Week 405

Positive Post Sunday, December 1, 2024…. Week 405.  Dear friends, I hope this PPS finds you well and at peace. This week, I’d like to share a few thoughts on something that has been a profound source of strength and solace in my life: prayer. There are two prayers that have been foundational in my life as a Catholic, the Our Father and Hail Mary prayers.  The Our Father prayer is also known as the Lord’s prayer, and The Hail Mary prayer is a Catholic prayer that recognizes Mary as the sinless mother of Jesus and asks her to pray for us.

Prayer, to me, is much more than words spoken or thoughts projected into the universe. It is a deep, intimate connection with something greater than ourselves, a bridge to the divine, and a way to anchor our hearts in moments of joy, sorrow, and uncertainty.

Through prayer, we can find clarity in confusion, courage in fear, and comfort in pain. It is in those quiet moments of reflection and petition that we can truly align our inner selves with our higher purpose. Prayer is not just about asking for blessings or relief from suffering; it is also about expressing gratitude, seeking guidance, and cultivating a sense of peace and acceptance. Inspired by the many prayers I have said and read over the years, I wrote Our Daily Family Prayer, a prayer of gratitude, one that seeks our Heavenly Father’s guidance as we strive to strengthen our Triangle of Life – Faith, Family and Fitness, and live lives of service.

In times of trouble, prayer can be a refuge, a place where we can lay down our burdens and find solace. It helps us to remember that we are not alone in our struggles, that there is a divine presence walking with us, guiding us, and holding us up when we falter.

Moreover, the power of prayer extends beyond personal transformation. When we pray for others, we are extending our love and compassion, creating a ripple effect of positive energy that can touch lives in ways we may never fully understand. Our prayers can bring hope and healing to those who are suffering and can unite communities with a shared purpose of seeking the common good.

As a three-time survivor of life-threatening experiences, I can testify firsthand that prayers can be life-changing, and even lifesaving.  I have never felt the power of prayer more than during those most physically, emotionally and challenging times in my life.  I literally felt all the prayers of so many people, giving me an inner strength and a sense of peace that words simply cannot describe.

How has prayer changed your life?

What is your favorite Prayer? Why?