Catholics
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Irrena ~ a warm welcome here.
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I've gotta tell you all this...I started a St. Therese of Lisieux Novena for my mom on Oct 10th. It is supposed to be 9 consecutive days, but somhow, I thought that I had skipped one day by accident (kinda like a let down, so I replaced that with 2 extra days). Still had the thought that I didn't do it right, I was just planning on starting another Novena again. The reason why I thought it didn't work, it's because you are supposed to get flowers as a sign of acknowledgement. First I got an email from the Funder daily and I never liked to read my email in HTML format because it is dangerous. I did click that today and noticed that below her signature was a teddy bear with flowers, after looking back to all her previous emails this month, the avatar had always been there.
Well, I just opened my "personal email box" and an email from the sister of my best friend, she sent me an email with a box of roses. I lit up, smiled, teared up and thought, "my prayer was acknowledged". Thank you St. Therese.
** I couldn't post the picture here, so I've added it as my avatar!! That's the flowers that I got from my email today. My Novena is acknowledged. Thank you Lord Jesus, Thank you St. Therese.
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Fabulous Paula!
Can you post the novena?
Thanks
Jan508
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Paula,
That is so wonderful! Do you are anyone else mind sharing about getting flowers as a sign of acknowledgement? Is this with a Novena for a loved one, or all? I'm interested. You must have been just beside yourself when you got those!
traci
PS: how is the lump under your arm?
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Hi sisters,
I just came back from the rad's office. I had my 7th tx and 26 more to go. I wrote up a long laundry list of what to say. (Thanks Sheila, Traci and other who reassured me to report, and I did), and Sheila, loved your type in CAPS. That was to tell me how important it was. Thank you.
I got there on time, waited for like a minute and I was called to go in. My rad tech #1 (the older one) was the one that called, but I only gave a tiny grin, I didn't talk today (man, it is so hard not to talk to people, I'm naturally talkative LOL). I had this little serious look but not over the top. Changed quickly and assumed position. I did not talk still....the student tech was tech #3 today. So both of them #1 & #3 were aligning me and #1 placed her hand near my R armpit and I let out a laugh 'cuz I'm ticklish. That was it. As I was leaving, tech #2 mentioned something about yesterday that she had spoke with that man, the physicist, and that he was just getting something there by the control station. I said "I don't care who he is or what he's getting, he shouldn't be there when I'm half naked, period". I then walked over to the little exam room because today is the exam day with rad onc.
I told him about my tiny bit of swelling on the side of the elbow. He said that LE does not start until months later, not to worry. (I can't believe him). Then I told him about the dull pain and small swelling on my L armpit. I had to insist that I was not consciously thinking about it when he came over and felt it. Then he said that it is a little swollen and could be because of the infection coming from my breast. A little pink mark with a little bit of swelling can be seen but it is not skin infection, it is internal that has not surfaced. He said that we will keep an eye on it.
Then finally I told him about the breach of protocol yesterday. He looked a little confused at first, but tech #2 told me that he was informed. So I went ahead and told my story. (And of course his nurse had to chime in now and then to play things down). So my rad onc. said that across the States it is normal and acceptable that the physicist/technician will even follow the doctor and will be inside the room to calibrate the machine. And here's what I said, yes I hear ya, but he is not part of my treatment team, he is neither a doctor or a rad tech, so I proposed to my doctor that if there is a next time, THAT I DO NOT NEED TO BE IN THE ROOM, I DO NOT WANT TO BE IN THE ROOM, AND IF I'M ALREADY IN THE ROOM, REMOVE ME. OR THE LEAST, COVER ME UP QUICKLY.
My rad onc listened intently (and his wife is Japanese), and I added that it is my issues of modesty although they (the med professionals) have been looking at body parts all day long, it is I who can't get used to is and am unwilling to change and I believe that I have every right to have my dignity. (then I turned and looked at the nurse in the eye and said "I know I have that RIGHT, I dislike his nurse). So the doctor apologized twice and realized that they forgot to be sensitive to the patients. And I thanked him. He assured me that it will not happen again and he will make sure that they (the techs) all know that that is my wishes and to treat it accordingly.
Thank you for being my back bone and teaching me what to say. Yipee - I did it!!!
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Good evening sisters --- I'm pooped tonight ... long and stressful day at work, long commute, allergy shots, fast food, now home, just to go to bed and start all over again. Just love all the postings and the new ladies who joined us!!!
DD passed her instructor exams today at Red Cross, so now she can also teach classes! I think it was because she had such wonderful students last night.
She brought home "Little Anne" and I practiced CPR, but she wouldn't breathe!! DD said she'd show me how it's done, but she wouldn't breathe for her either! Seems Little Anne had a disconnect. So we brought her home a box of congratulatory Russell Stovers... DD, not Little Anne, and I hope she'll share with her lively students.Janet: your Knight might come in an unexpected way! Mine did and I wasn't really looking. I liked your attempt at humor with the doctors. Sometimes they just don't get it.
Traci/Janet: Maybe we can meet at the next healing service with Prayersareanswered. I do not mind picking either of you up. Like I said, DH and I are down in Arlington anyway, close to Metros. Since we live so far from work, we would probably stay at a hotel after the services. I still would like the group of us all to meet some time in the future. How wonderful that would be!! DH was healed of debilitating migraines at a healing Mass. I believe in miracles!
Paula: So much to say, but I'm so tired. Complain to the higher ups about your treatment at Rads. Most unacceptable!!!! St. Therese is my gal! That's awesome you got your roses. The novena is very beautiful.
Michelle - PTSD? I never thought about that as a source of my anxiety and panic attacks. What a horrible thing for you to go through!!!! I was in a car accident when I was 5 and had plastic surgery for years after and was never right. I was always afraid of everything.
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Sisters - I would like to do this for anyone in the group. I get newsletters from the Sisters of Carmel (Carmelites, as was St. Therese) b/c they repaired a rosary for me, so I"m on their mailing list. It was my father's rosary, then my brother kept it when Dad died, then I inherited it after my brother died. The rosary is irridescent black beads but broken into pieces with some beads missing. One of their ministries is repairing broken rosaries. I wanted to do this and give it to my son, who is not practicing his faith. Anyway, they did a beautiful job on the rosary and I gave it to my son and he was happy. They sent a note saying they prayed over the rosary for my son to find his faith again.
Anyway, long segway into what I want to say. The newsletter I received today was their offering to have Mass intentions said for the known and unknown souls of the deceased for all of November. Let me paste their words:
Dear Friends of Carmel,
The month of November will shortly be upon us, and our thoughts turn toward purgatory and the holy souls who dwell there for a time, expiating their faults. Holy Mother Church admonishes us to pray more especially for these souls, both known and unknown to us, during November.
A custom we keep in our chapel here is to place the names of deceased family members and other loved ones on our altars, and our priests faithfully remember these souls at each Mass offered during the entire month of November. We wish to invite you to send us, before November 1st, the names of your loved ones who are deceased, and we will be happy to include these souls in this great benefit of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass for their speedy release and eternal peace. As many as five Masses are offered here at our chapel each day, and a remembrance of your deceased loved ones will be made at each Mass, each day of the month of November.
I would like to submit the names of my mother, father, brother and cousin. If you have a soul you would like me to submit for prayers, please PM me before Nov 1st with their names and I will include them with mine. I am happy to provide a generous donation for all of us -- donations are used for stipends for the priests who come and say Mass for them. I know many of us are still hurting over loosing loved ones and I believe offering them up with the Holy Mass all month will help them and us.
Here is a link about the good sisters:
http://www.sistersofcarmel.com/about-sisters-of-carmel.php
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Thank you soooo much Theresa. I will definitely PM you with my list.
I also loved the part where "they prayed over the rosary for your son to return to his Faith ~ and I just learned something new. Thank you for sharing.
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Thank you Paula!
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After reading all here today. all I could say out loud......
" oh my God.. oh Father... THANK You with my entire heart... for the new sisters here.. non Catholic.. joining us in Christian prayer... Oh my God... my Lord... thank you for all here.. I am humbled beyond belief... my heart is open... and I am so so happy for You...."
Ladies... I just love you and to ALL new joiners here.... THANK YOU for joining us and praying with us to the SAME Father! You are welcome.. you are!
SHELIA......... I LOVE the name you just now put into works for Lurkers... I respect your bad thoughts on the word lurkers. I want to say... I only posted what Lurker meant... so no one took offense... I never thought what you posted a few weeks ago was bad honey... I just wanted to post... fact .. lol... I am a research junky to a fault..
....... I will say to you and anyone reading.... that I do not have a angry bone in my body to any other person. It just is not in me. My Dh, of 25 yrs... would LOVE it if I would throw a fit here and there like others....LOL... but it is not me...:).... So I just wanted you to know.... I love most all... and I LOVE our ladies just reading here... and I always... over the past two years... post to them... letting them know......... I/we know they are here..... and I am so OK with that.. and I hope the thread( or the EC thread)is helping them.. and keeping them feeling love and safety. I also want you to know.... I pray for your heart. You still should be mourning your Dh. Actually I feel... and I am no professional this.....you should mourn him for some time. If I have not seen my DH in a few days due to travel... I mourn THAT. When we love..... with all our core....... we never stop.I still pray... God takes my DH before me... so that he does not have to feel that pain of loosing me.... as I love him so much... I never want him to hurt that badly. I care for you.. and I have not stopped praying for your husband to enter into the Kingdom. XXXOOO
Ladies... you have my heart and you have my prayers.
Laura
I want to say this.
I DO KNOW... some ladies who love me.. ( LOVE YOU TOO!) read here.... just reading what I write. They are not Catholic.. and just might NOT get our faith. It might freak them a bit. Well.... I want to invite YOU sister.... to come pray with me/us. Prayer is key... so come....... PRAY with me/US. We might be on different planes when it comes to Religion and Theology..... ~~BUT~~ we are on the same plane when it comes to CHRIST... and belief in PRAYER. I love you... and I hope the few I speak of... WILL join.... 'cause I KNOW you walk with Jesus as I/we do. LOVE!
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Laura,
Such a loving post, reaching out to all and loving us the way we are. That's why I come here, and I promise, that's why we continue to be blessed by more Sisters here. I am going to read Noni Jone's post again, but I have been around these boards long enough to know there is a dark side. I would have never said it before, until I saw it with my own eyes, and felt it in the pit of my stomach. I just want to work in the light. To come to a place where we are loving each other, and honoring our lives, by honoring God. (why I am here in the first place.) he power of prayer thread is also seeing a surge and people are taking refuge. So thank you for creating a place of peace and prayer, because that is what is going to see me through, and this I have NO DOUBT. God does not want me to deal with the negative, nor to hurt. Isn't cancer enough? He wants me to find my heart again, and get myself to SOAR!
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Paula, I am so proud of you. What you did today took courage and conviction. You did not back down, nor did you allow anyone to intimidate. You were a teacher, an advocate and you showed love for yourself. You are a Warrior.
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And Sheila,
Laura said in her post some of what I was thinking about this evening. I want to honor your life with Greg, and I cannot imagine what you are going through. Grieving is a process, and there is no timeline. I hope you know you can share with us if you want, and there is no timeline for sharing either. I was just trying to imagine how I might feel, and how important a good relationship is. I'm so happy that you both had each other, and so sorry for your loss. We all have not forgotten and love you.
traci
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Hi all,
Sheila, Traci, Laura, Theresa ~ without your giving me the knowledge and the encouragement I won't be able to stand up in front of them today. You sisters are my backbone!
I sensed (a small hint of it) was that they knew this could be a liability to them, they still wanted to say assuring words that it is "the norm everywhere in the States" to cover their behind. Yeah, I didn't buy it. And with you sisters arming me with the "right knowledge", I told them that "It is a violation of my modesty and I purposely turn towards the nurse and looked her in the eye and said "after all, it is my right to be immediately covered and not allow the mechanic around me during my table time. So I request that I'd be taken out of the room, or be covered right away before anyone going near the treatment area, even near the monitor screen". I wanted my request be adhered to. And funny thing, only my soft spoken doctor apologized (twice). None of the techs even gave a hint of being sorry.
They know it is not right, but because it did not happen to them or their loved ones - therefore they forget and became insensitive. The Ego is masking their heart and their thinking.
And even my doc said, he was so used to it that he forgot "how the patient feels".
Traci, you are right about one thing, it was truly akward today, sort of 2 against 1. I felt all your support. I know it is the righteous thing to do. And honestly, after BC, I quit worrying about what so and so feels anymore. I was brought up to feel bad and guilty for others, nah, it's Me-time. What about my feelings, right?
Sheila ~ I again want to convey this to you. The other side is very pleasant, no-time limit, and the soul goes to wherever (no pre-determined place). For my experience, one cannot decide where to go, one is automatically led to it. Just imagine it like a balloon, there's no remote control, it is freely going to wherever it is going. Like floating around
But one can see and experience, and not too much time to judge, things just happen, no worries. And definitely "no pain" ~God Bless, Amen!
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Traci ~ we need more angel stories that you were going to tell. Do you have any time tonight to share?
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Paula,
How about more affirmations to supplement your experience from your post? These are from the book, The Truth in the Light, by Dr. Peter Fenwick and Elizabeth Fenwick. Dr. Fenwick is a neuropsychiatrist and studies near-death experiences. The book examines more than 300 personal accounts of NDE's.
The following are three accounts from the book.
Hilda Middleton writes "In 1986 I was rushed into Bradford Royal Infirmary and underwent emergency surgery. I spent 5 weeks in intensive care then a further 4 months in a ward. My experience of death was wonderful. I was floating high up, no pain, great joy and no fear. Down a tunnel with a very bright light at the end. Animals, pictures, everything was so beautiful and all the colours were shades of delicate pink, yellow, blue etc. I was overwhelmed with joy. I truly believe I was on the brink of death. I cannot have made up a story like this. I was told a long time afterwards by my relatives than I did die at the moment of entering the intensive care unit, but it was not to be. I heard my Dad's voice calling me back. I was on the critical list. No hope was given to my family, and now hear I am with my life. My experience has had a profound experience on my life. I thank the Lord for every new day, but if death is the wonderful experience I had, I'm not afraid of death."
The next two are submitted without the people's names.
"I looked up and whoosh, I was in a brightness and further up were masses of people all smiling and reaching out to welcome me. I was still up towards them when I saw my deceased mother-not the mother I had known, but I knew she was my mother, a young mother. She was smiling at me and had her hands stretched out to me. I was so happy. I was desperate to reach her. I had nearly got to her hands when I felt myself being pulled away from her. I got angry. I felt I had a long, long, long nightdress and I was being pulled downwards. I was desolate as the people and my mum disappeared. They had looked so happy and contented. I find it hard to describe the happiness on their faces. I wanted to be with them. It was no hallucination. How can you hallucinate a mother whom you knew and loved and remembered when she died, and see an entirely young beautiful girl, and each know who the other is? I do not grieve for my mother, I know she is happy."
and the third:
"I remember feeling terribly ill with a splitting headache and going unconscious. Then I was aware that Jesus or somebody like him, possibly an angel, was standing beside the bed. He led me gently through the window and across the hospital lawn, which had been transformed into a heavenly scene. As we were walking we were joined by crowds of people. They were unwrapping bandages which were round their bodies or heads, throwing away their crutches, and taking off their plaster casts. It seemed to me that they had died and were being healed after death."
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Hello Traci (the night owl like me)...:) - loved the stories.
My out-of-body experience was brief but wonderful and it's been 18 years now, so parts of it faded away with time. When I first got out, I was looking at both my doctors in between their face. Seemed like I was sitting up but I knew I wasn't. I could see a body and definitely my DH sitting there. Very vivid like I was just part of the action in the room. Whatever people said, I was aware. When the 1st doctor said to look at the monitor, I did as well. Whatever they were doing, I was fully aware but didn't feel a thing. Just like you are watching a 3-D movie. There's the universal feeling, the air was warm (not chilly or cold), I was not in the same hospital gown when I was flying in the tunnel, it was a pale white color chiffon gown. The way I was flying was like "superman", not in upright position. It had music but I can't distinguish what kind, it's Angelic, soothing. Tunnel was bright but not blinding, I don't recall colors.
When I was told it wasn't my time, I was dragged by the R shoulder - backwards until I literally dropped into my body. Before all these happened, I had never read a single book about it.
Like I said before, I am awaiting my doctor to publish his book. Watch out for his name, Dr. Paulker.
Traci, did you walk your dog tonight? Why do you walk the dog so late at night? Is it safe to do that?
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Hi! This is number 2 of my allowable posts for today since I'm new. I put the first one on "the power of prayer" which is an excellent thread as well.
May all who enter this topic today experience the joy of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit! I would like to pray for all, as an Evangelical/Charasmatic I too, like you all, am a daughter of the King, though my method may be different in prayer. I hope my prayers do not offend anyone, they are meant with all sincerity! It is time that I put my faith into further action! I am a survivor since 2002 and I know that God and God alone healed me! I cannot explain why some have been healed and others haven't. I'm not special at all...but maybe God felt like I had further work to do? Again, I have no earthly explanation. I am not sure but I will ask Him when I see His face in person one day!
Dear Lord,
I come to You today to ask that You richly bless all who enter here. You are the maker of all Heaven and earth, You are the maker of all of us and we are all Your children. You are the one that can provide divine healing for those that need it. We humbly petition you today to heal all those who are ill, and we believe that once healed, healed forever. You are the Master Physician! Thank for You for giving us Your only son that He lived and walked among us, saw our pain and suffering, and offered His divine Healing while on earth before He died for us. Thank you for the Holy Spirit, our intecessor on earth, that He will intercede for us all now, with groanings that cannot be uttered. We praise Your Holy Name Lord! We give to You all the honor and the glory. And we will SHOUT it out loud that YOU are the one that healed us! Praise Jesus!! Praise You Father! Praise You Holy Spirit!
AMEN!!
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SmilingSpirit: Beautiful, beautiful prayer. Thank you.
Your prayer and thoughts reminded me of a prayer pamphlet DH gave me yesterday and told me I HAD to read. I have problems understanding suffering and God's role in it. This pamphlet explained it and my mind is reading it but I'm having trouble absorbing it... maybe I'll post it tonight and get any of y'alls thoughts. It's all a mystery and I tend to be a "control freak" and know I can't control God!!! I know I can't fathom God's mind, his intentions....
I'm having a very hard time at work this week... am posting from work b/c I need to remind myself of who I really am.. not necessarily what I do for a living. Very stressful. Lots of conflict where there shouldn't be.
Peace and all good.... I *NEED* our prayer group tonight!!!
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Smiling Spirit,
I saw you adding your wonderful energy in the Power of Prayer as well. I am so happy to see the energy flowing, and your prayers are most welcome. I am interested in your picture and how you chose it, if you are willing to share. I think it's beautiful.
Paula,
When you spoke of the warmth, I have to say....there is a whole section in the book (the way it is arranged is common themes reported by people, images, who they met, sounds, music.) So the feeling of warmth was what I was reading about last night, and some do talk about music, like a thousand beautiful choirs all coming together in unbelievable harmony and variations. People's accounts provide me with a greater sense of peace about my earthly sufferings, and the pain, be it physical or emotional. Can you imagine walking amongst those who are stripping off their earthly constraints, getting up and walking out of wheelchairs and the like. How glorious. There is something about windows that I will share with you in a PM, or anyone in PM, as it is very personal and it is to be held in quiet confidence with intended receivers only. Feel free to PM if you want me to share now or later
Thank you for asking about nighttime dog walking. I do have a lot of people that walk the streets here where I live. Lots of us do have dogs, and I walk in well lit areas, or towards the hub of activity. Strength in numbers. I did Foster a dog once, who was a Belgin Malinois, that I had no fear at all. He was a supreme guard dog, but I knew he would be better for the suburbs to allow him to feel more at peace. He was a sweetie named Alex.
So Theresa and all, yes prayers tonight. Does anyone have any special intentions or desire for certain prayers? Paula are you able to help us? I will noodle on it today as well. Theresa, hang in there, and maybe we can say a special prayer for you and your work situation? I wise woman that I correspond with gave me advice to say "Jesus" and cover your core of your body with crossed arms when there is conflict around you. I also believe in Warrior Angels ( I have a good story from my book.) Call your Warrior Angels to surround you as well. Actually there are several stories about these Warriors.
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Good morning faith sisters!
Our Lady of Guadalupe,
According to your message in Mexico
We venerate you as the "the Virgin Mother of the true God for whom we live",
The Creator of al the world, maker of heaven and earth.
In spirit we come before your most holy image which you miraculously imprinted upon the cloak Juan Diego, and with the faith of the countless numbers of pilgrims who visit your shrine, we beg you these prayers: to be generous, self sacrificing, faithful Marian Cathechist all the days of our lives.
Remember O Immaculate Virgin, the words you spoke to your devout client, "I am a merciful Mother to you and to all of your people who love me and trust in me and invoke my help. I listen to your lamentations and solace , all your sorrows and your sufferings."
We beg you to be a merciful mother to us, because we sincerely love you and trust in you and invoke your help. We entreat you, Our Lady of Guadalupe, to grant our requests, if this should be the will of God, in order that we may "Bear witness to your love, your compassion, your help and protection." Do not forsake us in our needs. Amen
Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us.
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Hi! I think this is my last allowable post for the next 24 hours
I chose my icon as I surfed photo bucket for suitable Christian icons. That one grabbed me, so I grabbed it! If you could see it enlarged, one wing has Peace, the other has Faith. I wish you all peace, and to have faith! It was just so right!
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Theresa ~ So sorry to hear about the conflict at work, I know how hard it is and how you feel. I found 2 prayers for you...see below...
God of compassion and grace, in your steadfast love accompany ____ and ____. As you ever work to restore and renew your people, overcome bitterness with your joy, hatred with your love, brokenness with your life; and give us hope through the death and Resurrection of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
the 2nd one is Psalm 140-141
Deliver me, O Lord, from evildoers; protect me from those who are violent, who plan evil things in their minds and stir up wars continually. They make their tongue sharp as a snake's, and under their lips is the venom of vipers. Guard me, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked; protect me from the violent who have planned my downfall. The arrogant have hidden a trap for me; and with cords they have spread a net along the road they have set snares for me. I say to the Lord, "You are my God; give ear, O Lord, to the voice of my supplications." O Lord, my Lord my strong deliverer, you have covered my head in the day of battle. Do not grant, O Lord, the desires of the wicked; do not further their evil plot. Those who surround me lift up their heads; let the mischief of their lips overwhelm them! Let burning coals fall on them! Let them be flung into pits, no more to rise! Do not let the slanderer be established int he land; let evil speedily hunt down the violent!
I know that the Lord maintains the cause of the needy, and executes justice for the poor. Surely the righteous shall give thanks to your name; the upright shall live in your presence.I call upon you, O Lord; come quickly to me; give ear to my voice when I call to you. . Let my prayer be counted as incense before you, and the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice.
Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips. Do not turn my heart to any evil, to busy myself with wicked deeds in company with those who work iniquity; do not let me eat of their delicacies.
Let the righteous strike me; let the faithful correct me. Never let the oil of the wicked anoint my head, for my prayer is continually against their wicked deeds.
When they are given over to those who shall condemn them, then they shall learn that my words were pleasant.
Keep me from the trap that they have laid for me, and from the snares of evildoers. Let the wicked fall into their own nets, while I alone escape.
Theresa, I hope these will help you for now. I'm new to the bible myself and being prayerful, but I think I have a new role now
~ it is helping me seek the words of the bible through the need of others. To SmilingSprint & LMFSM ~ thank you for your prayers.
Traci ~ please continue to post about the descriptions of the journey to other side. (or do you want me to PM you?)
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Traci ~ you mentioned something which had been on my mind. I don't recall if I read it somewhere or if it was my own thinking or what but the idea of us (the ones that has the BC, or any long term ailment), is really for the family and friends surrounding us that "needed to learn a lesson". Perhaps they need to learn that "they should be contented with what they have", "to cherish what they have and own", "to cherish "us" ~ not to overlook us". Aside from that, we are wearing the burden because we are stronger (something like that). I may be wrong in this analogy and am open to other interpretation
(I'm always open to other people's ideas)
God Bless us, Amen!
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Sisters, here's tonight's prayers:
Beginning of the Prayer Meeting
We have gathered today to pray together, that we may grow in our understanding of the mystery of faith and follow God's path ever more closely. (time of silence) [ the leader of the group will say the following] Lord, pour out on us the spirit of understanding, truth, and peace. Help us to strive with all our hearts to know what is pleasing to you, and when we know your will make us determined to do it. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Memorare
Remember, most loving Virgin Mary, never was it heard that anyone who turned to you for help was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, though burdened by my sins, I run to you for protection. Mother of the Word of God, do not despise my words of pleading but be merciful and hear my prayer. Amen.
A prayer for Cause/Cure (by JanetinVA)
Our Father in heaven, thank You for this day and for all of our many blessings. We know miracles and healing come only through You. We pray for a cure for the terrible disease cancer. Please, dear Lord, guide the hands of cancer researchers all over the world. Open their minds to understand the mysteries of cancer so they may discover the cure in Your name. As You have taught us, we believe with all our hearts that You need only say the word for this to come to pass. Amen.
Prayer to Saint Peregrine
O great St. Peregrine, you have been called "The Mighty," "The Wonder-Worker," because of
the numerous miracles which you have obtained from God for those who have had recourse to
you. For so many years you bore in your own flesh this cancerous disease that destroys the very fiber of our being, and who had recourse to the source of all grace when the power of man could do no more. You were favored with the vision of Jesus coming down from His Cross to heal your affliction. Ask of God and Our Lady, the cure of the sick whom we entrust to you.
(Pause here and silently recall the names of the sick for whom you are praying)
Aided in this way by your powerful intercession, we shall sing to God, now and for all eternity, a
song of gratitude for His great goodness and mercy. Amen
Prayer for Healing
Lord Jesus, You are my physician who comes from heaven to heal me. Help me to resolve to put all my trust in You alone and to patiently undergo my treatment. Lord, You can uproot and heal my sickness and ease my fears. I ask You please for my healing. Amen!
CLOSING PRAYER
May the Lord bless and keep us. May He make His face to shine upon us and be gracious to us. May the Lord look kindly upon us, and grant us a lasting peace. Amen
End of prayer meeting
Through this meeting Jesus himself has spoken to us. Since our task is to conform our lives to the Word we have heard, let us raise our minds and hearts to God, praying that he may guide us through the Holy Spirit and give us the power always to do what is pleasing to him. (a moment of silence and say The Lord's Prayer = Our Father).
[then the leader says the prayer of blessing with hands joined]
We thank you and bless you, Lord our God. In times past you spoke in many varied ways through the prophets, but in this, the final age, you have spoken through your Son to reveal to all nations the riches of your grace. May we who have met to ponder the Scriptures be filled with the knowledge of your will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding, and, pleasing you as we should in all things, may we bear fruit in every good work. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Paula - it is something to contemplate because God's plan involves not only the individual but all of the people we've ever be in contact with before or in the future. Impossible to figure out. I keep praying to understand what this cross means in terms of what to do with rest of my life.
There is a new book out by David Kessler - happened to see an interview on CNN about the book - near-death & death experiences. Here is an excerpt from the first link below.
In sharing our stories, we will see that the journey at the end of life is not a lonely path into eternity. Rather, it may be an incredible reunion with those we have loved and lost. It reminds us that God exists and birth is his miracle that carries us into life. A deathbed vision is his miracle that carries us though the transition of death into the next part of our eternity.
http://www.cnn.com/2010/LIVING/10/18/o.end.of.life/index.html?iref=allsearch
To see the video, click link below Scroll down a little. Then click the "On TV" tab. Scroll down a little and click on the video - "what do we see when we die."
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beautiful prayers ! thank you DiamondGirl for putting them together !
tonight I will be attending the healing mass at St Anthony's Church in Falls Church VA. I will be thinking of and praying for you all my sisters.
Theresa, i sent you a private message. hope we can meet tonight.
Janet, too bad you cannot make it tonight but i am sure we will meet some other time.
Squidwitch42, wonderful idea to organize a meeting for all of us. My surgery is scheduled for next Wednesday Oct 27, so I guess I will be stuck at home for at least a couple of weeks ?
God bless you all ! Thank you God for this wonderful sisterhood
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prayersareanswered: I am sooooo upset with myself for not meeting you!! (I PM'd you back) I was under the false impression that we were going to try to meet next month with Janet and Traci. Now I read that your surgery is next week!!! I feel like a heel. If I didn't live 70 miles away, I'd come back and go. I will be saying extra prayers for you tonight.
Paula: thank you for posting tonight's prayers, and thank you for your personal prayers for my work "plight". I'm like you, I'm not versed in Scripture, but enjoy looking things up for others and myself. I just haven't disciplined myself to sit down and read the Bible from cover to cover. The words that penetrated me most were:
Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips: When upset or excited about something, I have to be careful to set a guard over my mouth. I'm not nasty, but might say things that could be held against me later.
Keep me from the trap that they have laid for me,: I feel like I walked into a trap, but I had a good conversation with my supervisor and he's very level headed and fair and set my mind at ease. Our customer and the person who is the source of my grief, and my supervisor, we'll all meet to discuss the plan going forward on Monday.
Thank you all for helping me through this. I just want to do my job in peace and not be a hindrance.
Traci I want to hear your stories too.
I'm going to post an exerpt from the Suffering pamphlet shortly.
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The pamphlet on Suffering.
How to Make the Greatest Evil in Our Lives Our Greatest Happiness by Fr. Paul O'Sullivan, O.P. (DH says he's a Jesuit priest) This is a topic I've struggled with for a long time - why we suffer.
It's kind of long and divided into little sections each about 3-4 paragraphs. I'll write out the first two parts and let me know if I should continue to post the other sections (I'll list them at the bottom) or I can PM them to you.
First part reads:
Suffering is the great problem of human life. We all have to suffer. Sometimes small sorrows, sometimes greater ones fall to our share. We shall now tell our readers how to avoid much of this suffering, how to lessen all suffering and how to derive great benefits from every suffering we may have to bear.
The reason why suffering appears so hard is that, first of all, we are not taught what suffering is. Secondly, we are not taught how to bear it. Thirdly, we are not taught the priceless value of suffering.
This is due to the incomprehensible neglect on the part of our teachers.
It is surprising how easily some people bear great sufferings; whereas, others get excited even at the smallest trouble.
The simple reason is that some have been taught all about suffering; others have not.
Suffering is not the Evil We think It is
First of all, then, suffering is not simply an evil, for no one suffered more than the Son of God Himself, more than His Blessed Mother or more than the Saints. Every suffering comes from God. It may appear to come to us by chance or accident or from someone else, but in reality, every suffering comes to us from God. Nothing happens to us without His wish or permission. Not even a hair falls from our heads without His consent.
Why does God allow us to suffer? Simply because He is asking us to take a little share in His Passion. What appears to come by chance or from someone else always comes because God allows it.
Every act in Our Lord's Life was a lesson for us. The greatest act in His life was His Passion. This, then, is the greatest lesson for us. It teaches us that we too must suffer.
God suffered all the dreadful pains of His Passion for each one of us. How can we refuse to suffer a little for love of Him?
Other Sections are:
Suffering is the Gold in Our Lives
God Always Gives Strength to Bear Our Sufferings
How to Bear Suffering
Penance
PrayerLet me know if you want me to post those.
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I think what struck me in this section was the answer to "Why does God allow us to suffer?" He is asking that we share in his Passion. And I understand, like Jesus, when we suffer, we can offer it up for someone or some people. Jesus died for us. We are imitating what He did for us... imitating Christ. I had a hard time understanding how great saints, like St Francis and St. Therese, *welcomed* suffering. I guess this is the answer to why.
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Janet and Traci: And I like to hear stories of the other side ... people being there to greet us and it's good, it's more than good. It's better than anything we have here. Hearing / reading those stories is encouraging and takes the sting out of death.
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