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Showing posts from July, 2019

How To Pray Properly

Tip 1: Pray Simply We might think we have to pray passionate, persuasive words for God to hear us, but in reality He listens even to our shortest “SOS” prayers.  “The fewer the words, the better the prayer,” said Martin Luther. Isn’t that reassuring? We can talk to God in everyday language, just like we talk to a friend. We don’t have to pray long. God delights in a simple word of praise, like  “Lord, I love you.” He treasures the anguished prayer of a mother when she calls,  “Heal my child.”  He answers the simplest request:  “Lord, give me strength for today.”  Tip 2: Read the Word Have you ever had a one-sided conversation with someone who talked continually without listening to you? The conversation didn’t go very far, did it? We do the same thing to God when we pray without reading the  Bible , His eternal letter of love and wisdom to each one of us on earth. Reading Scripture helps us get to know God. It brings life to our prayers.   If you want to have a more effectiv

How To Pray The Rosary

The Order of Prayers The Rosary begins with the Apostles Creed, followed by one Our Father, three Hail Marys (traditionally offered for an increase in faith, hope, and charity for those praying the Rosary), a Glory Be, and, if desired, the Fatima Prayer. Next come five mysteries, each consisting of one Our Father, ten Hail Marys, a Glory Be, and, if desired, the Fatima Prayers. Conclude with the Hail Holy Queen. Please say a few extra prayers after the Hail Holy Queen for the Pope. Rosary Beads If you do not have Rosary beads, it is perfectly okay to count with your fingers. Counting beads frees your mind to help you meditate. Prayers for Praying the Rosary The Apostle's Creed I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, Our Lord, Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified; died, and was buried. He descended into Hell; the third day He arose again f

Gifts Of the Holy Spirit

1. Wisdom ​Wisdom is not the quoting of facts. Wisdom is a gift that allows a person to understand things from God's point of view. In other words, Wisdom allows a person to recognize truth. A person with the Gift of Wisdom is able to take this truth and use it to glorify God by choosing Godly solutions to problems.  2. Understanding Understanding is the second gift of the Holy Spirit, and people sometimes have a hard time understanding (no pun intended) how it differs from wisdom. While wisdom is the desire to contemplate the things of God, understanding allows us grasp, at least in a limited way, the very essence of the truths of the Catholic Faith. Through understanding, we gain a certitude about our beliefs that moves beyond faith 3. Counsel ​The Gift of Counsel is also known as a Gift of Right Judgment. Counsel, the third gift of the Holy Spirit, is the perfection of the cardinal virtue of prudence . Prudence can be practiced by anyone, but counsel is supernatural.

The Seven Deadly Sins

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1. Lust Lust is a strong passion or longing, especially for sexual desires. The Bible speaks about lust in 2 Timothy 2:22, “Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love [and] peace...” The Bible also mentions lust in the following verses: Job 31:1, Matthew 5:28, Philippians 4:8, James 1:14-15, 1 Peter 2:11 and 1 John 2:16. Chastity or self-control cures lust by controlling passion and leveraging that energy for the good of others.   2. Gluttony Gluttony is an excessive and ongoing eating of food or drink. 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” Additional Bible references include: Psalm 78:17-19, Philippians 3:19-20, Proverbs 23:1-3, Proverbs 23:19-21 and 1 Corinthians 3:16-17. Temperance cures gluttony by implanting the desire to be healthy, therefore making one fit to serve others.   3. Greed Greed is an excessive pursuit of material goods. The Bible says the foll

Life Verse

The Lord will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. Psalm 121:7-8 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15-16 For we live by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7 As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart. Proverbs 27:19 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Colossians 3:23-24 Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor. Proverbs 21:21 What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Mark 8:36 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26 For, Whoever w