Need Your Prayers

I find myself still in need of your prayers for my needs. Please keep me and these blogs in your prayers.

Thank you all! May God bless you and Our Lady keep you in her care!

A Prayer Request For Oklahoma

Tomorrow, is May 22, my birthday, in which I like to say, it is the 19th anniversary of my 39th birthday.

That however, is not the important thing here. The important thing right now (to me anyway) is to pray for the tornado victims in Oklahoma. Many of us, myself included, are very blessed to never have suffered the devastation that a tornado can bring.

We complain and gripe about the weather...it's too hot...it's too cold...it's too dry....it's too wet. Yet many, if not most of us have never truly suffered from such devastation that weather can bring in the form of tornadoes, hurricanes, and flooding, just to name a few.

So, I am going to post here a prayer to Saint Rita of Cascia, and also one to Saint Jude the Apostle. Both are patrons of desperate and impossible causes, and I feel that the victims in Oklahoma may feel that their situation is both desperate and impossible.

I also chose both saints, because Saint Rita's memorial is on my birthday, May 22, and Saint Jude is my patron saint. Both have certainly helped me in my situations that I have felt were desperate and impossible.

Thank you Saint Rita of Cascia and Saint Jude the Apostle for prayers answered.

Prayer to Saint Rita of Cascia

Holy Patroness of those in need, Saint Rita, you were humble, pure and patient. Your pleadings with your divine Spouse are irresistible, so please obtain for us from our risen Jesus the request we make of you: the relief, uplifting, and healing of the people afflicted by the tornadoes in Oklahoma. Be kind to us for the greater glory of God, and we shall honour you and sing your praises forever. Glorious Saint Rita, you miraculously participated in the sorrowful passion of our Lord Jesus Christ. Obtain for us now the grace to suffer with resignation the troubles of this life, and protect us in all our needs. Amen.

Prayer to Saint Jude the Apostle

Glorious Saint Jude, with faith in your goodness we ask your help today. As one of Christ's chosen Apostles, you are a pillar and foundation of His Church on earth. You are among the elders who stand always before God's throne.

Brother Jude, you are renowned for your kinship with Christ and your physical resemblance to our Savior. Help us to remain close to Christ and resemble Him in our outlook and actions.

Holy Apostle, you are venerated for your work of preaching the gospel and your faithfulness to Christ by a martyr's death. Assist us to preach the good news of Christ by word and example, and remain steadfast in His service as you were.

From your place of glory, do not forget the needs and difficulties of Christ's little ones like us, still struggling on the way home to God. Pray for us that we may receive the consolation and help of heaven in our necessities, tribulations and sufferings, particularly pray for the consolation and help of Heaven for the victims of the Oklahoma tornadoes, and that we may praise God with you and all the elect forever.

Intercede for us all, gracious, brother Saint Jude, and pray for us to the Lord our God in our daily toil and our necessities. Amen.

Prayer Request

I am in need of your prayers, please. My eyes seem to be getting worse, at least it's more noticeable to me, especially at night. Hopefully, I can get them checked in the next few months, and find out what I can do to have the cataracts removed. Thanks, and God bless you.

Pope Francis' Prayer Intentions For May

Vatican City, 29 April 2013 (VIS) – The Pope's general prayer intention for May is: "That administrators of justice may act always with integrity and right conscience."

His mission intention is: “That seminaries, especially those of mission Churches, may form pastors after the Heart of Christ, fully dedicated to proclaiming the Gospel.”

You can find more information at: www.visnews.org

The news items contained in the Vatican Information Service may be used, in part or in their entirety, by quoting the source:

V.I.S. -Vatican Information Service.

Copyright © Vatican Information Service 00120 Vatican City

A Need

Once again, I must humbly ask for your prayers and assistance if possible. I have a power bill  due by April 24, that is over $370.00. I don't know where the money is going to come from. 

Last month, my power bill was over $417.00, and my landlady graciously allowed me to pay only one half of last months rent so that I would be able to pay THAT power bill. The other half of the rent will be paid over the next 2 months (that is this month and May).

So, I would greatly appreciate your prayers. I had my power disconnected almost one year ago, and I would like to avoid that scenario again, if at all possible. Not having lights is one thing, but I am also on a well, and would have no water without electricity. 

The good thing is, the weather has been very warm, and so I don't have to be concerned about heat right now, which is good because the home I rent has electric heat.

Anyway, please forgive my request, but I do especially covet your prayers, and would appreciate any assistance (even if it's just $1) or suggestions you might be able to offer.

Thank you, and may God Bless you all!

UPDATE: Thank you to those who have sent me donations through my PayPal donate button. Those donations have got the amount I need now to just under $300.00. Thank you again, and may God bless you all!

Personal Prayer Need

I am in need of your prayers for a personal intention at this time. Thank you, and may God Bless you!

-- Steve

Pope's Prayer Intentions For April 2013

Vatican City, 30 March 2013 (VIS) – The Pope's general prayer intention for April is: "That the public, prayerful celebration of faith may give life to the faithful."

His mission intention is: "That mission churches may be signs and instruments of hope and resurrection.”

You can find more information at: www.visnews.org

The news items contained in the Vatican Information Service may be used, in part or in their entirety, by quoting the source:

V.I.S. -Vatican Information Service.

Copyright © Vatican Information Service 00120 Vatican City

Pope Benedict XVI'S Prayer Intentions For March

Vatican City, 28 February 2013 (VIS) – Pope Benedict's general prayer intention for March is: "That respect for nature may grow with the awareness that all creation is God's work entrusted to human responsibility."

His mission intention is: "That bishops, priests, and deacons may be tireless messengers of the Gospel to the ends of the earth."

You can find more information at: www.visnews.org

The news items contained in the Vatican Information Service may be used, in part or in their entirety, by quoting the source:

V.I.S. -Vatican Information Service.

Copyright © Vatican Information Service 00120 Vatican City

Urgent Help Needed For A Catholic Blogger And Friend

One of my good blogging friends, Lisa Graas, is in great need of your prayers and a financial boost if you will.

Lisa is the author of  the blog "Catholic Bandita", and is on twitter as @CatholicLisa. She always reminds us in her blog posts that our identity as Christians is, and should be in Christ, and nothing else.

Lisa and her children have been going through some difficult times...physically, financially... and I am sure the emotional strain is not easy either. I have been there myself. 

Some other blogging pals, including Sofia Guerra of the blog "Always Catholic", George Vogt of the blog "A Talking Donkey", and Father Z of "Fr. Z's Blog – What Does The Prayer Really Say?" have all posted about Lisa's situation here... here... and here.

You can go to Lisa's blog here, and scrolling down, look on the left side for a PayPal Donate button similar to mine. It will say "Hit The Tip Jar".

We all are asking you to give of both your prayers and money to help out Lisa and her family at this time. Please.

May God Bless you and Our Lady keep you in her care!

Need Prayers?

Many of you may know, that one of my blogs is "Prayer Requests". People requesting prayers for themselves, family, or friends may send an email to: faithofthefathers@gmail.com. I will post the prayer requests there, and people from around the country and around the world can pray for your special intentions.

Be sure to include Prayer Request as the email subject.

Pope Benedict XVI'S Prayer Intentions For January 2013

Vatican City, 28 December 2012 (VIS) - Pope Benedict's general prayer intention for January 2013 is: "That in this Year of Faith Christians may deepen their knowledge of the mystery of Christ and witness joyfully to the gift of faith in him".

His mission intention is: "That the Christian communities of the Middle East, often discriminated against, may receive from the Holy Spirit the strength of fidelity and perseverance".

You can find more information at: www.visnews.org

The news items contained in the Vatican Information Service may be used, in part or in their entirety, by quoting the source:

V.I.S. -Vatican Information Service.

Copyright © Vatican Information Service 00120 Vatican City

Saint Jude's Chapel of Hope

Not too many miles from where I live in western North Carolina, there is a tiny chapel called Saint Jude's Chapel of Hope.

In 1981, a lady by the name of Beverly Barutio was diagnosed with advanced cancer. She underwent several rounds of chemotherapry. The cancer continued to advance, and the side effects from the chemotherapy were so bad, that Mrs. Barutio stopped the treatments.

She prayed to God, and to Saint Jude, the patron of hopeless, desperate, and impossible causes. Her prayers were answered, and later checkups revealed no signs of the cancer.

For a number of years, she had wanted to build a chapel to thank God and Saint Jude for her miracle, a place where others could pray and hope for their own miracles. So, some years later, she and her husband moved to Trust, a small mountain community in the mountains of western North Carolina. 

There in 1991, at the intersections of Highway 63 and Highway 209 in Madison County, she and her husband built Saint Jude's Chapel of Hope. A little 12 foot by 14 foot cedar chapel that is always open for anyone to go in to pray, mediate, and hope. At the front of the chapel there is a cross, an open Bible, and a shrine to Saint Jude.

If you are ever in western North Carolina, and would like to visit Saint Jude's Chapel of Hope, it is located between Hot Springs, and Waynesville, N.C. From Waynesville of Hot Springs you can follow Highway 209 to Trust, NC. From Asheville, you can follow Highway 63 (New Leicester Highway) to Trust. It's a beautiful drive

Also, if you go, be sure to stop and eat at the cafe of the Trust General Store. If you leave there hungry, it's your own fault!

PRAYERS FOR THE UNEMPLOYED

O Saint Joseph, we pray to you for those who are out of work, for those who want to earn their living or support their families.

You who are the patron of workers; grant that unemployment may vanish from our ranks; that all those who are ready to work may put their strength and abilities in serving their fellowmen and earn a just salary.

You are the patron of families; do not let those who have children to support and raise lack the necessary means. Have pity on our brothers and sisters held down in unemployment and poverty because of sickness or social disorders. Help our political leaders and captains of industry find new and just solutions. May each and every one have the joy of contributing, according to his abilities, to the common prosperity by an honorable livelihood. Grant that we may all share together in the abundant goods God has given us and that we may help underprivileged countries. Amen.

* * * * * * *

Dear Lord Jesus Christ,

You wanted all who are weary

To come to You for support.

Lord, I am worn out

By my inability to find work.

Guide my steps to a righteous path;

Give me the patience

To find opportunities with a future.

Calm my worries and fears

As my financial responsibilities mount.

Strengthen my resolve;

Embolden my heart to open doors;

Open my eyes to see life beyond rejections.

Help me believe in me.

Let me realize other ways

To bring about Your kingdom on earth.

Let me grow as a person

That I may be worthy

For Your greater glory.

In the name of the Father.

Amen.

* * * * * * *

God, our Father, I turn to you seeking your divine help and guidance as I look for suitable employment. I need your wisdom to guide my footsteps along the right path, and to lead me to find the proper things to say and do in this quest. I wish to use the gifts and talents you have given me, but I need the opportunity to do so with gainful employment. Do not abandon me, dear Father, in this search, but rather grant me this favor I seek so that I may return to you with praise and thanksgiving for your gracious assistance. Grant this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Prayer Request For A New Job

As many regular readers know, the past few months have been a financial strain for myself as well as for many of you in this dreadful economy.

I have applied for a new job, as I was just made aware of an opportunity this past Friday. This would be a big improvement for me, and would be a tremendous help. It would also ensure that I have every Sunday off, and would be able to attend Mass every week.

A friend of mine who has been unemployed for awhile has also applied, as there are at least 3 openings.

So please say a prayer on our behalf, and for all affected by the current economic situation.

Thank you all, and may God bless you!

POPE BENEDICT XVI'S PRAYER INTENTIONS FOR AUGUST

Vatican City, 31 July 2012 (VIS) - Pope Benedict's general prayer intention for August is: "That prisoners may be treated with justice and respect for their human dignity".

His mission intention is: "That young people, called to follow Christ, may be willing to proclaim and bear witness to the Gospel to the ends of the earth".

You can find more information at: www.visnews.org

The news items contained in the Vatican Information Service may be used, in part or in their entirety, by quoting the source:

V.I.S. -Vatican Information Service.

Copyright © Vatican Information Service 00120 Vatican City

Saint Anne Novena -- Day Nine

Today is the eighth and final day of the Saint Anne Novena. You may join with us, and the thousands of other faithful from around the world in praying this novena at Pray More Novena's. You can go here to see the prayer intentions of those joining in praying this novena.

Below is the prayer for today:

Day 9 - Saint Anne Novena Prayers

Glorious St. Anne, filled with compassion for those who invoke you, with love for those who suffer, heavily laden with the weight of my troubles, I kneel at your feet and humbly beg you to take my present need under your special protection...

(State your intention here.)

Vouchsafe to recommend it to your daughter, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and lay it before the throne of Jesus. Cease not to intercede for me until my request is granted. Above all, obtain for me the grace to one day meet God face to face, and with you and Mary and all the angels and saints praising Him through all eternity.

Amen

Most holy mother of the Virgin Mary, glorious Saint Anne, I, a miserable sinner, confiding in your kindness, choose you today as my special advocate. I offer all my interests to your care and maternal solicitude. O my very good mother and advocate, deign to accept me and to adopt me as your child.

O glorious Saint Anne, I beg you, by the passion of my most loving Jesus, the Son of Mary, your most holy daughter, to assist me in all the necessities both of my body and my soul. Venerable Mother, I beg you to obtain for me the favor I seek in this novena…

(State your intention here.)

…and the grace of leading a life perfectly conformable in all things to the Divine Will. I place my soul in your hands and in those of your kind daughter. I ask for your favor in order that, appearing under your patronage before the Supreme Judge, He may find me worthy of enjoying His Divine Presence in your holy companionship in Heaven.

Amen.

Our Father…
Hail Mary…
Glory Be to the Father…

Pray for us, Saint Anne!

That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Saint Anne Novena -- Day Eight

Today is day eight of the Saint Anne Novena. You may join with us, and the thousands of other faithful from around the world in praying this novena at Pray More Novena's. You can go here to see the prayer intentions of those joining in praying this novena.

Below is the prayer for today:

Day 8 - Saint Anne Novena Prayers

Glorious St. Anne, filled with compassion for those who invoke you, with love for those who suffer, heavily laden with the weight of my troubles, I kneel at your feet and humbly beg you to take my present need under your special protection...

(State your intention here.)

Vouchsafe to recommend it to your daughter, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and lay it before the throne of Jesus. Cease not to intercede for me until my request is granted. Above all, obtain for me the grace to one day meet God face to face, and with you and Mary and all the angels and saints praising Him through all eternity.

Amen

Remember, O Saint Anne, you whose name signifies grace and mercy, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, and sought your intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly unto you, good, and kind mother; I take refuge at your feet, burdened with the weight of my sins. O holy mother of the Immaculate Virgin Mary, despise not my petition…

(State your intention here.)

…but hear me and grant my prayer.

Amen.

Our Father…
Hail Mary…
Glory Be to the Father…

Pray for us, Saint Anne!

That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Saint Anne Novena -- Day Seven

Today is day seven of the Saint Anne Novena. You may join with us, and the thousands of other faithful from around the world in praying this novena at Pray More Novena's. You can go here to see the prayer intentions of those joining in praying this novena.

Below is the prayer for today:

Day 7 - Saint Anne Novena Prayers

 

Glorious St. Anne, filled with compassion for those who invoke you, with love for those who suffer, heavily laden with the weight of my troubles, I kneel at your feet and humbly beg you to take my present need under your special protection...

 

(State your intention here.)

 

Vouchsafe to recommend it to your daughter, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and lay it before the throne of Jesus. Cease not to intercede for me until my request is granted. Above all, obtain for me the grace to one day meet God face to face, and with you and Mary and all the angels and saints praising Him through all eternity.

 

Amen

 

O Good Saint Anne, so justly called the mother of the infirm, the cure for those who suffer from disease, look kindly upon the sick for whom I pray. 

 

Alleviate their sufferings; cause them to sanctify their sufferings by patience and complete submission to the Divine Will; finally deign to obtain health for them and with it the firm resolution to honor Jesus, Mary, and yourself by the faithful performance of duties. 

 

But, merciful Saint Anne, I ask you above all for the salvation of my soul, rather than bodily health, for I am convinced that this fleeting life is given us solely to assure us a better one. I cannot obtain that better life without the help of God's graces. I earnestly beg them of you for the sick and for myself, especially the petition for which I am making in this novena...

 

(State your intention here.)

 

...through the merits of our Lord Jesus Christ, through the intercession of His Immaculate Mother, and through your efficacious and powerful mediation, I pray.

 

Amen.

 

Our Father...

Hail Mary...

Glory Be to the Father...

 

Pray for us, Saint Anne!

 

That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

 

Amen.

Saint Anne Novena -- Day Six

Today is day six of the Saint Anne Novena. You may join with us, and the thousands of other faithful from around the world in praying this novena at Pray More Novena's. You can go here to see the prayer intentions of those joining in praying this novena.

Below is the prayer for today:

Day 6 - Saint Anne Novena Prayers

 

Glorious St. Anne, filled with compassion for those who invoke you, with love for those who suffer, heavily laden with the weight of my troubles, I kneel at your feet and humbly beg you to take my present need under your special protection...

 

(State your intention here.)

 

Vouchsafe to recommend it to your daughter, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and lay it before the throne of Jesus. Cease not to intercede for me until my request is granted. Above all, obtain for me the grace to one day meet God face to face, and with you and Mary and all the angels and saints praising Him through all eternity.

 

Amen

 

Glorious Saint Anne, mother of the Mother of God, I beg your powerful intercession for the freedom from my sins and the assistance I need in my troubles...

 

(State your intention here.)

 

What can I not hope for if you deign to take me under your protection? The Most High has been pleased to grant the prayers of sinners, whenever you have been charitable enough to be their advocate.

 

Therefore, I beg you to help me in all spiritual and temporal dangers; to guide me in the true path of Christian perfection, and finally to obtain for me the grace of a happy death, so that I may contemplate your beloved Jesus and daughter Mary in your loving companionship throughout all eternity.

 

Amen.

 

Our Father...

Hail Mary...

Glory Be to the Father...

 

Pray for us, Saint Anne!

 

That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

 

Amen.

Saint Anne Novena -- Day Five

Today is day five of the Saint Anne Novena. You may join with us, and the thousands of other faithful from around the world in praying this novena at Pray More Novena's. You can go here to see the prayer intentions of those joining in praying this novena.

Below is the prayer for today:

Day 5 - Saint Anne Novena Prayers

 

Glorious St. Anne, filled with compassion for those who invoke you, with love for those who suffer, heavily laden with the weight of my troubles, I kneel at your feet and humbly beg you to take my present need under your special protection...

 

(State your intention here.)

 

Vouchsafe to recommend it to your daughter, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and lay it before the throne of Jesus. Cease not to intercede for me until my request is granted. Above all, obtain for me the grace to one day meet God face to face, and with you and Mary and all the angels and saints praising Him through all eternity.

 

Amen

 

Great Saint Anne, how far I am from resembling you. I so easily give way to impatience and discouragement; and so easily give up praying when God does not at once answer my request. Prayer is the key to all heavenly treasures and I cannot pray, because my weak faith and lack of confidence fail me at the slightest delay. O my powerful protectress, come to my aid, listen to my petition...

 

(State your intention here.)

 

Make my confidence and fervor, supported by the promise of Jesus Christ, increase as the trial to which God in His goodness subjects me is prolonged, that I may obtain like you more than I can venture to ask for. In the future I will remember that I am made for heaven and not for earth; for eternity and not for time; that consequently I must ask, above all, the salvation of my soul which is assured to all who pray properly and who persevere in prayer.

 

Amen.

 

Our Father...

Hail Mary...

Glory Be to the Father...

 

Pray for us, Saint Anne!

 

That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

 

Amen.