A book of prayers to the Holy Face of Jesus

 Ever heard the expression, “be sure to keep the lines of communication open”?  It is an expression usually used when trying to smooth things over in a troubled relationship.  It requires honest effort and active listening (open mind and open ears). Usually good communication skills require you to repeat back what you hear as a means of demonstrating to the speaker that you are listening and to help the speaker further clarify what they are saying, and thus gain a clearer understanding between the parties. Open communication works best when we give our best efforts not to judge or form opinions too quickly!  It is optimal when it is a time of reflection, not problem solving, which comes later, once all the “issues are on the table.” Interestingly enough, prayer and meditation work much the same way! It is our opportunity to keep the lines of open communication with God! Prayer should not be looked at as a ritual or a moral obligation! It should be looked at as a “gift.”  It is your chance to talk to God!   An opportunity to share and reflect on your deepest feelings and concerns, with the comfort of knowing that God is actively listening, and with a father’s love and mercy, he is not judging or condemning! God’s grace can get you through some of life’s most difficult times.  That’s when you know he has been actively listening!  We just have to keep the lines of communication open!

larger or more enduring reward later. “Nothing will influence your success or failure at anything more than your ability (and willingness) to delay gratification. You cannot have a successful marriage without it, nor can your personal finances thrive. I cannot think of a noble career in which you can succeed without it, nor can you maintain a high level of physical health. You cannot successfully parent your children without it, and you cannot develop or maintain a vibrant spiritual life without it. The ability to delay gratification, to deny yourself, is an essential life skill.”Mathew Kelly – From his book – Rediscover Jesus. Now I think I understand the meaning and importance of penance!​

Hear…and Listen! Hear the Word, humble, contrite in spirit, and tremble at His Word.  Follow now as you have been instructed! ​

Defense against despair! Satan’s greatest weapons are condemnation, confusion, and despair! And despair is the greatest sin because we now hold out no hope for God’s mercy! We have determined that our despair out trumps God’s mercy and love, which is all powerful and all giving! And since we lose hope in his mercy, God grants us our wish – and Satan wins another soul!“Do not despair” and may peace be with you!  Psalm 27:14 and 2 Corinthians 4:16-18.If we are truly sorry for our sins and repent, and in our humility hold on to hope in God’s mercy, He will grant it to you! And His grace will endure forever – with you there with him!  PrayerMaker and Lord, father and friend – God of infinite mercy, forgive me for my offenses, which feel too great to bear, but let me not despair, for you are with me with a father’s love, and with open arms, to take me back, humble and broken, for your mercy is divine, and your love and grace endless! Build a strong backbone of hope, so that on my day of judgment, I will not despair, and that your mercy and grace alone are sufficient!

 Harnessing the flow.Anyone who has had to swim against a current knows it can be a daunting task. So it seems with life we often find ourselves swimming against the current. We tend to tire easily, get swept away, and in the constant, onrushing waters, we can even drown! If we can somehow find a way to harness that flow and preserve our energy to “get back some of the ground you have given up.” It requires us to let go, which can be scary, but it allows us to focus on the shore, channel ourselves to “grab on” to something and to get onshore and regain ourselves before we “dive back in” to get to our destination. Prayer and meditation are the only way to keep some ground underneath you or the branch or the rock you need to latch onto when you are taking on a strong current or swimming with the Sharks! The alternative is to get swept away or eaten alive before you can make it to your final port of call!