Forgiveness with John Pridmore

March 27, 2018

“Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven.”
-John 18:21

Live It! Tip of the Week:
Take some time in prayer this week to be with Jesus and ask Him to reveal who you need to forgive in your life. Forgiveness is so powerful and can truly set us free! God may even show us the power of our act of forgiveness and prayer for those who have hurt us as He did for John Pridmore.

Prayer
“Who is a God like thee, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger for ever because he delights in steadfast love” (Micah 7:18). Lord, I ask for the grace to receive Your limitless mercy with joy. Help me to be generous in sharing this mercy with others. I ask for the desire to forgive [insert specific person who you wish to forgive] and the courage to forgive him/her. Amen.

Pride of Reputation with John Pridmore

March 20, 2018

“If they persecuted me, they will persecute you.” – John 15:20

Live It! Tip of the Week:
In a moment of prayer this week, reflect with Jesus on where the cross of reputation may be weighing you down. Are you harboring anger, resentment, or unforgiveness towards someone who has damaged or attacked your reputation in the past? Are you allowing the desire to maintain your reputation or please others affect your current actions and decisions? As you reflect on these things, bring them to Jesus and surrender that burden to him. It is not a cross you are meant to bear.

Prayer
In the name of Jesus and by the power of my Baptism, I renounce the spirit of pride, the spirit of unforgiveness, and the spirit of fear. Jesus, forgive me for allowing my reputation to distract me from serving you. I affirm the truth that my worth does not come from my reputation but from the Father’s unconditional love for me.

Evening Prayer with Your Family

March 13, 2018

“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord; and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. And these words which I command you this day shall be upon your heart; and you shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.”— 1 Deuteronomy 6:4-7

Live It! Tip of the Week:
With your spouse, schedule a particular time of family prayer this week. Discuss where it will be in your home and what format you want to follow. Consider including a time of spontaneous prayer so you can begin to teach your children how to speak with God. Remember: It does not have to perfect; it just needs to happen!

Prayer
Lord, grant me the strength and wisdom to lead my family in knowing you, loving you, and serving you. Give me the grace to say, as Joshua did, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

Speak Life

March 6, 2018

“With [our mouths] we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brethren, this ought not to be so.”
— James 3:9-10

Live It! Tip of the Week:
Words matter, so speak life! What a beautiful way to prepare our hearts (and the hearts of others) for Easter. At the end of each day this week, take a moment to reflect on the words you used during the day specifically. Did they build up or tear down others? Did they properly reflect your true identity as a child of God? What might be causing you to speak words of dishonor towards self, God, or others? Bring all of these things before the Lord and pray for the grace to begin anew in speaking life tomorrow.

Prayer
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” – Psalm 19:14