|
All that should be sought for in the exercise of prayer is
conformity of our will with the divine will, in which consiststhe highest perfection.- St. Teresa of Avila [16th C] -("Thy will be done." After reading and reflection, repeat this
simple prayer phrase slowly and attentively, inviting God to
direct your day.) |
|
|
Rv 18:1-2, 21-23; 19:1-3, 9; Ps 100:1-5; Lk 21:20-28 R.
Blessed are they who are called to the wedding feast of the Lamb.
Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;
serve the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful song.
Know that the LORD is God;
he made us, his we are;
his people, the flock he tends.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
his courts with praise;
Give thanks to him; bless his name.
For he is good:
the LORD, whose kindness endures forever,
and his faithfulness, to all generations. USCCB Lectionary
|
|
|
The greatest gift which no one can take from us and which we can be most thankful for is our redemption through the precious blood of Jesus, which was shed on the cross for our sins, and our adoption through Christ as children of God our heavenly Father. Jesus Christ has redeemed us from slavery to sin, from fear of death, and from final destruction. We can be eternally thankful because our hope is anchored in heaven and in the promise that Jesus will return to fully establish his reign of peace and righteousness. Jesus speaks of his second coming as a known fact, a for certain event which we can confidently expect to take place in the Lord's time of choosing. This coming will be marked by signs that all will recognize - signs which will strike terror and grief in those who are unprepared and wonder and joy in those who are ready to meet the Lord. When the Lord Jesus returns he will fully establish his kingdom of justice and righteousness and he will vindicate all who have been faithful to him. His judgment is a sign of hope for those who have placed their trust in him. Do you hope in God and in the promise of Christ to return again to establish his reign of righteousness and peace?
"Lord Jesus, fill me with gratitude for the gift of redemption and increase my hope and longing for your return again in glory. May that day bring joy to my heart rather than sorrow. Help me to serve you faithfully and to make the best use of my time now in the light of your coming again." DailyScripture.net
|
|
|
Stages of Growth in Christian Prayer, by Philip St. Romain Active Prayer Sometimes called discursive prayer, active prayer includes all forms of prayer that we initiate through the use of our mental faculties (such as thinking, reasoning, imagining, acts of will, visualization, remembering). Following is a typical description of types of active prayer. -
Sacred reading
- Meditation on the reading: intellectual and imaginative reflection. Recognizing and applying principles. Resolutions.
- Affective prayer: petitions, thanksgiving, intercession, remorse, praise, adoration.
- Simplicity, simple regard, centering prayer: this usually follows affective prayer and consists of simple acts of the will to focus lovingly on God and to give consent to live and act in the soul.
|
|
|
|