Prayer Requests

I’ve written to you before regarding prayer requests for my health, but I wanted to ask for continued prayer. I have a disability that I’ve coped with fairly well all my life, but in recent years I’ve developed additional health problems that are really taxing me to the limit right now. They are messy, awkward, inconvenient, embarrassing, and nearly impossible to manage by myself. I’ve become almost a shut-in, and these problems have the potential to drastically reduce my quality of life unless I find some way to manage them. I need physical help which may include everything from an attendant or personal care aide to relocating to an assisted living facility. I need spiritual help, especially the graces to cope with whatever may come. At different times, I am frightened, angry, or profoundly depressed. I ask for the grace to grow closer to Christ through my trials and accept whatever may come with patience and trust in God.

Father, hear our prayer for this man that he will indeed find the graces to bear his cross and that he will go from grace to grace and glory to glory in your eyes. Thank you for his courageous witness. Exalt him as one of your great saints in Christ Jesus and prepare him for the everlasting glory you intend for him through Christ Jesus crucified. Mother Mary, pray for him that all his needs be met.

Another reader writes:

Hey. So, I’m currently a college seminarian. After some recent revelations and emotional developments, I’ve reached the conclusion that I am not now at least called to the priesthood or seminary life. I don’t have much in the way of resources to bounce back from this, and so I could stand some prayer for finding work and a job very quickly — as the semester is fast approaching it’s end. I had a full-on panic attack the other day at the prospect of being without prospects, although since, I’ve gotten good advice regarding temp work and I *think* have a workable plan for someplace to stay temporarily, perhaps through the summer, while I try to get everything else sorted out. But I would certainly appreciate — nay, beg — prayers that all of this should come to a reasonable conclusion wherein I’m working for a living in a place I can afford.

Father, we ask that you would continue to keep your hand on your son and help him to take the next step by the light and grace you provide. Help him to find work swiftly and discern the path you ask him to walk. Help him to see, not that he has no vocation, but that he has some other vocation in Christ our Lord. Mother Mary, pray for your willing servant.