Catholic and Enjoying It!
A reader writes:
May I ask for prayers, please? I am still going through a difficult time concerning work, retirement and finances. Your readers have been great in providing suggestions, and I have followed up, but with no tangible result so far. And, because I also suffer from depression, I have been so worried about the whole thing that I have lost over 20 pounds since the beginning of the year, just because of a loss of appetite. If I was following a diet, it would be great news, and in fact I could still lose another 10 to 15 pounds to reach a more politically correct weight, but this seems too much too quickly for someone who is not following a diet and did not even consider doing so… (But I am being followed by my doctor about it – thanks to our Canadian medical insurance scheme, finances are not a problem for this, and she even gives me free samples of the expensive anti-depressants that are not covered in the senior’s pharmaceutical program.)
Father, hear our prayer that this person can get her work, finances, health and depression sorted out with the help of your Spirit. Mother Mary, St. Joseph and St. Luke. pray for her and her caregivers. We ask all this through Christ our Lord.
Another reader writes:
Please pray for me, next time you have a chance. God knows what I need help with. . .but chastity and a struggle with loneliness and laziness in particular.
Father, hear our prayer that this man know the love and closeness of your Son and all the saints in this moment of emptiness. Fill his life with friendship, love and work so that his energy can be spent in praise of you. Mother Mary and St. Joseph, pray for him. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
The reader with the friend at the Embassy writes:
I’m going to double up on this prayer request today. My friend posts to her Facebook:
“We are okay, not too scared. I would appreciate your prayers for our safety, and the safety of everybody fighting outside.”
I’m having a hard time thinking about anything else today. I’ve never had any close friends this seriously in harm’s way before. Nothing even close.
Father, surround her and all our innocents in harm’s way with the protection of your mighty angels. Bring them all home safely and scatter your enemies through Christ our Lord and the intercession of our Lady of the Rosary.
Another reader writes:
How about keeping me in your prayers this week. I have been struggling with some sins of flesh as of late.
Father, hear our prayers that this man could find the strength and grace to walk in virtue and find the reward of joy that comes with it. Mother Mary and St. Joseph, pray for him. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Another reader writes:
Hard to believe Susanne and I have shared almost 40 years of wedded bliss! The boys are grown. We have been blessed with two grandchildren. Retirement is less than a year away. As the Beach Boys sang “God Only Knows” what the future holds.
To celebrate our 40th, we would like to make a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, be it God’s will.
Please keep us in your prayers.
Father, thank you for years of happy marriage for this family and for the blessing of their children and grandchildren. Grant that they may visit the Holy Land and honor you through Christ our Lord. Mother Mary, pray for them.
Another reader simple asks that we pray for a special intention. Father, hear and answer that prayer through Christ our Lord. Mother Mary, pray for the people involved.
Finally, I have two requests: first, for a reader who is going through a painful marital breakup and second, for my sister-in-law Mary Ann, who is recovering from brain surgery and who has developed a fever and had a rough night last night. Also, for my wife Jan, who is being a rock but who is bearing a great load. Also, for Mary Ann’s husband Michael. Father, help them all through Christ Jesus and bring Mary complete healing in body, soul, mind, and spirit. Mother Mary and St. Anne, pray for them all and for her caregivers.
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