I really love this depiction of Mary and had to hunt around a bit to find where I had last seen it on the Internet, so here it is....
http://thewindowshowsitall.blogspot.com/2008/08/marian-title-star-of-seaaugust-29.html
Centuries, indeed, nearly two thousand years, of fishermen have asked Mary's help and protection while at sea.
Showing posts with label prayer card. Show all posts
Showing posts with label prayer card. Show all posts
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Thursday, August 21, 2008
A prayer I have written from scripture
When God gathers his people together, he calls them to his mercy. When his priest Zachary offered daily incense to the Lord, God announced to him a son in his old age, who would proclaim the coming of the Savior Jesus Christ. Through Gabriel, God promised his priest Zachary that in the spirit and power of Elias, the hearts of fathers will turn to their children, and the incredulous will turn to the wisdom of the just.
The true light enlightens every man who comes into the world. To those who receive Jesus Christ, they receive the power of becoming sons of God, who believe in his name. Jesus promised that we will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man. Jesus also said, Let not your heart be troubled: You believe in God, believe also in me.
***
I wrote this prayer as more of a meditation, rather than phrased as a petition to God, or offering to God worship.
This is because I think often about the struggles of fathers in this modern society with so much pain and distortion of human goodness, and so I thought of in a way "sampling" from the Gospel, and a few words from the Old Testament, a reminder of the holy relationship between fathers and sons. In this prayer I tried to summarize the continuity and gift of father and son relationship, first in the announcement of the birth of St. John the Baptist where Gabriel in the own words of God emphasized that the hearts of fathers must be turned to their children. Likewise Jesus himself speaks of the shared heritage of the father-child relationship that belief in Jesus entitles the faithful to. So my thinking in writing this prayer was that it would be a meditative reminder to fathers (and their children) about their essential ongoing role and share in salvation and faith history.
The true light enlightens every man who comes into the world. To those who receive Jesus Christ, they receive the power of becoming sons of God, who believe in his name. Jesus promised that we will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man. Jesus also said, Let not your heart be troubled: You believe in God, believe also in me.
***
I wrote this prayer as more of a meditation, rather than phrased as a petition to God, or offering to God worship.
This is because I think often about the struggles of fathers in this modern society with so much pain and distortion of human goodness, and so I thought of in a way "sampling" from the Gospel, and a few words from the Old Testament, a reminder of the holy relationship between fathers and sons. In this prayer I tried to summarize the continuity and gift of father and son relationship, first in the announcement of the birth of St. John the Baptist where Gabriel in the own words of God emphasized that the hearts of fathers must be turned to their children. Likewise Jesus himself speaks of the shared heritage of the father-child relationship that belief in Jesus entitles the faithful to. So my thinking in writing this prayer was that it would be a meditative reminder to fathers (and their children) about their essential ongoing role and share in salvation and faith history.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
A fourth prayer I have written
Dear God.
You are our refuge and our strength, even though the earth be shaken and our worldly possessions burn. My faith is my palace and my prayers are its gold and silver. I know that You will help me at the break of dawn, and through all the hours of every day. When I hold Your words and precepts close in my heart, I can call myself a true attendant to the Prince of Peace. My ear is intent on a parable; my music is only of praise and joy. Through the tears of personal sorrow and loss, my soul can still smile in the presence of You. Grant me the strength to always follow the path of redemption to You, in the name of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
***
Written today July 27, 2008. My words with special phrases from King David. I have in mind those who are suffering a material loss, or are fearful of the events of the world, and with this prayer they can remember and organize their internal sense of perspective and ongoing faith in God. It also reminds where one's true treasure is, and also that redemption is a continuing walk. Again, I think most especially of the young people as they grapple with understanding the challenges of their material and spiritual heritage as the world is today.
You are our refuge and our strength, even though the earth be shaken and our worldly possessions burn. My faith is my palace and my prayers are its gold and silver. I know that You will help me at the break of dawn, and through all the hours of every day. When I hold Your words and precepts close in my heart, I can call myself a true attendant to the Prince of Peace. My ear is intent on a parable; my music is only of praise and joy. Through the tears of personal sorrow and loss, my soul can still smile in the presence of You. Grant me the strength to always follow the path of redemption to You, in the name of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
***
Written today July 27, 2008. My words with special phrases from King David. I have in mind those who are suffering a material loss, or are fearful of the events of the world, and with this prayer they can remember and organize their internal sense of perspective and ongoing faith in God. It also reminds where one's true treasure is, and also that redemption is a continuing walk. Again, I think most especially of the young people as they grapple with understanding the challenges of their material and spiritual heritage as the world is today.
A third prayer I have written.
In the beginning was the Word. And the Word does not die out. The Lord gives bread to us from his own table, the most pure Holy Eucharist, body of Our Savior Jesus Christ. The people gather together to celebrate the Sacrifice, and witness the Consecration. The Holy Presence comforts the lone adorer in the chapel, in silence. Those who believe may count themselves blessed, for the Savior is with them. Though nations are in turmoil, in the Holy Presence we have peace and grace from God. We kneel before the Holy Presence and give thanks. Amen.
***
Written by me July 27, 2008, my own words with a little help from King David. This prayer is intended for those who are pondering the mystery of the Holy Eucharist. It's a type of creed prayer rather than a petitioner prayer. It is meant for strength of faith and serenity. As always I especially have the young people in mind who are so very devoted to the Holy Eucharist and its adoration.
***
Written by me July 27, 2008, my own words with a little help from King David. This prayer is intended for those who are pondering the mystery of the Holy Eucharist. It's a type of creed prayer rather than a petitioner prayer. It is meant for strength of faith and serenity. As always I especially have the young people in mind who are so very devoted to the Holy Eucharist and its adoration.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Here is another prayer I have written
A Prayer for the Man or Woman in Modern Times
Dear Lord Jesus,
Help me to recognize the bread that you provide. Help me to learn how to ask only for what is good for me and only that which is pleasing to God. Help me to be like St. Peter, who stepped onto the water in belief of you, who in moment of fear had to grasp your hand. Help me to see others as you see them, and love them for your Name’s sake. Help me to know the One God who sent you and, like you, to always serve His will. Help me to only pick up a stone to be used to build a temple of truth to you, and never to harm the innocent. Help my ears to always hear you, the voice of the Good Shepherd. Help me to never block the light of others who seek you in the Kingdom of God. Help me to learn at first reflex to turn to you for guidance in times of trouble and fear. And help me to help others to find you, in your Name and to the greater glory of God. Amen.
***
Written July 24, 2008. Written with modern youth and their challenges in mind, but also for everyone who lives within the challenges of these modern times. My words, but inspired after reading how personally St. John explains in his Gospel some of the teachings and actions of Jesus.
Those of you who Photoshop or are otherwise talented, and are inclined to make a prayer card, a picture of Jesus reaching out for the wallowing Peter in the water would be great! :-)
Dear Lord Jesus,
Help me to recognize the bread that you provide. Help me to learn how to ask only for what is good for me and only that which is pleasing to God. Help me to be like St. Peter, who stepped onto the water in belief of you, who in moment of fear had to grasp your hand. Help me to see others as you see them, and love them for your Name’s sake. Help me to know the One God who sent you and, like you, to always serve His will. Help me to only pick up a stone to be used to build a temple of truth to you, and never to harm the innocent. Help my ears to always hear you, the voice of the Good Shepherd. Help me to never block the light of others who seek you in the Kingdom of God. Help me to learn at first reflex to turn to you for guidance in times of trouble and fear. And help me to help others to find you, in your Name and to the greater glory of God. Amen.
***
Written July 24, 2008. Written with modern youth and their challenges in mind, but also for everyone who lives within the challenges of these modern times. My words, but inspired after reading how personally St. John explains in his Gospel some of the teachings and actions of Jesus.
Those of you who Photoshop or are otherwise talented, and are inclined to make a prayer card, a picture of Jesus reaching out for the wallowing Peter in the water would be great! :-)
I have written a new prayer based on scripture
A Prayer for Youth seeking Wisdom
Dear Lord God.
We have had our fill of the ways of mischief and of ruin. We journeyed through impassable deserts, but the way of the Lord we knew not. The hope of the wicked is like smoke in the wind. But the just live forever, and in the Lord is their recompense, and the thought of them is with the Most High. Help me, O Lord, to become a wise one, to become a prudent king. I pray for prudence to be given to me; I plead for the spirit of Wisdom to come to me. May God grant that I speak suitably, and value only those endowments of true worthiness. Help me to love the holy, to be kindly, to love firmness of virtue and the unstained, and to receive the pure effusion of the glory of the Almighty. Help me to always recall the power of God and the image of his all powerful goodness. God of my fathers, Lord of mercy, you who have made all things by your word, allow me to be an attendant to you and your will throughout my life on earth and in the eternity to come, in the name and greater glory of Jesus. Amen.
***
Written July 24, 2008 with words and phrases taken from the Bible's Book of Wisdom. While for everyone it is written most lovingly with the youth of the world in mind.
Dear Lord God.
We have had our fill of the ways of mischief and of ruin. We journeyed through impassable deserts, but the way of the Lord we knew not. The hope of the wicked is like smoke in the wind. But the just live forever, and in the Lord is their recompense, and the thought of them is with the Most High. Help me, O Lord, to become a wise one, to become a prudent king. I pray for prudence to be given to me; I plead for the spirit of Wisdom to come to me. May God grant that I speak suitably, and value only those endowments of true worthiness. Help me to love the holy, to be kindly, to love firmness of virtue and the unstained, and to receive the pure effusion of the glory of the Almighty. Help me to always recall the power of God and the image of his all powerful goodness. God of my fathers, Lord of mercy, you who have made all things by your word, allow me to be an attendant to you and your will throughout my life on earth and in the eternity to come, in the name and greater glory of Jesus. Amen.
***
Written July 24, 2008 with words and phrases taken from the Bible's Book of Wisdom. While for everyone it is written most lovingly with the youth of the world in mind.
Monday, June 2, 2008
When one door closes, open a window
http://new.asianews.it/index.php?l=en&art=12341
Even in persecution we pray to Our Lady of Sheshanby Wang ZhichengA Chinese Catholic from the underground Church sends AsiaNews a message for World Day of Prayer for the Church in China in which he highlights how the faithful pray in communion with the Pope despite hardships and repression, hopeful that he might soon bear witness to a true unity of the Church with the Pontiff.
And:
http://new.asianews.it/index.php?l=en&art=12396
Pope's prayer for Church in China banned in some diocesesby Zhang YimingPriests forced to "take a trip", to prevent them from going to the shrine of the Virgin of Sheshan; priests prohibited from praying "with the pope"; a shrine in Taiyuan closed and monitored by thousands of police. The war of the Patriotic Association a few months ahead of the Olympics.
***
Here are my suggestions. A pilgrimage is wonderful but the faithful are united even if each of them must sit alone. I would suggest adding praying for relief of the anxieties of the authorities to your prayer intentions list. It is anxiety that motivates them, not evil. I would accept the disappointment of many not being able to visit the shrine this year, and use it as an opportunity for many thousands of people to pray for relief of the anxiety of the authorities on this matter. Who knows, next year might find some relief, for prayer and non threatening acceptance of a door being closed is powerful in a gentle and persistent way.
My second suggestion is that a holy card be created of the Lady of Sheshan with a picture of its appearance on the front, a photograph image or a drawing by someone inspired to do so and donate his or her time. You could put the Holy Father's prayer on the reverse or go with a traditional alternative such as the Hail Mary. Make many copies and distribute it in the parishes and especially to those who could not go. If the authorities allow you could have them printed, taken to the shrine, and blessed by a priest there before being distributed. It strengthens faith and is heart warming to have a prayer card that is from the very place one wishes to pilgrimage, but it is not necessary of course. It just would be a nice touch if the cards were able to go to the place the people could not go this year. If not, then a priest's blessing of the cards wherever they are produced and distributed is just fine too.
Even in disappointment one's faith can be strengthened instead of diminished, and feelings of charity can replace the feelings of hurt. I think that many people would love to have a Lady of Sheshan prayer card and that way they are on spiritual pilgrimage to it all the time, they only need to gaze at the card and think of her.
Even in persecution we pray to Our Lady of Sheshanby Wang ZhichengA Chinese Catholic from the underground Church sends AsiaNews a message for World Day of Prayer for the Church in China in which he highlights how the faithful pray in communion with the Pope despite hardships and repression, hopeful that he might soon bear witness to a true unity of the Church with the Pontiff.
And:
http://new.asianews.it/index.php?l=en&art=12396
Pope's prayer for Church in China banned in some diocesesby Zhang YimingPriests forced to "take a trip", to prevent them from going to the shrine of the Virgin of Sheshan; priests prohibited from praying "with the pope"; a shrine in Taiyuan closed and monitored by thousands of police. The war of the Patriotic Association a few months ahead of the Olympics.
***
Here are my suggestions. A pilgrimage is wonderful but the faithful are united even if each of them must sit alone. I would suggest adding praying for relief of the anxieties of the authorities to your prayer intentions list. It is anxiety that motivates them, not evil. I would accept the disappointment of many not being able to visit the shrine this year, and use it as an opportunity for many thousands of people to pray for relief of the anxiety of the authorities on this matter. Who knows, next year might find some relief, for prayer and non threatening acceptance of a door being closed is powerful in a gentle and persistent way.
My second suggestion is that a holy card be created of the Lady of Sheshan with a picture of its appearance on the front, a photograph image or a drawing by someone inspired to do so and donate his or her time. You could put the Holy Father's prayer on the reverse or go with a traditional alternative such as the Hail Mary. Make many copies and distribute it in the parishes and especially to those who could not go. If the authorities allow you could have them printed, taken to the shrine, and blessed by a priest there before being distributed. It strengthens faith and is heart warming to have a prayer card that is from the very place one wishes to pilgrimage, but it is not necessary of course. It just would be a nice touch if the cards were able to go to the place the people could not go this year. If not, then a priest's blessing of the cards wherever they are produced and distributed is just fine too.
Even in disappointment one's faith can be strengthened instead of diminished, and feelings of charity can replace the feelings of hurt. I think that many people would love to have a Lady of Sheshan prayer card and that way they are on spiritual pilgrimage to it all the time, they only need to gaze at the card and think of her.
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