My Gift to You, Sweet Jesus...

My Gift to the Christ Child...

Lord Jesus, I give you my hands to do your work,

I give you my feet to go your way,

I give you my eyes to see as you see,

I give you my ears, to hear as you hear,

I give you my tongue to speak as you speak,

I give you my heart that you may love in me…your Father and all mankind.

I give you my spirit that it may be you who prays in me,

I give you my whole self, Lord Jesus that it may beYou who grows, works, loves and prays in me.Amen.

This prayer, dear Friends, was a special gift given in one of my prayer groups and I want to share it with you this Christmas. May you have a Blessed Christmas...

In His Arms,

Elizabeth

Dwell not on the past. Only the present.
--Two Listeners

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Our Guided Hearts...

We are well into the Advent season, preparing ourselves to come as children before the manger to see the Messiah, the Infant Son of God...Sweet Jesus. In this preparation I am conscious of the reality of our Savior, of this child born of the most pure Virgin Mary… on that cold winter night in Bethlehem. We have but 10 short days before we celebrate His Birth… let us continue the journey to the stable…

This is a St. Jude Prayer leading our hearts to…
Lord Jesus, your power is infinite, your glory everlasting. Quietly you come, as a tiny baby. Ready my heart for the miracle of your birth. Bring light to this dark world, waiting silently for your warmth in the coldness of the night. Waiting is itself your gift, animating my heart with anticipation. Bless me with needed patience and faithful discipline to prayerfully prepare to welcome and greet you. May Christmas joy and burning love take root in me and grow until they bloom on Christmas Day, to carry to the world and inspire hope to renew the face of the earth. Amen.



The photo above is the Nativity Altar in Bethlehem ... in this prayer I have found a richness in slowly speaking the words and dwelling on what they are saying to me.

May your journey to the Day of His Birth... bring you all comfort, joy n' fulfillment. Let the Hope rise within your heart and the Light shine out in your life...



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I, The Wind...

"Lord grant me the grace to have freedom of the spirit"... and this came to me in a dream three nights ago... "I, the Wind, blow your spirit into the mind of God!"

I want to introduce to you to one of my favorite places, 'Sacred Space' ...

http://www.sacredspace.ie/ this is truly Holy Ground. A space to come on a daily prayer quest and to place your prayers. Where the Cistercians in Ireland and Carmelita's in New Zealand are happy to support the community with their prayers. I love the gentle way the prayer leads me into the presence of my Lord. Wherever I am, I can access this site and experience the Peace of God...

May God's Love, Peace n' Joy be with you on this sacred journey to His Birth and here is a prayer you can use daily...

"King of kings and Lord of lords, all power belongs to you in heaven and on earth. As a child of such a king, embolden me to pray and work until your kingdom is fully embodied here." ... from "the WORD among us"

http://trustiam.com/

Remove the Cloud of Deception...

Can I interest you in an experiment?

I want to encourage you, to challenge you to pray this prayer daily. I know we can pray together, that it does not matter what doctrine or church we attend. The secret is coming together in the body of Christians who pray to the Father through Jesus Christ his son.
Evil is running ramped... in our world ... in our country (Luke 21, 5-19 ...read, take comfort n' be not afraid)... Jesus tells us that it is all going to fall apart. Is this what's happening now? I believe that as we come together in humbleness; that we need to look to him in prayer and share the feelings, the concerns of our heart. To me the words of this prayer speaks of the concerns through out the world. Let us have ears to hear, eyes to see... and hearts to pray. Lord, free our hands to work for your peace. It only takes one faithful person to change the course of history! Imagine what the body of Jesus Christ could do!


"Heavenly Father, Eternal Now, Creator of the Universe, Splendor of Heaven, listen with compassion to Your children who cry out to You. Pour out upon the earth Your Provision, Your Mercy, Your Love. With the winnowing fan of Your Divine Will, separate good from evil."

"Remove the cloud of deception Satan has placed over the heart of the world so that all people and every nation choose good over evil. No longer allow us to suffer from the evil choices of those who oppose Your Eternal Divine Will."
Jesus... Jesus... Jesus...


Now, look and see the Good that is happening and give 'Thanksgiving' to our God for opening our ears to hear n' our eyes to see the work of His hands!

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The Jabez Novena

Here is another wonderful Novena; a three day prayer, sandwiched between nine 'Our Fathers' and nine 'Hail Marys'. Say the 'Our Fathers' slowly, dwelling on the meaning of the words...

Say 9 Our Fathers...

Eternal Father, Please open the window of heaven and pour us out a financial blessing so great that there isn't enough room for us to receive it all. We pray that you would bless us indeed...enlarge our territories... that Your hand will be with us to keep us safe from evil. That we may not cause pain. Thank you heavenly Father for granting our request.

Jesus...Jesus...Jesus... Amen

Say 9 Hail Marys

"Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you! Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen!"

In this novena we are called to publish it on the third day...

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Day Nine...Powerful Prayer...

This is the ninth day in our Novena, the Powerful Prayer to St Jude...helping us in our prayer to our Lord Jesus...for the concerns of the world and our country.

ST. Jude, Founder of the Church
(Day Nine)
As one of the twelve apostles, St Jude is a part of the foundation of the Church of Jesus Christ (this sets the example of a solid foundation for us.) (Rev 21: 14) Wherever he traveled, he established communities of faith in which "the faithful lived together and owned everything in common... sharing among themselves according to what each one needed. Day after day they went as a body to the temple but met in their homes for the breaking of the bread; they shared their food gladly and generously." (Rev 21: 14-46)
St. Jude believed in unity and equality within the Church. Like St. Paul, he understood that "all of us are part of Christ's body." (I Cor 12: 27) Because we are all equal in Christ, St Jude professed with St. Paul, "There is no difference between Jews and Gentiles, between slaves and free, between men and women; we are all one in Christ Jesus." (Gal 3:28)
Jesus promised that he would send his Spirit, the advocate, "to lead them to complete truth." (Jn 16: 13) On Pentecost, they received that Spirit "like a powerful wind from heaven," and began to make bold proclamations as the Spirit prompted them. (Jn 16: 13-14) They overcome their fear and preached with wisdom and strength.
The Lord calls us to be active members of our church communities, sharing our gifts and placing them at the service of others. We need to overcome our fears, timidity and selfish individualism in order to join others to share our faith, unite in prayer and work together to build up Christ's body, which is the church. Jesus longed that we all be one as he and the Father are one. May we work for that unity and equality among all believers in Jesus Christ.

PRAYER
St. Jude, you traveled far and wide to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to all nations. You gathered people into communities of faith so that they might live the Gospel of the Lord, sharing their lives and resources, joining their hearts and minds in the Lord. You recognized the dignity of all, the diversity of gifts and the equality among all God's children. Pray to the Lord to send his Spirit to cover the earth, our countries, to our church leaders and to each of us so that we might create unity and equality amid the division and discrimination in our church, in the nations communities. Help us overcome our own fear, our timidity or self- centeredness in order to place our gifts at the service of our sisters and brothers in our local church communities. Amen.

Commitment
I will do something to help build up my local church.

Prayers of the heart...
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Inspirational Prayer Candles...
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Day Eight...Powerful Prayer...

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not
doubt God's wisdom as we bring the difficult concerns of the world and of our country to...

St Jude, Advocate of Difficult Cases
(Day Eight)
St. Jude was not only a follower of Jesus but probably his cousin and friend as well. His close relationship to Jesus not only changed his life but made him a powerful advocate on our behalf. From Jesus he learned about God's boundless compassion and infinite power. He learned not to doubt God's wisdom but confidently to trust Divine mercy.
St Jude understood how we all desire to be close to Jesus, to be his friend, to feel the warmth of his love and to experience his healing power. St. Jude heard the Lord say, "I call you friends, because I have made known to you everything I have learned from my Father. You did not choose me, no, I chose you; and I commissioned you to go out to bear fruit, fruit that will last; and the Father will give you anything you ask in my name." (Jn 15: 15-16)
At times we despair of God's love for us or at least doubt that God hears our prayer. We question: "Why has this happened to me?" "Where is the Lord when I need him?"
We come to St. Jude because we believe he is a man of faith and understands that nothing is impossible for God. He believed what Jesus had told him at the Last Supper, "If you ask for anything in my name, I will do it." (Jn 14:14) He heard Jesus say, "... with God everything is possible." (Jn 14: 14)

PRAYER
St. Jude, you are Jesus' cousin and friend. Accompanying him on his journeys and watching him cure the sick, you felt his infinite compassion and experienced his saving grace. You believed that he has the words of eternal life and power over sickness and death. Intercede for us now so that we might feel the comfort of his friendship, the warmth of his presence and the healing power of his spirit. Because nothing is impossible for our God, pray that the Spirit will make us whole in body and soul. Amen.

Commitment
I promise to encourage someone who is facing a seemingly hopeless situation.

Prayers' for the financial problem facing you.
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A candle flame to help you focus on as you are in prayer.
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Day Seven... Powerful Prayer...

Jesus has calls each of us to spread the Good News, he has given us the Holy Spirit to empower us. Now as we pray the seventh day of this powerful prayer for the concerns of the world and our country...lets us not forget that Jesus has conquered the world!

St. Jude, Preacher of the Good News of God's Reign

Jesus trained St. Jude and sent him and others to outlying villages to preach the Good News and work the Kingdom of God. After Jesus ascended into heaven, St. Jude continued the Lord's work and followed his command, "Go, therefore; make disciples of all the nations; baptize them in the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit and teach them to observe all the commands I have given you. And know that I am with you always, even, to the end of time." (Mt 28: 19-20)

We sometimes think that we are not called or sent; mistakenly we think we have nothing to offer to the world or that we lack sufficient knowledge or power to change anything. We forget that through baptism we were commissioned just like St. Jude, "You are the salt of the earth... You are the light of the world... Your light must shine before all, so that, seeing your good works, they may praise your Father in heaven." (Mt 5: 13-16) Jesus warns us not to hide our light under a basket.

St. Jude knew how to bring the Good News of Jesus to others. He learned from the Lord that whenever we give food to the hungry, drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, visit the sick or imprisoned, we befriend Jesus himself. (Mt 25: 31-47)

St. Jude courageously announced the Good News of God's love and energetically preached the coming of God's reign of justice, peace and love wherever he went. He remembered Jesus' words at the Last Supper, "In the world you will have trouble, but be brave; I have conquered the world." (Jn 16: 33)

PRAYER
St Jude, you left home and traveled afar in order to bring the Good News of God's love to all the nations. You preached enthusiastically about what you learned personally from the words and works of our Lord, Jesus. You courageously faced criticism, rejection and eventually martyrdom. Ask the Lord to send us his Spirit so that we might be faithful messengers of God's love, forgiveness and justice to our selfish, violent and unjust world. Help us to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world by loving and compassionate way we speak to and treat one another. Amen.

Commitment
I will act on my faith and bring the Good News of Jesus Christ by word, deed and example to someone.

Prayers to help you on your journey...
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A candle to bring light to your prayer time...
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Day Six... Powerful Prayer

Forgiveness is probably one of the hardest things we are called to do, but I know the importance of this one act. If not done... it can destroy the person we are meant to be. On this sixth day, St. Jude points us to the source of forgiveness, our Lord, Jesus Christ. We learn from the Master, the Healer of our soul... Let us keep in mind the concerns of the world and our country...

St. Jude, Compassionate Reconciler

St. Jude was a human being like all of us and forgiveness did not come easily to him. He learned how to forgive others from the Master, our Lord Jesus. He probably was shocked to hear Jesus say, "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you," so that you may "be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect." (Mt 5: 44, 48) But that is just what he did and so must we. Jesus extended his mercy and forgiveness to sinners and even to those who attacked him. Even when he was dying on the cross, Jesus forgave his executioners, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." (Lk 23: 34)

Like Paul, St. Jude preached that we should not let the sun go down upon our anger. (Eph 4:26) If we have anything against anyone, we must first reconcile with that person before presenting our gift at the altar. (Eph 4: 24-31)

Can we really forgive those who have offended us? And how many times can we forgive? When Peter asked Jesus that question, St. Jude probably heard about Jesus' answer: "Not seven times seven, but seventy times seven." (Mt 18: 22)

When teaching St. Jude and the other apostles how to pray, Jesus explained. " If you forgive others the wrongs they have done to you, your Father in heaven will also forgive you." (Mt 6: 14) For this reason we ask for the strength to forgive those who have offended us as we pray the words Jesus taught us, "forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us."

PRAYER

St. Jude, apostle of mercy and reconciliation, help us one another. You understand the depth of God's compassion and our hesitancy to forgive. You learned how to be merciful from Jesus, the Son of God. He taught you how to forgive those who persecuted you and put you to death. Intercede for us now before our compassionate God that we might forgive those who have offended us. Help us to remove every trace of hatred, bitterness or revenge from our hearts. May we have the strength to forgive as God forgives. Amen.

Commitment

I will forgive someone who has offended me and try to reconcile myself with that person.

Father, I forgive_____________, help my unforgive-ness!

For more prayers please visit...
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Day Five... of Powerful Prayer

Jesus showed St. Jude, just as He shows us how we are to live our lives... the perfect role model, the perfect teacher.
As we enter this fifth day of St. Jude's Novena...bring to mind the concerns of our world and our country.

St. Jude, Servant of God's People

St.Jude was privilege to accompany Jesus nearly every day. he learned from the Lord how God loves us and how we must love one another.
At times we may want others to serve us, to do our bidding and to attend to our needs. Sometimes we compete with others in order to be first or the best. Like St Jude, we need to learn from Jesus, "Anyone who wants to be great, must be the servant of the rest and anyone who wants to be first, must be the slave of all, like the Son of Man, who did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life to redeem many." (Mt 20: 26-28)
At the Last Supper Jesus showed St. Jude and the other apostles how they were to serve. He washed their feet and said, "I have set an example for you, so that you will do just what I have done for you." (Lk 13: 15)
St. Jude did not look for a reward for doing good for others. Rather, he lived what Jesus taught, "When you have done all you have been told to do, say, 'We are merely servants; we have done no more than our duty." (Lk 17: 10)
St Jude fulfilled the greatest commandments identified by Jesus: to love God with our whole heart, our whole soul and our whole mind, and our neighbor as ourselves. (Mt 22: 37-45)

PRAYER
St Jude, although you were chosen by Jesus as one of the twelve apostles, you learned not to be proud, not to pursue honors or the highest places. instead, you humble yourself in the service of your sisters and brothers. We pray that you help us to serve with a more generous heart, to sacrifice our own interest for the good of others. Intercede for us with our crucified Christ, who humbled himself on the cross, who sacrificed his life that we might live. May we imitate him by a life of dedicated, selfless service to others. Amen.

Commitment
I will do some service for those who need it most or expect it least.


In need of that special prayer or wish to add a prayer request... please visit...
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Day Four... Powerful Prayer...

Blessed All Saints Day leads us into day four of... St. Jude, Champion of Justice and Peace... for the concerns of the world and our country.

Like the other apostles, St. Jude learned to struggle for justice and peace by accompanying Jesus and listening to his teaching. He heard the Sermon on the Mount, when Jesus taught, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God...Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you and tell all kinds of evil lies against you because you are my followers. Be happy and glad, for a great reward awaits you in heaven." (Mt5: 9, 11-12)

St. Jude wrote in his letter, "I encourage you to fight on for the faith which once and for all God has given to people." (Jude 1: 3) St. Jude struggled for all that Jesus worked to establish. As did Jesus, he preached the Good News to the poor, proclaimed liberty to captives, restored sight to the blind and set free the oppressed. (Lk 4: 18)

We sometimes resist the Lord's challenge to work for God's reign of justice and peace. We fear criticism and conflict; we seek comfort and convenience. Not St. Jude! He fought non-violently for peace through reconciliation and compassion and understood that without justice there is no true peace.

For his commitment to the reign of justice and peace, St. Jude suffered. just as Jesus had predicted, "You will be hated on account of my name." (Mt 10:22) Nevertheless, he enjoyed the peace promised by the Lord at the Last Supper when he said: "Peace I give to you, my own peace I leave you; a peace the world cannot give, this is my gift to you." (Mt 10: 22)

PRAYER

St. Jude, you courageously preached the Word of God in the most difficult situations. Like Jesus, you defended the poor and oppressed and challenged the rich and powerful. When threatened with death, you did not resort to violence or despair but recalled Jesus' words of peace and justice in our world. Ask the Lord to give us the courage to stand up for what is right. Pray that we be effective peacemakers like you, especially in the world where there is war and oppression, in our communities where there is violence and strife and in our families where there is conflict and tension. Amen.

Commitment

I promise to act against some injustice and take some action that will restore peace somewhere in the world.

It is up to us to act as peacemakers in our families, in our communities, in our world. Act on what you believe the Holy Spirit is calling you to do and let that act be like a pebble thrown on the water and the ripples reach out to touch others. May God Bless... until tomorrow.

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Third Day of Powerful Prayer

I will begin this third day in our prayers for the concerns of our world and our country as...

St. Jude, Suffering Christian...
Like the other apostles, St. Jude suffered a martyr's death because he was committed to Carry out the mission of our Lord. He accepted Jesus challenge, "If any want to follow me, let them deny themselves, take up their cross and follow me." (Lk 9: 23)
In the midst of his difficulties St. Jude trusted the Lord, who said, "Come to me all you who labor and are overburdened and I will give you rest. Shoulder my yoke and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart and you will find rest. For my yoke is easy and my burden light." (Mt 11:28-30)
St. Jude undoubtedly understood that his sufferings were joined to those of Jesus and therefore were redemptive. St Paul declared, "I am happy to suffer for you, for by means of my sufferings, I help complete what still remains of Christ's sufferings on behalf of his body, the church." (Col 1: 24)
St. Jude was human. He felt pain as we do. But he remembered the suffering of Jesus, his sense of abandonment on the cross, when he cried out "My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?" (Mt 27: 46) These memories helped St. Jude endure his pain because he knew he suffered in union with the Lord.
In our sufferings we reflect on those of our Savior, Jesus. He was spit upon, beaten and nailed to the cross where he hung in agony for three hours. Perhaps the most painful suffering that pierced his heart was the rejection by the people's leaders and the abandonment by his friends. Nevertheless, Jesus was faithful until the end when he cried out, "Father, into your hands I commend my spirit." (Lk 23:46)

Prayer
St. Jude, you remained faithful to our Lord, even unto death. You gave your life so that others might live. You endured physical pain and emotional abandonment. But you gladly joined your sufferings to those of our Savior, Jesus and thus shared in the redemption of the world. We ask you now to intercede with our brother, Jesus Christ, so that we too might be faithful in the face of our suffering. Help us to trust in God and put our life in his hands. Amen.

Commitment
I will join all my sufferings to those of Jesus for the redemption of the world and I will encourage someone who is suffering.

Thank you again...
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It helps me when I have a reading to lead me into prayer. The messages here has opened up a deeper layer for this novena... I hope it has helped you!
May the Spirit lead you to inexpressible groaning. (Romans 8: 26)

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Day Two... "Powerful Prayer..."

We begin day two of 'Powerful Prayer to St. Jude' for the concerns of the world...

St. Jude Apostle of Prayer
(Day Two)
Jesus taught St. Jude how to pray with a faith that could move mountains. His prayer was inspired by Jesus' words: "Ask and you will receive; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you." (lk 11: 9-10)
We sometimes think that God has abandoned us or that our prayers have fallen on deaf ears. St. Jude prayed with confidence instilled by Jesus' teaching: "Look how the wild flowers grow; they never have to spin or weave; yet not even Solomon in all his regalia was robed like one of these. How much more will God look after you? ...Don't worry... Your Father knows what you need. Instead, set your hearts on God's kingdom, and these other things will be given you as well." (Lk 12: 22-31)
Although we do not totally understand God's ways, we confidently place ourselves in God's hands, as Jesus himself did. St. Jude was with Jesus the night he prayed in the Garden. There, in agony, Jesus taught us how to pray: "Father, if it be possible, take this cup of suffering from me. Yet, not my will but yours be done." (Mt 26: 39)
When we are insistent and confident in prayer, we also allow our prayer to transform our lives. We open our hearts to God's spirit, willingly accept the challenges God allows us and generously recommit ourselves to imitate Jesus. St. Jude understood the Lord's words, "It is not those who say to me 'Lord, Lord' who enter the kingdom of heaven, but the person who does the will of my Father." (Mt 7: 21)

Prayer
St. Jude, through prayer you praised God for the wonderful works of Jesus. You asked God for the strength to meet the challenges of your apostate. You put your trust in God's mercy, believing firmly that God loved you and understood your joys and sorrows, your hopes and fears, and your triumphs and failures. You understood that nothing is impos-sible for God. We ask you to pray for us now before the Most High so that we too might be filled with God's saving power, understand God's will for us and faithfully place ourselves in God's loving hands. Amen.

Commitment...
I recommit myself to pray daily with greater confidence and faith that God's will be done in me.

I want to once again to direct you to the source of this great novena...
http://www.light-a-candle.org/addprayer.shtml
They have a special place where you can post a prayer request.

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Powerful Prayer to St. Jude...Day one.

Nine Days...

Pray from your heart... pray slower.

I have learned to ask the Saints for prayer just as I would ask for prayer from my church, my family, my friends. To me, because they are a patron of (i.e. St Jude, patron saint of hopeless causes) is the reason I come before them for prayer. When I have, what I feel, is a great need, I bring it before a mighty prayer warrior like St Jude for prayer. Today I'm going to begin a 9 day Novena to St. Jude... for "the concerns of our world and our country." This will be DAY ONE... Please join me and pray this novena beginning the day you stop in... for to God there is no time!

St Jude Powerful Healer
(Day One)
St. Jude undoubtedly traveled with Jesus from village to village and witnessed Jesus' healing power. He may have seen his master cure the ten lepers, heal the woman suffering from hemorrhages and raised the dead to life. To the blind beggar who cried out, "Jesus! Son of David! Have mercy on me!" he may have heard Jesus answer, "Receive your sight. Your faith has made you well." (Lk 18:39-43)
St Jude was one of the disciples to whom Jesus "gave power and authority...to preach the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick." (Lk 9: 1-2) He sent them out two by two, and to their amazement, "They drove out many demons, and rubbed oil on the sick and healed them." (Lk 9: 1)
We may doubt that God wants what is best for us. We sometimes mistakenly think all suffering and sickness are punishment for sin. We forget how Jesus worked tirelessly to heal the infirm. When Jesus cured the man born blind, he explained, "Neither he nor his parents sinned; he was born blind so that the works of God might be displayed in him." (Jn 9:3)
St Jude understood the lord's desire to make people whole. After Jesus' ascension, St Jude and the other apostles preached everywhere, and t"the Lord worked through them and proved that their preaching was true by the miracles that were performed." (Mk 16: 18) Jesus' words at the Last Supper were fulfilled in St. Jude, "Whoever believes in me will perform the Same works as I do myself and will perform even greater works." (Mk 16:18)

PRAYER
St. Jude, you witnessed the healing power of our Lord Jesus. You saw his compassion for the sick and dying. You yourself touched the sick, shared the sorrows of the mournful and encouraged the despairing. You received this authority and healing power to work wonders, to cure the incurable, to make people whole. We (I) ask you to intercede with our brother, Jesus, to send his saving grace to heal the sick and suffering, to uplift their despondent spirits and to instill hope in their hearts. Amen.

COMMITMENT
I promise that in some way I will bring the good news of God's love to someone who is sick or infirm.

This novena is such a powerful way to prayer; I found this novena and if you like to see more prayers like this please visit: http://www.light-a-candle.org/addprayer.shtml It is a beautiful site!

God promises that when I set my heart on His Kingdom that all other things will be given me... I will... To will... The will of God! (Luke 12: 22-31)

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A Matter of Choice...

Jesus said to her…”Did I not tell you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?” John 11: 40. This is a promise, not just idle words. If I believe I will see God’s glory!! All through the Gospels Jesus tells us in his gentle, yet strong words of truth… it is our choice to stay in his word; it is our choice to believe his words. To ask,” Lord, Increase our faith!” Luke 17: 5… To say “I believe help my unbelief!” Mark 9: 23-24. To ask for his help!

Heart breaking trials came into my life and the choice I made was to cling to the God of my hope. Even through the worse of times; I held on tight when there appeared no hope. Always to pray and not lose heart!

In reading this parable from Luke 18: 1-8; I became the woman who constantly went to God, crying out to him day and night. The broken heart was healed, I knew pure love; the fears left, I was protected; the crippling anxieties disappeared, I was healed. The healing continues, there is so much to be done... I know God hears the cries of his people, I've experienced it and his glory is revealed.

So, dear friends, hold onto the Truth, the Healer of your soul... He will hear you and He will answer as the story of your life unfolds. Jesus...Jesus...Jesus, I trust you...

The Gospel Candle

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Look How Big God Is...

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that brings good tidings, who publishes peace, who publishes salvation; who says to Zion, “Your God reigns." Isaiah 52.7

I found this writing in a book of poems to encourage those going through wilderness times. The writer has a muscle disorder which limits her ability to move about but the most important aspect is that her spirit is not limited as she knows the greatness of our God.

"As I stood before my mountains, overcome with fear, I cried! I tried to see the top of it, but it reached far into the sky.

"Where do I begin?" I thought, "Do I have the strength to even start?" Then I remembered a minister's message... it put hope into my heart. "Tough Times Never Last," he said, "But Tough People do!"

So I gave my fears to God, my belief it really grew. I started to climb my mountain... with each step came great pain... I knew that God would give me strength, so I prayed as I climbed again. Half way up the mountain, I looked out and saw the sights; now all the clouds were lifting, an eagle was in flight. The view from the top was clearer now, the top not far away... excitement rushed through my soul. Again to God I prayed. "Dear Lord, thank you, for giving me this feat! Once I've conquered my mountain, this challenge will be complete."

As I face the struggles of life, each and every day, I know the Lord will guide me, over the obstacles in my way. I will not become discouraged... on with life I’ll go! With each mountain that I overcome... the stronger I will grow. When I finally reach the top, the one thing that I shall do, is look around and find someone who needs help up too. Together we will stand, on the mountain top and pray and thank God for the challenges that made us grow each day."

From "The Message"

God's wisdom is so deep, God's power so immense, who could take him on and come out in one piece? He moves mountains before they know what's happened, flips them on their heads on a whim. He gives the earth a good shaking up, rocks it down to its very foundations. He tells the sun, 'Don't shine,' and it doesn't; he pulls the blinds on the stars. All by himself he stretches out the heavens and strides on the waves of the sea. He designed the Big Dipper and Orion, the Pleiades and Alpha Centauri. We'll never comprehend all the great things he does; his miracle-surprises can't be counted. Somehow, though he moves right in front of me, I don't see him; quietly but surely he's active, and I miss it...

Matthew 17:20 (New American Standard)
And He said to them, "Because of the littleness of your faith; for truly I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you.

Matthew 17:20 (New King James Version) … So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.

Matthew 17:20 (The Message)… "Because you're not yet taking God seriously," said Jesus. "The simple truth is that if you had a mere kernel of faith, a poppy seed, say, you would tell this mountain, 'Move!' and it would move. There is nothing you wouldn't be able to tackle."

Matthew 17:20 (Contemporary English Version)… Jesus replied: It is because you don't have enough faith! But I can promise you this. If you had faith no larger than a mustard seed, you could tell this mountain to move from here to there. And it would. Everything would be possible for you.

Do not say to God, "This mountain is so big"... instead say, "Mountain, look how big God is!"

The Aide Candle

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The Soul... A Candle Flame...

The living soul of man, the candle of God, sways back and forth, always aspiring to return to its Divine source, the infinite light of God
The soul's natural phenomenon of swaying, like a living candle, reaches its peak when we learn God's Word and pray to Him from the depth of our hearts ... Author Unknown

Proverbs 20:27 The spirit of man is the lamp of the Lord, searching all his innermost parts ( RSV Catholic Edition)

Proverbs 20:27 The human spirit is the lamp of Yahweh ~ searching the deepest self. (New Jerusalem Bible)

Proverbs 20:27 The spirit of a man is the lamp of the Lord, Searching all the inner depths of his heart. (New King James)

O' Lord, Let me not hide my light under a basket...nor my flame be blown out. You gave us the Holy Spirit to comfort and guide us...that any question I ask will be answered...if I but listen. Lead me O Kindly Light...

Jesus...Jesus...Jesus...

The Christ Candle

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Jesus Taught Us ...

…how to pray. Because of this, I believe it is important to pay attention to what this prayer says to my heart... to our hearts...



“Our Father who art in Heaven Hallowed be thy Name... I don't think of God as male or female...to me God is all of this, even more so, beyond all I can conceive; a God who cannot be enclosed... put into a box. Jesus invites us to draw near to God who is beyond human understanding, who dwells in mystery, who is all holy… to be still and know that

I Am God...

My God, My All, I praise and worship your Holy Name… the Creator of my soul… All honor and glory are yours, O’ LORD.)

Thy Kingdom come, Thy Will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven...
Jesus repeatedly tells us that God's power will appear and renew all creation. That God's plan from the beginning of the world would be fulfilled. God's kingdom would be marked by peace and justice. Good would be rewarded and evil punished. The kingdom, according to Jesus, is not far off, but already present in our midst, though not yet revealed.

"For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God" Romans 8:19

A favorite author, Agnes Sanford, in her book "Creation Waits" writes... "Jesus the Transformer needs us ; God's power sent into the world through Jesus Christ yet needs us smaller beings to transmit that eternal radiance into the world, that it may become His kingdom."

What a powerful thought… that God's will is for our good…for there is no pain in Heaven… no wars in Heaven… no corruption, no greed, no poverty, no loneliness, no fear, NO______________ in Heaven. And we are to pray for God's power to come about here on earth...and BELIEVE that as Jesus said that it is here in our midst and renew... restore ALL creation!Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven,,,Jesus...Jesus...Jesus... Say this slowly as a heartfelt prayer…let it become the fiber of your very breath.)

Give us this day our daily bread, (We are His children… and as children is it not childlike to ask for our very needs to live by.
Thank you, my God, for the work you have given me today, the food that is on my table, my family and friends, my time with you, _______________.)

and forgive our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, (This is so vital for us to come to God and ask His forgiveness for what we have said or done to hurt others, to sin by thought, word or deed. And can you see, can I see, how we link God's forgiveness of us… by our forgiving others. Sometimes, I find it not always easy to forgive when someone has really caused me great harm, but I know I need to. I can not do it by myself, I need God's help to do it. I know I must forgive or otherwise I cannot receive God's mercy and this I long for.

Search my heart; O’ LORD and illuminate my sins … that I may ask forgiveness. I forgive … LORD, help my un-forgiveness that I may know and receive Your mercy.)

and lead us not into temptation, ( I don’t know about you, but I feel my life has been one big war zone… I have been tested... life has not been easy. When I meditate, I so often think of myself as clay and the process that clay undergoes before it becomes a beautiful, useful vessel. Yes, there is the kneading, the pounding to remove all air bubbles, the pulling apart over and over before the clay is ready to be shaped by the hands of the Potter into a beautiful, unique vessel and placed into the fires of life... A vessel to help and encourage others on a journey to wholeness!!
Yes, we need to ask God, as the Potter, to protect us from failing when we are tested, to help us to know the right thing to do, that HE delivers us from the evil which awaits us in life. To continue to pray...Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven...) but deliver us from evil... AMEN "

(When Jesus was led into the wilderness, He said to evil …”It is written!”)
JESUS...JESUS...JESUS... JESUS, I trust you!


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My Life With The Paraclete...

My thoughts, are centered on knowing the Holy Spirit and what an exciting relationship this is becoming; a rich tapestry that is deeping every day … when I begin it with Him.

Jesus said when He left the disciples that He would send the Paraclete, the Comforter to be with them and all of His followers. He would be present with them at ALL times. With us at ALL times!!


I think with each one of us He speaks to us in our own language, our own personalities . For me, I am becoming more and more aware of His guidance and gentle nudging by using a perpetual Novena, (a Novena is a daily prayer or thoughts pondered on throughout the day for a number of days… such as 3 days, 7 days, “ the first Novena-Acts 1:14 and 2:3-4, was a 9 day Novena”) …this, Novena that I’m speaking of begins with each day of my life, now thats daunting when I think that I have commited my self in this way. But, I have asked Him to help me and the Comforter gives me the heart to persevere and the staying power to continue!’. He keeps drawing my thoughts to Him, teaching me to quite my self and listen to what He wants to tell me. I'm so excited when I hear and recognize His voice…I just delight in this knowing, this experience. I remember seeing years ago, in a Noah's Ark movie, an image of Noah dancing to his silent music, the music of the Holy Spirit and I longed to hear it, I longed to dance... I love it!!!

I use a little book called “Novena to the Holy Spirit”. You can find this and other wonderful little books through…Apostles of the Holy Spirit, 2709 Woodburn Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio 45206. Their website is... http://www.aoths.org/ or email them at ... apostles.holyspirit@fuse.net

An interesting look into the word "Novena"... Nova is an explosion, a star of mediam size suddenly bursting into great light... becoming a "Nova".

Novena is a sudden bursting into a great light of God's Divine Glory... God's Intervention

It is written...

Luke 1:39-41 Mary Visits Elizabeth ...At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.

John 1:33 I would not have known him, except that the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, 'The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is he who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.'


Luke 3:16 John answered them all, "I baptize you with water. But one more powerful than I will come, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.

Luke 1:67 [ Zechariah's Song ] His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied:

Luke 2:25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.

Luke 2:26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ.

Luke 4:1 [ The Temptation of Jesus ] Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert,

Luke 10:21 At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure.

Luke 11:13 If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"

Luke 12:12 for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say."


John 14:26 But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

John 20:22 And with that he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit.

These are but a few scripture verses which reveal the Holy Spirit and ways he works in the lives of his people. Weave the tapestry of your life as you ask Lord Jesus to fill you with the Holy Spirit...

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There She Is Again...

Just a few weeks ago I was asked if I had a problem accepting the Blessed Virgin Mary when I became a Catholic... and now I have the perfect story for the answer! I laughed with such delight


The following account was told by Father Sineux, during a spiritual retreat given on July 29, 1964: A Protestant pastor from Scotland had a large number of Irish families in his parish and, consequently, some fervent Catholics. He was extremely annoyed by these people and, being fervent himself in his religion, tried to fight against their beliefs in any way he could. He went readily to children with his ideas. One day he came across a young Irish girl of about eight years of age on the roadside. He stopped her, spoke a few nice words to her and then asked her to recite a few prayers, promising to give her two pennies if she recited them well. At once, the girl recited Our Father and the pastor congratulated her. “Do you know any others? Can you say another one?” he asked her. The child began the “Hail Mary,” but the pastor interrupted her. “That one is not a prayer, because you mustn’t pray to a woman, you should only pray to the Good Lord.” The small girl was a little embarrassed, but she continued and recited the Creed and the pastor encouraged her this time. However, when she arrived to the words “was born of the Virgin Mary”, the child sighed in annoyance and said, “There she is again! What am I to do?” The pastor later acknowledged that he almost suffocated when he heard the words of the young Irish girl. He gave her two pennies, sent her home and returned to his own abode very upset. There she is again, that Virgin Mary, even in the Creed, which he had recited so many times without noticing the words he was pronouncing! There she is in the center of our Christian faith! This marked the beginning of long reflections, which resulted in his own abjuration, shortly afterwards. He himself told this story many times, which was so decisive for his vocation, when he had later become a Catholic priest.


F.J.E. Marian Collection # 25, 1991

Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you! Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Peace and Blessings on your day,

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THE KEY THAT OPENS THE DOORS...

O my Holy Lady, Mother of God, full with grace, you, the Glory of our nature, the Channel of all goods, the Queen of all things after the Holy Trinity… the Mediatrix of the world after the Mediator. You, the mysterious Bridge which connects the earth to Heaven, the Key which opens the doors of paradise for us. Our Advocate, our Mediatrix, look at my faith, look at my desires and remember your power and mercy. Mother of the One who is true mercy and goodness, receive my heart in its misery and, by your intercession, make me worthy to be on the right-hand side of your only Son one day. ...Amen. JESUS...JESUS....JESUS...

St. Ephrem the Syrian

Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you! Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen!

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A Gift to Cherish...

There is an inspiring site that I'd like to share. I have a friend, along with her husband who was in a life threatening fire before Christmas. Their daughter posted daily their recovery. Jeff was touch and go for a few days, but through the prayers of those who visited Caring Bridge, his healing was miraculous. Visit www.CaringBridge.org This site is truly a place of many blessings.

It is written...

Isaiah 58:8... Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.


Jeremiah 33:6... I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security.


Luke 6: 19... Everyone was trying to touch Jesus, because power was going out from him and healing them all.


Luke 7: 21... At that time Jesus was healing many people who were sick or in pain or were troubled by evil spirits, and he was giving sight to a lot of blind people.


Luke 9:1-2... Jesus called together his twelve apostles and gave them complete power over all demons and diseases. Then he sent them to tell about God's kingdom and to heal the sick.


Luke 13: 10- 13... One Sabbath, Jesus was teaching in a Jewish meeting place, and a woman was there who had been crippled by an evil spirit for eighteen years. She was completely bent over and could not straighten up. When Jesus saw the woman, he called her over and said, "You are now well." He placed his hands on her, and right away she stood up straight and praised God.


Acts 10: 38, 45... God gave the Holy Spirit and power to Jesus from Nazareth. He was with Jesus, as he went around doing good and healing everyone who was under the power of the devil.


There are many powerful healing stories in the Bible...whoever came to Jesus and asked for healing, Jesus healed them. I've recently joined a prayer forem... I encourage you to join and experience the power of prayer.

http://www.myprayercircle.com/?refid=10473-6ca81c73

The Healing Candle
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A MAZE OF RELEASE

For the past few weeks I feel my mind and my life has been on this path, this spiritual
labyrinth maze of discovery and healing. My meditations and time in prayer is focused using this prayer of release...

Prayer of Release

O Holy Spirit, please show me, all the negative thoughts and negative feelings within me: find the time they began, the source of them...(list them)___________________.

With each and every image, impression given to me... I ponder their meaning and with as much understanding as I have... I bring them forward in time, surrounded with God's healing Love. Knowing that as I bring them into the present time, at every level they are being healed. I can feel God's Peace and His Love envelope me, as I forgive myself for my false perceptions and as I forgive every person, every place, every circumstance and event which reinforced these feeling and thoughts in me. With complete forgiveness and the unconditional love of God I erase them from my very being. I place them into the outstretched hand of God and in the Light of His Truth, His Word, I release them... I know that every physical, emotional and spiritual problem and every inappropriate behavior based on these old feelings quickly disappear. I feel exalted, filled with new life, new hope and new energy___________________ (list other ways you want to feel...new peace...)

JESUS...JESUS...JESUS...

I will... to will... the will of God!!

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One Day...

One day a woman's husband died, and on that clear, cold morning, in the warmth of their bedroom, the wife was struck with the pain of learning that sometimes there isn't anymore. No more hugs, no more special moments to celebrate together, no more phone calls just to chat, no more "just one minute." Sometimes, what we care about the most gets all used up and goes away, never to return before we can say good-bye, say "I love you."

So while we have it, it's best we love it, care for it, fix it when it's broken and heal it when it's sick. This is true for marriage ... and old cars ... and children with bad report cards, and dogs with bad hips, and aging parents and grandparents. We keep them because they are worth it, because we are worth it. Some things we keep -- like a best friend who moved away or a classmate we grew up with. There are just some things that make us happy, no matter what.
Life is important, like people we know who are special. and so, We keep them close!

I received this from someone who thought I was a 'keeper'! Then I sent it to the people I think of in the same way.

Suppose one morning you never wake up, do all your friends know you love them? I was thinking...I could die today, tomorrow or next week, and I wondered if I had any wounds needing to be healed, friendships that needed rekindling or three words needing to be said. Let every one of your friends know you love them. Even if you think they don't love you back, you would be amazed at what those three little words and a smile can do. And just in case GOD calls me home ..... I LOVE YOU!!!

Live today to the fullest because tomorrow is not promised.

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