Month: May 2018

“Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Live the Faith! Tip of the Week:
Choose a physical “prayer trigger” like a rosary ring that you can wear or otherwise keep near you this week. Each time you see it, you can say a quick prayer to recall God’s presence in and with you and to unite yourself to Him throughout the day.
Prayer:
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful and enkindle in them the fire of Your love.
Send forth Your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth.
O God, Who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations.
Through Christ, Our Lord. Amen.
(Traditional Prayer to the Holy Spirit)

“Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.’ And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’” – John 20:21-22

Live the Faith! Tip of the Week:
During this week of Pentecost, renew your commitment to silent prayer each day so that, like the first disciples, we may be able to recognize the breath of God, the Holy Spirit.

Prayer:
“Breathe into me, Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may be holy.
Move in me, Holy Spirit, that my work too may be holy.
Attract my heart, Holy Spirit, that I may love what is holy.
Strengthen me, Holy Spirit, that I may defend all that is holy.
Protect me, Holy Spirit, that I always may be holy.” – St. Augustine

“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” – Proverbs 22:6

Live It! Tip of the Week:
With your spouse this week, intentionally pray and discuss how you will “make it easy to be good and hard to be bad”, one of Paradisus Dei’s 7 Steps, in your home. What filters and preventative measures can you take to keep the home free from harmful media? What discussions do you need to have with your children so they know they can come to you without fear when they are exposed to harmful media? For the full battle plan for purity, click here.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, Your resurrection makes clear Your victory over all sin and death. You are the Almighty, O Lord, and Your perfect love casts out all fear! I ask for the wisdom and courage to fight for Your purity in my heart and in the hearts of my family so that our home may be a place of superabundant, genuine love. Amen.

“Little by little I will drive them out from before you, until you are increased and possess the land.” – Exodus 23:30

Live It! Tip of the Week:
After receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation, ask yourself who you can reach out to for accountability and encouragement in your journey away from sin and towards wholeness in Christ. The book of Ecclesiastes says, “And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him. A threefold cord is not quickly broken.” Remember that you are not alone in this struggle and that we are called, in humility, to find others to support us on the journey. For the full battle plan for purity, click here.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, Your resurrection makes clear Your victory over all sin and death. You are the Almighty, O Lord, and Your perfect love casts out all fear! Help me to recognize and have true sorrow for my sin, come to You for forgiveness, and take action to change my thoughts, amend my ways, and join You and my brothers and sisters in the battle against all that is opposed to real love. Amen.

“We destroy arguments and every proud obstacle to the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.” – 2 Corinthians 10:5

Live It! Tip of the Week:
If you have not done so, receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation and make a firm purpose of amendment, including practical steps to avoid tempting situations. When tempted, take control of your emotions by stopping everything and taking a moment to face the temptation and replace the temptation with the truth of the situation in light of the Gospel. Then, make a choice against the temptation and do something outside of yourself, such as connecting with a friend. For the full battle plan for purity, click here.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, Your resurrection makes clear Your victory over all sin and death. You are the Almighty, O Lord, and Your perfect love casts out all fear! Help me to recognize and have true sorrow for my sin, come to You for forgiveness, and take action to change my thoughts, amend my ways, and join You in the battle against all that is opposed to real love. Amen.