March 06, 2004

The Passion Redux

It appears I was somewhat wrong about the movie. While it had no immediate effect or resonance, I found that at Mass today, it seemed to have imparted to me some greater sense of Christ's humanity. Somehow the events of the Movie made Jesus more of a person to me--it reified His humanity in ways that have not been possible for me before. So at Mass, I was doubly joyful in the Love of the Great God and the Love of the Great, Good Man. I can't explain it, but God works in mysterious ways his wonders to perform. Thank you Jesus.

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Notes from a Carmelite Meeting

First, I wanted everyone to know that the group today invoked our Lady of La Leche and Good Parturition on behalf of all those who are pregnant and who desire to be. Most particularly I was thinking of JCecil3, Ashli, Davey's Mom, and others of St. Blogs. Rest assured, you are prayed for and cared for.

Second, to Tom of Disputations. You have the heart-felt thanks of an entire Carmelite community. After a brief description of our little interchange (in a larger discussion of Carmelite Spirituality) every person there ferevently thanked God for all the Dominicans and then fervently thanked God for not calling us there. I assured them that the Dominicans very likely felt the same. And so to all my brothers and sisters in lay religious orders, I do thank God for you every day, for the diversity and wonder of His love.

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March 05, 2004

The Passion--A Dissenting View

Yes, I saw it.

And I hadn't planned to blog on it. But I feel that I must to help those who are in the same place I am.

I deeply admire Mr. Gibson's devotion and his dedication to bringing this moving icon to life. I think it may serve as a devotional aid to a great many people. He may have blessed millions with his work.

However, I saw the film and was largely unmoved. I can't explain why (except perhaps I didn't associate the person on the screen with the Jesus I know and love.) I had no time to adjust to this person as Jesus, so this never meant for me what it meant for many others.

I was moved three times in the film--the scene where Mary runs to Jesus when He falls, the scene where she kisses Him, and the scenes of Simon the Cyrene.

Now to certain points with which I am in agreement--(1) the violence in the film was not "over the top" brutality, I rather think that it was a good representation of what the whole event might have been like; (2) I cannot see the supposed anti-semitism of the film. There was one particularly bad group of people who were Jewish, the rest of the lot didn't seem at all bad. Even some of the Romans seemed okay.

I know this film was a wonderful devotional exercise for Mr. Gibson. I am certain that it will lift many hearts to God. It lifted my own because I saw how much those who knew Him loved Him. But the depiction of His death did not inspire me to new heights of devotion. But I came out with the strong reassurance that God loves me.

Two points that I must share in the interest of full disclosure: When the devil and its baby-thing were wandering around the scourging scene I had to clap both hands over my mouth to avoid disturbing others with my laughter--it was so gothicky/bad-horror movie stuff. So too with the scene with Gesmas. And that swelling, manipulative, historical-movie/Ben-Hurry soundtrack was a real turn-off. I wonder what the film might have been like without it. It might be interesting to see.

But I don't write this to discourage anyone from going. I think everyone benefits from the experience of one man's intense and loving devotion. Everyone will take from it something different. I took from it God's tear, the rending of his own garments reflecting that of Caiaphas earlier. It was a lovely and powerful image.

So, go and see it. And do not be ashamed if it doesn't completely rock your devotional world. It is, after all, only a movie. And God's love for us and personal communication with us is far more powerful and more real than anything that might play out on a screen. God loves you--intensely, passionately, overwhelmingly. He sheds the same tear over one lost soul as He shed over His own dear Son.

God loves us into Eternity. And this may be one instrument by which He shows you His love.

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Places to Visit, Things to See

Please visit Nathan at The Tower the newest stblogs.org resident.

Also, Revolution of Love has joined us.

Posted by Steven Riddle at 09:24 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

More Reflections on the Passion

from On the Passion of Christ According to the Four Evangelists
"On the shameful arrest and leading away of the Lord Jesus"
Thomas á Kempis

Lord Jesus Christ, Hope of the saints and Tower of strength in every tribulation, I bless and thank you for undergoing so violent an arrest by hateful enemies, for the arrogant laying of sacrilegious hangs on you by those sent to arrest you, and for the brutal looks and menacing shouts of those carrying arms against you. I bless and thank you for your harsh and cruel binding, for your rough and ruthless detention, for your painful pummeling, and for your being so abruptly dragged away. Amid all this tumult, while you were being rushed to your death by mean-spirited and worthless villains, your dear disciples, who had deserted you, looked upon you from a distance with great sorrow.


(book available from Ignatius press)

I was particularly affected by the last line, for I am among those disciples who look upon Him from a distance with great sorrow. I set myself at a distance through my own faults, choices, and sinfulness. And yet, the look that crosses that great distance from the eyes of the Savior himself is not one of condemnation, not one that says, "See what you did to me." Rather it is a look of love that says, "See what I can do for you. Come with me."

And so in Lent we journey with Him. But afterwards, too seldom do we bring to mind the great love that redeems us. Too infrequently do we pause to consider what God has wrought in so marvelous and completely loving a savior. At a word the entire realm of heaven could have rushed down to crush the oppressors. But God stayed His hand, accepting in His human body the pains and suffering we inflict on ourselves and each other in our sinfulness.

Praise the look of love that does not condemn, but speaks new life, "See what I can do for you."

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Prayer Requests 3/5/04

Do not cast me away from your presence,
nor deprive me of your Holy Spirit.
Give me again the joy of your help;
with a spirit of fervor sustain me,
that I may teach transgressors your ways
and sinners may return to you. (psalm 51)

Prayer Requests

Gregory Nemiroff had been released but has subsequently returned to the hospital, please continue and redouble your prayers for this boy and for his family.

For all those in the process of discerning vocations to the religious life, for guidance, prudence and good counsel

For Kathy in her trials

For Christine and family as she journeys to Gordon to look at houses

For Barbara B.'s mother, Jeanette R.'s mother, Peggy S-H's father-in-law, and Phyllis T.'s father, for the repose of their souls and swift entrance into the Father's loving embrace.

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 Christine and Gordon, whose deal on the house fell through, that something else show up quickly.

For Baby Aaron, for continued health and rapid growth to appropriate maturity, for his parents and his family.

For Dylan's return to health and return to us.

For Karen Marie Knapp as she continues to combat her condition.

For some recent concerns of my own

For Amanda and the success of her book-designing business

T.S. O'Rama requests prayers for:
-a brother-in-law experiencing marital difficulties
-for Akim

For Father Benedict Groeschel, for complete recovery


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 Neil, Kris S., Derrick, and for all who are involved with darkness in any way that the Lord will help them see light

For Audrey, who is battling anorexia, and to her family which is suffering through very difficult times.

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's Mom as she undergoes chemotherapy--that the treatment is successful and her mother comes through this ordeal with a deeper sense of God's abiding love for her.

(3) For Katherine and Franklin, Janet and Louis, Peter Kucera, and for all who are seeking employment and suffering through difficult times as they wait.

(4)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 Ashli and her child that doctors may find a way to help her carry her young one to term.


Posted by Steven Riddle at 07:33 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack

March 04, 2004

Found This Chez Alicia

and given some prior recommendations I had received thought it supremely coincidental or perhaps providential



You're Costa Rica!

You're about as peaceful as anyone on the planet, a real dyed-in-the-wool
pacifist.  And why not?  No one really poses much of a threat to you and
everything seems to work out, no matter how much violence and insanity rages all around
you.  So you relax and appreciate nature and culture while the rest of the world carries
on their petty disagreements.  If only everyone could follow your
example...

Take the
Country Quiz at the
Blue Pyramid

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About Prayer--A Marvelous Anecdote

I don't know if Tom made this up (I suspect so.) But it is a wonderful distillation of our conversation in fact, I'm going to ask permission to reprint it here so it sticks around in my archives. Thanks Tom.

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"Remember Thou Art Dust"

The memento mori, the reminder of our own mortality, the whisper in the ear of the Roman Conquerer during a Triumphal Procession--"Remember thou art mortal," is a long, useful reminder of our limited span, the fact that everyone "struts and frets his hour upon the stage and then is heard no more."

But we must also remember our ultimate value. If we are dust, we are gold dust, or more-infinitely precious to God. So precious that He who was One for whom we are not worthy to untie sandals came and served and died and rose.

"Remember thou art dust. . ." and remember too that you are "The apple of My [God's] eye. Remember the balance between the two. You are not worthy to be loved, but Love Himself raises you to worthiness. God loves us and so makes us worthy of love. In fact, God loved us to death and to new life.

Remember thou art dust and to dust thou shalt return--only this ragged body. Remember thou art dust and by the power of His Gracious Love and through his all pervading Grace to Glory thou shalt return.

Praise God for His endless love that both reminds us of our end and our worth without Him, and raises us to be worthy of Him. God loves us so much.

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Morning Prayer Quotation

from Morning Prayer, Thursday first week of Lent

Father,
without you we can do nothing.
By your Spirit help us to know what is right
and to be eager in doing your will.

We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with ou and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

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Prayer Requests 3/4/04

Hear us whenever we call upon you,
because you have set us apart
among all the peoples of the earth of your inheritance ( 1 Kings 8:53)

Prayer Requests


For Gregory Nemiroff who underwent surgery because of an artifical shunt malfunction and is presently recovering.
--As I had thought, given the condition, this is a child--only 11 years old--please redouble your efforts and offerings for his safe return to his family. Pick your favorite cause for canonization and ask for intercession--Louis and Zélie, who knew the joy and pain of being parent, please obtain from God through the hands of the blessed Virgin the restoration of this child to the bosom of his family. Amen.

For Kathy in her trials

For Barbara B.'s mother, Jeanette R.'s mother, Peggy S-H's father-in-law, and Phyllis T.'s father, for the repose of their souls and swift entrance into the Father's loving embrace. (A small sacrifice on this day for these souls would be greatly appreciated.) And for their families, for comfort, peace, and sure knowledge of God's abiding love.

For JCecil3 and wife that her pregnancy be safe and uneventful and her delivery without difficulties

For Neil, his salvation. Kris S., her salvation from involvement with death metal, for Derrick, that he may find his way to the Lord, and for all who are involved with darkness in any way that the Lord will help them see light

For a dear friend wrestling with an agonizing decision

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

To dispell the power of fear with the great and tender love of God in the lives of at least two of my dear friends.

For Christine and Gordon, whose deal on the house fell through, that something else show up quickly.

For Baby Aaron, for continued health and rapid growth to appropriate maturity, for his parents and his family.

For Dylan's return to health and return to us.

For Karen Marie Knapp as she continues to combat her condition.

For some recent concerns of my own


For Amanda and the success of her book-designing business

T.S. O'Rama requests prayers for:
-a brother-in-law experiencing marital difficulties
-for Akim

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 Suzy who had to quit her job in order to get leave to go on a mission to Africa--for the success of her mission and a swift return to work in a place less arbitrary when she returns home.


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 Father Benedict Groeschel, for complete recovery


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 Audrey, who is battling anorexia, and to her family which is suffering through very difficult times.

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's Mom as she undergoes chemotherapy--that the treatment is successful and her mother comes through this ordeal with a deeper sense of God's abiding love for her.

(3) For Katherine and Franklin, Janet and Louis, Peter Kucera, and for all who are seeking employment and suffering through difficult times as they wait.

(4)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 Ashli and her child that doctors may find a way to help her carry her young one to term.

Posted by Steven Riddle at 07:27 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

March 03, 2004

Please Visit C.U.R.E. at Its New Home

here.

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God Loves You as a People Peculiarly His Own

The Lord, your God, has chosen you from all the nations on the face of the earth to be a people peculiarly his own. It was because the Lord loved you and because of his fidelity to the oath he had sworn to your fathers, that he brought you out with his strong hand from the place of slavery, and ransomed you from the hand of Pharoah, king of Egypt. Understand then, that the Lord, your God, is God indeed, the faithful God who keeps his merciful convenant to the thousandth generation toward those who love him and keep his commandments. (Deuteronomy 7: 6, 8-9)

From morning prayer and especially dedicated this morning to M.

It is because the Lord loves us that he leads us out of slavery to ourselves if we allow Him to. We are like small children lost among the racks of all the adult coats in a department store, wandering, crying, looking for mommy or daddy. God comes to us and takes us by the hand and leads us out. He finds us in the secret places we hide and He offers to carry us. God loves us with an everlasting love, a love that cannot be denied, but which can be refused. He will not insist, but He will continue to try.

God loves us. He leads us out of every kind of slavery. He opens the doors to our prisons. He embraces us as a loving Father and He waits on us as the Father of the prodigal son. What stops us from turning to Him? Why would we refuse His compassionate love? Pride--sheer stubborn human cussedness that cannot admit we cannot do anything by our own power.

God showers us with graces simply to keep us alive from moment to moment. How much more He would give us if only we would open our hearts and reach out to Him, not in fear of retribution but in heart-felt love. Follow the little way of St. Thérèse and take the elevator to the top--the elevator of His arms.

God loves you, each of you, as though you were an only child. Stop acting like an only child and presuming on that indulgent love. Return to Him with your whole heart. This season, give Him the only gift that matters--yourself.

Posted by Steven Riddle at 07:58 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack

Prayer Requests 3/3/04

Let your every creature serve you,
for you spoke, and they were made,
you sent forth your spriit, and they were created;
no one can resist your word. (Judith 16)

Prayer Requests


For Gregory Nemiroff who underwent surgery because of an artifical shunt malfunction and is presently recovering.
--As I had thought, given the condition, this is a child--only 11 years old--please redouble your efforts and offerings for his safe return to his family. Pick your favorite cause for canonization and ask for intercession--Louis and Zélie, who knew the joy and pain of being parent, please obtain from God through the hands of the blessed Virgin the restoration of this child to the bosom of his family. Amen.

For Kathy in her trials

For Barbara B.'s mother, Jeanette R.'s mother, Peggy S-H's father-in-law, and Phyllis T.'s father, for the repose of their souls and swift entrance into the Father's loving embrace. (A small sacrifice on this day for these souls would be greatly appreciated.) And for their families, for comfort, peace, and sure knowledge of God's abiding love.

For JCecil3 and wife that her pregnancy be safe and uneventful and her delivery without difficulties

For Neil, his salvation. Kris S., her salvation from involvement with death metal, for Derrick, that he may find his way to the Lord, and for all who are involved with darkness in any way that the Lord will help them see light

For a dear friend wrestling with an agonizing decision

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

To dispell the power of fear with the great and tender love of God in the lives of at least two of my dear friends.

For Christine and Gordon, whose deal on the house fell through, that something else show up quickly.

For Baby Aaron, for continued health and rapid growth to appropriate maturity, for his parents and his family.

For Dylan's return to health and return to us.

For Karen Marie Knapp as she continues to combat her condition.

For some recent concerns of my own


For Amanda and the success of her book-designing business

T.S. O'Rama requests prayers for:
-a brother-in-law experiencing marital difficulties
-for Akim

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 Suzy who had to quit her job in order to get leave to go on a mission to Africa--for the success of her mission and a swift return to work in a place less arbitrary when she returns home.


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 Father Benedict Groeschel, for complete recovery


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 Audrey, who is battling anorexia, and to her family which is suffering through very difficult times.

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's Mom as she undergoes chemotherapy--that the treatment is successful and her mother comes through this ordeal with a deeper sense of God's abiding love for her.

(3) For Katherine and Franklin, Janet and Louis, Peter Kucera, and for all who are seeking employment and suffering through difficult times as they wait.

(4)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 Ashli and her child that doctors may find a way to help her carry her young one to term.

Posted by Steven Riddle at 07:33 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

March 02, 2004

Emergency Prayer Request

From an e-mail correspondent--

Could you include Gregory Nemiroff in your prayer requests? He was rushed into the hospital this morning due to an artifical shunt malfunction and is undergoing emergency brain surgery as I write this. Thanks.

Please pray.

Posted by Steven Riddle at 01:16 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

A Tribute From Priests Who Love Blogging

Here. Most amusing. But please do keep the original lyrics as well--and say a little prayer for me. Thanks.

Posted by Steven Riddle at 09:32 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

On Lectio and Openness

A great many people "spend time in the word" every day. But much of the time they spend there seems to be spent fending off any meaning of the word that might have an impact on their lives. People fear the demands of the gospel. They often fear the cost of discipleship.

In the first few chapters of The Imitation of Christ Thomas á Kempis warns us of this tendency.

Here for example is an excerpt from Chapter 2:

from The Imitation of Christ Thomas á Kempis

EVERY man naturally desires knowledge; but what good is knowledge without fear of God? Indeed a humble rustic who serves God is better than a proud intellectual who neglects his soul to study the course of the stars. He who knows himself well becomes mean in his own eyes and is not happy when praised by men.

If I knew all things in the world and had not charity, what would it profit me before God Who will judge me by my deeds?

Shun too great a desire for knowledge, for in it there is much fretting and delusion. Intellectuals like to appear learned and to be called wise. Yet there are many things the knowledge of which does little or no good to the soul, and he who concerns himself about other things than those which lead to salvation is very unwise.

Many words do not satisfy the soul; but a good life eases the mind and a clean conscience inspires great trust in God.

The more you know and the better you understand, the more severely will you be judged, unless your life is also the more holy. Do not be proud, therefore, because of your learning or skill. Rather, fear because of the talent given you. If you think you know many things and understand them well enough, realize at the same time that there is much you do not know. Hence, do not affect wisdom, but admit your ignorance. Why prefer yourself to anyone else when many are more learned, more cultured than you?

Many who approach the Bible study it. Study is good and necessary. But if the end result of study is merely that one knows more, it is futile. Study must end in loving more. Study must end in opening oneself to the Word and making oneself vulnerable and useful to God.

This goes for all spiritual reading. If we read only to have read, or if we read in order to understand God, and we do not allow the reading to affect how we live, we have read in vain. There is no purpose in reading merely for more information. We have enough information. People who were illiterate throughout the history of Christianity, those who had no learning whatsoever, had sufficient information. Where we are deficient, universally, is in our willingness to serve the Word, to live the Word as it has been spoken to our hearts.

So, during Lent, spend time in God's word and pray that God enlighten not merely the understanding, but the entire intellect and the will and the heart, that what we read there really changes our lives in fundamental ways. Pray that this season opens us up to the working of the Holy Spirit so that the journey begun here does not end in Easter, but in Eternity, starting here on Earth and moving through all time.

Posted by Steven Riddle at 07:57 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack

On the Prayer Requests

Please remember that the prayer requests extend to another page (click the link at the bottom). I prepare the requests each day before morning prayer, so every one of them is prayed for in the intentions of morning prayer. I try to review them every evening before evening or night prayer, so I try to include these intentions twice each day in the course of the Liturgy of the Hours. I don't ask anyone else to do so, but I do want everyone who is on the list to know and rest assured that everything here is prayed for at least once a day and normally twice a day. (Even on the weekends, when I do not post, I remember the intentions here and of the St. Blogs Community). Just keeping you up-to-date on the commitment to prayer. (Also, I am certain that there are members of the community who do not comment but remember these and all the other intentions unwritten and unspoken each day in their prayers.)

Posted by Steven Riddle at 07:41 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Prayer Requests 3/2/04


Exalt him before every living being
because he is the Lord our God,
our Father and God forever. (Tobit 13)


Prayers


For Kathy in her trials

For Barbara B.'s mother, Jeanette R.'s mother, Peggy S-H's father-in-law, and Phyllis T.'s father, for the repose of their souls and swift entrance into the Father's loving embrace. (A small sacrifice on this day for these souls would be greatly appreciated.) And for their families, for comfort, peace, and sure knowledge of God's abiding love.

For JCecil3 and wife that her pregnancy be safe and uneventful and her delivery without difficulties

For Neil, his salvation. Kris S., her salvation from involvement with death metal, for Derrick, that he may find his way to the Lord, and for all who are involved with darkness in any way that the Lord will help them see light

For a dear friend wrestling with an agonizing decision

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

To dispell the power of fear with the great and tender love of God in the lives of at least two of my dear friends.

For Christine and Gordon, whose deal on the house fell through, that something else show up quickly.

For Baby Aaron, for continued health and rapid growth to appropriate maturity, for his parents and his family.

For Dylan's return to health and return to us.

For Karen Marie Knapp as she continues to combat her condition.

For some recent concerns of my own


For Amanda and the success of her book-designing business

T.S. O'Rama requests prayers for:
-a brother-in-law experiencing marital difficulties
-for Akim

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 Suzy who had to quit her job in order to get leave to go on a mission to Africa--for the success of her mission and a swift return to work in a place less arbitrary when she returns home.


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 Father Benedict Groeschel, for complete recovery


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 Audrey, who is battling anorexia, and to her family which is suffering through very difficult times.

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's Mom as she undergoes chemotherapy--that the treatment is successful and her mother comes through this ordeal with a deeper sense of God's abiding love for her.

(3) For Katherine and Franklin, Janet and Louis, Peter Kucera, and for all who are seeking employment and suffering through difficult times as they wait.

(4)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 Ashli and her child that doctors may find a way to help her carry her young one to term.

Posted by Steven Riddle at 07:36 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

March 01, 2004

An Interesting Set of Resources

Can be found at Father Francis Peffley's Web Site
. Recommended.

Posted by Steven Riddle at 11:41 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

Apologies

Something I wrote earlier today inadvertantly escaped the draft bin and showed up on the site. If it caused scandal or offense, I apologize deeply. It was certainly not ready for prime-time and needs to be relegated to the dust-bin, I think. If you didn't see it, so much the better. Let's just say that if offended about six of the seventeen found in this list. Pray God to grant me better discernment and more careful keyboarding.

Posted by Steven Riddle at 11:31 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

On the Prayer of Christ--A Prayer for All

from On the Passion of Christ: According to the Four Evangelists
Thomas á Kempis

Also grant me the grace courageously to overcome my defiant flesh for the benefit of my soul, to cast out all carnal fear, to pray more frequently and attentitvely, to enjoy your assistance, to leave every outcome in your hands, to renounce my will thoroughly, and to be ready to suffer whatever comes.

Posted by Steven Riddle at 08:43 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

Prayer Requests 3/1/04

Blessed may you be, O Lord,
god of Israel our father,
from eternity to eternity. (1 Chronicles 29:10)

Intercession from Morning Prayer--
Forgive our sins agains the unity of your family
--make us one in heart and spirit

Prayers


For JCecil3 and wife that her pregnancy be safe and uneventful and her delivery without difficulties

For Neil, his salvation. Kris S., her salvation from involvement with death metal, for Derrick, that he may find his way to the Lord, and for all who are involved with darkness in any way that the Lord will help them see light

For a dear friend wrestling with an agonizing decision

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

To dispell the power of fear with the great and tender love of God in the lives of at least two of my dear friends.

For Christine and Gordon, whose deal on the house fell through, that something else show up quickly.

For Baby Aaron, for continued health and rapid growth to appropriate maturity, for his parents and his family.

For Dylan's return to health and return to us.

For Karen Marie Knapp as she continues to combat her condition.

For some recent concerns of my own


For Amanda and the success of her book-designing business

T.S. O'Rama requests prayers for:
-a brother-in-law experiencing marital difficulties
-for Akim

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 Suzy who had to quit her job in order to get leave to go on a mission to Africa--for the success of her mission and a swift return to work in a place less arbitrary when she returns home.


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 Father Benedict Groeschel, for complete recovery


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 Audrey, who is battling anorexia, and to her family which is suffering through very difficult times.

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's Mom as she undergoes chemotherapy--that the treatment is successful and her mother comes through this ordeal with a deeper sense of God's abiding love for her.

(3) For Katherine and Franklin, Janet and Louis, Peter Kucera, and for all who are seeking employment and suffering through difficult times as they wait.

(4)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 Ashli and her child that doctors may find a way to help her carry her young one to term.

Posted by Steven Riddle at 07:46 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack