Thursday January 29 Tips on Praying

 

 

5 Tips for a Better Prayer Life 

 

In this excerpt from Positive Living Day by Day, Dr. Norman Vincent Peale shares faith-filled steps to revolutionize your life.

By Norman Vincent Peale

"As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34–35
I believe that faithful following of these five rules will revolutionize the life of any person.
1. Be bold, and mighty forces will come to your aid.
The person who is afraid cuts himself off from the flow of power, but when you venture boldly, there comes a flow of power in response.
2. Deny adverse conditions.
Don’t go around saying or thinking: “Conditions are against me.” Face facts, but realize that it often happens that a person is defeated not so much by the facts of a situation as by his negative interpretation of the facts. In every problem there is an inherent good. Believe that.
3. Picture good outcomes.
By envisioning good things, you actually bring good influences into play, both within yourself and in the world around you.
4. Pray for every person you meet with by name.
Pray that he or she may benefit from the dealings you have with him or her.
5. Practice Christian love toward everybody.

 

  

Monday January 26, Thought for today.

New post on A CHRISTIAN PILGRIMAGE “Come to me, all who are weary & burdened & I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28) by achristianpilgrim Jakarta, 26 January 2015 A Christian Pilgrim achristianpilgrim | January 26, 2015 at 12:38 am |   Christoph Friedrich Blumhardt The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them. Psalm 145:18-19, NIV Dear Father in heaven, Almighty God, your children look to you in prayer. Hold us always by the hand. Reveal to us that you hear us, that you are among us providing what is best for us, to the glory of your name. In this hour let us experience something from you, the good and merciful One. May we always be glad and thankful for all we have already received from you and for all we are still to receive in our lives. Amen. Daily Dig for January 26 Mother Teresa Your work on behalf of God’s kingdom will be better carried out if you know how he wants you to carry it out, but you will have no way of knowing that, other than by obedience to his word. Submit to it, just like ivy. Ivy cannot live if it does not hold fast to something; you will not grow or live in holiness unless you hold fast to obedience. Source: Seeking Peace   www.plough.com

Saturday, January 24 The Heavens Proclaim the Glory of the Lord- And Snow as Well

Friday January 23 Thought for the Day

A CHRISTIAN PILGRIMAGE

2 CORINTHIANS 4:8-9 by achristianpilgrim Jakarta, 23 January 2015 A Christian Pilgrim achristianpilgrim | January 23, 2015 at 12:25 am | Tags: SECOND LETTER OF ST. PAUL TO THE THE CORINTHIANS | Categories: QUOTABLE QUOTES | URL: http://wp.me/p1055h-2H6 Minnie Louise Haskins God Knows And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year: “Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.” And he replied: “Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the Hand of God. That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way.” So I went forth, and finding the Hand of God, trod gladly into the night. And He led me towards the hills and the breaking of day in the lone East. So heart be still: What need our little life Our human life to know, If God hath comprehension? In all the dizzy strife Of things both high and low, God hideth His intention. God knows. His will Is best. The stretch of years Which wind ahead, so dim To our imperfect vision, Are clear to God. Our fears Are premature; In Him, All time hath full provision. Then rest: until God moves to lift the veil From our impatient eyes, When, as the sweeter features Of Life’s stern face we hail, Fair beyond all surmise God’s thought around His creatures Our mind shall fill. Source: The Desert (1908) Christoph Friedrich Blumhardt Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and l will give you rest. Matthew 11:28, RSV    Dear Father in heaven, grant us the inner quiet we need so that we may come into your presence and hear you speak, forgetting all the things that try to force themselves upon us. May we experience your true and living support. Keep our hearts glad and thankful for everything, even in grief, anxiety, and suffering. In this thankfulness we can remain with you, and Jesus Christ can help us, Jesus, whom you have given as our support and helper in all that most deeply concerns us. We entrust ourselves to you. Keep us in your Spirit. Amen. www.plough.com



January 22 Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children

January 22 Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children

A great prayer for life is urgently needed, a prayer which will rise up throughout the world. Through special initiatives and in daily prayer, may an impassioned plea rise to God, the Creator and lover of life, from every Christian community, from every group and association, from every family and from the heart of every believer.

Pope Saint John Paul II, Evangelium Vitae, no. 100* The over 56 million abortions since the 1973 decisions of Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton reflect with heartbreaking magnitude what Pope Francis means by a “throwaway culture.” However, we have great trust in God’s providence. We are reminded time and again in Scripture to seek the Lord’s help, and as people of faith, we believe that our prayers are heard.
The General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM), no. 373, designates January 22 as a particular day of prayer and penance, called the "Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children”: “In all the Dioceses of the United States of America, January 22 (or January 23, when January 22 falls on a Sunday) shall be observed as a particular day of prayer for the full restoration of the legal guarantee of the right to life and of penance for violations to the dignity of the human person committed through acts of abortion.”

As individuals, we are called to observe this day through the penitential practices of prayer, fasting and/or giving alms. Another way to take part is through participating in special events to observe the anniversary of Roe v. Wade. Call your local diocese or parish to find out what events might be taking place in your area.


Thursday January 22 thought for the Day

by achristianpilgrim

Jakarta, 22 January 2015

A Christian Pilgrim

achristianpilgrim | January 22, 2015 at 12:05 am | Tags: PROVERB 11:30 | Categories: QUOTABLE QUOTES | URL: http://wp.me/p1055h-2H2



Wednesday January 21 Feast of Saint Agnes Prayer and thought for the day

A CHRISTIAN PILGRIMAGE

GOD’S LOVING CARE IS ALL AROUND US by achristianpilgrim Jakarta, 21 January 2015 A Christian Pilgrim Christoph Friedrich Blumhardt In my distress I called upon the Lord; to my God I cried for help. From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears. Psalm 18:6, RSV Dear Father in heaven, we rejoice that you are our Father. We rejoice that you rule and guide each of us so that our path in life leads to what is good and genuine and we do not get stuck in this or that concern. Lead us, renew us, and again and again free us to go forward, finding new courage and joy for ourselves and for our fellowmen. Then we can praise you, your strength and power can be revealed to us, your heaven come down to earth, and your will be done on earth. Here on earth your help shall come to the poor, the weak, the lowly, the sick, and the suffering. May your name be praised! We rejoice in your name. Amen. George MacDonald What God may hereafter require of you, you must not give yourself the least trouble about. Everything he gives you to do, you must do as well as ever you can, and that is the best possible preparation for what he may want you to do next. If people would but do what they have to do, they would always find themselves ready for what comes next. Source: The Seaboard Parish



Tuesday January 20 -Thought for the Day

A CHRISTIAN PILGRIMAGE

For God is all in all …… by achristianpilgrim Jakarta 20 January 2015 A Christian Pilgrim achristianpilgrim | January 20, 2015 at 12:07 am | Tags: THOMAS MERTON | Categories: QUOTABLE QUOTES | URL: http://wp.me/p1055h-2GT



Monday July 19 - Martin Luther'King's Day of Service

Prayer is when you talk to God, meditation is when you listen to God by achristianpilgrim

Jakarta, 19 Januari 2015

A Christian Pilgrim



Sunday January 18 Pope Francis says goodby to the Phillipines

by achristianpilgrim

Jakarta, 18 January 2015

A Christian Pilgrim



SECOND ORDINARY SUNDAY, 18 January 2015

BEHOLD, THE LAMB OF GOD!

(A biblical refection on the SECOND ORDINARY SUNDAY, 18 January 2015)

Gospel Reading: John 1:35-42

First Reading: 1 Samuel 3:3-10,19; Psalms: Psalm 40:2,4,7-10; Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 6:13-15,17-20

The Scripture Text

The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples; and he looked at Jesus as He walked, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” The two disciples heard Him say this, and they followed Jesus. Jesus turned, and saw them following, and said to them, “What do you seek?” And they said to Him, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are You staying?” He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where He was staying; and they stayed with Him that day, for it was about the tenth hour. One of the two who heard John speak, and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his brother Simon, and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means Christ). He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him, and said, “So you are Simon the son of John? You shall be called Cephas” (which means Peter). (John 1:35-42 RSV)

Andrew was a disciple of John the Baptist, but he was a fisherman as well. Like most of us, he had many responsibilities, but he still set aside time to nurture his spiritual life. He took his life with God seriously and eagerly looked forward to the promised Messiah. That’s why he was attracted to John the Baptist. Though it cost him time and effort, Andrew embraced John’s teaching of repentance in preparation for a special visitation from God.

And now the object of his pursuit was within view as John declared, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” (John 1:36). With a fellow disciple, Andrew followed after Jesus. He wanted to spend time with Jesus so that he could confirm what John the Baptist had already declared.

Imagine Jesus conversing deep into the night with Andrew and his companion about John’s teaching. Andrew seems to have been convinced by Jesus’ words, by His manner, and by the power of His presence. He probably still had a lot to learn, but he had heard enough to be convinced that Jesus was indeed worth following.

Now, let’s imagine ourselves (you and I) talking to Jesus. We formulate some questions and write them in our journals and then imagine Jesus answering them. For example, picture Jesus telling us about all God’s promises from scripture; about deliverance from sin; or about the gift of the Holy Spirit. Let’s quiet our minds and listen to what He has to say. Everything Andrew experienced when he spent the day with Jesus is what we can experience when we “come and see” (John 1:39). God wants to open our hearts to His love so that we will be compelled like Andrew to tell our sisters and brothers about Jesus and bring them to Him.

Short Prayer: Lord Jesus, You ask me why I seek You. Pour Your grace into me now and show me my soul’s answer. Heal me where I need to be healed that I might follow You with my whole heart, soul, and strength and bring others to You. Amen.

Jakarta, 16 January 2015

A Christian Pilgrim

achristianpilgrim | January 17, 2015 at 10:41 am | Tags: ANDREW, JESUS CHRIST, JOHN THE BAPTIST, THE LAMB OF GOD | Categories: BIBLICAL REFLECTIONS 2015, DISCIPLESHIP | URL: http://wp.me/p1055h-2GD



Thought about Gratitude

Henri Nouwen To be grateful for the good things that happen in our lives is easy, but to be grateful for all of our lives – the good as well as the bad, the moments of joy as well as the moments of sorrow, the successes as well as the failures, the rewards as well as the rejections – that requires hard spiritual work. Still, we are only truly grateful people when we can say thank you to all that has brought us to the present moment.…Let us not be afraid to look at everything that has brought us to where we are now and trust that we will soon see in it the guiding hand of a loving God. Source: Seeking Peace

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Thursday January 15 Pope Francis arrives in the Philippines

Pope Francis arrives in the Philippines by Cindy Wooden

MANILA, Philippines -- Although it was not called a welcoming ceremony, Pope Francis was greeted by government and church officials and an exuberant crowd Jan. 15 at Manila’s Villamor Air Base.

The pope arrived 13 minutes earlier than scheduled at the base near Manila’s international airport following a six-hour flight from Colombo, Sri Lanka, over Vietnam and the South China Sea.

The pope’s evening arrival after such a long flight led trip organizers to schedule the formal welcoming ceremony for the next morning.

The speeches normally part of the formal ceremony were missing, as was the pope’s zucchetto. Almost as soon as he stepped out of the doors of the plane, a gust of wind blew his white skullcap away. He did get it back, eventually.

President Benigno Aquino III was on hand, as were young people from 19 different schools who choreographed a greeting with dancing and tumbling; they also used blue, red, white and yellow umbrellas to re-create the Philippine flag.

A young boy wearing the traditional barong shirt and a young girl wearing the traditional terno dress with its butterfly sleeves gave the pope flowers and a hug after he descended the stairs from the Sri Lankan Airlines plane.

After a five-minute meeting with President Aquino in the airport VIP lounge, Pope Francis traveled by popemobile the 6 miles from the air base to the Vatican nunciature where he was to stay Jan. 15-19.

Hundreds of thousands of people lined the route, often waiting hours for their quick glimpse of Pope Francis. While darkness fell over the city, the interior of the popemobile was lighted so people could see the pope standing and waving to them. The trip to the nunciature took just under 40 minutes.

Cindy Wooden | January 15, 2015 at 6:43 am | Categories: C



Wednesday January 13 Thought for Today

Daily Dig for January 14 Karl Joseph Friedrich The human hand – this bundle of bones, flesh, and nerves – think of all it can do. It can bless or curse. It can draw blood or bind a wound. It is gentle, agitated, vicious; supplicating, ardent, tender. It can weld an iron bridge or caress a child’s head. It possesses the power to both harm and heal. Source: Rachoff: A True Story

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January 13 Thought for today.

by achristianpilgrim

Jakarta, 13 January 2015

A Christian Pilgrim

January 12, 2015 Sister Lydia receives the Poor Clare Habit

Sister Lydia received the Poor Clare habit today after one year as a Postulant. Sister Miriam and all the Sisters voted on Sister Lydia to receive the habit and Sister Miriam, the Abbess, gave her the habit today  in the name of our patroness, Saint Clare.  The Tradition goes on for as Saint Clare says in chapter II of her rule,"  If any one, moved by Divine inspiration, should come to us wishing to embrace the life, the Abbess is bound to ask the consent of all the Sisters, and the person  having despised the world with all its pomps and pleasures, and following in the footsteps of Christ and His most Holy Mother, chooses to live in Highest Poverty and in enclosure in order that she may be free to minster to God, - let her live this life together in community with all the Sisters.

Monday January 12 Thought for the day

New post on A CHRISTIAN PILGRIMAGE

PROVERBS 4:18 by achristianpilgrim     Daily Prayer for January 12 Christoph Friedrich Blumhardt Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. Psalm 55:22, NIV Dear Father in heaven, you let us see and feel your great goodness toward us. Grant us the inner help to be victorious in the Savior, rejoicing to be by his side with faith and loyalty, and with the strength of soul that frees us from all burdens by laying them in your hands. Hear us as together we pray to you. All we ask and long for, all our concerns down to the very smallest, we lay in your hands in the one great request that your name be glorified on earth as it is in heaven. Amen. www.plough.com Digging Deeper       Howard Zinn To be hopeful in bad times is not just foolishly romantic. It is based on the fact that human history is a history not only of cruelty, but also of compassion, sacrifice, courage, kindness. What we choose to emphasize in this complex history will determine our lives. If we see only the worst, it destroys our capacity to do something, if we remember those times and places – and there are so many – where people have behaved magnificently, this gives us the energy to act, and at least the possibility of sending this spinning top of a world in a different direction. Source: You Can’t Be Neutral on a Moving Train



Sunday January 11 Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan

FEAST OF THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD – Sunday after 6 January by achristianpilgrim

Jakarta, 11 January 2015

A Christian Pilgrim

achristianpilgrim | January 11, 2015 at 12:22 am | Tags: BAPTISM OF THE LORD, JESUS CHRIST, JOHN THE BAPTIST | Categories: MISCELLANY | URL: http://wp.me/p1055h-



Daily Dig for January 10

Daily Dig for January 10 Hermas You have no insight if you do not grasp that sadness is the most wicked of all the other spirits combined. Sadness ruins a person. It drives the Holy Spirit from one. A gloomy person always does evil. The prayer of a dejected person never has the strength to ascend to God’s alter. So cleanse yourself of all this wicked gloom, and you will live for God. Source: The Early Christians Daily Prayer for January 10 Christoph Friedrich Blumhardt Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the LORD's hand double for all her sins. Isaiah 40:1-2, NIV Lord our God, how great is your love, and how great is your help! May each one of us feel sheltered in your hand, knowing that our faults and shortcomings no longer matter. We can go straight toward the goal you have set, for you will help us through the forgiveness of sins and through all the good you can put into our hearts. And so we ask you to be with us. May we be faithful, believing firmly in your great mercy, so that your name may be glorified among us. May each heart be given the comfort of knowing that everything will yet turn to the good, to the glory of your name. Amen. www.plough.com

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Friday January 9 Thought for the Day

by achristianpilgrim

Jakarta, 9 January 2015

A Christian Pilgrim

Thursday January 8

by achristianpilgrim

Jakarta, 8 January 2015

A Christian Pilgrim

by achristianpilgrim

Daily Prayer for January 8 Christoph Friedrich Blumhardt The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith!" He replied, "If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it will obey you. Luke 17:5–6, NIV Father in heaven, we thank you for the many ways you strengthen us and reveal your life to us. We thank you for all your protection, also for your protection of our faith and hope. Grant that your Spirit may penetrate us more and more, enabling us to be your witnesses in this evil and unhappy world. May your Spirit give us hope for this life and for the life to come. Amen.

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Continued January 7

Daily Dig for January 7 Sadhu Sundar Singh Whether we like it or not, we will encounter suffering and danger in our lives. If we do not bear the cross of the Master, we will have to bear the cross of the world – with all its earthly goods. Those who bear the Master’s cross know from experience that this cross bears them and takes them safely to their destiny. But the cross of this world actually drags us down and leads to destruction. Which cross have you taken up? Pause and consider. Source: Wisdom of the Sadhu www.plough.com Plough Quarterly A bold, hope-filled, new magazine featuring thought-provoking articles, commentary, interviews, art, and more. Each issue brings together essential voices on themes such as peacemaking, biblical justice, and building community. Get a free trial issue

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