Don’t give up if your prayer seems unfruitful. In the words of Pope Francis: “All of us experience moments of fatigue and discouragement, especially when our prayers seem ineffective…But Jesus assures us: unlike the unjust judge, God promptly answers his children, although this does not mean he does it in the time and manner that we would like. Prayer is not a magic wand! …It helps to preserve our faith in God and to trust in Him even when we do not comprehend His will. In this, Jesus himself – who prayed so much! – is the example.”-Pope Francis

Pope Francis reminds us that the goal of the prayer is of secondary importance. What matters above all is our relationship with the Father.
“This is what makes the prayer transform the desire and shape it according to the will of God, whatever it may be because the person who prays, first of all, aspires to union with God, who is Merciful Love.”-Pope Francis

Feeling stressed?  Faced with a sudden challenge?  A short, simple prayer is “Jesus, I trust in you.”

Another favorite is the St. Michael the Archangel Prayer.   “St. Michael, the Archangel, defend us in battle; be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil.  May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, thrust into hell, Satan and all the other evil spirits, who prowl throughout the world, seeking the ruin of souls.  Amen.

When facing struggles, remember you can also ask for help from a saint you feel inspired by. If you don’t have one, pick one whose feast day is today
Struggle with the saints and why we ask for their intercession? Watch Bishop Robert Barron’s video below.https://youtu.be/UJZfutPhYGY

Pope Francis shared with us his last prayer before going to bed. Pope Francis says this: “Lord, if you want, you can make me clean.” Then he prays five Our Fathers – one for each of Christ’s wounds on the Cross.   “…because Jesus cleansed us with his wounds.”  -Pope Francis 

Prayer Service for Peace
2020 was such a challenging year for the world, with the pandemic; racial violence, injustice, and unrest; a divisive election; and all the personal, professional, and social fallout from those things, including illness, job losses, restrictions on gathering, and churches not being able to worship in person. The attack on the Capitol left many of us shaken. Let us gather together virtually to pray for peace in our community, our country, and the world.  Please click on this YouTube link to the video and prayer service, and join us in prayer today. 

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