the graces we receive after communion.

Here is a short prayer from the Golden Manual that can be use for anyone who wishes to draw closer to their patron saint and remain in union with God after Mass is over.

O great Saint [insert name here], under whose patronage I have placed myself, obtain for me grace to fulfill the holy resolutions I have made this day. Help me, by your powerful intercession, to lead a life conformable to the sacred character I have received, and to imitate the virtues for which you were so remarkable. Protect me through all the perils of life, and abandon me not at the hour of death. Amen.

Make the Christmas Novena starting today into 9 days of soul-care

raphael

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December 17, 2019

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Make the Christmas Novena starting today into 9 days of soul-care

Taking care of yourself in the right ways is part of readying to receive the Christ Child.

On December 16, we are nine days before Christmas, meaning it is time to begin the Christmas novena.

Because we human beings are a body-soul unity, the preparation of our souls goes hand in hand with the preparation of our bodies, including what we need to be mentally healthy and thus ready to receive the Christ Child.

As we pray the prayers of the Novena, including the “O Antiphons,” let us also take a bit of time for self-care.

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December 16. Behold, the King will come, the Lord of the earth, and He will remove from us the yoke of our captivity.

Tip: Take 20 minutes to truly rest, focusing your attention on relaxing your body muscle by muscle.

December 17. O Wisdom, who came from the mouth of the Most High, reaching from end to end and ordering all things mightily and sweetly, Come, and teach us the way of prudence.

Tip: Take 20 minutes to read the writings of a favorite saint, and allow his or her wisdom and holiness of perspective to shift your outlook.

December 18. O Lord and Ruler of the House of Israel, who appeared to Moses in the flame of the burning bush and gave him the law on Sinai: Come and redeem us with outstretched arm.

Tip: Take 20 minutes to make a list of times when God has reached out to you, either in prayer or through the help of those around you.

December 19. O Root of Jesse, who stands for an ensign of the people, before whom kinds shall keep silence and unto whom the Gentiles shall make supplication: Come to deliver us, and tarry not.

Tip: Take 20 minutes to walk outside, even if it means you have to bundle up. The fresh air will clear your thoughts.

December 20. O Key of David, and Scepter of the House of Israel, who opens and no man shuts, who shuts and no man opens: Come and bring forth the captive from his prison, he who sits in darkness and in the shadow of death.

Tip: Take 20 minutes to write a note to someone you love.

December 21. O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice: Come and shine on those who dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death.

Tip: Take 20 minutes to listen to sacred music, and consider how God speaks without words. If you don’t have a favorite album, try this classic.

December 22. O King of the Gentiles and their desired One, the Cornerstone that makes both one: Come, and deliver man, whom You formed out of the dust of the earth.

Tip: Take 20 minutes to truly savor a work of sacred art. You could use this slideshow if you don’t have an art book on hand.

December 23. O Emmanuel, God with us, our King and Lawgiver, the expected of the nations and their Savior: Come to save us, O Lord our God.

Tip: Try to create as much silence today as you can. Shut off as many devices as possible.

December 24. With the rising of the sun, you will soon see the King of kings and Lord of lords, coming forth from His Father, as the bridegroom, from His bridal chamber.

Tip: Take 20 minutes to meditate or journal about what Mary is experiencing today. Use each of your five senses to draw close to her in your imagination.

Pray this Psalm for a powerful boost in courage

Kenneth C. Alimba

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December 16, 2019

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Pray this Psalm for a powerful boost in courage

When you are about to face your fears, pray these words of King David.

There will always be times in our lives when we must face our greatest fears. For some this happens on a daily basis, waking up each morning to combat the many trials and difficulties in their lives.

The good news is that God is with us and is ready to pour out his grace upon us. However, we must be open to that grace and allow him to fill us with heroic courage that propels us forward, ready to meet whatever lies ahead.

The Psalms can help us in this regard, which contain the many prayerful cries from the heart of King David who daily struggled to follow God’s will in his life. In particular, Psalm 27 is a perfect prayer for courage that can bolster a person’s faith, giving them the grace that they need to confront their greatest fears.

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,
uttering slanders against me,
my adversaries and foes,
they shall stumble and fall.

Though a host encamp against me,
my heart shall not fear;
though war arise against me,
yet I will be confident.

One thing have I asked of the Lord,
that will I seek after;
that I may dwell 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 upon a rock.

And now my head shall be lifted up
above my enemies round about 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!
Thou hast said, “Seek ye my face.”
My heart says to thee,
“Thy face, Lord, do I seek.”
Hide not thy face from me.

Turn not thy servant away in anger,
thou who hast been my help.
Cast me not off, forsake me not,
O God of my salvation!
For my father and my mother have forsaken me,
but the Lord will take me up.

Teach me thy way, O Lord;
and lead me on a level path
because of my enemies.
Give me not up to the will of my adversaries;
for false witnesses have risen against me,
and they breathe 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;
yea, wait for the Lord!

Sleep in peace with this calming prayer

Prayers

raphael

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December 15, 2019

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It is a short prayer that can be prayed over and over again as you fall asleep.

Sometimes we will be laying in bed, restless, and not able to sleep. While there are countless calming techniques that can be attempted, one way to bring your mind at peace is to start at your soul.

One such prayer that can be prayed over and over again, often focusing on your breath, is a prayer inspired by Psalm 31. The rest of the prayer is taken from the Golden Manual, a book of prayerful devotions from the mid-19th century.

Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit. You have redeemed me, O Lord God of truth. I will sleep in peace, and take my rest.

It is a prayer of resignation, giving to God everything that you are and allowing him to grant you a peaceful night’s sleep.

If you find yourself laying in bed and wondering what to do, try praying this short prayer and letting yourself rest under the watchful care of God, your Heavenly Father.

Begin your day with this prayer of thanksgiving

raphael

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December 15, 2019

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Begin your day with this prayer of thanksgiving

It’s a new day! Thank God for such a wonderful gift!

Often when we wake-up, the last thing that is on our mind is to thank God for it! We may instead be tempted to roll out of bed and even raise our fist towards God, not wanting to wake-up and encounter the day that is before us.

However, we do need to realize that each day is a gift, as so many people like to say, “That’s why it is called ‘the present.‘”

One way to foster this daily gratitude is to begin each morning by praying to God in a spirit of thanksgiving. Below is one such prayer from the Golden Manual that can serve as an inspiration and help you begin the day on the right foot.

O eternal God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; the beginning and end of all things; in whom we live, and move, and have our being: I adore you with the most profound humility. I praise and bless you, and give you thanks for all the benefits which you have conferred upon me; that you have created me out of nothing, made me after your own image and likeness, redeemed me with the precious blood of your Son, and sanctified me with your Holy Spirit.
I thank you that you have assisted me by your grace, watched over me by your special providence; blessed me, notwithstanding my sins and utter unworthiness, with the continuance of your gracious protection; and for all the innumerable blessings which I owe to your undeserved bounty.
Particularly this morning, I thank you for having preserved me during the past night, and for bringing me in safety to the beginning of another day. God, how good you are to me! What return can I make for all that you have done for me? I will strive to bless your holy name, and serve you all the days of my life. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and let all that is within me praise his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all that he has done for you.

New parents should pray this prayer

raphael

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December 15, 2019

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If you recently became a parent, ask God for help!

Are you a new parent? Congratulations! You have been blessed by God with such a beautiful gift!

Now comes the most difficult part about being a parent: raising that child to be a good person!

You are going to need all the help you can get and to start, you should ask God for help. Typically the most authentic prayers are those that you pray from your heart, but sometimes we might need some assistance and so here is a adapted prayer from a family prayer book from 1845. It is honest in its petitions and lays before God all that a new parent needs, especially the reality that children so often learn good (and bad) habits from their parents.

Whatever you do, don’t try to be a parent on your own!

O God, whose holy prophets have declared children to be a blessing, grant that your grace may never be obstructed through any defect on my part. May the children you have bestowed upon me be a blessing and a comfort to my life. May I be enabled to bring them up in virtue and godliness: and, Lord, please bestow upon them such dispositions and such tempers as may lead them to profit by every good and to shun every evil that may come near them.

Bestow upon them, out of the abundance of your mercy, health, strength, and ability; give them the will to improve themselves, and the power to make the most of all those means which may lead to the of advancing their own good and your honor.

Teach me, Almighty God, to give them an example of the way in which they should walk. Teach me to train their minds in the fear and love of you: and never, oh never let them fall into sin by following any bad habit or any evil inclination which they may have learned from me. Oh let them not be brought to sorrow and suffering through my means: let them not incur guilt through any negligence or indulgence on my part. From all sin, keep them, O Lord; and especially from all sin which I might have taught them to shun. Let them live innocently and holily; let them remember the object for which their life is bestowed: let them remember the bliss which you have prepared for us all in your kingdom.

Grant this my prayer, I beseech you, through Jesus, your beloved Son, in whom you were always well pleased. Amen.

Pray to the baby Jesus for a heart glowing with love

raphael

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December 15, 2019

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Pray to the baby Jesus for a heart glowing with love

The Child Jesus has much to teach us during the Advent and Christmas seasons.

The Advent and Christmas seasons give us the special opportunity to focus on Jesus as a child and that is an opportunity we don’t always take advantage of.

The Child Jesus has much to teach us about humility, smallness and most of all, love.

Here is a prayer from A Book of Devotions that focuses on these many lessons and asks the baby Jesus in the manger to inflame our hearts with love this special time of the year.

O most glorious, most holy, most adorable Infant Jesus, King of my soul! Blessed be the hour in which your holy Mother will give you to me as my ransom. O most beautiful above the children of men give me a heart all glowing with holy desires, love, gratitude, and ardent zeal, since it was for my sake that you were born on earth. Give me the true spirit of your holy Nativity, a spirit of humility, silence, detachment, docility, meekness, and true and ardent charity. Bless me then, divine Infant, as you did bless the humble and simple shepherds watching over their flocks; and let me ever remember that it is to the humble, simple, and faithful that you most willingly communicate your choicest gifts. Amen.

St. Francis Xavier encourages us to love God for only one reason

raphael

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December 15, 2019

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St. Francis Xavier encourages us to love God for only one reason

Ask yourself, why do you love God?

When we say we “love God,” sometimes it isn’t always for the purest motives. We may love God, because he blesses us with many graces, or because he has healed our broken heart.

While basing our love of God on particular events in our lives or the future promise of Heaven isn’t bad in itself, St. Francis Xavier encourages us to love God because of who he is and how he loved us first.

In a similar way that a child loves a parent from the first moments of their life, we too should love God without any strings attached. This type of love can endure any type of hardship or difficulty and will help us when we feel alone and abandoned.

Here is a prayer traditionally attributed to St. Francis Xavier, called his “Hymn of Love,” that illustrates this basic principle, focusing on how we should love God, not because of any future gain or to avoid a future punishment, but because God is God and already showed the depths of his love for us on the cross.

O God, I love Thee, for Thyself
And not that I may heaven gain,
Nor because those who love Thee not,
Must suffer hell’s eternal pain.

Thou, O my Jesus! Thyself didst me
Upon the cross embrace;
For me didst bear the nails and spear
And manifold disgrace;

And griefs and torments numberless,
And sweat of agony;
E’en death itself—and all for one
Who was Thine enemy.

Then why, O blessed Jesus Christ,
Should I not love Thee well,
Not for the sake of winning heaven,
Or of escaping hell;

Not with the hope of gaining aught,
Not seeking a reward;
But as Thyself hast loved me,
O ever-loving Lord?

E’en so I love Thee, and will love,
And in Thy praise will sing,
Solely because Thou art my God,
And my eternal King.

John Paul II’s prayer that love would conquer hatred in America

raphael

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December 15, 2019

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John Paul II’s prayer that love would conquer hatred in America

In 1979 the Polish pontiff entrusted the future of the United States to the Virgin Mary at the National Shrine.

Shortly after being elected pope, St. John Paul II scheduled an apostolic visit to the United States of America. While there he was on a whirlwind tour that included a special visit to the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC.

Mary, under her title of the Immaculate Conception, is the patroness of the United States, and John Paul II took the opportunity to recite a special prayer in which he entrusted the future of this country to her maternal care.

Here is an excerpt from this prayer, which can be prayed anew by anyone who desires that love will conquer hatred in this country.

Today, as I thank you, Mother, for this presence of yours in the midst of the men and women of this land—a presence which has lasted two hundred years—giving a new form to their social and civic lives in the United States, I commend them all to your Immaculate Heart.

In a special way, I entrust to you the well-being of the Christian families of this country, the innocence of children, the future of the young, the vocation of single men and women. I ask you to communicate to all the women of the United States a deep sharing in the joy that you experienced in your closeness to Jesus Christ, your Son. I ask you to preserve all of them in freedom from sin and evil, like the freedom which was yours in a unique way from that moment of supreme liberation in your Immaculate Conception.

I add to this, Mother, the great cause of justice and peace in the modern world, in order that the force and energy of love may prevail over hatred and destructiveness, and in order that the children of light may not lack concern for the welfare of the whole human family.

Mother, I commend and entrust to you all that goes to make up earthly progress, asking that it should not be one-sided, but that it should create conditions for the full spiritual advancement of individuals, families, communities and nations. I commend to you the poor, the suffering, the sick and the handicapped, the aging and the dying. I ask you to reconcile those in sin, to heal those in pain, and to uplift those who have lost their hope and joy. Show to those who struggle in doubt the light of Christ your Son.

At a time when the struggle between good and evil, between evangelical love and the prince of darkness and father of lies is growing more acute, may the light of your Immaculate Conception show to all the way to grace and to salvation. Amen.

Pray this Psalm to increase your joy

raphael

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December 15, 2019

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Psalm 95 gives us the perfect prayer to reignite a joyful heart.

Christians are meant to be joyful, filled with the hope and love of God, ready to announce the “Good News” of salvation. However, this is more easily said than done, and we are tempted to focus on the world’s darkness, instead of the light.

Sometimes the best thing to do is to turn to the Bible and repeat the inspired words of God over and over again until our heart is changed. God is the one who can warm the coldness of our heart and many of the Psalms can help in this regard.

Here is an excerpt from Psalm 95 that provides a perfect prayer to give praise to God and increase the joy in our lives. No matter what suffering we endure in life, we can always sing joyfully to God, trusting that he will bring us out of the pit and into his warm embrace.

Come, let us sing joyfully to the Lord;
cry out to the rock of our salvation.
Let us come before him with a song of praise,
joyfully sing out our psalms.
For the Lord is the great God,
the great king over all gods,
Whose hand holds the depths of the earth;
who owns the tops of the mountains.
The sea and dry land belong to God,
who made them, formed them by hand.
Enter, let us bow down in worship;
let us kneel before the Lord who made us.
For he is our God,
we are the people he shepherds,
the sheep in his hands.

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Ask your patron saint to keep in your heart the graces you receive after communion.

Taking care of yourself in the right ways is part of readying to receive the Christ Child.

When you are about to face your fears, pray these words of King David.

It is a short prayer that can be prayed over and over again as you fall asleep.

It’s a new day! Thank God for such a wonderful gift!

If you recently became a parent, ask God for help!

The Child Jesus has much to teach us during the Advent and Christmas seasons.

Ask yourself, why do you love God?

In 1979 the Polish pontiff entrusted the future of the United States to the Virgin Mary at the National Shrine.

Psalm 95 gives us the perfect prayer to reignite a joyful heart.

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