Saturday, June 21, 2014

Of Great Significance


“It is of great significance if there is a person who truly prays in a family. Prayer attracts God's Grace and all the members of the family feel it, even those whose hearts have grown cold. Pray always.” Elder Thaddeus



 
I don't know about you, but I am running into a lot of suffering people lately.  In my own home we are experiencing struggles and challenges.  For many it feels as if they are standing at the edge of an emotional or spiritual cliff in the dark with winds gusting up to 150 mph.  It can be so hard to trust the Lord for one more second when one is in emotional or spiritual pain.  But cling to Him we must, for there is no other way.  Of course there are things we can do to dull the pain or distract us from the challenges, but at the end of the day it's all still there.  Thankfully, God is still there too! 
 
When we approach the Lord with heartfelt prayer for our situations, and for those we love, it is like we are shooting off a flare gun.  When there is a ship wreck it is not necessary for everyone to have their own flare gun to signal distress yet all those stranded benefit from the one who possesses the gun.  In the same way our prayers send up a "mayday" to heaven petitioning not only for our own rescue but for the deliverance of all those trapped in our present dilemma.  When all feels hopeless, prayer is our lifeline, our only true hope. 
 
I was explaining to a dear friend today that if I was given a vote about entering a difficult patch with my children or within my marriage, I would vote NO!  However, we don't always have choices as to what challenge befalls us, but we do have the choice to follow or not follow our Lord.  He's the only one who knows the way out.  He is the only one who can heal and give the strength to take the next step...and each step to the very end.
 
"O Lord, grant that I may meet this new day in peace. Help me in all things to humbly rely upon your holy will. In every hour of the day reveal your will to me. Bless my dealings with all who surround me. Teach me to treat all that comes to me throughout the day with peace of soul, and with the firm conviction that Your will governs all. In all I do and say, guide my thoughts and feelings. In unforeseen events, let me not forget that all are sent by You. Teach me to act firmly and wisely, without embittering and embarrassing others. Grant me the strength to bear the fatigue of the coming day with all that it shall bring. Direct my will. Teach me to pray. Pray Yourself within me.
Most Holy God, I pray and beseech you, give me a pure heart, a way of speaking that befits the faith I profess. Grant me uprightness of purpose, powers of reasoning unhindered by passions, conduct that becomes those who fear you, and perfect knowledge of your commandments. May I enjoy health in body and in spirit. Grant me a life of peace, genuine faith and living hope, sincere charity and bountiful generosity, patience that knows no bounds and the light of Your truth to proclaim Your goodness to me, that forever and in all things placing my trust only in You, I may abound in every good work, and that in Christ Your gifts may increase in every soul. For to You belong all glory, honor and majesty, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen"
-Metropolitan Philaret 
 
 
 
 
 


3 comments:

  1. You might only need one flair gun, but some sparklers couldn't hurt. ;)

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  2. This is beautiful and encouraging, thank you! I just found your blog (through another), and I'm so glad I did!

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    1. Many blessings to you Hannah Vazquez! Especially at 4:11 am! :)

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