Adult / Couple
Pray
Pray with the Psalms
In these times of restrictions and isolation, a line from Romans seems valuable: “…by endurance and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope.” Rom: 15:4
Hope and encouragement can be found in the psalms. Which ones? Personal life experiences determine. What may be significant to one may have no particular import to another.
Psalm 34 is called an acrostic: each of the verses can stand alone and does not need to appear with all of the others. In a time of stress, choose verse 5. In a time of thanksgiving, choose verse 2 or verse 9. Reflect on relating that verse to the situation that prompted its choice.
Psalm 34: 2-9
2I will bless you Lord at all times;
praise shall be always in my mouth
3My soul will glory in you Lord
that the poor may hear and be glad.
4Magnify the Lord with me;
let us exalt his name together.
5I sought the Lord, who answered me,
delivered me from all my fears.
6Look to God that you may be radiant with joy
and your faces may not blush for shame.
7In my misfortune I called,
the Lord heard and saved me from all distress.
8The angel of the Lord, who encamps with them,
delivers all who fear God.
9Learn to savor how good the Lord is;
happy are those who take refuge in him.
Psalms are valuable tools for reflection because verses can serve as sources of comfort, peace, joy, grieving, thanksgiving, or glorifying God: all of these human emotions or needs.
Cicily Dennis
Hope and encouragement can be found in the psalms. Which ones? Personal life experiences determine. What may be significant to one may have no particular import to another.
Psalm 34 is called an acrostic: each of the verses can stand alone and does not need to appear with all of the others. In a time of stress, choose verse 5. In a time of thanksgiving, choose verse 2 or verse 9. Reflect on relating that verse to the situation that prompted its choice.
Psalm 34: 2-9
2I will bless you Lord at all times;
praise shall be always in my mouth
3My soul will glory in you Lord
that the poor may hear and be glad.
4Magnify the Lord with me;
let us exalt his name together.
5I sought the Lord, who answered me,
delivered me from all my fears.
6Look to God that you may be radiant with joy
and your faces may not blush for shame.
7In my misfortune I called,
the Lord heard and saved me from all distress.
8The angel of the Lord, who encamps with them,
delivers all who fear God.
9Learn to savor how good the Lord is;
happy are those who take refuge in him.
Psalms are valuable tools for reflection because verses can serve as sources of comfort, peace, joy, grieving, thanksgiving, or glorifying God: all of these human emotions or needs.
Cicily Dennis
Pope Francis’ Prayer for Protection during the Coronavirus Pandemic
O Mary,
you always shine on our path
as a sign of salvation and of hope.
We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick,
who at the cross took part in Jesus' pain, keeping your faith firm.
You, Salvation of the Roman People,
know what we need,
and we are sure you will provide
so that, as in Cana of Galilee,
we may return to joy and to feasting
after this time of trial.
Help us, Mother of Divine Love,
to conform to the will of the Father
and to do as we are told by Jesus,
who has taken upon himself our sufferings
and carried our sorrows
to lead us, through the cross,
to the joy of the resurrection.
Amen.
you always shine on our path
as a sign of salvation and of hope.
We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick,
who at the cross took part in Jesus' pain, keeping your faith firm.
You, Salvation of the Roman People,
know what we need,
and we are sure you will provide
so that, as in Cana of Galilee,
we may return to joy and to feasting
after this time of trial.
Help us, Mother of Divine Love,
to conform to the will of the Father
and to do as we are told by Jesus,
who has taken upon himself our sufferings
and carried our sorrows
to lead us, through the cross,
to the joy of the resurrection.
Amen.
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Although Catholics and many other Christians approach the Bible in similar ways, the Catholic Church does provide a particular lens for us to look through as we view the Bible. This brief article from America Magazine helps to explain that Catholic view.
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Let the vibrant art of Laura james lead you through scripture
We continue to consider how the Bible has influenced art through the ages and how art helps us to understand the Bible texts. In this article, explore the work of contemporary artist, Laura James. Ms. James creates beautiful artwork for liturgical books and resources. Her style and use of color are stunning. Enjoy her works as they lead you to ponder the Bible more deeply!