Isaiah 49:5 (Glorious!) by Grant Croft

Welcome God now with this LIFE Group Devotion (FB), provided by LIFE Runners (FB).

"For now the LORD has spoken who formed me as his servant from the womb...I am made glorious in the sight of the Lord..." Isaiah 49:5 (full readings)

Grant's Reflections: Looking back on my walk with the Lord, my idea of being the 'meek and humble' Christian often meant being silent and not drawing attention to myself. While in priestly formation in the seminary, I would often spend hours in prayer. Looking back I realize now I could have proclaimed the Gospel in a much more vocal, physical way. Though these virtues of prayer and silence are good in their own rite, the Lord Jesus also wants us to be like the light on top of the hill! Jesus is calling us to be great; as the Word says, "It is too little...for you to be my servant...I will make you a light to the nations...to the ends of the earth. (Isaiah 49:6)" Perhaps others will see this light in you like they did in St John the Baptist when he declared, "I am not he. Behold...I am not worthy to unfasten the sandals of his feet (John 1:27)." May the Lord look upon you and say, "I have found YOU...after my own heart; YOU will carry out my every wish."
* Grant Croft was raised in Sioux Falls, SD. He pursued the priesthood until 2000. Grant served two tours in Iraq. Him and his wife Julie have two children and will soon be stationed at Ft Riley, KS.

Faith Challenge: Today as we celebrate the Solemnity of the Nativity of St John the Baptist, remember how great the Lord has made you up to this point - the Lord wants you to be greater!

Sr. Francelle's Devotion: Mornings With God "I want to spend this last period of my life in the heart of Jesus. Even if I spend the entire morning hour fighting off distractions, God will be pleased with the time spent with Him."

Counter-Culture News: LifeNews, Vatican, AFA, Priests for Life, Live Action

Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion, Spiritual Adoption, Alpha Center, Peters family (JP). Add Prayers on our website. Pray with meals, bedtime, wake up, LIFE Runners, etc. Consider mid-week Family Rosary (17 min). Let’s pray now. >

Feast Day: Solemnity of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist

Faith Quote: "And this is not something which was only true once, long ago in the past. It is always true, because the repentance which he preached always remains the way into the kingdom which he (John the Baptist) announced." ~ A New Catechism

Through Christ Our Lord,
Grant


* Pray/Fast: Prayer connects us with God’s will & His miracles, changing us & helping others. Fast from things that take your eyes off Jesus. Those who pray together stay together, and close to God!
* Save Unborn (& family): Abortion reality (images)…#1 death cause (23% pregnancies). Prov 24:11 & Jer 1:5. “A great poverty that a child must die that you might live as you wish.” Mother Teresa.
* Evangelize:Make room for unbelievers & re-evangelization of self, by way of prayer (relationship) and following Christ’s example of love (service/sacrifice/mercy). Matt 28:19.

Comments? To subscribe/unsubscribe to the emails, go to LIFE Group Devotions or LIFE Runners Updates.

Isaiah 65:18 (LIFE is Good)

Welcome God now with this LIFE Group Devotion (website, Facebook).

"There shall always be rejoicing and happiness in what I create." Isaiah 65:18 (full readings)

Rich's Reflections: God sees good in everything that He creates (Genesis 1:31), and likewise, He expects us to be happy and rejoice in His creations (Isaiah 65:18). However, in our society, there isn't always rejoicing and happiness in what God creates. This is particularly true when God's creations are viewed as an inconvenience to us. Unwanted plants in our garden are considered weeds; annoying insects are considered pests; and even an unplanned pregnancy could be viewed as a tragedy. God's creations are not flawed, nor are they mistakes. Everything God creates reflects His glory and love. Therefore, everything God creates is good, because God is good. Lord, may I always rejoice in You and Your creations. Amen.

Faith Challenge: Explore the goodness in all of God's creations, and be thankful for the gift of LIFE.

Counter-Culture News: LSN, Vatican, AFA, Priests for Life, Live Action

* Out-of-work electrician offered major job building a Planned Parenthood turns it down

Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion, Spiritual Adoption, Alpha Center, Peters family (JP). Add Prayers on our website. Pray with meals, bedtime, wake up, LIFE Runners, etc. Consider mid-week Family Rosary (17 min). Let’s pray now.

Feast Day: St. Isidore of Seville

Faith Quote: "Life is an opportunity, benefit from it. Life is beauty, admire it. Life is bliss, taste it. Life is a dream, realize it. Life is a challenge, meet it. Life is a duty, complete it. Life is a game, play it. Life is a promise, fulfill it. Life is sorrow, overcome it. Life is a song, sing it. Life is a struggle, accept it. Life is a tragedy, confront it. Life is an adventure, dare it. Life is luck, make it. Life is too precious, do not destroy it. Life is life, fight for it." - Mother Theresa

Through Christ our Lord,

Rich

James 1:22

* Pray/Fast: Prayer connects us with God’s will & His miracles, changing us & helping others. Fast from things that take your eyes off Jesus. Those who pray together stay together, and close to God!

* Save Unborn (& family): Abortion reality (images)…#1 death cause (23% pregnancies). Prov 24:11 & Jer 1:5. “A great poverty that a child must die that you might live as you wish.” Mother Teresa.

* Evangelize:Make room for unbelievers & re-evangelization of self, by way of prayer (relationship) and following Christ’s example of love (service/sacrifice/mercy). Matt 28:19.

Comments? To subscribe/unsubscribe to the emails, go to LIFE Group Devotions or LIFE Runners Updates.

John 1:51 (Angel Flight)

Welcome God today with this LIFE Group Devotion (archive, Facebook).

“Amen, amen, I say to you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” John 1:51 (full readings)

Pat nuggets:

* Hummingbirds are amazing creatures that remind me of angels. We keep our hummingbird feeder filled. The hummingbirds seem to know that we care for them, often looking in the window and flying within a couple feet of us. When I arrived home yesterday, a hummingbird was flying around in the garage. The hummingbird landed and was obviously exhausted from trying to escape. After no response to my prodding, I gently picked him up and carried him to the hummingbird feeder (today's image). He just laid motionless on the perch, too weak to drink. I didn't think he was going to make it. After 15 min his hummingbird friends shook him! After 30 minutes he finally was able to lift his head and take a long drink...and within 5 minutes he was flying again! This blessed experience caused me to reflect on how God so often picks us up and gives us our daily bread. On the way home yesterday, God used me to give a homeless man a McDonald's gift card (keep a few in my car) and a "God bless you!" James 2:14-17.

* The hummingbird's life was saved because he recognized the life saving food. 90% of Mothers who see their Baby in an ultrasound...do not abort (kill). This is why the LIFE Runners are passionately raising $ for the Alpha Center crisis pregnancy bus (free ultrasounds). Your LIFE Runners donation will help save the precious Unborn...thank you for considering! http://marathon-for-life.blogspot.com/

* When we fall, our Heavenly Father helps us finish the ProLife race set before us! Check out this inspiring short video: Never Ever Give Up.

* This song is dedicated to our Fallen Heroes: "Feels kind of like church in here tonight...doesn't matter where we touch down...on the Angel Flight it's sacred ground." Angel Flight.

Faith Challenge: As part of the Body of Christ, find an opportunity to lift someone up today (encouragement!).

Counter-Culture News: LSN, Vatican, AFA, Priests for Life.

* Restraining Order on Louisiana Ultrasound Law Lifted

Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion. Peters family (JP), Rich Reich (Cousin Tom cancer).

* Pope Benedict (For those who are without work or homes or who are otherwise in serious need. That the Church may be a home for all people.)

* Pam McGushin (Terry Reszel cancer), Molly Barber (health), Joe Hourigan (his Dad's health)

Feast Day: St. Bartholomew

Faith Quote: "Let us show the whole world Christ crucified as our wisdom and our strength. Look to Him; do not ignore Him!" Pope John Paul II

Through Christ our Lord,

Pat

Phil 4:13

2 Kings 19:15 (The Shepherd of the Hills)

Welcome God today with this Living In Faith Exchange (LIFE) Group devotion (archive, Facebook). Prove yourselves doers of the Word, and not merely hearers. James 1:22

You alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made the heavens and the earth. 2 Kings 19:15 (full readings)

Pat's nuggets: Last night, I finished reading The Shepherd of the Hills (by Wright) to daughters Paige (10) and Grace (7). This is a wonderful book that reflects today's Bible verse and following the Good Shepherd. "During the 20th century, it has been the second most popular book sold in America, after the Holy Bible. Set in the rugged Ozark Mountains during the late 1800's, the complicated lives of simple mountain folk are played out in a beautiful tale of love, hate, and ultimately forgiveness. A timeless story with a moral message that is as relevant today as it was in yesteryear." The book also brings out the importance of periodically taking a retreat where you can minimize distractions to taste and see the goodness of God. The outdoors are a natural retreat. From the book, "there is also healing for the heart and strength for the soul in nature...one gets very close to God."

* "The task and purpose of Christian fatherhood is to make room for God in the lives of one's children." by Fr. Jose Granados

Faith Challenge: Generously encourage others by sharing devotions.
* NEW: Take a moment now to acknowledge God as Creator (Father)...Savior (Son)...Helper (Holy Spirit). May this reality drive your outlook, priorities and decisions today. Reflect on this outdoors in God's gift of nature.

Counter-Culture News: LSN, Vatican, AFA, Priests for Life. Reality of abortion (images), #1 cause of death (23% of pregnancies)...expose this unjust peace, setting Unborn/parents free.
* NEW: Caught in the LifeLight: LSN Interviews Lila Rose (defending the Unborn!)

Our Prayers: Those who pray together stay together, and close to God (footnotes). Prayer to end abortion, Peters family (JP).

* NEW: Lisa Riess (Mother passed away), Carolyn McKissack (Uncle passed away)

Feast Day: St. Thomas More (patron of lawyers)

Faith Quotes:

* "The answer to a crisis pregnancy is to eliminate the crisis, not the child." Jeanie W. French

* "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb." Psalm 139:13

In Christ, Pat
Phil 4:13

John 14:27 (worry and fear)

Let's welcome God today with this Living In Faith Exchange (LIFE) Group devotion (archive, Facebook), based on Living Faith. Prove yourselves doers of the Word, and not merely hearers. James 1:22

Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. John 14:27 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "Worry and fear are a natural consequence of daily life. Jesus knows we have legitimate concerns about our families, our relationships, our jobs. We can call on Him during those times of stress and doubt. But I think what He is saying here goes deeper than everyday cares and woes. This is about our salvation. He tells us: Trust in me, believe in me. And if you do, you will not have a troubled heart; you will not be afraid." by Paul Pennick

Pat nuggets:

* Speaking of worry/fear, Fr. Jonathan and I ran the Pittsburgh marathon together (2 May). Fr. Jonathan shared: "Running this Marathon was like a retreat. At every mile, Pat and I would make the sign of the cross and say out loud whom that mile was being offered for (“Redemptive Running”). We also would spontaneously say a “Hail Mary” or “Our Father” from time to time begging for grace! Probably the most powerful part of the Marathon was around Mile 24…Pat simply said out loud, “We’ve offered our miles for many people along the way…this one is for Christ Himself…Imagine the suffering Christ felt as He carried the cross to Calvary…in a small way we can offer and unite our suffering to His.” As Pat spoke I understood these words in a new way because just continuing the race at that moment was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. I felt joined so intimately to our Lord Jesus Christ as he carried the cross! In fact, since then as I’ve recounted this, I can’t help but get emotional…what a beautiful gift from the Lord. Pat and I finished the race hand in hand." See NEW link in the counter culture news section below.

* Stephanie Kemp shared: "Each one of us has hardwired into us, a natural desire to know God. We are created by Him, and for Him, and He never ceases to draw us closer to Himself. The Holy Spirit (meaning 'to breathe' in Latin) brings us close to Jesus and Jesus brings us to the Father. God breathed The Word and The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us. Jesus became like us to show us the way back to the Father. He IS the Way to eternal life in the Perfect Love of the Trinity."

Faith Sharing: Let's generously share the LIFE Group by forwarding devotions or using the Facebook "invite people" link.

* NEW: What faith practices help prevent troubled hearts and fear? Please consider sharing faith comments (or "like" button) on the Facebook page, to encourage many...thank you!

Counter-Culture News: LifeSiteNews, Vatican, American Family Association, Priests for Life
* Reality of abortion (images), #1 cause of death (23% of pregnancies). Expose this unjust peace, setting unborn/parents free.
* NEW: Nuns on run raise funds to help pay college debt. On 2 May, I met these wonderful Sisters before they ran the Pittsburgh Marathon...they have a real running "habit"! See today's picture with Sisters, Fr. Jonathan, Fr. Gregory.

Our Prayers: Those who pray together stay together, and close to God (footnotes). Peters family (JP), Prayer to end abortion.

Faith Quote: "The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship." Psalm 19:1 (shared by Aaron Ferrie)

Running His Race,
Pat
Phil 4:13

Matt 10:5 (our eternal life vest...)

Let's welcome God every morning by reflecting on this short Living In Faith Exchange (LIFE) Group devotion (life-devotions.blogspot.com), which is based on Living Faith. All whatsoever you do in word or in work, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Col. 3:17

Jesus sent out these twelve... Matthew 10:5 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "By virtue of our baptism, each of us has been grafted onto God's family tree. We are His sons and daughters, and we have all been called to help build up Christ's Kingdom. While the mission of the Twelve- to teach, sanctify, and govern - continues through the bishops and priests, I have my own assignment. Members of the laity share in Christ's threefold office of priest, prophet and king (CCC 897). In my life, it looks like this: I am priest when I minister to the needs of others and offer up the sacrifices of daily life. I am prophet when I pass on my faith or share how God has manifested Himself in my life. I am king when I rein in my natural inclinations toward anger or resentment. Each of us can manifest the office of priest, prophet and king in the unique circumstances of our own lives. What does it look like in yours?" by Rebecca Sande

Faith Challenge: Let's challenge each other to joyfully live out the Good News.
* NEW: Let's reflect on how we are called to be priest, prophet and king...each day of our lives.

Pat nuggets: During our family reunion in northern Minnesota last week, Angi and me were blessed while sitting on the lake swimming platform with our daughter Grace (6) and our niece Mary (6). Grace said to Mary, "See all this beautiful water? Jesus made it for us. See the beautiful trees? Jesus made them for us. (pause) He didn't make the lightning and thunder to scare little kids...but to tell us the rain is coming." Mary affirmed Grace...and they both answered God's call to be a prophet for Angi and me. With Christ as our eternal life vest, let us even praise Him during the rain (sacrifice, suffering)...as it leads to healing and growth, bringing us closer to God and neighbors.

Counter-Culture News: LifeSiteNews, American Family Association, Priests for Life

* Let's never forget the horrific reality of abortion (images)...#1 cause of death in America. Let's courageously share ProLife Truth (John 14:6) to create social tension for exposing abortion's unjust peace...rebuilding a Culture of Life (Matt 5:16) and setting the unborn free!

Our Prayers: Those who pray together stay together. Fasting ideas in footnote below.

* Prayer to end abortion, abused children, chastity, peace, our enemies, our troops, depression/ despair, prisoners, ProLife politicians, illnesses/injuries, jobs, natural disasters, addictions, Nana Suzie (prayer of thanksgiving for each "good day" that JP experiences)

* NEW: Stephanie Spader (for a family with unexpected pregnancy), Carla Neal (Melissa & family, Bernie, Craig, Yvonne, & Carol)

Faith Quote: "Man's real and most profound sickness is the absence of God, the absence of the source of truth and love." Benedict XVI (shared by Stephanie Spader)

Through Christ our Lord,
Pat

Phil 4:13

* Prayer: Prayer connects us with God's will & His miracles, changing us & helping others. 'If you pray that God will move a mountain and He doesn’t, assume Christ wants you to climb it instead.'

* Fasting: Let's fast from things that take our eyes off Jesus (selfishness, bitterness, being so critical, impatience, gossip, excessive video games, etc) and take on things that fix our eyes on Jesus (selflessness, kindness, compassion, forgiveness, patience, understanding, caring, helping, listening).

* Defend the unborn: 'Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to death; don’t stand back and let them die' (Prov 24:11). 'Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you' (Jer 1:5). 'It is a great poverty that a child must die that you might live as you wish' (Blessed Mother Teresa).

* Evangelization: Let's make room for unbelievers (be a friend, make a friend, lead friend to Christ) and perpetual re-evangelization of self and those near us, by way of daily prayer (relationship) and following Christ's example of selfless love, mercy, and service.

Let's joyfully invite others to join our LIFE Group...Rich or Pat will gladly add them to the devotions distribution list (Mark 16:15)!

Pslam 8:2 (Awesome!!!)

Welcome God every morning before your work by taking ~5 min to read this Living In Faith Exchange (LIFE) Group devotion (life-devotions.blogspot.com), which has snippets from Living Faith. All whatsoever you do in word or in work, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Col. 3:17

O Lord, our Lord, how glorious is your name over all the earth! Psalm 8:2

Living Faith snippets: "When we behold creation, what other response can we have except how awesome God must be? Pay close attention to anything...a tiny ant, a graceful deer, a flowering forsythia, the gradual fading of day into night...and what better response than, "Awesome!"" by Sr. Melannie Svoboda (author of When the Rain Speaks: Celebrating God's Presence in Nature)

Pastor Don's devotion: "A Cry for Mercy"

Faith Challenge: Let's challenge each other to joyfully live out the Good News.

* NEW: "Really notice at least one aspect of God's incredible creation...a particular tree, the stars, the steady beating of our heart...and give thanks to our awesome God." by Sr. Melannie Svoboda

Counter-Culture News: LifeSiteNews, American Family Association, Priests for Life
* Let's never forget the horrific reality of abortion (images)...#1 cause of death in America. Let's courageously share ProLife Truth (John 14:6) to create social tension for exposing abortion's unjust peace...rebuilding a Culture of Life (Matt 5:16) and setting the unborn free!

Our Prayers: Those who pray together stay together. Fasting ideas below.
* Prayer to end abortion, abused children, chastity, peace, our enemies, our troops, depression/ despair, prisoners, ProLife politicians, illnesses/injuries, jobs, natural disasters, addictions

Through Christ our Lord,
Pat
Phil 4:13

* Prayer: Prayer connects us with God's will & His miracles, changing us & helping others. 'If you pray that God will move a mountain and He doesn’t, assume Christ wants you to climb it instead.'

* Fasting: Let's fast from things that take our eyes off Jesus (selfishness, bitterness, being so critical, impatience, gossip, excessive video games, etc) and take on things that fix our eyes on Jesus (selflessness, kindness, compassion, forgiveness, patience, understanding, caring, helping, listening).

* Defend the unborn: 'Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to death; don’t stand back and let them die' (Prov 24:11). 'Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you' (Jer 1:5). 'It is a great poverty that a child must die that you might live as you wish' (Blessed Mother Teresa).

* Evangelization: Let's make room for unbelievers (be a friend, make a friend, lead friend to Christ) and perpetual re-evangelization of self and those near us, by way of daily prayer (relationship) and following Christ's example of selfless love, mercy, and service.

Let's joyfully invite others to join our LIFE Group...Rich or Pat will gladly add them to the devotions distribution list (Mark 16:15)!

John 8:32 (...will set you free!)

Welcome God every morning before your work by taking ~5 min to read this Living In Faith Exchange (LIFE) Group devotion (life-devotions.blogspot.com), which has snippets from Living Faith. All whatsoever you do in word or in work, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Col. 3:17

You will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free. John 8:32

Living Faith snippets: "We all have those moments, the kind we cannot escape. And in that moment, when we are called either to speak the Truth or to hear it, we are set free. No matter how uncomfortable, how awkward, how painful, how raw or how long it takes, the Truth heals." by Kristin Armstrong

Faith Challenge: Let's challenge each other to joyfully live out the Good News. Suggestions?
* NOW: Let's courageously share ProLife Truth (John 14:6) to create social tension for exposing abortion's unjust peace...rebuilding a Culture of Life (Matt 5:16) and setting the unborn free!

Counter-Culture News: LifeSiteNews, American Family Association, Priests for Life, 40 Days for Life (ends 5 Apr)

* Let's never forget the horrific reality of abortion (images)...#1 cause of death in America.

* NEW: Pam McGushin, Sharon Carlson, and Sue Peters shared: http://www.redenvelopeproject.org/.

Our Prayers: Those who pray together stay together. Fasting ideas below.

* Prayer to end abortion, abused children, chastity, peace, our enemies, our troops, depression/ despair, prisoners, ProLife politicians, illnesses/injuries, jobs

* NEW: Maureen Rogers (I don't understand why I have the constant pain, but I am privileged to share in His suffering on the cross. Life Devotions have gotten me through some really tough times.)

Faith Quote: "But when God is forgotten...Man is no longer able to see himself as "mysteriously different" from other earthly creatures; he regards himself merely as one more living being, as an organism which, at most, has reached a very high stage of perfection. Enclosed in the narrow horizon of his physical nature, he is somehow reduced to being "a thing", and no longer grasps the "transcendent" character of his "existence as man". He no longer considers life as a splendid gift of God, something "sacred" entrusted to his responsibility and thus also to his loving care and "veneration". Life itself becomes a mere "thing", which man claims as his exclusive property, completely subject to his control and manipulation." Pope John Paul II, Evangelium Vitae (shared by Kelly Benson)

Through Christ for ProLife,

Pat

Phil 4:13

* Prayer: Prayer connects us with God's will & His miracles, changing us & helping others. 'If you pray that God will move a mountain and He doesn’t, assume Christ wants you to climb it instead.'

* Fasting: Let's fast from things that take our eyes off Jesus (selfishness, bitterness, being so critical, impatience, gossip, excessive video games, etc) and take on things that fix our eyes on Jesus (selflessness, kindness, compassion, forgiveness, patience, understanding, caring, helping, listening).

* Defend the unborn: 'Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to death; don’t stand back and let them die' (Prov 24:11). 'Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you' (Jer 1:5). 'It is a great poverty that a child must die that you might live as you wish' (Blessed Mother Teresa).

* Evangelization: Let's make room for unbelievers (be a friend, make a friend, lead friend to Christ) and perpetual re-evangelization of self and those near us, by way of daily prayer (relationship) and following Christ's example of selfless love, mercy, and service.

Let's joyfully invite others to join our LIFE Group...Rich or Pat will gladly add them to the devotions distribution list (Mark 16:15)!

Matt 12:41 (Revealing His Greatness)

* Welcome God every morning before work by taking ~5 min to read this Living In Faith Exchange (LIFE) Group devotion (life-devotions.blogspot.com), which has snippets from Living Faith (livingfaith.com). All whatsoever you do in word or in work, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Col. 3:17

...and there is something greater than Jonah here. Matt 12:41

Living Faith snippets: "Sometimes I don't recognize what is right in front of me. Unfortunately, much like the scribes and Pharisees, I sometimes fail to recognize God, too. His beauty comes to me through a bird's song or the colors of a garden, but I pass by without a glance. He shows Himself in the needs of a neighbor, but I see Him as an inconvenience. He becomes truly present at Mass, but my distractions point my attention away from the altar. How often do I fail to see the "something greater than Jonah" who is always revealing Himself to me?" by Carol Ann Soisson

Pat nuggets:
* Sharon Carlson shared: "Humility is not something we have...until humbling ourselves is something we do."

* World Youth Days: "Pope wraps up Australia trip with final Mass. He challenges crowd of 200,000 to help world turn away from materialism. Benedict told young pilgrims that a "spiritual desert" was spreading throughout the world and challenged them to shed the greed and cynicism of their time to create a new age of hope. The Vatican said some 350,000 faithful from almost 170 countries [attended World Youth Days]." http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25754069

ProLife news: http://www.lifenews.com/.

* The new C. Springs crisis pregnancy center is having volunteer work days each weekend to get ready for opening (across from the C. Springs abortion mill). Please reply to Pat if you would like to be part of a LIFE Group volunteer day.

Feast Day (St. Lawrence of Brindisi): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Lawrence_of_Brindisi

Our Prayers: Abortion, our enemies/our troops, natural disasters, depression/despair, prisoners, Vicki M. (her cancer treatment), Joe C. (11 yr old Devantae paralyzed), Kay C. (friend Nancy Wheeler cancer treatment), Kathy-jo P. (friend Maria has terminal brain cancer)

Faith quote: "The Church, for her part, wishes to contribute to building a world ever more worthy of the human person, created in the image and likeness of God (Gn 1:26-27). She is convinced that faith sheds new light on all things, and that the Gospel reveals the noble vocation and sublime destiny of every man and woman." Pope Benedict (Apr visit to USA)

Through Christ Our Lord,
Pat

Phil 4:13

* Today's Bible readings at www.usccb.org/nab/today.shtml.

* Prayer: Prayer connects us with God's will & His miracles, thereby changing us & helping others. Wayne Watson lyrics, “When God's people pray, there is hope reborn, there is sin forgiven, and miracles you can't explain await!” "If you pray that God will move a mountain and He doesn’t, assume Christ wants you to climb it instead & see Him."

* Defend the unborn: 'Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to death; don’t stand back and let them die' (Prov 24:11). 'Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you' (Jer 1:5). 'It is a great poverty that a child must die that you might live as you wish' Blessed Mother Teresa. Prayer to End Abortion. Ask Blessed Margaret of Castello for her prayers to end abortion.

* Evangelization: Let's make room for non-believers (be a friend, make a friend, lead friend to Christ) and perpetual re-evangelization of self and those near us, by way of daily prayer (relationship) and following Christ's example of selfless love, mercy, and service.

Let's joyfully live out the Good News and gladly tell others about it (Mark 16:15)!

Acts 14:15 (creation's witness)

* Welcome God every morning before work by taking ~5 min to read this Living In Faith Exchange (LIFE) Group devotion (life-devotions.blogspot.com), which has snippets from Living Faith (livingfaith.com).

We proclaim to you good news that you should turn from these idols to the living God, "who made heaven and earth and sea and all that is in them." Acts 14:15

Living Faith snippets: "Today we see Paul's dramatic life: first he is almost stoned, then it is all he can do to prevent people from worshipping him as a god. Our lives have their own dramas, their own reversals and challenges that leave us grasping for the living God. I am helped by what Paul calls God's "witnesses" in this passage- heaven and earth and sea and all that is in them." by Patricia Livingston

Sr. Francelle snippets: "Dearest Ones, Most of us won't do spectacular things or get our names in the paper but that doesn't mean we're not important. God thinks you're important enough for Him to live right inside your soul. We need to remember God is not just someone in a picture, or a dead man on a cross - He's ALIVE!!" To see Sr. Francelle's inspiring devotion about Jesus' example of "washing feet" (serving the poor, humility, prayer, etc), go to sisterfrancelle.blogspot.com.

Chad snippets: "Franciscan Benediction: May God bless us with anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of God's creations, so that we may work for justice, freedom, and peace." cougarsdaily.blogspot.com

Pat nuggets: Pope Benedict completed his mission trip to America. Here are a few snippets from Pope Benedict's message at a Mass in NYC on Saturday, a message of unity and ProLife!: "In this country, the Church's mission has always involved drawing people 'from every nation under heaven' into spiritual unity, and enriching the Body of Christ by the variety of their gifts. As we give thanks for past blessings, and look to the challenges of the future, let us implore from God the grace of a new Pentecost for the Church in America. The Church is called to proclaim the gift of life, to serve life, and to promote a culture of life. The proclamation of life, life in abundance, must be the heart of the new evangelization. For true life - our salvation - can only be found in the reconciliation, freedom and love which are God's gracious gift. This is the message of hope we are called to proclaim and embody in a world where self-centredness, greed, violence, and cynicism so often seem to choke the fragile growth of grace in people's hearts. In a society where the Church seems legalistic and 'institutional' to many people, our most urgent challenge is to communicate the joy born of faith and the experience of God's love."

* Pope Benedict's message mentioned a "new evangelization", which was ushered in by Pope John Paul II with the new millenium www.ewtn.com/new_evangelization/Novo_millennio.htm. Pope Benedict (then Cardinal Ratzinger) hones in on it specifically (shorter read) in the following document: www.ewtn.com/new_evangelization/Ratzinger.htm.

Saint Feast Day: St. Anselm (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anselm_of_Canterbury).

Through Christ for ProLife,

Pat

Phil 4:13

* Today's Bible readings at www.usccb.org/nab/today.shtml.

* Prayer: If you have a prayer request, simply send it to our distribution list at life-group-distro@googlegroups.com. Prayer connects us with God's will & His miracles, thereby changing us & helping others (so let's pray daily!). Wayne Watson lyrics, “When God's people pray, there is hope reborn, there is sin forgiven, and miracles you can't explain await!” "If you pray that God will move a mountain and He doesn’t, assume Christ wants you to climb it instead & see Him."

* Defend the unborn: ProLife websites at life-devotions.blogspot.com. 'Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to death; don’t stand back and let them die' (Prov 24:11). 'Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you' (Jer 1:5). 'It is a great poverty that a child must die that you might live as you wish' Blessed Mother Teresa. Click for Prayer to End Abortion.

* Share the Good News: Let's joyfully live out the Good News and gladly tell others about it (Mark 16:15)!