As is always the case, praying a composed prayer, including the psalms, puts words in my mouth. That’s not a bad thing, either. For while prayer is always a unique expression of our deepest selves to the Lord, it’s also true that we don’t, as Paul says, always know what we should be praying for.
So with the psalmist, I pray that I’m seeking the Lord with all my heart, and that prompts me to pause and ask myself—is that true? All my heart? Or am I actually seeking the Lord in the way I seem to do so much these days in this noisy, busy world: casually, sporadically, always half-thinking of what comes next?
Sharing with you, "DAY THREE “Blessed are those who hear it and take to heart...” *** READ “Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.” Revelation 1:3 “‘Look, He is coming with the clouds,’ and ‘every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him.’ Revelation 1:7a *** REFLECT The book of Revelation opens with a true sense of urgency because “the time is near.” But how often does Christ’s return impact our daily lives? We may know He is coming on an intellectual level, but as days turn to years, we easily forget to “look.” How can we wait expectantly for the future while still serving Jesus in the here and now? Revelation 1:3 gives us an ideal place to begin—by reading “the words of this prophecy.” As we study Revelation chapter by chapter, we will “hear it” and prayerfully “take to heart what is written in it.” The study of Revelation involves more than our intellect and curiosity. God intends to speak directly to our hearts. Are you ready? *** PRAY Ask God to prepare your heart for the upcoming study of Revelation: The Hope. Pray for perseverance and wisdom as you seek God in His Word. And consider who you might invite to study along with you."
What does it mean or look like for me to be "With ALL my heart I seek You?" *** Deutoronomy 6:5-6, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. Love Him with all your strength. The commandments I give you today must be in your hearts!" *** Matthew 22:36-40, "Teacher,” he asked, “which is the most important commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied, “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. Love Him with all your mind.’ (Deuteronomy 6:5) This is the first and most important commandment. And the second is like it. ‘Love your neighbor as you love yourself.’ (Leviticus 19:18) Everything that is written in the Law and the Prophets is based on these two commandments.” *** Mark 12:29-31, "Jesus answered, “Here is the most important one. Moses said, ‘Israel, listen to me. The Lord is our God. The Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. Love Him with all your mind and with all your strength.’ (Deuteronomy 6:4,5) And here is the second one. ‘Love your neighbor as you love yourself.’ (Leviticus 19:18) There is no commandment more important than these.” ******* Luke 10:25-28, "One day an authority on the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to receive eternal life?” What is written in the Law?” Jesus replied. “How do you understand it?” He answered, “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. Love Him with all your strength and with all your mind.’ (Deuteronomy 6:5) And, ‘Love your neighbor as you love yourself.’ ” (Leviticus 19:18) “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do that, and you will live.” *** "With ALL my heart I seek You" means no IDOLATRY (Do not worship other gods) in Deuteronomy 13:1-4, "Suppose a prophet appears among you. Or someone comes who uses dreams to tell what’s going to happen. He tells you that a sign or something amazing is going to take place. The sign or amazing thing he has spoken about might really take place. And then the prophet might say, “Let’s serve other gods. Let’s worship them.” But you haven’t known anything about those gods before. So you must not listen to what that prophet or dreamer has said. The Lord your God is testing you. He wants to know whether you love Him with all your heart and with all your soul. You must worship Him. You must honor Him. Keep His commands. Obey Him. Serve Him. Remain true to Him!" Amen!!!
As always, a lovely and important reflection this morning Amy. Thank you for another good tool for our prayer life.
Living faith family today's the first Friday of the month, I do the stations thru Mary's eyes. Between stations is a good time to reflect on how lucky I am. I am still not a robot. Ken
Oh Ken, I've been trying to complete the First Friday observance, and so sadly, NONE of the churches in my area have a First Friday Mass. I pray that following the EWTN Mass on TV today will count. God Bless Us All And ALL Who We Love.
Have a great day spreading all your goodness, Ken. Are you SURE you’re not a robot? Lol
Living alone presently and maybe for the rest of my life, I am constantly communicating with God in focused meditative prayer or simply talking to him as my not-so-imaginary friend. I give thanks before meals and then speak to God between bites. We talk while riding the bus and in many ways throughout my day. I even speak with him while writing these devotional responses. I enjoy such casual conversations with him, but I look forward to our focused prayer and meditation time. When I wake up and am still under the covers, I praise God and then enter into my morning prayers. The Invitatory, Office of Readings, Morning Prayer from Divine Office, and Meditation follow this. I also walk daily and find this a perfect time to reflect on Psalm 19, praise him for the earth, and then pray as I walk with God.
Rusty! You're not alone! I also whisper up comments and observations all day long! And sometimes we laugh!!!
Prayer always starts with silence. In silence we can listen for the Lord with our hearts. That helps us to center our heart on the Lord. "God is a spring of living water which flows unceasingly into the hearts of those who pray." St. Louis de Montfort
Thank you again, Irene. I thought as I got older, my mind would be freer of distraction. It’s not as easy as I thought. Maybe if I just silence my mind and heart I will hear the Lord’s whisper.
Amy, love the simplicity of your reflection, but its deep meaning. So many rote prayers we recite and reflecting on any given word gives us pause. All my heart? Am I all in - halfhearted or just showing up? Am I seeking God or waiting for God to show up....or only seeking God when I need help. Just beautiful. Praying for Roman, Ellen and family today. Apparently his condition has worsened. May the Lord be with him on this journey. Amen.
Great comment this morning Jane. Also, sending prayers for Roman and hoping he isn’t suffering during these difficult days. Lifting the whole family in prayer for the peace and comfort of knowing Jesus is with them every moment.
Please continue to prayer for and with her.God is the burden bearer .He only is the healer and searcher of minds and heart.
I will pray, Eleanor. Did I miss something? Who are we praying for?
Lord please hear our prayers and bring your light to all those experiencing natural disasters, Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur, the Sudan, and all those suffering around the world - also for their strength, courage and resilience to continue walking in faith. Send them your light. Father in Heaven, have mercy on us and on the whole world! You sent Your Son, the Prince of Peace, for the salvation of the world. We pray that the Peace of Christ will reign in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur and Sudan. Please protect and send aid to those in need and all who are at-risk. We pray for peace and rebuilding– we who are working towards it and for all those who are suffering or in danger from conflicts. We pray for an end to violence and war – we pray for wisdom for all leaders who have a hand in this. Lord God please help those in most need of thy mercy. Amen.
Check this out, Teresa! You may already be attending one of their support groups? Al-anon (a derivative of Alcoholics Anonymous) https://al-anon.org/newcomers/how-can-i-help-my/alcoholic-child/
Sending prayers for your son Matthew, Teresa. How difficult it must be for you as his Mom to see him suffering. Is he open to getting help yet? Trust in Our Lord and the Holy Spirit. They will bring you love and wisdom and comfort for your son.
Teresa I will pray for you and your son Matthew right now . Please make sure he gets to speak to someone who is a professional to help him, as well. Ken
Teresa, you are not alone. We are lifting Matthew that he may be released from the chains that are holding him here. May he feel the release of freedom from these demons. Amen.
Teresa, prayers for Matthew and your mother's heart
Teresa- I’m praying for your son Matthew and for your strength as a mom ❤️ I pray that just like Matthew in the gospel today, your Matthew follows Jesus and sheds his addictions✝️
Teresa, so many parents are in your situation...I pray that the Lord wraps Matthew tightly in his arms and frees him soon from his addictions
Pray for my son Matthew who is suffering from drug and alcohol addiction
To My LF family, as you know my neighbor Richard passed away on Monday. He had young friends taking care of him for quite a while. They have a 4-year-old and asked how to handle this with her. She was not there when it happened. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance. Bill
Bill that is always a hard one to deal with. At 4 the understanding I think no matter how you explain it is very limited. I lost my mother when I was 12 and it didn't matter what you told me all I knew is that she was GONE. So maybe with that said, in some way giving the 4 yr old a way to hold him in memory and recall the good and let them know Richard is not hurting anymore. God had to help him in this way and that hurts God to have to take him from the 4 yr old but he had to do what's best for Richard. Sorry that may not be any help. Just a thought.
Exactly what Jane said. Children handle grief differently than adults. She may even start rejoicing rather than crying.
Bill...so sweet. For consideration - be honest and straightforward about his/our journey and its part in life. He has returned to his father's home and one day we will see him again, when we return as well. Continued prayers for Richard and all who loved him.
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Excellent devotion, Amy.