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Problem Prayer
We know so very many memorized prayers. Knowledge is not always the problem. Few people
argue with the value of prayer. Those who possess the talent for music have that beautiful
possibility to express prayer. Is prayer another obligation that pulls a piece out of my already busy
day? How do I begin? In addition to the regular prayers, there are so many devotional practices.
The Word of God, Holy Scripture, should be a part of my home library. There are books and
pamphlets that direct prayer efforts. Am I comfortable with spontaneous prayer? Does prayer itself
make me uneasy? My intentions are good. It is so easy to say I will pray for you in your need. It is
also so easy to forget all the promises that I made. Did I include everyone? What will God do if I
leave somebody out? Do I have to mention each person by name? Can I really think that I remind
God of something or someone that has slipped out of the divine consciousness? In my prayer, do l
add anything to the infinite compassion and caring of almighty God? Why do I find myself
requesting the things that I want? How come I don't return to thank God for what I have already
received? When I do try to focus on my prayer, distractions seem to come from everywhere. There
are times when my attitude does not lend itself to prayer. My discipline also fails. Out of the 168
hours in a week, I can count on my fingers what goes to God. Have I explored all the types of
prayer? What about our perfect prayer, the Mass? Yes, the liturgy is not always the best. If I don't
get something out of the Mass, what do I bring to it. Am I nourished with the Word of God, and fed
by His Body and Blood, in order to return to the world and continue my ministries?
God sends us forth. God invites us to pray. The power of my prayer often is weak. Thank God. It
doesn't depend on me. I respond to God. It's not about my knowledge or holiness. Prayer is not
about my efforts. Prayer is about my relationship with God. If I hunger for the Lord's Word and Life, I
will persevere. Ultreya. I can search for a style that fits My talents, my schedule, My personality. The
Mass gathers us in. Public prayer is a witness to my Faith.
Silence is golden, especially today. Am I OK with silence? Does it drive me crazy to be alone with
myself and the Lord? God does not speak above the noise. God dwells in the silence of my heart
and soul. The words of the divine love and will are whispered. Are they important enough for me to
concentrate and listen. Am I seeking for radical and immediate change? God is not looking to
change things. God wants to change me. Prayer is also sacrifice. Prayer can be my life lived for
God. I offer Palanca. I offer myself. I say Amen.
BY: Deacon Fred Jones
We know so very many memorized prayers. Knowledge is not always the problem. Few people
argue with the value of prayer. Those who possess the talent for music have that beautiful
possibility to express prayer. Is prayer another obligation that pulls a piece out of my already busy
day? How do I begin? In addition to the regular prayers, there are so many devotional practices.
The Word of God, Holy Scripture, should be a part of my home library. There are books and
pamphlets that direct prayer efforts. Am I comfortable with spontaneous prayer? Does prayer itself
make me uneasy? My intentions are good. It is so easy to say I will pray for you in your need. It is
also so easy to forget all the promises that I made. Did I include everyone? What will God do if I
leave somebody out? Do I have to mention each person by name? Can I really think that I remind
God of something or someone that has slipped out of the divine consciousness? In my prayer, do l
add anything to the infinite compassion and caring of almighty God? Why do I find myself
requesting the things that I want? How come I don't return to thank God for what I have already
received? When I do try to focus on my prayer, distractions seem to come from everywhere. There
are times when my attitude does not lend itself to prayer. My discipline also fails. Out of the 168
hours in a week, I can count on my fingers what goes to God. Have I explored all the types of
prayer? What about our perfect prayer, the Mass? Yes, the liturgy is not always the best. If I don't
get something out of the Mass, what do I bring to it. Am I nourished with the Word of God, and fed
by His Body and Blood, in order to return to the world and continue my ministries?
God sends us forth. God invites us to pray. The power of my prayer often is weak. Thank God. It
doesn't depend on me. I respond to God. It's not about my knowledge or holiness. Prayer is not
about my efforts. Prayer is about my relationship with God. If I hunger for the Lord's Word and Life, I
will persevere. Ultreya. I can search for a style that fits My talents, my schedule, My personality. The
Mass gathers us in. Public prayer is a witness to my Faith.
Silence is golden, especially today. Am I OK with silence? Does it drive me crazy to be alone with
myself and the Lord? God does not speak above the noise. God dwells in the silence of my heart
and soul. The words of the divine love and will are whispered. Are they important enough for me to
concentrate and listen. Am I seeking for radical and immediate change? God is not looking to
change things. God wants to change me. Prayer is also sacrifice. Prayer can be my life lived for
God. I offer Palanca. I offer myself. I say Amen.
BY: Deacon Fred Jones
| MARK YOUR CALENDAR... |
ULTREYA! Our monthly Ultreya is normally conducted at the Red Team Chapel located at 58th
Street on Fort Hood. From Hood Road, (Main Gate to post) turn left at the intersection of Hood
Road and Battalion avenue, then right onto 58th Street then take the first left into parking lot. It
lasts approximately 2 hours. We need witness speakers for the rest of the year,follow His call!!!,
contact the Webmaster if you are interested. See dates/times below:
Street on Fort Hood. From Hood Road, (Main Gate to post) turn left at the intersection of Hood
Road and Battalion avenue, then right onto 58th Street then take the first left into parking lot. It
lasts approximately 2 hours. We need witness speakers for the rest of the year,follow His call!!!,
contact the Webmaster if you are interested. See dates/times below:
>>> September 11, 2005, 2:00 pm --- Regular monthly Ultreya at 58th Street Chapel Witness Speaker: Jon Oates. |
| >>> August 27, 2005 --- >>> August 27, 2005 --- August 27, 2005 --- Annual Fort Hood Cursillo Picnic at the Comanche Chapel recreation room. Starts at 3pm, dinner serve at 4pm. We need you to bring desserts and refreshments. We also need cakes for the cake walk. Any special dish that you want to share is welcome too. There will be food, music, prizes, games and lots and lots and lots of good fun. |
WEEKENDS
Our Weekends are conducted at Good News Christian Center in Elk, Texas. We conduct one Men's and one
Women's weekend in the Spring and one of each in the Fall. Dates for the weekends will be published on this
page. (below)
For more information on Cursillo Weekends, click here.
Our Weekends are conducted at Good News Christian Center in Elk, Texas. We conduct one Men's and one
Women's weekend in the Spring and one of each in the Fall. Dates for the weekends will be published on this
page. (below)
For more information on Cursillo Weekends, click here.
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Looking for Writers!
We are looking for people to contribute to the monthly SPARK. For more information click here.
We are looking for people to contribute to the monthly SPARK. For more information click here.
THE SPARK