Breastplate of St. Patrick Thursday, Mar 17 2022 

Culture and Everyday Life and Faith and Family , , , Mary K. Doyle 10:44 am

We’ve experienced disturbing issues for years now. The constant onslaught can make us feel helpless. But we never are. There’s always something we can do.

For example, we can donate to the needs of the desperate people of Ukraine and all those who are hungry using reputable organizations. We can pass on clothes and household items we are not using or literally open our doors to the homeless and displaced.

And prayer is always an option and so very powerful. Today, being St. Patrick’s Day, is an especially good day to pray the prayer of St. Patrick. Most often, I simply pray the “Christ, be with me…” part, but the entire prayer isn’t that long. I also change the “me” to “us” and the “every man” to “everyone.”

Try it for yourself. You may be very surprised at the protection you feel for yourself and others.

Peace be with you.

*Have you read The Rosary Prayer by Prayer or Grieving with Mary? Please write a review on Amazon if you have.

 

How to Pray Wednesday, Jan 19 2022 

Bible and Books and Culture and Everyday Life and Faith and Family , , , , Mary K. Doyle 11:49 am

Believers have it easy. When we truly believe in a loving God who cares for us, we’re assured that when we ask for something and give our worries and wants to God, God will respond in a way that is best for us. We have no need to fret. We are in God’s hands.

So, is there a special way in which we need to pray, to talk to God? The answer is, definitely not. Our prayers are heard however we communicate with the Lord.

Devotion may be shown using words spoken, thought, or read; executing or pondering sacred art or music; holding sacramentals, such as medals and rosaries, to prompt our prayers; meditating in sacred spaces; and through simple acts of charity and love.

For example, adult coloring books are popular ways to destress. When coloring in a book that offers religious words and artwork, we can use the activity as a tool to pray.

After writing the book, Saint Theodora and Her Promise to God for the Sisters of Providence of Indiana, I was asked to write a shorter version of the book for a coloring book. While coloring, we can use this book to think about Saint Theodora, also known as Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, and how she prayed and discerned her calling. We then can consider how God calls on us and how we respond to that call.

Try it for yourself. Talk to God, and then listen. God will answer. We just need to pay attention.

“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).

*Unsure of how to pray the rosary? Here’s an easy and inspiring way. Just turn the pages of The Rosary Prayer by Prayer and follow along.

 

After Sandy Thursday, Nov 1 2012 

Everyday Life and Perspective , , , Mary K. Doyle 10:47 am

I’m worried about my Goddaughter, Kara, and her family. She lives in New Jersey and I haven’t been able to reach her. Hopefully, she’s safe but without phone service.

Our East Coast neighbors are hurting deeply right now. Sandy’s destruction is massive. Some areas are completely destroyed and will never be the same. It’s all so disheartening.

The thought of it makes me feel a bit guilty. Part of me wonders how I escaped the tragedy. The photo above was taken in the Western suburbs of Chicago on Monday evening, October 28, just before Hurricane Sandy’s attack. Most of the Midwest has enjoyed cool, lovely days since then.

No matter how badly we feel for someone going through horrendous difficulties, our lives go on. We run for our train, pick up the kids, prepare for a meeting, and grab lunch with a friend. We’ve had our share of disasters in the Midwest – tornados, floods, fires, power outages, blizzards. We know what that clean-up, rebuild, and loss is like. But there is no purpose in suffering with them. This is our time to keep going and holding up the rest of the country.

And there are ways we can help. We can physically go to the East Coast and use our talents and muscle or send supplies or money. We also can pray.

If prayer is your action of choice, please add Kara and her family and all the victims of this storm to your list.

©2012, Mary K. Doyle

* Friday, November 2: I received a call from Kara this evening and she and her family are well. Their home was relatively untouched and power just went back on but many of the houses around her were severely damaged. Thank you to all who prayed for their safety.

 

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