Today's first liturgy excerpt includes a very personal message from me to all who have joined in prayer with and for me.
But you should know everything about me and you should be aware that I am a sinner of long standing. It is not so long ago that I was led out of darkness and the shadow of death; only recently have I begun to breathe the air of life; only recently have I put my hand to the plough and taken up the cross of Christ. I need to be helped by your prayers to persevere to the end. And if you should lighten my burden by your intercession, this is the reward that will be added on to your merits, for the holy man who helps a laborer (I dare not call myself a brother) will be exalted like a great city. --From a Letter by Saint Paulinus of Nola, Bishop.
And now, a saint who watches over me all day (literally from my desktop) at work.
And, therefore, my own good daughter, do not let your mind be troubled over anything that shall happen to me in this world. Nothing can come but what God wills. And I am very sure that whatever that be, however bad it may seem, it shall indeed be the best. From a Letter to His Daughter Margaret--St. Thomas More
Requests
Please continue to pray for Dylan
For Akim, a blogger (not of St. Blogs, so far as I know) perilously close to the edge and calling out for help.
For Heather as she continues to undergo therapy to assist her living in greater harmony with the world.
For Gordon's brother, Sean, who is once again depressed and in bad cricumstance.
For Chris, of Maine Catholic and Beyond, who vanished from our midst with nary a word and has not been back since, that all goes well for him and for his family.
For Peony Moss's Grandmother, may she rest in peace; and for her family that in mourning this loss, they celebrate this renewal of life. (Suffrages for the repose of the soul of Ms. Moss's grandmother requested.)
For Franklin, Katherine, and family as they travel, for safety, comfort, peace, refreshment, and renewal.
For Linda against discouragement under difficult circumstances
For Chris K. who is undergoing experimental treatment for her cancer and who is in poor spirits (more deadly than the cancer).
TSO request prayers for a friend Ham, who presently seems to be in difficult circumstances.
Prayers for Jeff Culbreath and the renewed success of his printing business.
For Brain Savio O'Connor, victim of conscience and Christian Witness in Saudi Arabia
A special request from two gentleman battling particularly troublesome and besetting sins for grace and help as they continue forward.
For Nathan who continues to struggle that he be granted the strength to endure and the serentity to accept God's all-loving embrace. May the Good Lord bless and keep him and lead him to the fullness of truth in which resides peace, love, and joy.
For J.H., newly named regional coordinator for the East Central Florida Carmelites, that she may rise to the task and help to renew, refresh, and revive the order here.
For those struggling against self to attain holiness, that the Good Lord will raise up new Saints for our times, visible beacons that draw all people toward Christ.
For my isolate Carmelite Brother and Sister in NY (Mr. and Mrs. O) one of whom is battling cancer, the other who has Parkinson's and has recently broken a bone, may God be with them in their trials and in their healing
For Father Joe who has left the active ministry of Priesthood after a number of difficult experiences, for discernment, strength, and a renewal of heart, mind, and spirit
For all those in the process of discerning vocations to the religious life, for guidance, prudence and good counsel
For our children, that they grow up in security, comfort, and the certain knowledge that they are loved and that they be released from any bonds of darkness, fear, anger, or sadness that bind and threaten them
For Amanda and the success of her book-designing business
For all those living under the curse of generational sins, that they may have protection and the inheritance of the past may be made void in their lives.
For all who are suffering from marital problems, most particularly those in our own families or communities, that the Lord may intervene and remind them that a marriage is of three persons.
For mothers and families that struggle with autism and autistic-related disabilities: particularly for M'Lynn, Melissa, Christine, and Betty.
For families that desire more children
For the conversion or return of spouses and loved ones to the Catholic Church, most particularly for Amanda's husband
For the men and women of the American Armed forces in Iraq and Afghanistan and for their families, may the Good Lord provide sustenance, support, compassion, and love that these separated families might continue to grow in strength and love.
Special Prayer Projects:
(1) Chris Keith, the young lady whose biopsy went poorly got the results of that biopsy--carcinoma of the liver. The cancer is metastatic from colon cancer. Surgery has taken place to treat the colon cancer.
I paraphrase her mother:
"We [members of the family] are standing on the Rock and are rock solid. We are all okay and we are looking for a few prayer warriors to help us in this battle." Because this mother means so much to me for the great good she has done for my friends, I plan to stand with her and her family in this battle, and I invite you all to join me. Expect to hear about this on and off over the next few months.
(2) For Katherine and Franklin, Peter Kucera, and for all who are seeking employment and suffering through difficult times as they wait.
(3)Healthy Pregnancies and good and safe deliveries: From Davey's Mom: I am with child once again and could use prayers for a healthy pregnancy. For Suki, for a healthy pregancy and a safe delivery. For JCecil3 and Wife. For Pansy Moss. For Mts. White and child. For Katherine and her friend Corren. Our Lady of La Leche, pray for us. Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us. St. Gerard Majella, pray for us. Blessed Gianna, pray for us.
A very important request from a St. Blogs parishioner--"I found out recently that my friend's sister is pregnant for the fourth time. Her other three children have autism, and I know it would make her very, very happy to have a normal child." Please pray for this poor woman that she might have the joy of a healthy pregnancy and a happy, healthy delivery and new infant. Our Lady of La Leche, pray for us. Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us. St. Gerard Majella, Pray for Us.
Blessed Gianna, pray for us.
