Seeking Employment After Sixty - A Poem
Saturday, 21 September 2024
Tuesday, 17 September 2024
Tuesday, 10 September 2024
Friday, 6 September 2024
A Prayer for Employment Amid Challenges
I come before You today with a heart burdened by uncertainty and struggle.
You know my needs and the desires of my soul, especially as I search for meaningful work. I trust in Your plan for my life, even when the path seems difficult and the doors feel closed.
Sunday, 19 May 2024
A Prayer For All Those Who Are Seeking Employment
Heavenly Father,
In this time of uncertainty and transition, we come before you with hearts filled with hope and trust. We lift up to you all those who are seeking employment, facing the challenges of job hunting and the uncertainties of the future.
Lord, you know the desires of our hearts, and you understand the struggles we face. We ask for your guidance and wisdom as we search for opportunities to use our talents and skills for the greater good. Help us to discern the right path and to persevere in our efforts, even when faced with setbacks and disappointments.
Grant us the courage to step out in faith, to trust in your providence, and to believe in our own abilities. Help us to remain steadfast in our commitment to finding meaningful work that not only sustains us financially but also fulfils our deepest aspirations and contributes to the betterment of society.
Bless all those who are involved in the hiring process, that they may recognise the potential and worth of each candidate. May they be guided by fairness, integrity, and compassion, seeking to create workplaces that foster dignity, respect, and collaboration.
Lord, we offer our anxieties and fears to you, knowing that you are a God of abundance who provides for our every need. Help us to surrender our worries and to place our trust fully in your loving care. Grant us the strength to persevere in our search, knowing that you walk beside us every step of the way.
As we await the fulfilment of our prayers, may we find solace in the knowledge that you are always working for our good, even in the midst of challenges and uncertainty. Fill us with hope and confidence, knowing that you have a plan and a purpose for each of us, and that you will never abandon us in our time of need.
Lord, we offer this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour, who understands our struggles and intercedes for us before the Father. Amen.
Monday, 22 April 2024
Prayers For Healing Depression And Anxiety
Medication and cognitive therapy are just some of the conventional common treatments for depression and anxiety, however, that doesn't mean the spiritual side has to be ignored.
Giving hope is a powerful way to battle depression. Praying to a Supreme Being of your choice can bolster hope if you are depressed.
While prayer is powerful, prayer shouldn't be the only tool used to deal with depression.
Wednesday, 1 November 2023
The Importance Of Prayer In The Catholic Faith
Prayer plays a central role in the Catholic faith, serving as a means of communication with God and nurturing a deep relationship with Him.
This blog post explores the significance of prayer in the Catholic tradition and highlights its transformative power in the lives of believers.
Wednesday, 20 September 2023
The Catholic Teachings on Prayer and Meditation: Deepening the Spiritual Journey
Prayer and meditation hold a central place in the Catholic faith, providing believers with profound avenues to connect with God and nourish their spiritual lives.
These practices are not only encouraged but are considered vital in the journey of faith.
In this blog post, I'll explore the Catholic teachings on prayer and meditation, their significance, and how they can enrich our relationship with God.
Understanding Prayer in the Catholic Tradition:
Prayer, in Catholicism, is more than a mere recitation of words. It is an intimate conversation with God, a lifting of the heart and mind to the divine. The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines prayer as "the raising of one's mind and heart to God or the requesting of good things from Him." It emphasizes the importance of a personal relationship with God through prayer.
Types of Prayer:
The Catholic tradition recognizes various forms of prayer, including vocal prayer, meditation, contemplative prayer, and liturgical prayer. Vocal prayer involves using words, such as reciting the Our Father or Hail Mary, expressing our thoughts and needs to God. Meditation is a method of reflective prayer where we engage our thoughts, emotions, and imagination to enter into dialogue with God. Contemplative prayer goes beyond thoughts and emotions, inviting us to rest in God's presence and experience His love in silence. Liturgical prayer is the public worship of the Church, such as the Mass and the Liturgy of the Hours.
The Role of Meditation:
Meditation is highly valued in the Catholic tradition as a means of deepening one's relationship with God.
Through meditation, we reflect on Scripture, the lives of saints, or spiritual writings, allowing the Holy Spirit to speak to our hearts.
The goal is to encounter God, grow in self-awareness, and align our wills with His.
By meditating on the life of Jesus, the mysteries of the Rosary, or the Stations of the Cross, Catholics seek to emulate the virtues exemplified by Christ and draw closer to His love and mercy.
The Power of Contemplation:
Contemplative prayer is often described as a gift of divine intimacy. It is a form of prayer where words are set aside, and the soul rests in God's presence, surrendering to His love and grace.
The Catholic Church has a rich contemplative tradition, with spiritual masters like St. John of the Cross and St. Teresa of Avila offering guidance on this profound practice.
Contemplation allows us to experience God's unconditional love, receive spiritual insights, and be transformed by His grace.
The Importance of Liturgical Prayer:
Liturgical prayer, especially the Eucharist, occupies a central place in Catholic worship.
Through the Mass, Catholics not only participate in Christ's sacrifice but also enter into communion with Him and the entire Church.
The Liturgy of the Hours, a structured prayer of the Church, provides a rhythm of prayer throughout the day, sanctifying time and connecting believers globally in praise and supplication.
Prayer and meditation are essential components of the Catholic faith, inviting believers to engage with God personally, intellectually, and emotionally.
By embracing these practices, Catholics can deepen their relationship with the Divine, find solace in times of struggle, and experience spiritual growth. Whether through vocal prayer, meditation, contemplation, or participation in the liturgy,
Catholics are encouraged to embark on a transformative journey that leads to a closer union with God.
As we explore the rich teachings of the Catholic Church on prayer and meditation, may we be inspired to cultivate these practices in our daily lives, drawing closer to the heart of God and nurturing our souls along the way.
Wednesday, 19 July 2023
Tips for Starting a Bible Study or Prayer Group
Building a community of Catholics can be a wonderful way to grow in your faith and support one another in your spiritual journeys.
If you're interested in starting a Bible study or prayer group, here are some tips to help you get started:
Pray - Begin by praying for guidance and discernment in starting a Catholic community. Ask God to lead you to the right people and to help you discern the best way to build a community of faithful Catholics.
Gather a Core Group - Start by gathering a small group of like-minded individuals who share your passion for deepening your faith. Reach out to people in your parish, post on social media or Catholic websites, or ask friends who you know have a strong Catholic faith.
Establish Goals and Structure - Once you have a group, establish goals and structure for your meetings. Decide on a regular meeting schedule and format, such as a weekly Bible study, monthly prayer group, or quarterly retreat.
Choose a Topic or Theme - Choose a topic or theme for your meetings that will help you deepen your faith and spiritual life. You could choose a book of the Bible, a particular saint, or a topic such as prayer, forgiveness, or social justice.
Invite Speakers - Consider inviting guest speakers, such as a priest or religious, to share their knowledge and insights on the chosen topic.
Foster Fellowship - Encourage fellowship and community building among members by hosting social events or service projects outside of regular meetings.
Advertise - Use social media, church bulletins, or local Catholic publications to advertise your community and attract new members.
Welcome New Members - Create a welcoming environment for new members and provide resources to help them get involved and deepen their faith.
Foster Ongoing Growth - Encourage ongoing spiritual growth among members by offering resources such as books, podcasts, or online resources.
Pray Together - End each meeting with a prayer or reflection to keep God at the center of your community.
Building a community of Catholics can be a wonderful way to deepen your faith, grow in fellowship with others, and serve God.
By praying, gathering a core group, establishing goals and structure, choosing a topic or theme, inviting speakers, fostering fellowship, advertising, welcoming new members, fostering ongoing growth, and praying together, you can build a strong and vibrant Catholic community.
Remember to always trust in God's guidance and seek His will as you build your community.
Thursday, 1 June 2023
The Three O’Clock Prayer
You expired, O Jesus, but the source of life flowed out for souls and an ocean of mercy opened up for the whole world.
O Fountain of Life, unfathomable Divine Mercy, envelop the whole world and empty Yourself out upon us.
O Blood and Water which flowed out from the heart of Jesus as a fount of mercy for us, I trust in You.
Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and the whole world.
Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One have mercy on us and the whole world.
Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and the whole world.
Amen
Jesus, King of Mercy, I trust in You!
Our Lord asked St. Faustina, and through her, all of us, “for a special prayer and meditation on His Passion each afternoon at the three o’clock hour, the hour that recalls His death on the cross…[He] wants us to turn our attention to His Passion at the three o’clock hour to whatever degree our duties allow, and He wants us to ask for His mercy.”
“At three o’clock, implore My mercy, especially for sinners; and, if only for a brief moment, immerse yourself in My Passion, particularly in My abandonment at the moment of agony. This is the hour of great mercy. In this hour, I will refuse nothing to the soul that makes a request of Me in virtue of My Passion.”
Thursday, 25 May 2023
Daily Prayers For Each Day Of The Week
Prayer is a crucial aspect of the Christian faith, enabling us to connect with God and seek His guidance, protection, and provision.
Daily prayers are an excellent way to develop a consistent prayer life and cultivate a deeper relationship with God.
Here are daily prayers for each day of the week.
Monday
Dear God, as I begin this week, I pray for courage and strength to face whatever challenges come my way. Help me to have a positive attitude, work hard, and be a blessing to those around me. May your grace and peace be with me this week.
Tuesday
Heavenly Father, I come before you today with a grateful heart, thanking you for your love and mercy. May you guide me as I navigate this day and help me to serve and love others as you love me. Bless me with your wisdom and discernment, and may I glorify you in everything I do.
Wednesday
Lord, as I face the middle of the week, I ask for your presence and guidance. May your love and mercy be the strength that sustains me throughout the day. May I be a vessel of your grace and love to those around me, and may I seek to honor you in every thought, word, and deed.
Thursday
Dear God, as I approach the end of the week, I pray for renewed focus and energy. Help me to prioritize my tasks and use my time wisely. May I be guided by your wisdom and truth, and may your grace sustain me through any trials or difficulties.
Friday
Father, as the end of the week approaches, I pray for your protection and provision. May your love and mercy surround me and protect me from the enemy's attacks. May your blessings abound in every aspect of my life, and may I rest in your peace and love this weekend.
Saturday
Lord, as I approach the weekend, I pray for a renewed spirit and strength. May I use this time to rest and rejuvenate my soul. May I focus on spending time with loved ones, fellowship with other believers, supporting those in need, and drawing closer to you.
Sunday
Heavenly Father, as I enter a new week, I pray for your presence and guidance. May your love and mercy guide and protect me as I navigate the days ahead. May I be a vessel of your grace and love to those around me, and may I live a life that glorifies you.
Daily prayers help us to remain grounded in our faith and focus on God's love, mercy, and guidance.
May we continue to seek God's presence and guidance through daily prayer, trusting and relying on Him to provide for our needs and guide us throughout each day.
Tuesday, 18 April 2023
30 Of The Greatest Catholic Prayers Of All Time
The Catholic Church has a rich tradition of prayer, with many beautiful and meaningful prayers that have been passed down through the centuries. Here are 30 of the greatest Catholic prayers of all time:
Evening Prayer to God the Father Devotion
O eternal God and Ruler of all creation, You have allowed me to reach this hour.
Forgive the sins I have committed this day by word, deed or thought.
Purify me, O Lord, from every spiritual and physical stain.
Grant that I may rise from this sleep to glorify You by my deeds throughout my entire lifetime, and that I be victorious over every spiritual and physical enemy.
Deliver me, O Lord, from all vain thoughts and from evil desires, for yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and ever, and forever.
Amen.
(By Saint Macarius)
Tuesday, 11 April 2023
Act of Adoration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus Devotion #3
Eternal Word, made man for love of us, humbly prostrate at
Thy feet, we adore Thee with our whole mind, and with the most profound veneration. To make amends for our ingratitude for so great a benefit, we unite in sincerity of heart with all those who love Thee, and offer Thee, our most humble and affectionate thanksgivings.
Deeply conscious of that excess of humility, goodness, and
sweetness, which we acknowledge in the Divine Heart,
we petition Thee for Thy grace to imitate these virtues,
so pleasing to Thee.
Our Father...
Hail Mary...
Glory be to the Father...
2. He was crucified also for us, suffered under Pontius Pilate
and was buried.
Jesus, our admirable Redeemer, humbly prostrate at Thy
feet, we adore Thee with our whole mind, and with the most profound veneration. To testify the grief which we feel for our past insensibility to all the outrages and sufferings which Thy most loving Heart made Thee endure for our salvation, on Thy bitter Passion and death, we unite in sincerity of heart with all those who love Thee, in order that we may thank Thee with our whole soul.
We admire the infinite patience and generosity of Thy Divine Heart, and petition Thee to replenish our hearts with that
spirit of Christian mortification which will make us embrace sufferings courageously and fix our great consolation
and all our glory in Thy cross.
Our Father...
Hail Mary...
Glory be to the Father...
3. Thou hast given them bread from heaven, which abounds with all delights.
O Jesus, burning with love for us, humbly prostrate at Thy
feet, we adore Thee with our whole mind, and with the most profound veneration.
which Thou entertainest for Thine Eternal Father, and humbly beseech Thee to inflame our hearts with an ardent love of Thee and of our neighbour.
Our Father...
Hail Mary...
Glory be to the Father...
Finally, O most amiable Jesus, we beseech Thee, by the
sweetness of Thy Most Sacred Heart, to convert the
sinners, to comfort the afflicted, to assist the agonizing, and to
afford relief to the holy souls suffering in purgatory.
Unite our hearts in the bonds of true peace and charity,
deliver us from an unforeseen death, and grant that we may die in holiness and tranquility of mind.
Amen.
V. Heart of Jesus, burning with love of us,
R. Inflame our hearts with love of Thee.
Let Us Pray. - Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, that
we who glory in the Most Sacred Heart of Thy beloved
Son, and bear in mind the exceedingly great benefits of His
charity towards us, may delight in the good conferred on us,
and enjoy its effects, through the same Christ our Lord.
Amen.
O Divine Heart of Jesus, I adore Thee with all the powers
of my soul; I consecrate them to Thee for ever, with all my thoughts, words, and actions, and my whole self.
O Heart of Jesus, all love, I offer Thee these humble
prayers for myself, and for all those who unite in spirit with me in adoring Thee. Vouchsafe, through Thine infinite goodness,
to receive and hear them; above all, for him who among us
shall first depart from this mortal life.
O amiable Heart of my Saviour, pour down upon him, in the
agony of death, Thine interior consolations; receive him into Thy sacred Wounds; purify him from every defilement in this furnace of love, that Thou mayest grant him admittance into Thy glory, where he may become intercessor, before Thy presence, for all those who remain in this exile.
O Most Holy Heart of my dearly beloved Jesus, I desire to
renew and to offer Thee these acts of adoration, and these prayers, every moment I breathe, to the end of my life, for myself, a miserable sinner, and for all who are associated with me to adore Thee.
O most amiable Heart of Mary, the most pure of all hearts
of creatures, and the most replete with the love of the Heart of Jesus, at the same time most merciful towards us, poor inners, obtain for us, from the Heart of our Redeemer, the graces we ask of thee.
Mother of mercy, one look from thee, one movement of
Thy Heart, burning with love for that of Jesus, thy divine Son, can fully console us. Grant us, therefore, this favour; and then this divine Heart of Jesus, through the filial love which it bore, and always will bear towards thee, shall not fail to hear and answer our request.
Monday, 10 April 2023
Act of Adoration and Thanksgiving for the Benefits Accrued From the Incarnation Devotion #1
and with hearts overflowing
we thank Thee that Thou hast given us
Thy Divine Son Jesus to be our Redeemer,
and that He hath bequeathed Himself to us
in the most august Eucharist
even to the end of the world,
revealing unto us the wondrous love of His Heart
in this mystery of faith and love.
Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son,
and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning,
is now,
and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.
II.
O Word of God,
dear Jesus our Redeemer,
we adore Thee and with hearts over-flowing
we thank Thee for having taken human flesh upon Thee
and become for our redemption both Priest and Victim
in the sacrifice of the Cross,
a sacrifice which,
through the exceeding love of Thy Sacred Heart,
Thou dost renew upon our altars at every moment.
O High Priest,
O Divine Victim,
give us the grace to honour Thy holy sacrifice
in the most adorable Eucharist
with the homage of Mary most holy
and of all Thy holy Church,
triumphant, suffering and militant.
We offer ourselves wholly to Thee;
of Thine infinite goodness and mercy
do Thou accept our offering,
unite it to Thine own
and grant us Thy blessing.
Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son,
and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning,
is now,
and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.
III.
O Divine Spirit the Paraclete,
we adore Thee and with hearts overflowing
we give Thee thanks that Thou hast,
with such great love for us,
wrought the ineffable blessing
of the Incarnation of the Word of God,
a blessing which is being continually extended
and enlarged in the most august Sacrament of the Eucharist.
Ah, by this adorable mystery of the love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus,
do Thou grant unto us and all poor sinners Thy holy grace.
Pour forth Thy holy gifts upon us
and upon all redeemed souls,
and in an especial manner upon the visible Head of the Church,
the supreme Roman Pontiff,
upon all Cardinals,
Bishops and Pastors of souls,
upon priests and all other ministers of Thy sanctuary.
Amen.
Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son,
and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning,
is now,
and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.
Catholic Prayers - http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=wiktoria.goroch.bible_prayers
Act of Adoration and Thanksgiving for the Benefits Accrued from the Incarnation Devotion #2
behold us prostrate in Thy divine presence.
We humble ourselves profoundly
and beg of Thee the forgiveness of our sins.
I.
We adore Thee, Almighty Father,
and with hearts overflowing
we thank Thee that Thou hast given us
Thy Divine Son Jesus to be our Redeemer,
and that He hath bequeathed Himself to us
in the most august Eucharist
even to the end of the world,
revealing unto us the wondrous love of His Heart
in this mystery of faith and love.
Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son,
and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning,
is now,
and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.
II.
O Word of God,
dear Jesus our Redeemer,
we adore Thee and with hearts over-flowing
we thank Thee for having taken human flesh upon Thee
and become for our redemption both Priest and Victim
in the sacrifice of the Cross,
a sacrifice which,
through the exceeding love of Thy Sacred Heart,
Thou dost renew upon our altars at every moment.
O High Priest,
O Divine Victim,
give us the grace to honour Thy holy sacrifice
in the most adorable Eucharist
with the homage of Mary most holy
and of all Thy holy Church,
triumphant, suffering and militant.
We offer ourselves wholly to Thee;
of Thine infinite goodness and mercy
do Thou accept our offering,
unite it to Thine own
and grant us Thy blessing.
Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son,
and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning,
is now,
and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.
III.
O Divine Spirit the Paraclete,
we adore Thee and with hearts overflowing
we give Thee thanks that Thou hast,
with such great love for us,
wrought the ineffable blessing
of the Incarnation of the Word of God,
a blessing which is being continually extended
and enlarged in the most august Sacrament of the Eucharist.
Ah, by this adorable mystery of the love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus,
do Thou grant unto us and all poor sinners Thy holy grace.
Pour forth Thy holy gifts upon us
and upon all redeemed souls,
and in an especial manner upon the visible Head of the Church,
the supreme Roman Pontiff,
upon all Cardinals,
Bishops and Pastors of souls,
upon priests and all other ministers of Thy sanctuary.
Amen.
Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son,
and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning,
is now,
and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.
Catholic Prayer for Easter Monday
As we celebrate the joy of Easter and the resurrection of your Son, Jesus Christ, we give thanks for the gift of new life and the hope that it brings.
We pray that the Easter message of love, forgiveness, and salvation may be a source of strength and inspiration for us in our daily lives.
We ask for your blessings on this Easter Monday, and on all those who continue to celebrate the joy of Easter.
May we be filled with the light of Christ and the hope of eternal life, and may we share that hope and joy with others.
We also remember all those who are suffering, particularly those who are struggling with illness, loss, or uncertainty.
May they find comfort and strength in your loving presence, and may they be surrounded by the care and compassion of others.
Help us to be bearers of your light and your love in the world, sharing the message of Easter with all those we meet.
May our lives be a reflection of the hope and joy that comes from knowing and following Jesus Christ, our risen Lord and Savior.
We offer this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
Sunday, 9 April 2023
Easter Sunday Prayer
Dear Lord,
On this glorious Easter Sunday, we come before you with hearts full of joy and gratitude. We give thanks for the sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross, and for the victory over sin and death that he won through his resurrection.
We pray that you would fill our hearts with the hope and the joy of this Easter season, and that we would be a light to others, shining with the love and the grace that we have received through Jesus Christ.
We pray for those who are hurting and broken, that they would find comfort and healing in the power of the resurrection. We pray for those who are lost and searching, that they would find their way to you and experience the hope and the new life that Easter brings.
We ask for your blessing upon our families, our friends, and our communities, that we would be united in our love for you and our commitment to live according to your will.
May this Easter Sunday be a time of renewal and transformation in our lives, as we embrace the truth of your resurrection and the promise of eternal life.
We offer this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, our risen Lord.
Amen.
Friday, 7 April 2023
Act of Adoration # 4
of our Blessed Mother, Mary,
in union with the pure Heart Of St. Joseph,
in union with all Thy Angels and Saints
in the Glory Of Heaven,
in union with Thy just on earth,
in union with the souls in purgatory.
I wish to adore Thee for all who do not adore Thee,
to love Thee for all who love Thee not,
to acknowledge Thee to be my God,
for all who refuse to acknowledge Thee.
Amen.
Catholic prayer for Good Friday
On this solemn day of Good Friday, we come before you with heavy hearts, mindful of the sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross for our sins. We offer our prayers and our thanksgiving for the love that you have shown us through the death of your Son.
As we meditate on the suffering of Jesus, we are reminded of the depth of your love for us and the extent to which you were willing to go to save us from our sins. Help us to remember that even in the midst of darkness and despair, your light shines bright and your grace is always present.
We pray for all those who are suffering, that they may find comfort and hope in the knowledge of your love. We pray for those who have lost loved ones, that they may be consoled by your peace and your presence.
May the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross be a reminder to us of the power of your love and the depth of your mercy. May it inspire us to live lives of compassion, forgiveness, and service to others.
We offer this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
Amen.