Prayer Man

Your time to go?

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Kelly) — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 15:29:00 +0000

I was touched by a recent Channel 8 News story of a women here in Austin that survived her car being swept into a creek during the rains of tropical storm Hermine.

Her comment "I wasn't ready to go" in the video below reminded me of a conversation I had with a young girl several years ago.

Out of the blue the little girl asked me

"What's heaven?"

Me: It's the place you go when you die.

Girl: Why do people die?

Me: Because God needs them to help him.

Girl: What kind of work do you do in heaven?

Me: Well, you become an Angel and come back to earth and do more nice things for people.

Girl: So if I am always doing nice things for people I won't die?

Me: Well, not exactly sometimes God needs people to help him so they go to heaven before we want them to.

Essentially what Carries story reminds me of is this. Our work here isn't over. There are things to do, people to take care of, and causes to help.

So let's all keep doing th good work, there's lot's to do!

Peace,

MPK

Two steps forward?

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Kelly) — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 14:13:00 +0000

"The Lord works in mysterious ways," My Mother ( or maybe my Father) tells me this occasionally.

First, let me apologize for being remiss in posting an update to my trip to West Texas. And the video blogging of random acts of kindness didn't turn out the way I wanted it to, but nonetheless, I did three videos.

I've recently landed in Austin. Basically with a truckload of tools and lawn equipment. No place to live, and no job. Fortunately I was blessed to be able to stay with my brother and work on his house while I got my feet on the ground.

In the past month I've gotten an apartment, found a job (THAT ROCKS!), and made some new friends.

One friend in particular is quite amazing. She's full of great ideas and thoughts....and has no reservations about calling me out with her New York accent. I keep expecting her to call me out by beginning the sentence with "Yo", but she hasn't done it yet.

Also, both of my kids are here with me temporarily. As a result I'm looking for activities for them, and a church. I've found them activities, and found a church. Yeah!

Life deals us set backs from time to time, people do mean things, but that can't stop us from taking two steps forward.

Be blessed,

MPK

Blogging about Random Acts of Kindness

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Kelly) — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 12:41:00 +0000

For the next few weeks I will be traveling to West Texas to work on a project. I like traveling as I get to meet new people, hear new stories, and see many new things.

A few days ago a friend and I talked about what I could do while I was on the road to document my trip. Given that it is the Christmas/Thanksgiving season, we thought it might me intersting and appropriate to stop and ask people that cross my path about their definition of "Random Acts of Kindness." This was a particularly interesting topic to me as so many people have been so kind to me.

There are two primary questions I am interested in. One, what is your definition of a random act of kindness, and two, what is the last act of a random act of kindness you saw?

If you would like to contribute to this effort by making your own video that you can share with others, you can do so on the random acts of kindness Facebook Fan page.

I would like to say thank you to a few people that have helped me get this effort started. To Dow, thank you for answering a random request on Facebook to borrow a video camera. This was the first "Random Act of Kindness." To Mike, thank you for brainstorming this idea and being a part of it.

Peace everyone and enjoy the videos!

God resides in Vermont

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Kelly) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 16:09:00 +0000

I had an amazing time in Vermont. It's as a close a place as I've been to Heaven so have to think that God probably lives, or at least has a vacation home, somewhere between Warren and Montpelier.

The best thing about Vermont is the people. From Arne, the local Maple Syrup source, to the waitress at a local eatery, "Vermont Hospitality" is served up in almost a spiritual way.

Despite the somewhat odd lifestyle that exists among Vermont residents, it's a place where people seem to be very accepting of each other, and their views. It's as laid back and liberal as they come, but nonetheless a place where everyone is accepted.

So if I happened to cross your path during my trip, thank you for the Vermont Hospitality and reminder that there is a calm place somewhere in this world among all of the other chaos.

Peace,

MPK.

The Givor

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Kelly) — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 11:10:00 +0000

Yep, it's been a while since I posted something. It's been a bit chaotic in the prayermans life over the past couple of months. But the good news is....after one year of being unemployed I have...wait for it...found a job! Woohoo!

Good things all seem to happen at the same time, as do the bad things. How we cope with all of that is pretty much an individual thing.

Long story short, things are going well, better than I could have expected. Anyway, I digress.

I'm headed to spend a week with my parents Tuesday. I'll get to play golf with my Dad which is always fun. As part of the golfing experience, all bets must be placed in advance, and the requisite smack talking must begin and end prior to stepping onto the first tee.

I had a funny email conversation with my Dad (who is a 22 handicap for the golfers out there)which is below:
I wrote:
How many shots are you going to give me? Based on the slope and my current handicap index which is 6 I was going to propose you give me three shots a side if we play from the white tees, four shots from the blue, or we can just play a straight up match from the ladies tees, what ever you prefer. :)

My Dad responded with:
I think you have the "givor" and the"givee" reversed.

I responded with:
according to the usga handicap guidelines they consider the benefit of local knowledge, therefore you shall be the givor.

My Dad responded with:
Don't beg.

What's funny about this, is that my Mom and Dad have always been the "Givor." I could write volumes about what they have done for me over my entire life.

I am truly blessed by these incredible people.

Sometimes when we are mired down in our own drama, we forget the many good things we have going on around us. Sometimes we forget or don't have the ability to stop, get in a different environment, and focus on what's good vs. what's not good. Sometimes we are afraid to ask for help. Sometimes, that request for help is a small amount of assistance from the "Givor."

My parents are an incredible blessing.

God Bless my parents as they are among the most amazing people in the universe.

Peace,

MPK

Blonde with Courage

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Kelly) — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 00:09:00 +0000

So what single, red blooded man wouldn’t stop and pay attention to an attractive, smartly dressed blonde women standing on a street corner with a sign during rush hour in downtown Houston? I certainly wouldn’t, and in fact didn’t. As fate would have it, I met a talented and charming women that way who has recently become unemployed.

To Cheryl Wasek, an Executive Assistant laid off in January 2009, the idea to stand on the corner with a sign and look for work as a supplement to using online job board was driven by her observation of homeless people and thought “I’m going to get a sign and get a job!” Little did she realize that people would stop, inquire, and help her out.

My initial reaction when I saw her standing on the corner was “Wow, that takes a lot of courage!” It did as it was chilly and windy this morning in downtown Houston. The fact that she got up, got dressed, stood on a corner and literally froze to death tells me there is something unique about her drive and determination to be successful.

Through this albeit unconventional approach to finding a job, she has realized that in today’s job market it takes more than just sending out random emails via the job boards to get a job. You must truly differentiate yourself from others, be driven, but most importantly not give up.

I had a second opportunity to visit with Cheryl this afternoon and while I can’t profess to have known her since kindergarten, I will share that she is a smart, level headed women with an incredible sense of responsibility and transparency. If I was a hiring Manager today I would tell you that she nailed the initial interview.

My twenty years experience in business tells me Cheryl will make any organization look good. She thrives on hard work, being a team player and most of all be a good company steward.

Get the rest of the story and qualifications from her, you’ll be glad you did. Her email address is Cheryl.wasek@att.net.

What began as a chance encounter and five minute conversation with a random women has resulted in a pleasant reminder for me. That reminder is that no matter how busy our lives become, we always have time to help someone. For that we all become better versions of ourselves and maybe, make a new friend.

Pray for Cheryl please.

Peace,

MPK.

Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday & the beginning of lent

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Kelly) — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 12:12:00 +0000

Just a friendly reminder from the Prayer Man!

Leading a Christian Life

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Kelly) — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 12:31:00 +0000

So what does this mean? And how do your really do it? What are the rules, or as Johnny Dep says in "Pirates of the Caribbean", "the guidelines."

I feel like it all starts with the Golden rule, "do unto others." I feel like God looks down on us and blesses us for the things we do to and for others.

Why do I feel so strongly about this notion? Because over the past month or so I have been incredibly blessed with a successful new business, and a feeling of comfort that I haven't enjoyed in many years. The only thing that has gone wrong in the past couple of weeks is that I couldn't match the top, to a bottom, of my tupperware. Pretty minor huh? Any other minor hurdle I've been able to overcome fairly easily and quickly.

I also have the feeling that I would like to share a Christian relationship with a women. I haven't had that feeling in many months. In the past I've had a tendency to date when I didn't have everything in my life dialed in, as a result have had more than one relationship turn into a train wreck. Since I feel like I've got my life dialed in the way I want it, found my center, and have the balance and desire to really commit to a relationship maybe God will bless my life with a Godly women.

Here's what I did to I think earn myself bonus points with God.

My new business maintains foreclosed homes. When I started to have more work than I could handle by myself, I reached out to a local faith based mission for a man or two to help me.

God lead me to and introduced Kenneth and Jerome into my life. These two men are from completely different sides of town than me. They are also ethnically and culturally very different than me. Both of these men are are strong believers, and have dedicated their lives to Christ in order to get back on track. Their commitment to living a Christian life is leading them in the right direction. Without the grace of God, these two men and I would have never met.

Over the past couple of weeks Kenneth and I have spent quite a bit of time together working on various projects. Good things have continued to happen for both of us.

In a sermon a while back a Pastor said "If you want to be happy, get a hobby. If you want to be complete, get a relationship." He said this in the context of a man and a women, but I feel like the same thing applies to any relationship where two people support and hold each other accountable.

So if your looking for step one to leading a more Christian life, find someone that is in need, help them out, and stick with it.

What do you think the most critical elements of leading a Christian life are? I've love to learn more about this from everyone.

Peace,

MPK

I thought this was funny!

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Kelly) — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 13:22:00 +0000

On the first day, God created the dog and said: “Sit all day by the door of your house and bark at anyone who comes in or walks past. For this, I will give you a life span of twenty years.”
The dog said: “Man, that's a long time to be barking. How about only ten years and I'll give you back the other ten?”
So God agreed.

On the second day, God created the monkey and said: “Entertain people, do tricks, and make them laugh. For this, I'll give you a twenty -year life span.”
The monkey said: “Dude, monkey tricks for twenty years? That's a pretty long time to perform. How about I give you back ten like the Dog did?”
And God agreed.

On the third day, God created the cow and said: “You must go into the field with the farmer all day long and suffer under the sun, have calves and give milk to support the farmer's family. For this, I will give you a life span of sixty years.”
The cow said: “Hombre, that's kind of a tough life you want me to live for sixty years. How about twenty and I'll give back the other forty?”
And God agreed again.

On the fourth day, God created man and said: “Eat, sleep, play, marry and enjoy your life. For this, I'll give you twenty years.”
But man said: “Only twenty years? Could you possibly give me my twenty, the forty the cow gave back, the ten the monkey gave back, and the ten the dog gave back; that makes eighty, okay?”
“Okay,” said God, “You asked for it.”

So that is why for our first twenty years we eat, sleep, play and enjoy ourselves. For the next forty years we slave in the sun to support our family. For the next ten years we do monkey tricks to entertain the grandchildren. And for the last ten years we sit on the front porch and bark at everyone.

God turned on my check engine light!

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Kelly) — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 11:58:00 +0000

Doesn't it make you crazy when you're driving down the road and your check engine light goes on? You experience that initial moment of panic, then think "Ah, it's probably nothing major" then continue down the road.

A few weeks ago I learned that should your check engine light come on, all you have to do is pull into an Autozone, and they will diagnose the problem...for free! How cool is that!?!?!

So yesterday I'm driving home and my check engine light goes on! Not more than a block from where I was I passed an Autozone...weird huh! I turned into the parking lot, went into the store and asked if they would see why my check engine light came on. Turns out it was one of those pesky oxygen sensors.

As the technician was hooking up to my car whatever they call that thing they use, I noticed he had a tattoo on the back of his left wrist of a cross and inscription that read "God Forgives."

I asked him about the tattoo and he told me that he was an Army sniper in Iraq in 2006-2007. He got the tattoo wrist so that whenever he aimed his gun, he would remember that God would forgive him.

As we talked a little more, he showed me the prayer card he carries in his wallet with a picture of the Virgin Mary, and the Rosary beads he carries in his pocket.

I was truly blessed to have met this man, and had the opportunity to hear his story.

God puts in the places we need to be when we least expect it, and allows us to cross paths with people that enrich our lives. It's funny how God uses these little experiences to help us grow and become better versions of ourselves. Why else would my check engine light have come on... and there was an Autozone right there...and the person that checked my car out was a Christian? Kinda makes ya wonder don't it?

Lord thank you for all of the good people that have surrounded me, crossed my path and blessed my life. Thank you for the good experiences, as well as the bad. Thank you for giving all of us the opportunity to connect with you and grow. May we all learn to follow and be close to you.

Amen!!!!!!

Peace,

MPK

God has blessed me!

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Kelly) — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 11:29:00 +0000

Almost exactly a month ago I started a new company that specializes in cleaning up and maintaining foreclosed houses. Mainly what we've been doing is rekeying doors, cleaning up the yard, removing debris, and other small tasks that are are required to get a foreclosed home into shape to sell. Needless to say given the amount of foreclosed homes coming on the market, I've been busy!

With a small amount of money that my Father loaned me, I bought a lawn mower, blower, weedeater and some other equipment. That was enough to get me started. For a guy that has always driven a desk, driving my truck around town and pushing a lawnmower is a humbling, yet liberating experience.

One of my closests and dearest friends, K.C., is a Real Estate Agent that specializes in listing foreclosed homes so I had a source for some work. Up to this point, she's kept me busy and been an incredible resource for building my business. I don't think I will ever be able to tell her how much I appreciate her support, encouragement, but most of all Christ like friendship.

As I got busier, I knew I was going to need some help but was not sure what I was going to do, or where I was going to go. When I needed some help the most, God lead me to the Salvation Army where I met Ken and Jerome.

These two men are incredible spirits who, like me, are relying on God to help us get our lives back on track. They have great attitudes, work hard, are smart, but most of all believe that having a strong relationship with God will lead them in the right direction.

About the same time I met Ken and Jerome, God gave me another customer! And more work! This doesn't only benefit myself, but also Ken and Jerome.

My Mother told me "The Lord works in mysterious ways!" Given what has happened in the past month, I would say that this is definitly true. How else can you explain why I have been blessed with such incredible parents, friends, Ken and Jerome, and a new customer? Sure a little luck might be involved, but I'm pretty sure none of this could have come together as well as it has with out a little devine intervention.

When I think back to where I was a couple of months ago, I have to pinch myself as a reminder that all of this is real. I am so greatful for God's help in all of this.

Lord thank you for everything! Thank you for my parents, for KC, for my family, for my friends, for Ken and Jerome, and for the ability you gave me. Thank you for allowing me to be your humble servant!

Peace to everyone and may God bless and surround you with good people!

Peace,

MPK

Pray for Pinky

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Kelly) — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 01:23:00 +0000

I've been remiss in writing my blogs lately but hopefully everyone will understand that I have been consumed with a new job that I really dig! I think that maybe God hasn't inspired me to write anything because I needed something that inspired me to share. Maybe not.

I've been working on houses in Houston doing various things. For a guy that's always driven a desk, driving my truck around town with my lawn mower in the back is somewhat liberating. It's fun to be outside, and feels great to come home and know that I have done an honest days work, and earned an honest days pay.

Anyway, I digress.

Today I took on a last minute assignment to do the yard on a house in one of the more depressed neighborhoods. I would imagine that many people would be afraid to go to this part of town but because I believe God will protect me, I had no second thoughts about going there.

As I cut the grass a women named "Pinky" came up and asked me if she could help me. I said "Sure" and she asked me how much I would pay her. I told her if she would mow the back yard I would pay her $10.00. After a brief discussion she told me that she was homeless and did drugs. I asked her to promise me that if I gave her $10.00 she would not spend it on drugs. She promised.

As we stood by my car, she told me a bit about her story. It was sad to say the least.

I got her set up to mow the back yard, and she did a great job! I was really impressed!

As we stood by my truck and I gave her the money, I asked her if she believed in God. She told me she did and asked why I wanted to know.

I told her that I wanted to pray for her. That she would find her way off drugs, and off the street. She was touched that I offer to pray for her.

This women really touched me. She worked hard, was kind, friendly, and wanted to have a better life. I wish I could do all of that for her.

I feel very fortunate to be connected to God. I hope that all of the blessings I have enjoyed, can be shared through God with Pinky. Meeting people like her make me remember how fortunate I have to have a family that loves me, friends who care about me, and that God is watching over me. God has touched me, you, and those around us. Hopefully we can all pass this along to those less fortunate than our self.

Heavenly Father, bless Pinky with strength, direction, and your touch. She is a kind soul to whom I will be eternally grateful for the reminder of how fortunate some of us are.

Peace.

MPK

Prayer for the sick Monday, January 26, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Kelly) — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 14:41:00 +0000

So hear it's flu season, fortunately I am feeling great. For anyone that's sick, I found a nice prayer on Catholic Online. I also get quite a few prayers for people or their loved ones that are sick. The prayer below seems to apply for anyone.

Prayer for the Sick
Omnipotent and eternal God, the everlasting Salvation of those who believe, hear us on behalf of Thy sick servant, [insert name] for whom we beg the aid of Thy pitying mercy, that, with his bodily health restored, he may give thanks to Thee in Thy church. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Everyone have a great week, may God bless, protect, and inspire you to become a better version of yourself in the coming days.

Peace!!

The Prayerman is not M.I.A.

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Kelly) — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 14:17:00 +0000

He's just been super busy with two new projects over the past three days.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the work, the opportunity to earn some money, and the ability you have blessed me with. Hopefully you know I've been working in your shadow. Please bless all of the people that have helped me, TB, KC, my family, and friends. With out them and your help we would not have been able to accomplish what we have. Thank you for the blessing, and for protecting those around me as well as myself.

I pray that everyone will use their heart, hands, eyes, and strength to continue to work in your favor.

In your name we pray, Amen.

Prayer for Revival for Wednesday, January 21, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Kelly) — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 14:00:00 +0000

On the first official day as President of the United States for Barack Obama, I felt moved to pray for revival.

Below is an excerpt from a great blog I read this morning:

"Pray to see His Spirit pour out across this land to bring thousands and thousands to Him. Let us love one another and share the love of Christ. May God be glorified through His people coming before Him with the souls of our countrymen and women on our hearts. God does not desire that any should perish but that all should have eternal life."

http://www.allaboutprayer.org/how-to-pray-for-revival.htm

Everyone have a great day! My God bless and revive us all!

Prayer for Peace, Wisdom, and President Obama

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Kelly) — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 12:38:00 +0000

Heavenly Father, bless us that in the coming days we shall receive your gift of peace so that we may love our neighbors as ourselves, that we unite and be guided by your wisdom, and that President Obama leads us all in a new direction. Let us all pray "your will be done on earth as it is in heaven."

In your name we pray,

Amen.

Prayerman nominated for an award

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Kelly) — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 12:26:00 +0000

The Prayerman blog was nominated for a Social Media Award by The Austin Stateman. OK...so that's pretty cool in my mind!!

There is a comment form on the Austin Statemans website if you would like to enter a few thoughts.

Peace!

Hold on!

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Kelly) — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 12:54:00 +0000

I found this video on youtube. It's got a great message in it for all of us!

....pray on just a little while longer cause everythings gonna be alright!

Peace!!!

Pray for MLK day

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Kelly) — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 12:14:00 +0000

Heavenly Father, let us remember the words of Dr. Martin Luther King that one day we will all live in a world where we" will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character". Let us band together "to march ahead" against racial injustices for together "we shall over come." In your name we pray. Amen

From the works of Dr. Martin Luther King:
Let us not wallow in the valley of despair, I say to you today, my friends.

And so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed:

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal."

I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.

I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

I have a dream today!

I have a dream that one day, down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of "interposition" and "nullification" -- one day right there in Alabama little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.

I have a dream today!

I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, and every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight; "and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together."²

This is our hope, and this is the faith that I go back to the South with.

Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Kelly) — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 11:13:00 +0000

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury,pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.

Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen

I haven't forgotten the post for today!

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Kelly) — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 15:32:00 +0000

I just haven't felt inspired to share a prayer on a particular topic today. Mainly because I have so many good things in the works that I can't stay focused long enough to find something profound to share. I am going to do my own private devotion and mediation I do everyday however.

I am thankful and distracted by a new opportunity that I have been working diligently on. While I'm not going to completetly let the cat out of the bag, I am working with a local Mission to get some of the Men in their program back to work. I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am to help some Men get back on the right track.

I'm thankful to God for many things! My friends, my family, my ability, my drive, and my ability to work through problems. I believe that all of these are gifts from God, therefore I am grateful.

Please pray for a couple of friends of mine...SS that she find her purpose, KP that she become the women God made her to be, ST that resolve will be positive, and SW for God to bless and renew her relationship.

For everyone else, may God bless you with a great attitude, open mind, and clean heart.

God does listen!!!

Thank you to everyone for blessing me!!!

Prayers for Gods Grace for Tuesday, January 13, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Kelly) — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 14:00:00 +0000

O Lord my God, who created me in Your own image and likeness, grant me this great grace, so necessary for my salvation, so that I may overcome my fallen nature which drags me down to sin and the loss of my soul. I see in my fallen nature the law of sin opposing the law of my mind (Ro 7:23), leading me captive to sensuality.

Without the assistance of your holy grace, infused copiously into my heart (Eph 1:7), I cannot resist these passions.

I need a great abundance of your grace to overcome my fallen nature, which has an inclination toward evil even from my youth (Gn 8:21).

O Lord, how absolutely necessary Your grace is for me, both to begin a good work and to persevere until I accomplish it. Without grace I can do nothing (Jn 15:5), but I can do all things in You, when Your grace strengthens me (Ph 4:13).

Prayer for Those Seeking Meaning - Monday, January 12, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Kelly) — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 14:21:00 +0000

Eternal Wisdom,
source of life and grace,
bless all who are seeking
the meaning of life.
Endow them with courage to risk the unknown.
Bless them with wonder
to be still and rejoice.
Anoint them with wisdom
to understand the potential of their dreams.
Blessed is your name, now and ever more.
Amen.

- Vienna Cobb Anderson

http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/Prayer/Prayer-of-the-Day.aspx

End of Advent Prayer for Sunday, January 11, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Kelly) — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 14:50:00 +0000

"Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise."

Opening Prayer:
Father in heaven, you revealed Christ as your son by the voice that spoke over the waters of the Jordan.

May all who share in the sonship of Christ, follow in his path of service to man, and reflect the glory of his kingdomeven to the ends of the earth.

For he is Lord forever and ever.

Today's Readings:
Daily Meditation:
This is how you can know the Spirit of God: every spirit that acknowledges Jesus Christ come in the flesh belongs to God, and every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus. 1 John 3

"The people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen." Mt. 4

Jesus comes down to the Jordan and, in a profound gesture, enters our lives even more dramatically: he humbles himself to be one with us in the waters of baptism. In these days after Epiphany, let us keep letting the light shine into the places of darkness within us and around us. And where we have seen and felt his enlightening, freeing presence, let us continue to rejoice with Christmas joy.

Today's Daily Reflection:
Intercessions:
Our redeemer desired to be baptized in the Jordan by John; let us make this prayer to him: Lord, have mercy.

Christ, you made your light shine on us by revealing yourself, grant us the spirit of humble service to all people.

Christ, you humbled yourself and received baptism from your servant to show us the way of humility, grant us the spirit of humble service to our fellow men.

Christ, through your baptism you cleansed us of every blemish and made us children of your father, bestow your spirit of adoption on all who see you.

Christ, through baptism you have consecrated creation and opened the door of repentance to all who prepare for baptism, make us servants of your Gospel in the world.

Christ, through your baptism you revealed to us the Holy Trinity when the Father called you his beloved Sonand the Holy Spirit came down upon you, renew the spirit of adoption among the royal priesthood of the baptized.

Closing Prayer:
Lord, this incredible season comes to an end todaybut not the joy I have discovered in these weeks.

Daily Prayer for Saturday January 10, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Matt Kelly) — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 13:17:00 +0000

"Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise."

Opening Prayer:
God our Father, through your Son you made us a new creation. He shared our nature and became one of us; with his help, may we become more like him, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Today's Readings:
Daily Meditation:
And we have this confidence in him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in regard to whatever we ask, we know that what we have asked him for is ours. 1 John 5

He must increase; I must decrease. John 3

Confidence in Jesus is so freeing. Until we have complete trust in Jesus, we will always be tempted to be the center of attention, and too absorbed with our needs and too discouraged if our needs aren't being met. When we have confidence in Jesus, we can ask for anything that he desires in us, and we will have it. If we ask that I might grow smaller in my desires, and the needs of others might grow in my attention, then he will increase his place in our hearts, and fill us with even greater love for others.

May we know how much he loves us. May he become the center of our lives.

Today's Daily Reflection:
Intercessions:
Let us give glory to Christ, the image of God, as we call upon him in faith: Christ, Son of God, hear us.

Son of God, you showed us the Father’s love, reveal him to men and women through the love we show toward one another.

You revealed yourself as Lord of life, now grant us the fullness of your life.

Let our bodies be signs of your life, as we bear your dying in our flesh.

Illuminate our hearts, with the brilliant knowledge of God’s light.

Closing Prayer:
You have said that we could ask for anything and you would grant it. Give me only the ability to trust you, Lord.

My mind and heart are so often at war with each other and I am used to a life in which my own needs come first. But I long to live my life as you lived yours, filled with the love of and compassion for others.

Give me the great grace to be more humble and to demand less in my life. Let me see the needs of others as more important than my own.

Too often I am at the center of my life; Help me to do the impossible: to put you in that central place.

May the Lord bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.