Following the First Steps

Give Your Relationship a Gift!

noreply@blogger.com (FriarWade) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:36:00 +0000

Couple Checkup™

Give your relationship a gift.

Why take the Couple Checkup?

The Couple Checkup is a research based relationship assessment tool powered by PREPARE/ENRICH, one of the leading couple assessment programs in the world. It will help you discover your strengths as a couple. Strengths are what enable you to enjoy and build a healthy relationship. It will also help you identify and discuss issues that are threatening the vitality of your relationship.

What feedback do we receive?

Results are private and only available to you and your partner. You’ll receive a 17-20 page computer generated Couple Report with your results broken down into relational categories. The content of the assessment and Couple Report will be customized for your unique relationship stage and family structure. You will also receive an extensive Discussion Guide designed to help you discuss your results and learn new relationship skills.

How much does it cost?

The Couple Checkup costs $29.95 per couple, but is being offered for just $19.95 during Marriage Week February 7-14th, 2012.

How do I get started?

Click on an image below or visit http://www.BlueKirk.org/CoupleCheckup.htm

Merry Christmas 2011

noreply@blogger.com (FriarWade) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 14:33:00 +0000

In an unsuspecting world, the Lord God becomes one of us.

the Incarnation - the Word becoming flesh - Emmanuel - God with us!

Wise men followed the star,

Angels announced His appearing,

A nation somewhat expecting a Messiah,

God came.

He still comes to us today,

and although we mentally acknowledge His presence,

we are still surprised at the way He enters our lives, our routines...

almost like this new flash mob performance.

Merry Christmas!

Fr. Wade+

Thanks to Michael Hyatt and to Rachelle Gardner for sharing this link.

Inspiring. Original. Instrumental. Contemplative.

noreply@blogger.com (FriarWade) — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 17:14:00 +0000

Music for Work and Prayer – Still Blue Waters Cover Art

Peaceful. Pleasant. Pretty. Powerful. Original Piano Compositions for Work and Prayer by Fr. Wade+ are available for instant download on iTunes and on Amazon.com (see below).

Peace be with you!

Fr. Wade+

Examination - Looking into the Mirror

noreply@blogger.com (FriarWade) — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 13:51:00 +0000

The Message of the Mirror

A Picture says a thousand words. Adding a short caption chooses which thousand.

When in the process of transition, as a steward of my life, I monitor, examine and compare key components to make sure they are operating within acceptable parameters. Often I compare this activity to the arcade game of “Whac-A-Mole,” for as sure as I have one mole whacked, another one pops up!

I pray more, but I exercise less.

This adds unhealthy weight, putting life out of balance. So shouldn't this process be compared to riding a bicycle? Maintaining a forward momentum provides balance. This translates to me as “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness and ALL THESE THINGS will be added unto you.” (St. Matthew 6:33)

I use mirrors to examine my virtues, vices, triumphs, failures, battles, conflicts, routines, relationships, etc. I use multiple and special mirrors to see things that I often can’t see. The mirrors I use are the Holy Scriptures, prayer and contemplation, the Lives of the Saints, the Church Fathers, my bishop, my friends, my family, and a special mirror – my wife. These “mirrors” offer a different focal point so that I can examine issues that I would not normally see.

I’ve learned that sometimes I need more than just a mirror. I must take a picture – a snapshot of life. So I make special journal entries, review written goals and share these with my “mirrors.”

The photo in this blog post delivers a message, unique to every person who looks into the mirror. It makes the same general message, but makes it personal. It reinforces a value that might otherwise be forgotten. So it is with the mirrors we choose.

What are your mirrors saying to you?

BELIEVE The Promises of God!

noreply@blogger.com (FriarWade) — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 13:38:00 +0000

The Rainbow – a sign of God’s Promise to Noah

“BELIEVE the promises of God,” my heart shouted after I read a devotional this morning! “Believe them, Wade! You gotta believe!”

Often it seems difficult to believe in God’s promises (and there is a reason)! Too many times we have experienced deception, false teaching, and our own misguided, corrupt interpretations. When our human experience doesn’t sync with our fabricated, cut-and-paste Scripture promise montage, we can easily think, “God has failed me.”

Has this experience happened to you? If so, you’re not alone! Remember the disciples asked the Lord immediately before His ascension into glory, “Are you now going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” They didn’t “get it,” just like we don’t “get it!”

In desperation, we try and prop up our attempt at faith with words like, “Well ya know, God never promised an easy life.” Yet back in the recesses of our soul a light is shining - maybe ever so dimly - but it’s shining, “There’s more to it than this!” This is especially problematic for those who have encountered miracles and have witnessed obvious answers to our prayers, isn’t it?

ANOTHER REASON it’s difficult to believe God’s promises is because

Promises are devalued in our culture!

What happens when the word “promise” doesn’t mean anything to us? What is the aftermath when our culture takes God’s promises out of context? How much disappointment can we take when we miss the point?

It’s just like eating fast food.
We do our body more harm than good.
In the same way, we undermine our faith!

Faith in the promises of God comes from a relationship with the Word of God. It’s more than just taking an inspiring quote from the Daily Promise Box and saying a 30 second prayer. The Word of God is not just something written down. FIRST and FOREMOST, the Word of God is a person – the Lord Jesus Christ – Light from Light – very God from very God.

True faith in the promises of God MANDATES a love affair – unadulterated by idolatry – with a divine person in simple child-like trust. Ask and you shall receive!

Peace be with you!

Fr. Wade+

Lakeland, FL

The devotional source is here.

Scoundrels in Prayer - at a theatre near you!

noreply@blogger.com (FriarWade) — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 00:55:00 +0000

Is your pastor, priest, bishop or spiritual leader a Scoundrel? Is that why you don't go to church? (I can already hear the "Do not judge" police freaking out in the corner!) Well, just read on for a few more lines and see if you can gain some beneficial info for your spiritual walk with the Lord.

First, I didn't ask if your leader was a sinner or not. I think most reasonable people realize that everyone is a sinner. ("Sinner" is someone who "misses the mark" or "falls short" of doing what is right and proper in God's eyes.) I am using the word, "SCOUNDREL" - a dishonest or unscrupulous person, someone who does evil deliberately, a dishonorable, unprincipled person.

So, is your leader dishonest, unscrupulous, dishonorable? Do they lack integrity? Do they behave one way when they are "on stage" and differently when they are with their close staff members? Are they more concerned with "getting the job done" than "how" the job is done? If you have witnessed them speaking evil about someone else to you, be assured they are speaking evil about you, too. Don't be fooled.

Why am I talking about Scoundrels in Prayer? Because they abound in every faith tradition – Orthodox, Catholic, Protestant, Non-denominational, Pentecostal, Monastic, and so on. Jesus said, "My house shall be called a House of Prayer, but you have made it a Den of Thieves!"

Our family has been reading about Samuel and Eli. Holy Scripture called Eli's son's "scoundrels." Eli knew of their ungodly ways, but he did not correct them. God sent a prophet to warn Eli, but he did not change. The first revelation God gave Samuel was the coming judgement against Eli and his house. These priests were scoundrels - dishonest, self-seeking, greedy men - taking advantage of the people of God.

St. Paul instructs us to avoid evil people - but he clarifies that he is not speaking of everyone - just the evil people who claim to be walking with the Lord. (At this point, I have to examine myself. Yes, I claim to walk with the Lord, and sometimes in my past I should have avoided myself!) I am by no means innocent. I'm a sinner, trusting in God's Divine Mercy and Grace, leading a penitent life.

Second, our Lord said that many will say unto Him in the day of judgement, "Lord, didn't we speak in your Name?" He says, "Get lost! I don't know who you are!" When God says, "Don't steal!" He means it! This commandment applies to leaders as well as followers. (Sometimes I think clergy think they have the right to operate by a different set of rules.) Wake up, people! Don't follow proud show-boating preachers who hide behind secret doors and are unreachable. If they are not accountable or transparent – leave them! Don't walk in the wake of the curse that is coming their way!

Finally, ask the Lord to shine His Divine Light in your heart. Don't try and remove a splinter from you leader's eye when you have a huge pole sticking in your own eye. God be merciful to us sinners. On the other hand, if your leader is being unethical, dishonest, exaggerates, tells "white lies," is mean to people, then get your facts together and humbly have a talk – but be prepared to exit! Too many leaders are made of one part insecurity, one part pride and one part ego, with a dash of "divine ruler" attitude. If you can humbly reach your leader – who is a humble person – then you will have accomplish much for the Kingdom of Heaven.

The last thing you want to do is pray "scoundrel prayers." What's a scoundrel prayer? It's one that asks God to do evil to one of His children. Can you believe that some "Christians" actually pray that God will "dry up finances, bring sickness, etc." on people they believe are out of God's will? This type of praying is witchcraft! It is far better to say, "Lord, may Your will be done in their life concerning this situation" or "Lord, have mercy on them!" Don't deceive yourself, if you pray evil on others, evil will come back to you!

Check your motives! Remove the idols you have created! Remove the pride! Remove the deception! It's better to be an unknown to the world, but known by the Lord.

Peace be with you!

Fr. Wade+

Lakeland, FL

Angry Birds & Angry Prayer

noreply@blogger.com (FriarWade) — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 12:32:00 +0000

When you set your heart and mind to pray to the Almighty God (your Father in Heaven), realize that one or more demons will be attending your prayer meeting. Oh, they will certainly be present, make no mistake. These uninvited henchmen will use every cunning and trickery to stop your prayers.

Even if they are unsuccessful at stopping you from praying in spirit & truth, they will step back for a few minutes and attack from another position. The demon will attempt to arouse thoughts within you that lead to anger, thus destroying the good effects of your prayers. The demon may entice you to senseless pleasures and then your mind condemns you.

Stand your ground and be prepared to protect the fruits of your prayers!

Be angry, but don't sin!

Peace be with You!

Father Wade+
Lakeland, FL

You show up, Jesus, in the most unlikely places...

noreply@blogger.com (FriarWade) — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 01:41:00 +0000

On my Birthday, I'm pondering the Slow Work of God...

You show up, Jesus, in the most unlikely places.

Give us patience to wait and watch

when we cannot sense your presence

so that we may be ready to greet you where we are. Amen.

Pierre Teilhard de Chardin said, “Above all, trust in the slow work of God.
We are quite naturally impatient in everything to reach the end without delay.
We would like to skip the intermediate stages.

We are impatient of being on the way to something unknown, something new.

And yet, it is the law of all progress that it is made by passing through some stages of instability — and that it may take a very long time. Above all, trust in the slow work of God, our loving vine-dresser.”
from http://CommonPrayer.net
Peace be with you!

Fr. Wade+
Lakeland, FL

Catholic Couple Checkup - Discover, Share, Grow!

noreply@blogger.com (FriarWade) — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 03:19:00 +0000

http://bluekirk.org/couplecheckup.htm

An Awesome Relationship Assessment, The Catholic Couple Checkup is an online tool for couples - dating, engaged or married. I highly recommend couples taking these assessments at least once a year.

Married? How healthy is your marriage? With the Married Checkup, you can identify your strength & growth areas.

Engaged? They say, "Falling in love is the easy part..." Now prepare for your marriage by taking the Engaged Couple Checkup.

Just Dating? Are things getting a little more serious? The Dating Checkup can help you discover the right next steps.

Curious, check it out at http://bluekirk.org/couplecheckup.htm

If one of your "next steps" includes engagement and a wedding, please consider contacting Fr. Wade+ for your premarital counseling. Fr. Wade+ is available for Weddings and Renewal of Vows celebrations. For more information please email Wade@BlueKirk.org

Lord, Open My Eyes...

noreply@blogger.com (FriarWade) — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 13:32:00 +0000

Lord, open my eyes that I can see – clearly
Everything that is happening around me – really.
Away dark shades that keep out light,
to eyes of love with true insight.

Then once I see the needs of others,
Let love dictate over greed that smothers.
An instrument of peace I now become,
and by your Spirit, your will be done!

Amen!

- a prayer contributed by Fr. Wade Fahnestock+
in the prayer book, Tampa Bay Prays,
published by the Franciscan Center.

Pentecost 2011 - Global Day of Prayer

noreply@blogger.com (FriarWade) — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 06:52:00 +0000

“They lifted their voices to God with one accord…” –Acts 4:24

Almighty God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit,

Together with believers all over the world,

We gather today to glorify Your Name.

You are the Creator of heaven and earth.

There is no one like You, holy and righteous in all Your ways.

We submit to Your authority as the King of the universe.

We pray with one voice to enthrone You in our hearts

and to honour You before the world.

Lord God, You alone are worthy of our praise and adoration.

Our Father in heaven,

Thank You for loving the world so greatly.

You gave Your only Son, Jesus Christ,

to die on the cross for our sins

so that we could be reconciled to You.

We are grateful to call You Father and to be called Your children.

Nothing can separate us from Your love.

Thank You Father, for adopting us into Your family
because of Jesus Christ our Saviour.

Lord Jesus Christ,

You alone are worthy to open the scrolls of history,

for You were slain and have redeemed us to the Father by Your blood.

We confess that You are Head of the Church

and Lord of all heaven and earth.

May people from every tribe and language become Your followers

so that Your blessing brings transformation among all peoples.

Let Your kingdom be established in every nation of the world

so that governments will rule with righteousness and justice.

And may Your Name be great, from the rising of the sun to its setting.

Jesus Christ, You are the Saviour of the world and the Lord of all.

Father of mercy and grace,

We acknowledge that we have sinned

and that our world is gripped by the power of sin.

Our hearts are grieved by injustice, hatred and violence.

We are shamed by oppression, racism and bloodshed in our land.

We mourn all loss of life in murder, war and terrorism.

Our homes are broken and our churches are divided by rebellion and pride.

Our lives are polluted by selfishness, greed, idolatry and sexual sin.

We have grieved Your heart and brought shame to Your Name.

Have mercy on us as we repent with all our hearts.

God of mercy, forgive our sins.
Pour out Your grace and heal our land.

Spirit of the living God,

Apart from You, we can do nothing.

Transform Your Church into the image of Jesus Christ.

Release Your power to bring healing to the sick,

freedom to the oppressed and comfort to those who mourn.

Pour Your love into our hearts and fill us with compassion

to answer the call of the homeless and the hungry

and to enfold orphans, widows and the elderly in Your care.

Give us wisdom and insight for the complex problems we face today.

Help us to use the resources of the earth for the well-being of all.

Holy Spirit, we need Your comfort
and guidance. Transform our hearts.

Lord Jesus Christ,
Because You were dead, but are now risen,

and the Father has given You a Name above all names,

You will defeat all powers of evil.

Tear down strongholds and ideologies that resist the knowledge of God.

Remove the veil of darkness that covers the peoples.

Restrain the evil that promotes violence and death.

Bring deliverance from demonic oppression.

Break the hold of slavery, tyranny and disease.

Fill us with courage to preach Your word fearlessly,

and to intercede for the lost faithfully.

Almighty God, deliver us from evil.

King of Glory,

Come and finish Your work in our cities, our peoples and our nations.

We lift our voices in unison with believers from Africa and Asia,

from the Middle East and Europe, from North and South America,

and from Australia and the Pacific Islands—together we cry:

Lift up your heads, O you gates!
Be lifted up ancient doors
so that the King of glory may come in!

As Your deeds increase throughout the earth,

and as Your blessings abound to all the nations,

they will seek You, asking, “Who is this King of glory?”

Together we will answer:

He is the Lord Almighty!
Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!

Come fill the earth with Your glory as the waters cover the sea.

The Spirit and the Bride say:

Amen! Come Lord Jesus!

Printable version available HERE

-------
This united prayer is from The Global Day of Prayer initiative.

Peace be with You!

Father Wade+
Lakeland, FL

Global Day of Prayer 2011 - Day 10

noreply@blogger.com (FriarWade) — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 06:05:00 +0000

DAY 10: SATURDAY, 11 June 2011

GLORIFY! …for Yours is the kingdom, and the power,and the glory forever.
Amen.

Great and marvellous are Your works, LORD God Almighty! Righteous and true are Your ways, O King of the nations!

Who shall not fear You, O LORD, and glory Your Name?

Because You alone are kind. All nations shall come and worship before You, for Your righteousness have been revealed.

Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours.

Yours is the kingdom, O LORD, and you are exalted as head above all.

May your glory and power be revealed through the humility, compassion and holiness of the Church, to all nations.

Manifest your kingdom again through signs and miracles until all nations kneel and worship at the name of Jesus.

The glory of the LORD will fill the earth as the waters cover the seas.

From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of Jesus Christ will be glorified.

Now unto You, the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever.

AMEN

Printable Version available HERE

For more information about the Global Day of Prayer, please visit:
http://www.GlobalDayofPrayer.com
and
http://www.GDOPUSA.com

Peace be with You!

Father Wade+
Lakeland, FL

Global Day of Prayer 2011 - Day 9

noreply@blogger.com (FriarWade) — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 00:30:00 +0000

DAY 9: FRIDAY, 10 June 2011

OVERCOME! …but deliver us from evil…

Lord Jesus Christ, we confess and declare that You died on the cross, rose from the dead on the third day and ascended to heaven where You are now seated at the right hand of our heavenly Father.

You were given all authority in heaven and on earth, and the name above all names, so that at the name of Jesus Christ every knee will bow and every tongue confess that

You are Lord.

You broke the power of Satan and of death and disarmed all principalities and powers through your death and resurrection.

Let the revelation of the truth of the Gospel liberate many people from the power of Satan to follow Christ.

Break the hold of satanic powers and deliver people from idolatry, witchcraft, demonic oppression, depression and the stronghold of lies in destructive ideologies and religions.

Break the powers of darkness which corrupt businesses, governments and cities.

Deliver us from the fear of death and the fear of man, and give us boldness in preaching the Gospel with courage and perseverance.

Give us the wisdom to tear down the strongholds and arguments that were raised up against the knowledge of God.

We surrender ourselves into your hand.

Use us as instruments of righteousness to overcome evil through the blood of the Lamb, through our testimonies and through our willingness to suffer for your name’s sake.

AMEN

Printable Version available HERE

For more information about the Global Day of Prayer, please visit:
http://www.GlobalDayofPrayer.com
and
http://www.GDOPUSA.com

Peace be with You!

Father Wade+
Lakeland, FL

Global Day of Prayer 2011 - Day 8

noreply@blogger.com (FriarWade) — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 03:41:00 +0000

DAY 8: THURSDAY, 9 June 2011
LEAD! …and lead us not into temptation…

Lord Jesus Christ, You are the good Shepherd.

You are the Head of the Church and the Author and Finisher of our faith.

You promised that the Father will send us the Holy Spirit as a Comforter and Guide to lead us into all truth and to remind us of every word had spoken.

We confess that You have the words of eternal life, and express our desire to follow You and to be your disciples.

Your word is a lamp for our feet and light for our paths.

Lead us on paths of righteousness for your name’s sake.

Fill us with such love and zeal for You that we will not be moved by the temptations of materialism, power and sexual perversion.

Help the Church to walk in the light of your Word and with such wisdom that we will fulfil your purposes throughout the earth.

Guide those who are leading others in the spheres of government, education and business, to set an example of godliness and integrity so that the curse of corruption can be broken throughout cities and economies.

Give parents and teachers godly wisdom to guide the coming generations to follow in your ways and not divert to evil paths and destructive ways.

AMEN

Printable Version available HERE

For more information about the Global Day of Prayer, please visit:
http://www.GlobalDayofPrayer.com
and
http://www.GDOPUSA.com

Peace be with You!

Father Wade+
Lakeland, FL

Global Day of Prayer 2011 - Day 7

noreply@blogger.com (FriarWade) — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 03:27:00 +0000

DAY 7: WEDNESDAY, 8 June 2011

RECONCILE! …as we forgive those who sin against us…

Father God, through the blood of your Son, Jesus Christ, You have reconciled us to You, so that we may have eternal life and unbroken fellowship with You.

Through the ministry of Jesus Christ, the Prince of peace, You have also given us the ministry of reconciliation, to bring the message of forgiveness and reconciliation to all peoples.

In the name of Jesus, we have the authority and the command to forgive sins.

We confess that we have allowed bitterness and resentment to fester in our hearts.

Please forgive us.

We now forgive those who have sinned against us.

Break the cycle of resentment, revenge and racism so that relationships can be restored.

Let the reconciling power of Christ be revealed in all areas of militarized conflict so that wars will end, and peace will prevail.

Restore relationships between men and women, and bring reconciliation in marriages.

Turn the hearts of fathers and mothers to their children and of hearts of children to their parents and bring healing and restoration in families.

Strengthen those believers who suffer persecution at the hands of unbelievers and give them the grace to forgive their enemies.

Let the Church become known as peacemakers in the midst of a world of conflict and hatred.

AMEN

Printable Version available HERE

For more information about the Global Day of Prayer, please visit:
http://www.GlobalDayofPrayer.com
and
http://www.GDOPUSA.com

Peace be with You!

Father Wade+
Lakeland, FL

Global Day of Prayer 2011 - Day 6

noreply@blogger.com (FriarWade) — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 14:18:00 +0000

DAY 6: TUESDAY, 7 June 2011
FORGIVE! …Forgive us our sins…

To You, our God, belong mercy and forgiveness, for You are merciful and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.

You forgive iniquity, transgression and sin.

The blood of your Son, Jesus Christ, has been poured out for the forgiveness of sin, and through his blood we are cleansed from all our iniquities.

Let the blood of Jesus speak on our behalf at the throne of grace.

Forgive us for our sinful ways.

May the blood of Jesus sanctify us and cleanse our conscience from acts that lead to death.

Empower us through the Holy Spirit to break the hold of sin over our lives, so that we will abandon patterns of sin and find grace to renounce any allegiance to the powers of darkness.

Let your Holy Spirit move on the hearts of men and women to convict them of sin and bring them to repentance through godly sorrow.

Soften our hearts to see how lives are destroyed through sins that bring about war, poverty and injustice.

Give us a new spirit and a new heart to obey your commands and bring joy to your heart.

Thank You for your patience towards us and for your desire that all people will come to repentance.

AMEN

Printable version available HERE

For more information about the Global Day of Prayer, please visit:
http://www.GlobalDayofPrayer.com
and
http://www.GDOPUSA.com

Peace be with You!

Father Wade+
Lakeland, FL

Global Day of Prayer 2011 - Day 5

noreply@blogger.com (FriarWade) — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 04:36:00 +0000

DAY 5: MONDAY, 6 June 2011

PROVIDE! …Give us this day our daily bread…

Father God, You are YHVH Yireh, the LORD our Provider.

You made a way for us to be reconciled to You through your Son, Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God who is the only sacrifice we will ever need.

You are the Giver of all good things and those who come to you lack nothing.

Jesus promised that when we ask in his name, You will answer our prayer.

So we ask, please provide in our daily needs.

Enable us through the Holy Spirit to become agents of healing and change in our world. Use us to break patterns of poverty in our communities through our sacrificial giving and sharing.

Have mercy on the poor, the sick, those who are refugees and the children of this world, and provide in their need for food, water and basic health care.

Awaken the hearts of the Church to the spiritual hunger of those who have never heard about You.

Thrust out labourers in the harvest fields of the world to preach the Gospel.

Satisfy those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.

Our eyes are upon you for You are the only one who can supply in both the spiritual and physical needs of the world.

AMEN
Printable version HERE

Peace be with You!

Father Wade+
Lakeland, FL

GOD, Give us Discomfort at easy answers, half-truths...

noreply@blogger.com (FriarWade) — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 03:42:00 +0000

God, give us discomfort at easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships, so that instead we may live deep within our hearts. Grant us anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of -people, so that we may wish for justice, freedom, and peace. Bless us with enough foolishness to believe that we can make a difference in this world, so that we can do what others claim cannot be done. Amen.

from http://CommonPrayer.net

Global Day of Prayer 2011 - Day 4

noreply@blogger.com (FriarWade) — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 19:46:00 +0000

DAY 4: SUNDAY, 5 June 2011

TRANSFORM! …and may your will be done on earth as it is in heaven…

Praise be to Your Name, O God of the heavens, forever and ever.

Wisdom and power belong to You. You change times and seasons.

You set up kings and depose them.

You give wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.

You reveal deep and hidden things.

You know what lies in darkness, and light dwells with You.

Your will is that none should perish but all come to the knowledge of salvation through Jesus Christ.

Remove from our hearts all fear of man for wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord.

We pray for all those who are in authority.

Remove wicked council from governments and authorities.

Let righteousness and truth again be the foundation of our justice systems.

Open the doors for believers to influence and bless every aspect of commerce, arts, education and governance in ways that will impact and release the fear of God in our societies.

Let peace prevail in our nations so that the gospel of truth may be preached to every person on this earth.

Transform our hearts through the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit so that the righteousness, peace and joy of Christ’s kingdom will be demonstrated in and through the Church.

AMEN

Printable version HERE

Peace be with You!

Father Wade+
Lakeland, FL

Global Day of Prayer 2011 - Day 3

noreply@blogger.com (FriarWade) — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 00:16:00 +0000

DAY 3: SATURDAY, 4 June 2011

RULE! …May your kingdom come…

Lord Jesus Christ, You are the King of the Universe.

The sceptre of your Kingdom is a sceptre of righteousness.

Of the increase of your government and peace there will be no end.

From all the nations we will speak of the glory of your Kingdom and talk of your power, to make known to the sons of men your mighty acts, and the glorious majesty of your Kingdom.

We pray that many more people will hear the Word of the Gospel of the Kingdom so that there will be a great harvest of souls in our generation.

Let the hearing of your Word bring faith to many hearts.

Help us, who profess to be followers of Christ, to walk in the fullness of your Spirit and live in the likeness of Christ so that your kingdom will be seen in our lives.

As we bow before you in brokenness, come and soften our hearts, so that through the Church the Lordship of Jesus Christ will influence every part of our cities and societies.

We join with every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them to sing:

“To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb, be praise and honour and glory and power, forever and ever!”

AMEN

Printable version HERE

Peace be with You!

Father Wade+
Lakeland, FL

NOVENA TO THE HOLY SPIRIT: Help Me to Know You

noreply@blogger.com (FriarWade) — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 16:05:00 +0000

NOVENA TO THE HOLY SPIRIT: Help Me to Know You

DAY 1: HELLO

O Holy Spirit, I begin this Novena by admitting that I do not KNOW you. I know about You, from what I have been told. I have been told how God the Father, my Creator, and God the Son, my Savior, sent You God the Holy Spirit, to be with me. To comfort me, be my advocate, sanctify me.

MUSCLE BUILDER

I am ashamed, after all You have done for me, that I have never taken the time to learn how to open my heart and let You in.

It is my hope, at this moment, that You will give me the STRENGTH to be DETERMINED and PERSEVERE, and to constantly have You as my companion. I KNOW how weak I am since I have had other good intentions and failed. I failed in the past because I did not realize it is You who must provide me with Your seven spiritual gifts.

Your gift of FORTITUDE will give me the STRENGTH I need to complete this Novena.

Instill in me, O Holy Spirit, Your gift of FORTITUDE so I can carry on, to do what I must to, to complete this Novena. Amen.

DAY 2: I'M SORRY

O Holy Spirit, my curiosity has tempted me to begin reading this second day of my Novena instead of spending this time trying to learn to listen to Your promptings. I always know better than my teacher and did not think it would make any difference. I do not let You guide me because I do not KNOW how to listen to You. In fact, I do not even listen to those who have had the experience of learning how to listen.

WAKE ME UP

Give me Your gift of COUNSEL by reminding me numerous times during this day to talk to You as I would talk to my very best human friend.

COUNSEL me by reminding me to swell on these thoughts of my first and second day of this Novena.

GIVE ME A SHOVE

Remind me, O Holy Spirit, to express me gratitude to You who have given me so much. My faith, my hope and ability to love. My home, friends, relatives and the fact I have life.

Do not let me be one of the nine lepers who did not return to show gratitude.

Thank You, O Holy Spirit, thank You.

DAY 3: GET IT!

Already You are giving me, O Holy Spirit, an UNDERSTANDING of how I must spend this moment thinking about You in my heart. You are beginning to let me UNDERSTAND that simply reading this information will not release Your grace. I am beginning to realize Your gift of UNDERSTANDING comes to me from You, when I take the time to accept Your COUNSEL. For this realization and the gifts You have given me, thank You, O Holy Spirit.

AND LEAD US NOT INTO __________

Please do not lead me into temptation, O Holy Spirit! Do not put me to the test that I must prove to You my faith, by making me wait longer to experience Your presence, if for only one second. This single second of knowing that You are in my heart will increase my faith. O Holy Spirit, I do believe; help my unbelief.

Make me UNDERSTAND the only reason I am starting this third day of getting to know You is through and with the FORTITUDE You have provided.

If I listen to my pride, I would think I am doing it all by myself.

DAY 4: POSSESSED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT

When I look back just these three days, I am beginning to be able to see how my life with You will be much richer as I willingly permit You to take possession of me. This ability to see as You see, to the extent You wish for me to see at this moment, is Your gift of KNOWLEDGE.

Who, O Holy Spirit, in heaven or on earth, possesses the KNOWLEDGE that is Yours and Yours alone?

Why do I spend so much time seeking mere information from others when You are so willing and anxious to give me this gift I need. If only I would take time to listen to You.

Why do I put so much importance on money, or sex, or power, or intellectualism - things that do not have a mere fraction of the power You have? Why do I spend so much time accumulating money when Jesus promised me the Father would provide? What good would it do a man if he gained the whole world and suffered the loss of his soul?

Why do I spend so little time listening to You? Is it my lack of faith? Help me to UNDERSTAND. Show me the way. Lead me, O Kindly Light.

DAY 5: THE CREATOR, THE REDEEMER, THE SANCTIFIER

Have you ever heard of anyone who created, or claimed to have created, a soul, as your Father in heaven has done for you and millions and millions of times over?

Have you ever heard of any creature who has paid the price for a soul in sin, and won salvation for them, as Jesus did for you and millions of others?

I am the Holy Spirit, the Third Person of the Trinity. Just as no one other than the Father has the power to create, from nothing, a soul, and just as no one other than the Son has the power to pay the great price for salvation, no one other than I, the Holy Spirit, has the power to sanctify you.

My child, no one else can explain, teach or give to you My gifts of KNOWLEDGE, UNDERSTANDING, COUNSEL, WISDOM, FORTITUDE, PIETY and FEAR OF THE LORD.

I alone can sanctify you and make you worthy to enter Heaven. When you accept these gifts, I will reward you with peace, happiness and joy in this life as well as the next.

Give Me a chance, have faith in Me, ask Me your questions.

Many of these questions, I have put into your thoughts as a way of leading you. Keep pondering these questions until I give you the answer. Prove to Me your faith. Do not give up. Ask for My gift of FORTITUDE - but never give up. Your time has not come to know the answer to some of these questions. I want you to prove your faith to Me.

You want to know how to recognize the Holy Spirit when I talk to you? I am the only one who can answer this question. Never stop listening for My answer.

DAY 6: COME

If you take the time to learn to listen to Me, I will give you My gift of PIETY. This gift will make you want to be near and close to Me. This gift, if you use it, will bring you to ecstasy in My intimacy. This gift will make everything easy for you, but will not interfere with your free will.

I will give you so much. Give Me your appreciation and gratitude.

I AM PEACE

When you learn how to dismiss all distractions and think only of Me in your heart, you will experience Peace. I, your God, My Holy Spirit, is in the midst of this peace you experience. The more undivided attention you focus on Me, the greater and deeper this peace will become.

This peace surrounds Me. I am Peace. You will recognize My presence by this peace.

Do not make the mistake so many others do. Relaxation of the body is not peace.

Peace, My peace that only I can give, is of the soul.

Relaxation can be obtained in many ways, including drugs, sex, money - these are of the body, and in excess, harm the soul.

Your gratitude to Me will increase my gifts to you. Just as you give more to those who appreciate you.

DAY 7: OUT OF ORDER?

Your soul was created to be attracted to Me like steel to a magnet.

If you do not take time to learn to listen to Me, my child, you will become confused, as many others have.

The confused try to satisfy their magnetic attraction to Me by substituting drugs that delight their bodies, and for a short time it relaxes them. Some express their confusion by other delights of the body, but this is not the peace I offer you.

The confused not only destroy their bodies and minds, but also their souls.

The confused cannot tell the difference between relaxation of the body and the reward of My peace to their souls.

The confused have refused to listen to Me. All human creatures have been given this right, to refuse to listen. All were created with a will that is free. A free will to choose their Creator or reject Him.

If you learn to listen to Me, I will relieve you of your many anxieties and fears. Your doubts and frustration will be resolved. You will have Peace.

Your will is free. Choose to make it My will.

DAY 8: LOVE - FEAR

No one, O Holy Spirit, not even You, can cite and occasion that could arise in my life here on earth that cannot be more than satisfied by Your seven gifts.

My love for You, O Holy Spirit, increase as I learn to listen to You KNOWLEDGE, UNDERSTANDING and COUNSEL. My love grows as I experience the FORTITUDE and PIETY You give to me.

Increase in me, O Holy Spirit, Your gift of FEAR OF THE LORD so that I will love You so much I cannot offend You out of FEAR of losing You.

Thank You, O Holy Spirit, for Your infinite love.

I know Your great love for me by the mere fact that You, the Father and Son, created me and gave me life. Just as I love what I have accomplished, You also love what You have accomplished. IT IS GOOD.

DAY 9: COMMON SENSE

The only other spiritual gift You offer to us if we listen, O Holy Spirit, is the greatest of all Your gifts. Your gift of WISDOM. This gift of WISDOM is the highest compliment man can receive.

Your gift of WISDOM endows us with the ability to use all Your other six spiritual gifts in their exact proper proportion.

The baker is wise, O Holy Spirit, when he does not use too much of any one ingredient in his cake. The ability to use each of Your spiritual gifts of KNOWLEDGE - UNDERSTANDING - COUNSEL - FORTITUDE - PIETY and FEAR OF THE LORD in exactly the right proportion is the gift or gifts. The gift of WISDOM.

END OF THE BEGINNING

This is the ninth day, O Holy Spirit. My intended Novena is completed. I must recognize the fact You gave me the FORTITUDE to persevere, the strength that made it easy. You gave me the determination_ to succeed as You will in everything You prompt me to do, if only I take time to listen for Your gift of FORTITUDE.

I shall take time to reminisce on my early childhood and each year up to the present time, to the best of my ability, with Your help and KNOWLEDGE, O Holy Spirit. I shall dwell on the past few months in particular. You will let me UNDERSTAND how You have been in my life daily, even though I was not aware of it. How You gave me the grace of Your seven gifts and how often I threw them away by neglecting to use them. How, on many occasions, Your gifts were there and I did use them, but in my pride, thought that I did it all by myself.

But, why does it have to end? Why should it end?

If I have not experienced Your close presence in my heart, I shall start over for another nine day, if You will only give me the FORTITUDE.

If I have experienced Your loving presence in my heart, I will jealously preserve it. Relive it. Practice listening daily. A perpetual Novena.

My hope and prayer is that I will grow into the habit of experience Your presence every moment of my consciousness.

CONCLUSION

NEVER STOP TRYING

THE HOLY SPIRIT DEMANDS FAITH

MAN INVENTED TIME

TIME MEANS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO GOD

THIS NOVENA CANNOT BE EXHAUSTED

EVERY TIME YOU MAKE THIS NOVENA, THE HOLY SPIRIT WILL ADD TO IT

WHEN YOU PRAY, YOU TALK TO GOD

WHEN GOD TALKS TO YOU, DO YOU LISTEN?
This novena was written by

George E. Schulhoff
Apostles of the Holy Spirit
2709 Woodburn Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45206

After you use the gifts given to those who listen, you're rewarded with the fruits of the Spirit. And they are worth working for:

CHARITY
JOY
PEACE
PATIENCE
FAITH
MODESTY
CONTINENCE
CHASTITY
BENIGNITY
GOODNESS
ENDURANCE
MILDNESS

And remember, the fruits listed above come from the use of the gifts, which are no small things in themselves:

FEAR OF THE LORD
UNDERSTANDING
WISDOM
KNOWLEDGE
FORTITUDE
COUNSEL
PIETY

Source: Novena to the Holy Spirit

Come, Holy Spirit!
Peace be with You!

Father Wade+
Lakeland, FL

First Time Ever in US - Global Day of Prayer 2011

noreply@blogger.com (FriarWade) — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 09:25:00 +0000

Global Day of Prayer Held in the US for the First Time Ever
by Aimee Herd : Jun 3, 2011 :
Breaking Christian News

"To call Christians from All Nations to: Unite in repentance and prayer, and work together as God's servants for the blessing and healing of the Nations." –GDOP
For the first time, the United States will be host to the Global Day of Prayer (GDOP), uniting Believers worldwide in a day of intercession on June 11th, 2011.

The city chosen for this year's event is Jacksonville, Florida, and the venue will be the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena.
There will be inspirational messages from Global Day of Prayer founder Graham Power, local area pastors Bishop McLaughlin, Stovall Weems and others. In addition, worship music will be provided by Steve Bowersox, Leann Albrecht, Paul Baloche, Phil Wickham, and more.

During the two days leading up to the event, June 9th and 10th, there will be conferences and concerts. The main Global Prayer event on June 11th will be broadcast live via Godtv.com starting at 4:30 PM eastern time.

The Vision and Call for the GDOP are as follows:

Vision: The Glory of Christ and the Blessing of the Nations.

"For the earth will be filled with the Glory of
the LORD, as the waters cover the sea."

Mission: To call Christians from All Nations to:

• Unite in repentance and prayer, and
• Work together as God's servants for the blessing and healing of the Nations.

"If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from Heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

For more information on the Global Day of Prayer 2011, follow this link Global Day of Prayer

Peace be with You!

Father Wade+
Lakeland, FL

Global Day of Prayer 2011 - Day 2

noreply@blogger.com (FriarWade) — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 11:27:00 +0000

Don't wait to feel inspired. Inspired prayer can require a "step of faith." Decide to pray. Stir yourself up. The Holy Spirit is already with you. It's like catching a wave!

DAY 2: FRIDAY, 3 June 2011

REVEAL! …sanctify Your name…

Father, Son and Holy Spirit, You are the High and Lofty One who inhabits eternity, and your Name is holy.

You revealed your Fatherhood to us, through Jesus Christ, who is exalted, and at His Name every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

We call upon this name for salvation.

Your Name has been profaned among the nations and many people have forgotten your Name and have stretched out their hands to other gods.

Please forgive us, and sanctify your Name so that all nations, even your adversaries, shall know that You are Lord and fear your Name.

Unite my heart to fear your Name so that I will depart from iniquity and will hold fast to your Name and not deny You.

With all those who know your Name, we put our trust in You and wait on your Name.

May your Word be translated and made available for every person on this earth to hear your Word and your Name proclaimed in their own language.

Blessed be Your Name, and let the whole earth be filled with your glory!

From the rising of the sun, to its going down, your Name shall be great and in your Name the nations will trust!

AMEN
Printable version find HERE

Peace be with You!

Father Wade+
Lakeland, FL

Global Day of Prayer 2011: Day 1

noreply@blogger.com (FriarWade) — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 18:29:00 +0000

DAY 1: THURSDAY, 2 June 2011
REVIVE! …Our Father who is in heaven…
Father God, You are the creator and father of all nations. |

You sustain us by the power of your word.

We acknowledge that You alone are worthy to receive all praise and honour and glory. As Christians from around the world, we enter into your presence through the new and living way that Jesus Christ opened for us by his blood, to kneel at the throne of grace.

We pray that you will revive the Church again through your Holy Spirit.

Answer the prayer of Jesus that we, as Church, will unite and stand as one family before You.

We pray for those believers who have fallen away that You will draw them back to You and bring them to repentance.

You are faithful and true to your promises.

Please reveal to us your loving, compassionate and merciful father’s heart.

Help us to obey your commandments and to trust You completely for our salvation, our sanctification and our daily walk.

Touch the hearts of millions of believers around the world to persist in prayer until we see the fulfilment of all your promises.

Release fresh movements of prayer in every nation of the world so that this generation may accomplish the purposes You have for each one of us.
Here am I, Lord, send me.
AMEN

For a printable copy, visit Here

From: http://www.GlobalDayOfPrayer.com

Peace be with You!

Father Wade+
Lakeland, FL

A Sacramental (Tubing) Journey

noreply@blogger.com (FriarWade) — Sun, 29 May 2011 15:51:00 +0000

Intro music...
"Going to take a ~~Sentimental~~, er, Sacramental Journey...

Yesterday, our mission parish journeyed from Lakeland to Ichetucknee Springs State Park in North Florida. On the way we stopped over at the Open Gate Retreat Center in Williston. (Special thanks to Brother Hugh & his wife, Carole McFadden for their Franciscan, Benedictine and Celtic hospitality!)

The Ichetucknee River offers both 1.5 & 3.5 hour tubing in pristine crystal clear waters. I highly recommend this outing for your consideration for a fun-filled activity - to be added to your group's Summer plans or your own personal "bucket-list."

I called this a "sacramental journey" because the Holy Spirit often uses these real-world encounters to teach me and reinforce real(er)-world truths. Here's what inspired me on this trip:

1. It takes our effort to stay on course. Even though the river is flowing in only one direction, there are plenty of opportunities to get stuck along the bank. No one can simply close their eyes, fall asleep and expect the current to carry them all the way to the end. Likewise, in the Kingdom of Heaven, the spiritual elements of faith, hope, love, grace, peace and so on require our participation, cooperation, acceptance and obedience. Sure, we can grumble and complain, but it's much more enjoyable to simply accept that we have to "work" just like everyone else! Why stay stranded on the bank watching the others float on down the river of grace? Even though unnoticed by us, they had to "make some adjustments" to continue on their journey.

2. Don't resent obstacles along the way. Instead of resenting the journey when the current carries you to a fallen tree stopping your progress, simply accept it as part of the game and work your way around it to continue. Too many times I have obeyed the Word of the Lord - either from a Biblical passage the Lord impressed me to follow, or an instruction on ministry direction I received during prayer - only to find myself facing some insurmountable roadblock. (Sound familiar?) In times like these I can choose to get frustrated & waste patience or simply welcome the challenge with joy. (My family prefers the latter. Otherwise I'm just not pleasant to be around.

3. Take time to enjoy the trip. There is so much to see and do. sometimes we forget that Jesus said, "I've come that you may have life and live it to its fullest!

Ichetucknee River Info

Open Gate Retreat Center

Peace be with You!

Father Wade+
Lakeland, FL