What Cross do You Bear?
In Our Thoughts and Prayers
Photo By: Flickr/Lawrence OP
Lately it seems that I have been saying “You’re in my thoughts and prayers” a lot more often and the list of prayers and petitions is getting longer and longer. Sometimes I wonder: do these thoughts and prayers make any difference? It is so easy to get discouraged, especially when the news of the day is so bad!
Discouragement, which can lead to despair and hopelessness, is a tool the devil uses to drive a wedge between us and God. Knowing that prevents me from giving up, particularly when thoughts of futility try to crowd out my concerns for those who need prayers. However, keeping my thoughts and prayers focused can be a real struggle. Have you ever faced that challenge?
To ponder and to pray
How to overcome those futile thoughts and temptations to stop praying may differ for each of us depending on our frame of mind. Oftentimes, I forget all humility and demand: “God, you see what is happening here?! Do something!” I also get bogged down in what I do not understand where God is concerned. Why doesn’t God stop the world’s tragedies and protect the innocent from harm?
When I find myself getting terribly muddled, I pray to Mary, our Blessed Mother. I liken it to picking up the phone and calling my mother to help me sort out whatever is bothering me. Reaching out to Mary and contemplating her life clear my mind and help me to remember what each of us is called to do, particularly where thoughts and prayers are concerned.
Mary’s life was one of thoughts and prayers, not just for herself and her family, but for all those in need of God’s mercy. Mary pondered and prayed in her heart which was centered in God’s love—love that Mary shared to shield all, who were in her heart, from hopelessness. Remember, Mary is the Mother of Hope and as our Blessed Mother, Mary continues to shield us. How fortunate we are to be in Mary’s thoughts and prayers! We too can share that fortune by following Mary’s example.
Keep hope alive
Always humble, Mary, united with the Holy Spirit, lived according to God’s will in her joys, her works, and especially in her sorrows of seeing her Son, Jesus Christ our Savior, die on the cross for the sake of our salvation. Instead of being overtaken by discouragement and despair, Mary prayed with her heart open wide. Certainly, the devil had no sway over Mary.
By following Mary’s example, we are shielded from the devil’s attempts to infiltrate our thoughts and prayers. Like Mary, with our hearts centered in God’s love, the thoughts and prayers we offer provide more than comfort, they provide a connection to God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit with all the loving graces we need to keep hope alive. With hope, there is courage and with courage, there is strength to continue on in life without losing heart even when all appears lost and life as we know it is changed forever.
May we always keep each other in our thoughts and in our prayers. Amen.
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About the Author
For 15 years, Carol has been the writer/editor of Journey to Our Lady, a spiritual publication that helps readers seek out a closer relationship to our Blessed Mother, who draws the faithful closer to the Holy Trinity. From her Journey, Carol has authored the prayer book, Heavenly Mother Help Me; Prayers, Poetry and Prose for Daily Living, as a companion for individuals trying to live their faith every day.
Carol is an independent writer and speaker. Her article on Marian devotions is featured in the May 2017 issue of Catholic Update and Liguorian magazine.
Carol’s spiritual reflections, poetry, and prayers can be found on her web site: www.journeytoourlady.com and on Twitter: Carol Monaco @journey2ourlady.
Carol also is a member of the World Apostolate of Fatima (USA) and a member of Association Jeanne Jugan, a Catholic lay organization that provides individuals with an opportunity to share in the spirituality of the Little Sisters of the Poor.
