Monday, February 25, 2013

The Power of Prayer


By Kirby Robinson

I'm a firm believer of just talking to God, Jesus, the Virgin Mary, and all the heavenly saints. And if I feel an angel or two hanging around I'll talk to them. But there are times I drop to my knees and lay flat on my face to the Lord. There are times with my physical eyes I see no solution, with my physical body I feel there's no hope, nor is there anything that I can do. This is when I know it's time to turn to the Divine Forces.

Always remember that when you talk to God be sure you're not the one doing all the talking. It's a two way street. You talk, He listens, He talks, you listen. But be sure that you learn to quiet your soul to allow this to happen.

A powerful prayer life can't be without intercessory prayer. When you ask of God, talk to God, and join with the Spirit of the Lord. This often occurs to us when a person just happens to pop up into our mind and we begin to worry about that person. That's a signal to engage in intercessory prayer on that person's behalf.

A powerful prayer life must be based on a person living in faith, living by faith, and allowing your faith to increase. It can't be a faith that is strong in times of calm and easiness in life but weak in times of trouble. There are 4 great spiritual benefits for you engaging in prayer.

~1 Your understanding of the Divine Realms increase.
~2 Your inner strength to repel temptation increases.
~3 God will put you to use in the daily battle of good vs. evil in the spiritual realms.
~4 Our ability of spiritual discernment will grow with our prayer life. Because we develop an even greater understanding to appreciate our spiritual senses.


Heaven Help Us! Prayers for Every Occasion

We face uncertain times. Common folk are struggling with serious issues like unemployment, fear of losing their homes, and health issues. Let's focus on some prayers that will help people deal with their daily struggles.

Most of these prayers will be familiar to my Catholic friends, but you don't have to be a Catholic to recite them. You can do these throughout your hectic day or if you have a rosary you can work it along with the prayers. It's suggested you read them all, and for those who have employment and/or health issues, please scroll down.

Prayers to the Blessed Virgin Mary

It is said that when Mary is honored, her Son is duly acknowledged, loved and glorified, and His commandments are observed. To venerate Mary correctly means to acknowledge her Son, for she is the Mother of God. To love her means to love Jesus, for she is always the Mother of Jesus.

We Fly to Your Patronage

We fly to your patronage, O holy Mother of God; despise not our petitions in our necessities, but deliver us always from all dangers, O glorious and blessed Virgin.

Mary, Mother of Grace
Mary, Mother of grace, Mother of mercy, shield me from the enemy and receive me at the hour of my death.

Holy Mary, Help the Helpless

Holy Mary, help the helpless, strengthen the fearful, comfort the sorrowful, pray for the people, plead for the clergy, intercede for all women consecrated to God; may all who keep your sacred commemoration experience the might of your assistance.

Remember, O Most Gracious Virgin Mary [The "Memorare"]

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help or sought your intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly to you, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to you do I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in your mercy hear and answer me. Amen.

Prayer for the Grace to Help Others

Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love. Where there is injury, let me sow pardon. Where there is friction, let me sow union. Where there is error, let me sow truth. Where there is doubt, let me sow faith. Where there is despair, let me sow hope. Where there is darkness, let me sow light. Where there is sadness, let me sow joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive. It is in pardoning that we are pardoned. It is in dying that we are born to eternal life. [St. Francis of Assisi]

Prayer for Employment

Blessed Anthony, our intercessor in times of need, you gave yourself as a tireless worker in the vineyard of the Lord. By our labor we produce the things needed for human life. So our work is honorable and holy and makes perfect the work of God's creation.
Pray that I may find work which enhances my human dignity, draws me closer to God, and makes my life, as was yours, a real service to my fellow men.
Provide for me while I am in this trial of unemployment. I need your help, blessed friend. Come to my aid.

Prayer for the Restoration of Health

O Sacred Heart of Jesus, I come to ask You for the gift of restored health that I may serve You more faithfully and love You more sincerely. I want to be well if it is Your will and redounds to Your glory.
If on the other hand it is Your will that my sickness continue, I want to bear it with patience. If in Your divine wisdom I am to be restored to health and strength, I will strive to show my gratitude by a constant and faithful service rendered to You, my loving Savior and Redeemer, and my God.

Prayer to God, the Source of Health

God our Father, source of all health, be near those who suffer in the time of weakness and pain; relieve them of their burden and heal them, if it be Your will.
Give peaceful sleep to those who need rest for soul and body, and be with them in their hours of silence. Bless those who know not what another day will bring.
Make them ready for whatever it may be. Whether they must stand, or sit or be confined, grant them a strong spirit.
Inspire with Your love those who bring healing and care to the suffering. May they bestow Your gifts of health and strength wherever they go. Grant this prayer, through Christ our Lord.