JOYfilled Family

S. Joannis Chrysostomi

2012-01-27T11:03:00.001-08:00

“Listen carefully to me, I entreat you. . . . Procure books that will be medicines for the soul. . . . At least get a copy of the New Testament, the Apostle's epistles, the Acts, the Gospels, for your constant teachers. If you encounter grief, dive into them as into a chest of medicines; take from them comfort for your trouble, whether it be loss, or death, or bereavement over the loss of relations. Don't simply dive into them. Swim in them. Keep them constantly in your mind. The cause of all evils is the failure to know the Scriptures well.” ~ St. John Chrysostom

~~~

St. John Chrysostom

Bishop, Confessor, and Doctor of the Church

January 27 ~ St. John Chrysostom’s feast day in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite

September 13~ New Calendar

DOUBLE/WHITE

Archbishop of Constantinople in the fourth century, John was surnamed Chrysostom, "the golden-mouthed," because of his moving eloquence. His gifted pen, as well as his sermons drew many to Christ. The saint's courageous condemnation of sinfulness brought him exile and all manner of ill-usage from his persecutors. Solicitous for the poor of Constantinople, St. John also looked beyond the boundaries of his episcopal see, and sent out missioners among the Scythians, Persians, and Goths. With the praise of God on his lips, this great Doctor of the Eastern Church died in exile on September 14, 407.

~~~

Resources:

St. John Chrysostom - Lives of the Saints ~ Sanctus Simplicitus
A Preacher Unlike Any Other ~ Vultus Christi
St. John Chrysostom Bio ~ EWTN
St. John Chrysostom Bio for Kids ~ Holy Spirit Interactive
St. John Chrysostom Coloring Page ~ JOYfilledfamily
St. John Chrysostom Icon Project ~ JOYfilledfamily
St. John Chrysostom Bio ~ Catholic Culture
St. Chrysostom Volumes/Homilies
Treatise on the Priesthood by St.John Chrysostom ~ Fish Eaters
Previous Posts on St. John Chrysostom ~ JOYfilledfamily

2011
2010

~~~

S. Joannis Chrysostomi ~ ora pro nobis

Saint Valentine

2012-01-25T21:05:00.001-08:00

SAINT VALENTINE

February 14 - feast of St. Valentine in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite.

Priest and Martyr

SIMPLE / RED

During the persecution under Emperor Claudius II, Valentine, a zealous priest in Rome, ministered boldly to the martyr. He was arrested and taken before the prefect, who made tempting offers to induce him to apostatize. Finding that he was wasting his breath, the prefect condemned Valentine to death. The beheading took place on February 14, about the year 270. The true follower of Christ ignores worldly caution when he is called upon to bear witness to Jesus. "The inclination of the flesh is death, but the inclination of the spirit, life and peace" (Rom. 8:6)

~~~

Patron: affianced couples, against epilepsy, against fainting, against plague, apiarists, bee keepers, betrothed couples, Bussolengo, Italy, engaged couples, greeting card manufacturers, greetings, happy marriages, love, lovers, travellers, young people

Symbols: Birds; roses; bishop with a crippled or epileptic child at his feet; bishop with a rooster nearby; bishop refusing to adore an idol; bishop being beheaded; priest bearing a sword; priest holding a sun; priest giving sight to a blind girl.

~~~

Resources:

St. Valentine Bio ~ Catholic Encyclopedia
St. Valentine – Brief Bio ~ EWTN
Feast of St. Valentine ~ Fish Eaters
Life of St. Valentine ~ Golden Legend
Sermons on Marriage ~ Audio Sancto
Sermons on Love ~ Audio Sancto
Holy Cards for Valentine’s Day ~ Holy Card Heaven
Images of St. Valentine
Forgotten Man ~ Catholic.org
Story of St. Valentine ~ OLRL
More on St. Valentine ~ Wholly Roamin Catholic
A Valentine from St. Thomas of Aquinas ~ YouTube Video by Fr. Michael Himes
DEUS CARITAS EST - God is Love ~ encyclical by Pope Benedict XVI's

Crafts & Activities:

Candy Heart Bracelet ~ JOYfilledfamily
Love Notebooks ~ JOYfilledfamily
St. Valentine Hair Clip ~ JOYfilledfamily
Candy Rosary ~ JOYfilledfamily
St. Valentine Match Box ~ Paper Dali*
St. Valentine’s Coloring Page/Contest ~ Illuminated Ink (this link will only be up for a limited time)
St. Valentine (as a child) Coloring Page ~ Waltzing Matilda*
St. Valentine Coloring Page Ministers to Prisoners ~ St. John the Baptist Catholic Church
Everything St. Valentine’s ~ Shower of Roses (printable games, crafts, food, and more!)
St. Valentine’s Day Collection of Ideas ~ Catholic Icing
Love Subway Art Printable ~ The Girl Creative
Heart Placemats/Décor ~ Fancy Frugal Life
St. Valentine Scripture Wreath ~ Family at the Foot of the Cross
Homemade Valentines with Love Quotes ~ Family at the Foot of the Cross
Printable St. Valentine’s Cards (with an image of St. Valentine) ~ Three Sided Wheel
St. Valentine Info and Printables ~ Sanctus Simplicitus
St. Valentine E-Card ~ Catholic Greetings
St. Valentine E-Card ~ Holy e Cards

Treats:

St. Valentine’s Pizza ~ JOYfilledfamily
St. Valentine’s Dishes ~ Catholic Cuisine

~~~

Prayer to St. Valentine
Patron of Sweethearts, Young People, Love & Happy Marriages

Dear Saint and glorious Martyr, who are so popular with lovers, be kind to those whom we love and to us. Teach us to love unselfishly and to find great joy in giving. Enable all true lovers to bring out the best in each other. Let them love each other in God and God in each other. Amen.

St. Valentine ~ ora pro nobis

*updates after originally posted

Youth for Life

2012-01-25T11:22:00.001-08:00

“I walk for life because I love babies and God.” ~Sparkles (8)

Dad arrived early with the girls. They were blessed to see Fr. Frank Provone. He graciously accepted Dad’s invitation for a picture.

I tended to the life that I have been gifted. We had all intended to walk as a family but God had other plans. Dad and I received an early wake-up call, Dragonfly. He was crying hysterically and sitting in pool of vomit. We agreed that I would stay home with Dragonfly and Papi (who had not fully recovered from his cold). My season to Walk for Life will come, for now I will cherish the time I have to nurture the lives that He has given me.

This was Sweetie’s first year on the walk. It was perfect timing, as she is preparing for her First Holy Communion.

Sparkles was in charge of pictures.*

Rose headed to the front of the caravan to walk with the youth and friends from TAC.

Rose noted that this year’s turn out was twice as large as the previous years. She also noted that this year’s opposition was crude, aggressive and outright diabolic. It was clear to all my children that there are many who are lost in the ways of this world and much prayer is needed to protect against the lion who is prowling.

Here is a brief reflection from Sparkles.

“I was excited to go on the Walk for Life WC for the second time. I prayed as I walked. The crowd (opposition) made me sad because they were being mean to God. I prayed for them.
I pray that we all will love God and that He let them know that killing babies is wrong.”

We pray to help build up the culture of life, in whatever way He calls us to. God willing, this will include walking as a complete family in 2013.

*Sparkles took all the pictures posted that do not include her.

Life is a Gift

2012-01-22T23:01:00.001-08:00

ALL life is a gift from God, who are we to refuse it?

Cherish the gift—defend LIFE from the moment of conception!

~~~

Novena Prayer for Life to Our Lady of Guadalupe
Oh Mary, Mother of Jesus and Mother of Life,
We honor you as Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Thank you for pointing us to Jesus your Son,
The only Savior and hope of the world.
Renew our hope in him,
That we all may have the courage to say Yes to life,
And to defend those children in danger of abortion.
Give us your compassion
To reach out to those tempted to abort,
And to those suffering from a past abortion.
Lead us to the day when abortion
Will be a sad, past chapter in our history.
Keep us close to Jesus, the Life of the World,
Who is Lord forever and ever. Amen.

~~~

St. Agnes

2012-01-21T13:10:00.001-08:00

"Christ made my soul beautiful with the jewels of grace and virtue. I belong to Him whom the angels serve." ~ Saint Agnes

"Jesus Christ is my only Spouse." ~ St. Agnes

St. Agnes

Feast Day ~ January 21st in the Traditional and New Calendar

Agnes is the archetype of the virgins who throughout the Christian centuries have followed the Lamb wherever He goes, "first fruits unto God and unto the Lamb" (Apoc. 14:4). She was twelve years old when she was commanded to offer incense before the pagan altar of Minerva at Rome, soon after Emperor Diocletian began his persecution of the Christians in the year 303. The persecutors tried in vain to overcome the virgin's refusal by flattery and offers of marriage. "Christ is my Spouse," she answered. "He chose me first and His I will be." Her sentence of death was passed and the child martyr died by the sword.

Patron: Affianced couples; betrothed couples; bodily purity; chastity; Children of Mary; Colegio Capranica of Rome; crops; engaged couples; gardeners; girls; rape victims; diocese of Rockville Centre, New York; virgins.

Symbols: Lamb; woman with long hair and a lamb, sometimes with a sword at her throat; woman with a dove which holds a ring in its beak; woman with a lamb at her side.

"This is a virgin's birthday; let us follow the example of her chastity. It is a martyr's birthday; let us offer sacrifices; it is the birthday of holy Agnes: let men be filled with wonder, little ones with hope, married woman with awe, and the unmarried with emulation. It seems to me that this child, holy beyond her years and courageous beyond human nature, received the name of Agnes (Greek: pure) not as an earthly designation but as a revelation from God of what she was to be." ~ St. Augustine

+++

“May God’s little lamb, St. Agnes of Rome, intercede for us that we would be loyal to the faith she professed! And should we ever be disloyal, may God’s grace bring us to repentance!”

~ Fr. Miguel Marie Soeherman, MFVA

+++

St. Agnes, Ora Pro Nobis

St. Agnes is the patroness of young girls and her symbol is, naturally, a lamb.

+++

RESOURCES:

St. Agnes Bio - EWTN
St. Agnes Bio – Catholic Culture
St. Agnes Bio – New Advent
Act of Charity Printable – JOYfilledfamily
“Shining with the fire of divine love” – Reflections by Fr. Z
Images of St. Agnes – SQPN

RESOURCES FOR KIDS

Little Flowers Wreath I – St. Agnes – JOYfilledfamily
Love of God Candy Heart Bracelet – JOYfilledfamily
St. Agnes Bio for Kids – Holy Spirit Interactive
St. Agnes Bio for Families – Domestic-Church.com
St. Agnes Crafts – Catholic Icing
St. Agnes Coloring Page – Paper Dali
Coloring Page – St. Agnes from Curmudgeonry
St. Agnes Coloring Page – Waltzing Matilda

+++

Prayers to St. Agnes of Rome

O glorious St. Agnes, you served God in humility and confidence on earth and are now in the enjoyment of His beatific Vision in heaven because you persevered till death and gained the crown of eternal life. Remember now the dangers that surround me in the vale of tears, and intercede for me in my needs and troubles. Amen.

~~~

O sweetest Lord Jesus Christ, source of all virtue, lover of virgins, most powerful conqueror of demons, most severe extirpator of vice! Deign to cast Thine eyes upon my weakness, and through the intercession of Mary most blessed, mother and virgin, and of thy beloved spouse, St. Agnes, glorious virgin and martyr, grant me the aid of thy heavenly grace, in order that I may learn to despise all earthly things, and to love what is heavenly, to oppose vice and to be proof against temptation; to walk firmly in the path of virtue, not to seek honors, to shun pleasures, to bewail my past offences, to keep far from the occasions of evil, to keep free from bad habits, to seek the company of the good, and persevere in righteousness, so that, by the assistance of thy grace, I may deserve the crown of eternal life, together with St. Agnes and all the saints, forever and ever, in thy kingdom. Amen.

~~~

Walk for Life West Coast

2012-01-21T06:16:00.001-08:00

We are preparing to depart for the Walk for Life WC. Please join us in prayer. You can also watch the live coverage on EWTN.

Walk for Life West Coast (Live) EWTN

Sat. Jan. 21 at 2:30 PM ET & Sun. Jan. 22 at 9:30 AM ET

Join Father Mark Mary and Doug Barry for live coverage of the Walk for Life West Coast in San Francisco, California. EWTN takes you inside this year's walk, with special interviews, participant commentary, and speeches from dynamic pro-life leaders.

EWTN Pro-Life Reources

Rose’s {pretty, happy, funny, real}

2012-01-19T01:20:00.001-08:00

{pretty, happy, funny, real}

~ Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life ~
Every Thursday, here at Like Mother, Like Daughter!

~~~

{pretty}

I love the simplicity of rose’s faithfilled creations.

{happy}

a clean kitchen makes us all happy. especially rose. she takes it as her invitation to bake.

rose’s favorites—basketball, family and friends.

{funny}

the boys dressed up rose. she can’t keep out of the kitchen but refused to handle her arch nemesis—the immersion blender.

{real}

rose took a visit to the er. needless to say, she’s off dish duty.

St. Bathildis ~ Patience ~ Lily of the Valley

2012-01-14T22:15:00.001-08:00

I met for my fifth Little Flowers meeting for 2011-2012. We had a wonderful time coming together to celebrate Mass, learn about a new saint and study a virtue. Eleven of the girls were with Father L for preparation for First Holy Communion. They joined us for the second half of the meeting. Thirty-two girls were in attendance.
We did the normal routine; grace, snack, review last month’s saint and virtue, introduce the saint and virtue of the month, listen to a talk from Father L, receive a blessing, work on a related craft, update LF binders, and close with a prayer.
This month’s saint was St. Bathildis.

Feast Day – January 30
Paton: against bodily ills, against illness, against sickness, children, sick people, and widows.
Represented: crowned nun often performing menial tasks of giving alms to the poor, ladder extending into heaven, or standing before an altar of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The girls were intrigued by the story of St. Bathildis. She was new to us all. I told the girls about how St. Bathildis was kidnapped in her youth. When asked if they would be scared to be on a pirate ship without family, C replied, “No, I wouldn’t be alone. I would have my guardian angel with me.” Her words were such a beautiful testament to child-like faith. The other girls agreed, God and the Blessed Virgin Mary are always with them. The girls took turns guessing how St. Bathildis’s story unraveled from being a slave. They were on the seat of their chairs to hear about the heroic virtue that St. Bathildis displayed. Most noteable was St. Bathildis’s patience.

Patience – the virtue (Fruit of the Spirit) that prevents us from being disturbed by the evil around us.

We are not obliged to pray for crosses and sufferings, as some of the saints have done; but it is absolutely necessary that we should bear the trials which God sees fit to send us, with patience and loving confidence in Him. ~ Father Lasance, Catholic Girls Guide

I extended the lesson of patience into the craft. I chose something that would be new and a bit challenging—something that required a significant amount of patience. I chose finger knitting.

The girls were excited to learn finger knitting. They caught on faster than I had anticipated. The diligently worked on their knitting as they exercised the virtue of patience. They did not complain, say “I can’t,” yell for help, ort all together give up. It was a bit of a challenge at times but all the girls, including my five year olds, were able to successfully acquire the skill of finger knitting.

Father L stopped by for a visit after his First Holy Communion lesson. He reviewed the most recent feast days. Then he quizzed the girls on St. Bathildis. He, too, was intrigued by her story. Father gave the girls their blessing before he departed. Please keep father L in your prayers.

St. Bathilidis ~ ora pro nobis

Resources:
Handouts:

Patience Divider Sheet
Patience Activity Sheet
St. Bathildis Coloring Page ~ Curmudgeonry
Bio of St. Bathildis For Kids – Holy Spirit Interactive
Patience Memory Verse
Patience Memory Verse ~ Cursive
St. Bathildis-Patience Info Page ~ Shower of Roses

Resources:

St. Bathildis Bio – Holy Spirit Interactive
St. Bathildis Bio - EWTN
Finger Knitting ~ Patience Craft
Little Flowers Link Up ~ Shower of Roses

Finally, look up to heaven. Behold the eternal beauty and blessedness of paradise. If for a brief period you suffer here with courage and patience, you will after death be released from all suffering and enjoy unspeakable bliss for evermore. Such are the blessed fruits of patience. ~ Father Lasance, Catholic Girls Guide

Finger Knitting

2012-01-14T21:59:00.001-08:00

Sparkles took up knitting last year, thanks to Rose. Sweetie didn’t have an interest at the time. I desired for her to learn something in the way of knitting or crocheting. This was the perfect opportunity, a Little Flowers lesson in patience.
Sweetie took to finger knitting. It’s just her pace – fast craft with instant gratification.
She knitted a 49 in scarf in 30 min. Now she is begging for more.

~~~

Finger Knitted Scarf

Supplies:

yarn*
scissors

Directions:

prepare yarn (18 yards was enough for a 49 in scarf)
follow the directions in this video (it’s the best video tutorial that I’ve seen)

Cost:

18 yards of yarn for 49 in scarf
1 skin of 300 yards – $10.99

Cost per scarf - $1.52

~~~

*My yarn supply is low and purchasing more is not an option. So, I have been making my own yarn—t-shirt yarn. I’ve raided my give-away piles for old shirts. I followed this tutorial to cut my shirts for t-shirt yarn. Be certain to give all family members fair warning. This is so fun that one can tend to go a lil’ crazy and no shirt will be let untouched. Dad has stashed away his favorites in fear that I might shred them.

Word of the Year

2012-01-12T22:56:00.001-08:00

"Almighty Father, I place the Precious Blood of Jesus before my lips before I pray, that my prayers may be purified before they ascend to Your divine altar." ~St. Mary Magdalene de Pazzi

I desired to adopt a word for the year. It was a fruitful exercise for me last year and felt that I could use a simple reminder of His call for me.

I struggled with coming up with a word. Finally, I asked Dad to pick one for me. He told me to go to my saint for the year, St. Mary Magdalen Pazzi. Praise God for the headship of my family. It was the exact place that I needed to go. The word was immediately made known. It’s not original or flashy--the word is PRAY.

Everything starts with prayer. Prayer is where I hear His voice. Prayer in Adoration, in celebration of the Mass, in my work, in times of trials, in times of jubilation, in union with Dad, with my family, for others, united in sacrifice and penance, in the tears that I shed,….I must pray in all things at all times.
I desire to do all things for the greater glory of God and I trust that, through prayer, He will show me the way.

I’m not abandoning any of my previous words. In fact, through this practice, they have been imprinted on my heart. Perfection is not sought. My goal is only to move closer to Him and do His will.

“Our prayer must be humble, fervent, resigned, persevering, and deeply reverent, for we must reflect that we are in the presence of a God and speaking with a Lord before Whom the Angels tremble out of respect and fear.” ~ St. Mary Magdalene de' Pazzi

~~~

2012 Motto

Be Charitable.

Be Useful.

Be Gentle.

Be Joyful.

Pray always.

Forget about yourself.

ALL FOR!

In His JOY,

Resourceful

2012-01-12T20:51:00.001-08:00

Dad and I have made a pact, we will not be buying anything this year. In other words, no shopping. We will only purchase whole, clean food and personal necessities. It’s a call that has been on our heart for sometime now but we I have resisted. We are now cooperating with His grace and moving forward.
We are very limited with our financial resources and are facing some more difficult times. All of which, have been answers to prayers. The Good Lord is making it easy for us to know His will.
We have nothing to fear. We are not going without and trust in His providence. All of our needs are being met, praise God.

Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink, nor about your body, what you shall put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? ~ Matthew 6:25-26

We pray that we grow to be better stewards of our blessings (monetary, physical, spiritual,--all things).

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Let the day's own trouble be sufficient for the day.

~ Matthew 6:33-34

~~~

No shopping doesn’t mean no crafting or gift giving. The kids and I will use what we have on hand. Here are a few of our latest creations. I did purchase some prints of the photos that I had taken.

Sweetie is my focus group when it comes to all things Little Flowers. I usually have her do a trial run of the LF craft for the month. This gives me a good idea of the level of difficulty for the craft and about how long the craft will take. This month’s craft has to do with knitting.

I took family photographs for Christmas gifts. I used the photos to create photo canvases. I printed enlargements at Costco and applied them to my stash of canvases. (The canvases have been sitting in the bag for almost six years now. I had intended to create personalized paintings.)

Rose and I made personalized trinkets for Dad’s co-workers and her girlfriends. The pictures below don’t do these creations justice. They’re simple, fun and absolutely darling.

~~~

I hope to use up all my craft supplies this year. I’ll be sharing my creations at the weekly Stash Bash and Pinning it Down.

Curtain Aprons

2012-01-09T13:18:00.001-08:00

I held my fourth Little Flowers meeting in early December. The girls made a simple Curtain Apron for their craft. It was a lovely craft edition for the meeting since St. Martha is a patron saint of homemakers. The apron was intended to be gifted for Christmas.

Curtain Apron

this is an up-cycle craft

Supplies:

valance style curtain (I purchased 18 valances from my local thrift store to create aprons for 36 girls)
ribbon (I used a min of 1.5 yards of ribbon for ea. apron)
scissors
safety pin

Approximate cost of ea. apron (if items need to be purchased) – $2

Approximate cost of ea. apron (if items are on hand) – FREE

Directions:

cut the valance vertically at a place that will yield enough coverage for your desired homemaker.
optional: hem the cut side of the valance.
cut ribbon to the desired length. long enough to tie around the waist of the intended homemaker.
attached safety pin to the end of the ribbon.
thread the ribbon, safety pin first, into the top portion of the valance that was indented for a curtain rod.
remove the safety pin and prepare the Curtain Apron for presentation.

~~~

creating aprons

preparing creations for presentation/wrapping

finalizing packages

The Feast of the Holy Family

2012-01-07T17:03:00.001-08:00

The special devotion which proposes the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph as the model of virtue of all Christian households began in the XVIIth century. It started almost simultaneously in Canada and France. -- The Association of the Holy Family being founded in Montreal in 1663, and the Daughters of the Holy Family in Paris in 1674. Numerous other congregations and associations under the Patronage of the Holy Family have been established, since that time, and they are spread over the world. The Archconfraternity was established by Pius IX in 1847. In 1893 Leo XIII approved a feast for Canada, and Pope Benedict XV extended the Feast of the Holy Family to the whole Church and ordered its celebration to be kept on the Sunday after the Epiphany.

FIRST SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY
The Feast of the Holy Family

O Lord Jesus Christ, who by thy wondrous holiness didst adorn a human home, and by thy subjection to Mary and Joseph didst consecrate the order of earthly families ; grant that we being enlightened by the example of their life with thee in thy Holy Family, and assisted by their prayers ; may at last be joined with them in thine eternal fellowship. Who livest and reignest with the Father. Amen.

~~~

Mother Teresa’s Prayer for Families

Heavenly Father, you have given us the model of life in the Holy Family of Nazareth. Help us, O Loving Father,to make our family another Nazareth where love, peace and joy reign.

May it be deeply contemplative, intensely Eucharistic, revived with joy. Help us to stay together in joy and sorrow in family prayer.

Teach us to see Jesus in the members of our families, especially in their distressing disguise.

May the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus make our hearts humble like his and help us to carry out our family duties in a holy way.

May we love one another as God loves each one of us, more and more each day, and forgive each other's faults as you forgive our sins.

Help us, O Loving Father, to take whatever you give and give whatever you take with a big smile.

Immaculate Heart of Mary, cause of our joy, pray for us.
St. Joseph, pray for us.
Holy Guardian Angels, be always with us, guide and protect us.
Amen.

~~~

Lesson V

To all fathers of families, Joseph is verily the best model of paternal vigilance and care. In the most holy Virgin Mother of God, mothers may find an excellent example of love, modesty, resignation of spirit, and the perfecting of faith. And in Jesus, who was subject to his parents, the children of the family have a divine pattern of obedience which they can admire, reverence, and imitate. Those who are of noble birth may learn, from this Family of royal blood, how to live simply in times of prosperity, and how to retain their dignity in times of distress. The rich may learn that moral worth is to be more highly esteemed than wealth. Artisans, and all such as are bitterly grieved by the narrow and slender means of their families, if they would but consider the sublime holiness of the members of this domestic fellowship, cannot fail to find some cause for rejoicing in their lot, rather than for being merely dissatisfied with it. In common with the Holy Family, they have to work, and to provide for the daily wants of life. Joseph had to engage in trade, in order to live ; even the divine hands laboured at an artisan's calling. It is not to be wondered at, that the wealthiest men, if truly wise, have been willing to cast away their riches, and to embrace a life of poverty with Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.

~~~

Resources:

The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph – Breviary.net
First Sunday After Epiphany – The Church’s Year, Rev. Fr. Leonard Goffine's
Holy Family Propers - Gregorian Chant MP3
Sermons on the Holy Family – Audio Sancto
Children first learn who God is by knowing their parents – Fr. Z
The Rearing of Children – OLR
Novena to the Holy Family
Consecration of the Family to the Holy Family – Catholic Culture
Living the Image of God – Pope Benedict’s address on the Feast of the Holy Family
Papal Documents on the Family
Holy Family Holy Card Collection – Holy Card Heaven
Holy Family Coloring Page – JOYfilledfamily
Nativity Coloring Page – St. John the Baptist Catholic Church
Holy Family Post from 2011

~~~

Prayer to the Holy Family

This prayer is taken from Prayer Book for Religious, compiled by Fr. F. X. Lasance, S.J. (Benziger Brothers, 1904)

O most loving Jesus, Who by Thy sublime and beautiful virtues of humility, obedience, poverty, modesty, charity, patience and gentleness, and by the example of Thy domestic life, didst bless with peace and happiness the family Thou didst choose on earth, in Thy clemency look down upon this household, humbly prostrate before Thee and imploring Thy mercy. Remember that this family belongs to Thee; for to Thee we have in a special way dedicated and devoted ourselves. Look upon us in Thy loving kindness; preserve us from danger; give us help in time of need, and grant us the grace to persevere to the end in the imitation of Thy Holy Family; that having revered Thee and loved Thee faithfully on earth, we may bless and praise Thee eternally in heaven.

O Mary, most sweet Mother, to thy intercession we have recourse, knowing that thy Divine Son will hear thy prayers.

And do thou, O glorious Patriarch, St. Joseph, assist us by thy powerful mediation, and offer, by the hands of Mary, our prayers to Jesus. Amen.

~~~

Sancta Familia ~ ora pro nobis

Feast of the Epiphany

2012-01-06T20:13:00.001-08:00

We attended Mass as a family for the Feast of the Epiphany. We picked up our blessed Epiphany water and chalk that was blessed on the Vigil of the Epiphany.

Dad marked our home upon our return.

~~~

Epiphany Chalk Blessing

The lintel of the main door of the house is marked with blessed chalk by the father of the household in the following manner:

20+C+M+B+12 while saying the following prayer:

The Three Wise Men

C Caspar

M Melchior

B & Balthasaar, followed the star of God’s Son who became Man

20 Two-thousand

12 and twelve years ago

+ May Christ

+ Bless our home

+ and remain with us

+ through the new year.

Almighty God, incline Thine ear. Bless us and all who are gathered here. Send Thy holy angel who will defend us, and fill with grace all who dwell here. Amen

~~~

We opted for a humble feast day celebration that represented the humility in which Christ was born. Eating meat on a Friday was a simple treat that we enjoyed.

We pray to continue to bring our gifts to Jesus, throughout the new year.

Happy feast of the Epiphany.

~~~

The Psalms–Day 12

2012-01-06T02:31:00.001-08:00

Day 12 Psalms 144 — 150

previous readings

Psalms 144

1 Blessed be the LORD, my rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle;

2 my rock and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield and he in whom I take refuge, who subdues the peoples under him.

3 O LORD, what is man that thou dost regard him, or the son of man that thou dost think of him?

4 Man is like a breath, his days are like a passing shadow.

5 Bow thy heavens, O LORD, and come down! Touch the mountains that they smoke!

6 Flash forth the lightning and scatter them, send out thy arrows and rout them!

Father, may I let You fight my battles.

Psalms 145

A Song of Praise. Of David.

1 I will extol thee, my God and King, and bless thy name for ever and ever.

2 Every day I will bless thee, and praise thy name for ever and ever.

3 Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable.

4 One generation shall laud thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts.

5 On the glorious splendor of thy majesty, and on thy wondrous works, I will meditate.

6 Men shall proclaim the might of thy terrible acts, and I will declare thy greatness.

7 They shall pour forth the fame of thy abundant goodness, and shall sing aloud of thy righteousness.

8 The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

9 The LORD is good to all, and his compassion is over all that he has made.

10 All thy works shall give thanks to thee, O LORD, and all thy saints shall bless thee!

11 They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom, and tell of thy power,

12 to make known to the sons of men thy mighty deeds, and the glorious splendor of thy kingdom.

13 Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and thy dominion endures throughout all generations. The LORD is faithful in all his words, and gracious in all his deeds.

14 The LORD upholds all who are falling, and raises up all who are bowed down.

15 The eyes of all look to thee, and thou givest them their food in due season.

16 Thou openest thy hand, thou satisfiest the desire of every living thing.

17 The LORD is just in all his ways, and kind in all his doings.

18 The LORD is near to all who call upon him, to all who call upon him in truth.

19 He fulfils the desire of all who fear him, he also hears their cry, and saves them.

20 The LORD preserves all who love him; but all the wicked he will destroy.

21 My mouth will speak the praise of the LORD, and let all flesh bless his holy name for ever and ever. ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Father, give me a heart to praise You under any circumstances.

Psalms 146

1 Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD, O my soul!

2 I will praise the LORD as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God while I have being.

3 Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no help.

4 When his breath departs he returns to his earth; on that very day his plans perish.

5 Happy is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God,

6 who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them; who keeps faith for ever;

7 who executes justice for the oppressed; who gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets the prisoners free;

8 the LORD opens the eyes of the blind. The LORD lifts up those who are bowed down; the LORD loves the righteous.

9 The LORD watches over the sojourners, he upholds the widow and the fatherless; but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.

10 The LORD will reign for ever, thy God, O Zion, to all generations. Praise the LORD! ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Father, may I not trust in any way anything or anyone but You.

Psalms 147

1 Praise the LORD! For it is good to sing praises to our God; for he is gracious, and a song of praise is seemly.

2 The LORD builds up Jerusalem; he gathers the outcasts of Israel.

3 He heals the brokenhearted, and binds up their wounds.

4 He determines the number of the stars, he gives to all of them their names.

5 Great is our LORD, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure.

6 The LORD lifts up the downtrodden, he casts the wicked to the ground.

7 Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving; make melody to our God upon the lyre!

8 He covers the heavens with clouds, he prepares rain for the earth, he makes grass grow upon the hills.

9 He gives to the beasts their food, and to the young ravens which cry.

10 His delight is not in the strength of the horse, nor his pleasure in the legs of a man;

11 but the LORD takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love.

12 Praise the LORD, O Jerusalem! Praise your God, O Zion!

13 For he strengthens the bars of your gates; he blesses your sons within you.

14 He makes peace in your borders; he fills you with the finest of the wheat.

15 He sends forth his command to the earth; his word runs swiftly.

16 He gives snow like wool; he scatters hoarfrost like ashes.

17 He casts forth his ice like morsels; who can stand before his cold?

18 He sends forth his word, and melts them; he makes his wind blow, and the waters flow.

19 He declares his word to Jacob, his statutes and ordinances to Israel.

20 He has not dealt thus with any other nation; they do not know his ordinances. Praise the LORD! ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Psalms 148

1 Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD from the heavens, praise him in the heights!

2 Praise him, all his angels, praise him, all his host!

3 Praise him, sun and moon, praise him, all you shining stars!

4 Praise him, you highest heavens, and you waters above the heavens!

5 Let them praise the name of the LORD! For he commanded and they were created.

6 And he established them for ever and ever; he fixed their bounds which cannot be passed.

7 Praise the LORD from the earth, you sea monsters and all deeps,

8 fire and hail, snow and frost, stormy wind fulfilling his command!

9 Mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars!

10 Beasts and all cattle, creeping things and flying birds!

11 Kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all rulers of the earth!

12 Young men and maidens together, old men and children!

13 Let them praise the name of the LORD, for his name alone is exalted; his glory is above earth and heaven.

14 He has raised up a horn for his people, praise for all his saints, for the people of Israel who are near to him. Praise the LORD! ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Father, may I praise You with greater enthusiasm than ever before.

Psalms 149

1 Praise the LORD! Sing to the LORD a new song, his praise in the assembly of the faithful!

2 Let Israel be glad in his Maker, let the sons of Zion rejoice in their King!

3 Let them praise his name with dancing, making melody to him with timbrel and lyre!

4 For the LORD takes pleasure in his people; he adorns the humble with victory.

5 Let the faithful exult in glory; let them sing for joy on their couches.

6 Let the high praises of God be in their throats and two-edged swords in their hands,

7 to wreak vengeance on the nations and chastisement on the peoples,

8 to bind their kings with chains and their nobles with fetters of iron,

9 to execute on them the judgment written! This is glory for all his faithful ones. Praise the LORD! ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jesus, glorify me as I place Your enemies beneath Your feet (Heb 10:13).

Psalms 150

1 Praise the LORD! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty firmament!

2 Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his exceeding greatness!

3 Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with lute and harp!

4 Praise him with timbrel and dance; praise him with strings and pipe!

5 Praise him with sounding cymbals; praise him with loud clashing cymbals!

6 Let everything that breathes praise the LORD! Praise the LORD! ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Epiphany of the Lord

2012-01-06T02:13:00.001-08:00

Omnes de Saba venient
aurum et thus deferentes
et laudem Domino annuntiantes.
Alleluja.

THE EPIPHANY OF OUR LORD

DOUBLE, FIRST CLASS / WHITE

The word "Epiphany" means "manifestation." The Church in the Mass commemorates a triple manifestation of Christ: to the Magi, that is, to the Gentiles; in His Baptism, when the Voice from heaven declared: "This is My beloved Son"; and in the miracle of changing water into wine at Cana.

The mystery of the Christ-birth is a rich and glorious beginning, splendid with promise. Today we worship a partial fulfillment when Jesus, as an Infant King, is manifested to wise men of the Gentile world and through them to all peoples. His royalty is neither frightening nor pompous, for the kingly majesty of the sovereign Redeemer is robed in babyhood. Coming in the simplicity of true greatness, Jesus makes Himself acceptable and at home to the little and the great of every nation under heaven.

~~~

How can we bring similar offerings to Christ?

We offer gold to Him, when we love Him with our whole heart, and out of love to Him, present Him our will by perfect obedience and continual self-denial, as our will is our most precious treasure. We also offer Him gold when we assist the poor by alms given in His name. We offer Him frankincense when we devoutly and ardently pray to Him, especially when we meditate upon His omnipotence, love, goodness, justice and mercy. We offer Him myrrh when we avoid carnal desires, mortify our evil inclinations and passions, and strive for purity of body and soul.

~ The Church’s Year by Rev. Fr. Leonard Goffine's

~~~

Litany

(from Christmas to Epiphany)

….O Blessed parents of the Infant Jesus, Mary and Joseph,we humbly and earnestly implore you to beg for us, at the crib of your Infant Son, that like Him and as His true and faithful followers, we may love to live in true humility, disengagement from creatures, contempt of the world and it’s vanities, constant recollection of the holy presence of God, fervour and fidelity in all of our duties, and in the practice of the tenderest charity to all persons. May we never blush at the humility of the crib, nor at the poverty and simplicity of Bethlehem. May we ever rejoice at our happy lot as children of the true Church; ever in tender charity look with a compassionate eye on those who live but for this world; and continually pray that all may come to bless, to praise and to love the Saviour, who comes to redeem them…Amen

~Excerpt from the Litany from Christmas to Epiphany, taken from the MC & LMC Prayer Book.

~~~

Resources:

Vigil & Feast of the Epiphany – The Church’s Year by Rev. Fr. Leonard Goffine's
The Epiphany - Breviary.net
Traditional Latin Mass – Find a TLM in your area for the Jan. 6, the Feast of the Epiphany.
Latin Mass Propers Online
In Epiphania Domini - Gregorian Chant Propers
More on Epiphany from Fr. Z
Epiphany Icon Coloring Page
Additional Epiphany Resources – Sanctus Simplicitus
Epiphany Ceremony Printable – Family Feast and Feria

All they from Saba will come,
bringing gold and frankincense,
and announcing the praise of the Lord.
Alleluia.

~Gradual for The Feast of the Epiphany. The text is from Isaiah 60:6

{pretty, happy, funny, real}

2012-01-06T00:11:00.001-08:00

{pretty, happy, funny, real}

~ Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life ~
Every Thursday, here at Like Mother, Like Daughter!

~~~

{pretty}

my girls, beautiful inside and out.

my boys, full of life.

{happy}

we rallied together to clean the house for dad’s impromptu tamale making party on new year’s eve. it was nice well it lasted.

{funny}

dad always makes me laugh. here he is showing me what a mexican facial looks like.

{real}

dragonfly is all business when it comes to unwrapping gifts. he’s not concern with what is in the package just his unwrapping technique. he’s managed to find stored gifts. we even had to deliver papa’s birthday present semi-wrapped.

The Psalms–Day 11

2012-01-05T22:30:00.001-08:00

Day 11 Psalms 131 — 143

previous readings

Psalms 131

1 O LORD, my heart is not lifted up, my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me.

2 But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a child quieted at its mother's breast; like a child that is quieted is my soul.

3 O Israel, hope in the LORD from this time forth and for evermore. ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Father, restore my innocence.

Psalms 132

A Song of Ascents.

1 Remember, O LORD, in David's favor, all the hardships he endured;

2 how he swore to the LORD and vowed to the Mighty One of Jacob,

3 "I will not enter my house or get into my bed;

4 I will not give sleep to my eyes or slumber to my eyelids,

5 until I find a place for the LORD, a dwelling place for the Mighty One of Jacob."

6 Lo, we heard of it in Eph'rathah, we found it in the fields of Ja'ar.

7 "Let us go to his dwelling place; let us worship at his footstool!"

8 Arise, O LORD, and go to thy resting place, thou and the ark of thy might.

9 Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness, and let thy saints shout for joy.

10 For thy servant David's sake do not turn away the face of thy anointed one.

11 The LORD swore to David a sure oath from which he will not turn back: "One of the sons of your body I will set on your throne.

12 If your sons keep my covenant and my testimonies which I shall teach them, their sons also for ever shall sit upon your throne."

13 For the LORD has chosen Zion; he has desired it for his habitation:

14 "This is my resting place for ever; here I will dwell, for I have desired it.

15 I will abundantly bless her provisions; I will satisfy her poor with bread.

16 Her priests I will clothe with salvation, and her saints will shout for joy.

17 There I will make a horn to sprout for David; I have prepared a lamp for my anointed.

18 His enemies I will clothe with shame, but upon himself his crown will shed its luster." ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Father, by faith may I inherit Your kingdom.

Psalms 133

A Song of Ascents.

1 Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!

2 It is like the precious oil upon the head, running down upon the beard, upon the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes!

3 It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion! For there the LORD has commanded the blessing, life for evermore. ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Father, may we be one.

Psalms 134

A Song of Ascents.

1 Come, bless the LORD, all you servants of the LORD, who stand by night in the house of the LORD!

2 Lift up your hands to the holy place, and bless the LORD!

3 May the LORD bless you from Zion, he who made heaven and earth! ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Father, send the Spirit to motivate me to pray morning, noon, and night.

Psalms 135

1 Praise the LORD. Praise the name of the LORD, give praise, O servants of the LORD,

2 you that stand in the house of the LORD, in the courts of the house of our God!

3 Praise the LORD, for the LORD is good; sing to his name, for he is gracious!

4 For the LORD has chosen Jacob for himself, Israel as his own possession.

5 For I know that the LORD is great, and that our Lord is above all gods.

6 Whatever the LORD pleases he does, in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all deeps.

7 He it is who makes the clouds rise at the end of the earth, who makes lightnings for the rain and brings forth the wind from his storehouses.

8 He it was who smote the first-born of Egypt, both of man and of beast;

9 who in thy midst, O Egypt, sent signs and wonders against Pharaoh and all his servants;

10 who smote many nations and slew mighty kings,

11 Sihon, king of the Amorites, and Og, king of Bashan, and all the kingdoms of Canaan,

12 and gave their land as a heritage, a heritage to his people Israel.

13 Thy name, O LORD, endures for ever, thy renown, O LORD, throughout all ages.

14 For the LORD will vindicate his people, and have compassion on his servants.

15 The idols of the nations are silver and gold, the work of men's hands.

16 They have mouths, but they speak not, they have eyes, but they see not,

17 they have ears, but they hear not, nor is there any breath in their mouths.

18 Like them be those who make them! -- yea, every one who trusts in them!

19 O house of Israel, bless the LORD! O house of Aaron, bless the LORD!

20 O house of Levi, bless the LORD! You that fear the LORD, bless the LORD!

21 Blessed be the LORD from Zion, he who dwells in Jerusalem! Praise the LORD! ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Father, may every minute and detail of my life give You praise.

Psalms 136

1 O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures for ever.

2 O give thanks to the God of gods, for his steadfast love endures for ever.

3 O give thanks to the Lord of lords, for his steadfast love endures for ever;

4 to him who alone does great wonders, for his steadfast love endures for ever;

5 to him who by understanding made the heavens, for his steadfast love endures for ever;

6 to him who spread out the earth upon the waters, for his steadfast love endures for ever;

7 to him who made the great lights, for his steadfast love endures for ever;

8 the sun to rule over the day, for his steadfast love endures for ever;

9 the moon and stars to rule over the night, for his steadfast love endures for ever;

10 to him who smote the first-born of Egypt, for his steadfast love endures for ever;

11 and brought Israel out from among them, for his steadfast love endures for ever;

12 with a strong hand and an outstretched arm, for his steadfast love endures for ever;

13 to him who divided the Red Sea in sunder, for his steadfast love endures for ever;

14 and made Israel pass through the midst of it, for his steadfast love endures for ever;

15 but overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red Sea, for his steadfast love endures for ever;

16 to him who led his people through the wilderness, for his steadfast love endures for ever;

17 to him who smote great kings, for his steadfast love endures for ever;

18 and slew famous kings, for his steadfast love endures for ever;

19 Sihon, king of the Amorites, for his steadfast love endures for ever;

20 and Og, king of Bashan, for his steadfast love endures for ever;

21 and gave their land as a heritage, for his steadfast love endures for ever;

22 a heritage to Israel his servant, for his steadfast love endures for ever.

23 It is he who remembered us in our low estate, for his steadfast love endures for ever;

24 and rescued us from our foes, for his steadfast love endures for ever;

25 he who gives food to all flesh, for his steadfast love endures for ever.

26 O give thanks to the God of heaven, for his steadfast love endures for ever. ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Father, You've been so good.

Psalms 137

1 By the waters of Babylon, there we sat down and wept, when we remembered Zion.

2 On the willows there we hung up our lyres.

3 For there our captors required of us songs, and our tormentors, mirth, saying, "Sing us one of the songs of Zion!"

4 How shall we sing the LORD's song in a foreign land?

5 If I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand wither!

6 Let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth, if I do not remember you, if I do not set Jerusalem above my highest joy!

7 Remember, O LORD, against the E'domites the day of Jerusalem, how they said, "Rase it, rase it! Down to its foundations!"

8 O daughter of Babylon, you devastator! Happy shall he be who requites you with what you have done to us!

9 Happy shall he be who takes your little ones and dashes them against the rock! ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Father, may zeal for Your house consume me (Jn 2:17; Ps 69:10).

Psalms 138

A Psalm of David.

1 I give thee thanks, O LORD, with my whole heart; before the gods I sing thy praise;

2 I bow down toward thy holy temple and give thanks to thy name for thy steadfast love and thy faithfulness; for thou hast exalted above everything thy name and thy word.

3 On the day I called, thou didst answer me, my strength of soul thou didst increase.

4 All the kings of the earth shall praise thee, O LORD, for they have heard the words of thy mouth;

5 and they shall sing of the ways of the LORD, for great is the glory of the LORD.

6 For though the LORD is high, he regards the lowly; but the haughty he knows from afar.

7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou dost preserve my life; thou dost stretch out thy hand against the wrath of my enemies, and thy right hand delivers me.

8 The LORD will fulfil his purpose for me; thy steadfast love, O LORD, endures for ever. Do not forsake the work of thy hands. ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Father, may I invite others to praise You.

Psalms 139

To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.

1 O LORD, thou hast searched me and known me!

2 Thou knowest when I sit down and when I rise up; thou discernest my thoughts from afar.

3 Thou searchest out my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.

4 Even before a word is on my tongue, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether.

5 Thou dost beset me behind and before, and layest thy hand upon me.

6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain it.

7 Whither shall I go from thy Spirit? Or whither shall I flee from thy presence?

8 If I ascend to heaven, thou art there! If I make my bed in Sheol, thou art there!

9 If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,

10 even there thy hand shall lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.

11 If I say, "Let only darkness cover me, and the light about me be night,"

12 even the darkness is not dark to thee, the night is bright as the day; for darkness is as light with thee.

13 For thou didst form my inward parts, thou didst knit me together in my mother's womb.

14 I praise thee, for thou art fearful and wonderful. Wonderful are thy works! Thou knowest me right well;

15 my frame was not hidden from thee, when I was being made in secret, intricately wrought in the depths of the earth.

16 Thy eyes beheld my unformed substance; in thy book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.

17 How precious to me are thy thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!

18 If I would count them, they are more than the sand. When I awake, I am still with thee.

19 O that thou wouldst slay the wicked, O God, and that men of blood would depart from me,

20 men who maliciously defy thee, who lift themselves up against thee for evil!

21 Do I not hate them that hate thee, O LORD? And do I not loathe them that rise up against thee?

22 I hate them with perfect hatred; I count them my enemies.

23 Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts!

24 And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting! ------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Probe me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my thoughts" (139:23).

Psalms 140

To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.

1 Deliver me, O LORD, from evil men; preserve me from violent men,

2 who plan evil things in their heart, and stir up wars continually.

3 They make their tongue sharp as a serpent's, and under their lips is the poison of vipers. [Selah]

4 Guard me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from violent men, who have planned to trip up my feet.

5 Arrogant men have hidden a trap for me, and with cords they have spread a net, by the wayside they have set snares for me. [Selah]

6 I say to the LORD, Thou art my God; give ear to the voice of my supplications, O LORD!

7 O LORD, my Lord, my strong deliverer, thou hast covered my head in the day of battle.

8 Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked; do not further his evil plot! [Selah]

9 Those who surround me lift up their head, let the mischief of their lips overwhelm them!

10 Let burning coals fall upon them! Let them be cast into pits, no more to rise!

11 Let not the slanderer be established in the land; let evil hunt down the violent man speedily!

12 I know that the LORD maintains the cause of the afflicted, and executes justice for the needy.

13 Surely the righteous shall give thanks to thy name; the upright shall dwell in thy presence. ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Father, may I love my enemies.

Psalms 141

A Psalm of David.

1 I call upon thee, O LORD; make haste to me! Give ear to my voice, when I call to thee!

2 Let my prayer be counted as incense before thee, and the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice!

3 Set a guard over my mouth, O LORD, keep watch over the door of my lips!

4 Incline not my heart to any evil, to busy myself with wicked deeds in company with men who work iniquity; and let me not eat of their dainties!

5 Let a good man strike or rebuke me in kindness, but let the oil of the wicked never anoint my head; for my prayer is continually against their wicked deeds.

6 When they are given over to those who shall condemn them, then they shall learn that the word of the LORD is true.

7 As a rock which one cleaves and shatters on the land, so shall their bones be strewn at the mouth of Sheol.

8 But my eyes are toward thee, O LORD God; in thee I seek refuge; leave me not defenseless!

9 Keep me from the trap which they have laid for me, and from the snares of evildoers!

10 Let the wicked together fall into their own nets, while I escape. ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Father, may I have "no love for the world, nor the things that the world affords" (1 Jn 2:15).

Psalms 142

A Maskil of David, when he was in the cave. A Prayer.

1 I cry with my voice to the LORD, with my voice I make supplication to the LORD,

2 I pour out my complaint before him, I tell my trouble before him.

3 When my spirit is faint, thou knowest my way! In the path where I walk they have hidden a trap for me.

4 I look to the right and watch, but there is none who takes notice of me; no refuge remains to me, no man cares for me.

5 I cry to thee, O LORD; I say, Thou art my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.

6 Give heed to my cry; for I am brought very low! Deliver me from my persecutors; for they are too strong for me!

7 Bring me out of prison, that I may give thanks to thy name! The righteous will surround me; for thou wilt deal bountifully with me. ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jesus, free me

Psalms 143

1 Hear my prayer, O LORD; give ear to my supplications! In thy faithfulness answer me, in thy righteousness!

2 Enter not into judgment with thy servant; for no man living is righteous before thee.

3 For the enemy has pursued me; he has crushed my life to the ground; he has made me sit in darkness like those long dead.

4 Therefore my spirit faints within me; my heart within me is appalled.

5 I remember the days of old, I meditate on all that thou hast done; I muse on what thy hands have wrought.

6 I stretch out my hands to thee; my soul thirsts for thee like a parched land. [Selah]

7 Make haste to answer me, O LORD! My spirit fails! Hide not thy face from me, lest I be like those who go down to the Pit.

8 Let me hear in the morning of thy steadfast love, for in thee I put my trust. Teach me the way I should go, for to thee I lift up my soul.

9 Deliver me, O LORD, from my enemies! I have fled to thee for refuge!

10 Teach me to do thy will, for thou art my God! Let thy good spirit lead me on a level path!

11 For thy name's sake, O LORD, preserve my life! In thy righteousness bring me out of trouble!

12 And in thy steadfast love cut off my enemies, and destroy all my adversaries, for I am thy servant. ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Father, teach me to do your will.

The Psalms–Day 10

2012-01-05T22:02:00.001-08:00

Day 10 Psalms 118 — 130

previous readings

Psalms 118

1 O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his steadfast love endures for ever!

2 Let Israel say, "His steadfast love endures for ever."

3 Let the house of Aaron say, "His steadfast love endures for ever."

4 Let those who fear the LORD say, "His steadfast love endures for ever."

5 Out of my distress I called on the LORD; the LORD answered me and set me free.

6 With the LORD on my side I do not fear. What can man do to me?

7 The LORD is on my side to help me; I shall look in triumph on those who hate me.

8 It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to put confidence in man.

9 It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.

10 All nations surrounded me; in the name of the LORD I cut them off!

11 They surrounded me, surrounded me on every side; in the name of the LORD I cut them off!

12 They surrounded me like bees, they blazed like a fire of thorns; in the name of the LORD I cut them off!

13 I was pushed hard, so that I was falling, but the LORD helped me.

14 The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.

15 Hark, glad songs of victory in the tents of the righteous: "The right hand of the LORD does valiantly,

16 the right hand of the LORD is exalted, the right hand of the LORD does valiantly!"

17 I shall not die, but I shall live, and recount the deeds of the LORD.

18 The LORD has chastened me sorely, but he has not given me over to death.

19 Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter through them and give thanks to the LORD.

20 This is the gate of the LORD; the righteous shall enter through it.

21 I thank thee that thou hast answered me and hast become my salvation.

22 The stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner.

23 This is the LORD's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.

24 This is the day which the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

25 Save us, we beseech thee, O LORD! O LORD, we beseech thee, give us success!

26 Blessed be he who enters in the name of the LORD! We bless you from the house of the LORD.

27 The LORD is God, and he has given us light. Bind the festal procession with branches, up to the horns of the altar!

28 Thou art my God, and I will give thanks to thee; thou art my God, I will extol thee.

29 O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures for ever! ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Psalms 119

1 Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the LORD!

2 Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart,

3 who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways!

4 Thou hast commanded thy precepts to be kept diligently.

5 O that my ways may be steadfast in keeping thy statutes!

6 Then I shall not be put to shame, having my eyes fixed on all thy commandments.

7 I will praise thee with an upright heart, when I learn thy righteous ordinances.

8 I will observe thy statutes; O forsake me not utterly!

9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to thy word.

10 With my whole heart I seek thee; let me not wander from thy commandments!

11 I have laid up thy word in my heart, that I might not sin against thee.

12 Blessed be thou, O LORD; teach me thy statutes!

13 With my lips I declare all the ordinances of thy mouth.

14 In the way of thy testimonies I delight as much as in all riches.

15 I will meditate on thy precepts, and fix my eyes on thy ways.

16 I will delight in thy statutes; I will not forget thy word.

17 Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live and observe thy word.

18 Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.

19 I am a sojourner on earth; hide not thy commandments from me!

20 My soul is consumed with longing for thy ordinances at all times.

21 Thou dost rebuke the insolent, accursed ones, who wander from thy commandments;

22 take away from me their scorn and contempt, for I have kept thy testimonies.

23 Even though princes sit plotting against me, thy servant will meditate on thy statutes.

24 Thy testimonies are my delight, they are my counselors.

25 My soul cleaves to the dust; revive me according to thy word!

26 When I told of my ways, thou didst answer me; teach me thy statutes!

27 Make me understand the way of thy precepts, and I will meditate on thy wondrous works.

28 My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to thy word!

29 Put false ways far from me; and graciously teach me thy law!

30 I have chosen the way of faithfulness, I set thy ordinances before me.

31 I cleave to thy testimonies, O LORD; let me not be put to shame!

32 I will run in the way of thy commandments when thou enlargest my understanding!

33 Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; and I will keep it to the end.

34 Give me understanding, that I may keep thy law and observe it with my whole heart.

35 Lead me in the path of thy commandments, for I delight in it.

36 Incline my heart to thy testimonies, and not to gain!

37 Turn my eyes from looking at vanities; and give me life in thy ways.

38 Confirm to thy servant thy promise, which is for those who fear thee.

39 Turn away the reproach which I dread; for thy ordinances are good.

40 Behold, I long for thy precepts; in thy righteousness give me life!

41 Let thy steadfast love come to me, O LORD, thy salvation according to thy promise;

42 then shall I have an answer for those who taunt me, for I trust in thy word.

43 And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth, for my hope is in thy ordinances.

44 I will keep thy law continually, for ever and ever;

45 and I shall walk at liberty, for I have sought thy precepts.

46 I will also speak of thy testimonies before kings, and shall not be put to shame;

47 for I find my delight in thy commandments, which I love.

48 I revere thy commandments, which I love, and I will meditate on thy statutes.

49 Remember thy word to thy servant, in which thou hast made me hope.

50 This is my comfort in my affliction that thy promise gives me life.

51 Godless men utterly deride me, but I do not turn away from thy law.

52 When I think of thy ordinances from of old, I take comfort, O LORD.

53 Hot indignation seizes me because of the wicked, who forsake thy law.

54 Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage.

55 I remember thy name in the night, O LORD, and keep thy law.

56 This blessing has fallen to me, that I have kept thy precepts.

57 The LORD is my portion; I promise to keep thy words.

58 I entreat thy favor with all my heart; be gracious to me according to thy promise.

59 When I think of thy ways, I turn my feet to thy testimonies;

60 I hasten and do not delay to keep thy commandments.

61 Though the cords of the wicked ensnare me, I do not forget thy law.

62 At midnight I rise to praise thee, because of thy righteous ordinances.

63 I am a companion of all who fear thee, of those who keep thy precepts.

64 The earth, O LORD, is full of thy steadfast love; teach me thy statutes!

65 Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, O LORD, according to thy word.

66 Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe in thy commandments.

67 Before I was afflicted I went astray; but now I keep thy word.

68 Thou art good and doest good; teach me thy statutes.

69 The godless besmear me with lies, but with my whole heart I keep thy precepts;

70 their heart is gross like fat, but I delight in thy law.

71 It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn thy statutes.

72 The law of thy mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces.

73 Thy hands have made and fashioned me; give me understanding that I may learn thy commandments.

74 Those who fear thee shall see me and rejoice, because I have hoped in thy word.

75 I know, O LORD, that thy judgments are right, and that in faithfulness thou hast afflicted me.

76 Let thy steadfast love be ready to comfort me according to thy promise to thy servant.

77 Let thy mercy come to me, that I may live; for thy law is my delight.

78 Let the godless be put to shame, because they have subverted me with guile; as for me, I will meditate on thy precepts.

79 Let those who fear thee turn to me, that they may know thy testimonies.

80 May my heart be blameless in thy statutes, that I may not be put to shame!

81 My soul languishes for thy salvation; I hope in thy word.

82 My eyes fail with watching for thy promise; I ask, "When wilt thou comfort me?"

83 For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke, yet I have not forgotten thy statutes.

84 How long must thy servant endure? When wilt thou judge those who persecute me?

85 Godless men have dug pitfalls for me, men who do not conform to thy law.

86 All thy commandments are sure; they persecute me with falsehood; help me!

87 They have almost made an end of me on earth; but I have not forsaken thy precepts.

88 In thy steadfast love spare my life, that I may keep the testimonies of thy mouth.

89 For ever, O LORD, thy word is firmly fixed in the heavens.

90 Thy faithfulness endures to all generations; thou hast established the earth, and it stands fast.

91 By thy appointment they stand this day; for all things are thy servants.

92 If thy law had not been my delight, I should have perished in my affliction.

93 I will never forget thy precepts; for by them thou hast given me life.

94 I am thine, save me; for I have sought thy precepts.

95 The wicked lie in wait to destroy me; but I consider thy testimonies.

96 I have seen a limit to all perfection, but thy commandment is exceedingly broad.

97 Oh, how I love thy law! It is my meditation all the day.

98 Thy commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me.

99 I have more understanding than all my teachers, for thy testimonies are my meditation.

100 I understand more than the aged, for I keep thy precepts.

101 I hold back my feet from every evil way, in order to keep thy word.

102 I do not turn aside from thy ordinances, for thou hast taught me.

103 How sweet are thy words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!

104 Through thy precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way.

105 Thy word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

106 I have sworn an oath and confirmed it, to observe thy righteous ordinances.

107 I am sorely afflicted; give me life, O LORD, according to thy word!

108 Accept my offerings of praise, O LORD, and teach me thy ordinances.

109 I hold my life in my hand continually, but I do not forget thy law.

110 The wicked have laid a snare for me, but I do not stray from thy precepts.

111 Thy testimonies are my heritage for ever; yea, they are the joy of my heart.

112 I incline my heart to perform thy statutes for ever, to the end.

113 I hate double-minded men, but I love thy law.

114 Thou art my hiding place and my shield; I hope in thy word.

115 Depart from me, you evildoers, that I may keep the commandments of my God.

116 Uphold me according to thy promise, that I may live, and let me not be put to shame in my hope!

117 Hold me up, that I may be safe and have regard for thy statutes continually!

118 Thou dost spurn all who go astray from thy statutes; yea, their cunning is in vain.

119 All the wicked of the earth thou dost count as dross; therefore I love thy testimonies.

120 My flesh trembles for fear of thee, and I am afraid of thy judgments.

121 I have done what is just and right; do not leave me to my oppressors.

122 Be surety for thy servant for good; let not the godless oppress me.

123 My eyes fail with watching for thy salvation, and for the fulfilment of thy righteous promise.

124 Deal with thy servant according to thy steadfast love, and teach me thy statutes.

125 I am thy servant; give me understanding, that I may know thy testimonies!

126 It is time for the LORD to act, for thy law has been broken.

127 Therefore I love thy commandments above gold, above fine gold.

128 Therefore I direct my steps by all thy precepts; I hate every false way.

129 Thy testimonies are wonderful; therefore my soul keeps them.

130 The unfolding of thy words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.

131 With open mouth I pant, because I long for thy commandments.

132 Turn to me and be gracious to me, as is thy wont toward those who love thy name.

133 Keep steady my steps according to thy promise, and let no iniquity get dominion over me.

134 Redeem me from man's oppression, that I may keep thy precepts.

135 Make thy face shine upon thy servant, and teach me thy statutes.

136 My eyes shed streams of tears, because men do not keep thy law.

137 Righteous art thou, O LORD, and right are thy judgments.

138 Thou hast appointed thy testimonies in righteousness and in all faithfulness.

139 My zeal consumes me, because my foes forget thy words.

140 Thy promise is well tried, and thy servant loves it.

141 I am small and despised, yet I do not forget thy precepts.

142 Thy righteousness is righteous for ever, and thy law is true.

143 Trouble and anguish have come upon me, but thy commandments are my delight.

144 Thy testimonies are righteous for ever; give me understanding that I may live.

145 With my whole heart I cry; answer me, O LORD! I will keep thy statutes.

146 I cry to thee; save me, that I may observe thy testimonies.

147 I rise before dawn and cry for help; I hope in thy words.

148 My eyes are awake before the watches of the night, that I may meditate upon thy promise.

149 Hear my voice in thy steadfast love; O LORD, in thy justice preserve my life.

150 They draw near who persecute me with evil purpose; they are far from thy law.

151But thou art near, O LORD, and all thy commandments are true.

152Long have I known from thy testimonies that thou hast founded them for ever.

153Look on my affliction and deliver me, for I do not forget thy law.

154Plead my cause and redeem me; give me life according to thy promise!

155Salvation is far from the wicked, for they do not seek thy statutes.

156Great is thy mercy, O LORD; give me life according to thy justice.

157Many are my persecutors and my adversaries, but I do not swerve from thy testimonies.

158I look at the faithless with disgust, because they do not keep thy commands.

159Consider how I love thy precepts! Preserve my life according to thy steadfast love.

160The sum of thy word is truth; and every one of thy righteous ordinances endures for ever.

161Princes persecute me without cause, but my heart stands in awe of thy words.

162I rejoice at thy word like one who finds great spoil.

163I hate and abhor falsehood, but I love thy law.

164Seven times a day I praise thee for thy righteous ordinances.

165Great peace have those who love thy law; nothing can make them stumble.

166I hope for thy salvation, O LORD, and I do thy commandments.

167My soul keeps thy testimonies; I love them exceedingly.

168I keep thy precepts and testimonies, for all my ways are before thee.

169Let my cry come before thee, O LORD; give me understanding according to thy word!

170Let my supplication come before thee; deliver me according to thy word.

171My lips will pour forth praise that thou dost teach me thy statutes.

172My tongue will sing of thy word, for all thy commandments are right.

173Let thy hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen thy precepts.

174I long for thy salvation, O LORD, and thy law is my delight.

175Let me live, that I may praise thee, and let thy ordinances help me.

176I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant, for I do not forget thy commandments. ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Father, may my heart burn inside as I receive Your word (Lk 24:32).

Psalms 120

A Song of Ascents.

1 In my distress I cry to the LORD, that he may answer me:

2 "Deliver me, O LORD, from lying lips, from a deceitful tongue."

3 What shall be given to you? And what more shall be done to you, you deceitful tongue?

4 A warrior's sharp arrows, with glowing coals of the broom tree!

5 Woe is me, that I sojourn in Meshech, that I dwell among the tents of Kedar!

6 Too long have I had my dwelling among those who hate peace.

7 I am for peace; but when I speak, they are for war! ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Father, give me a Christian community uncompromised with the world.

Psalms 121

A Song of Ascents.

1 I lift up my eyes to the hills. From whence does my help come?

2 My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.

3 He will not let your foot be moved, he who keeps you will not slumber.

4 Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

5 The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is your shade on your right hand.

6 The sun shall not smite you by day, nor the moon by night.

7 The LORD will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life.

8 The LORD will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and for evermore. ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Father, protect Your children.

Psalms 122

A Song of Ascents. Of David.

1 I was glad when they said to me, "Let us go to the house of the LORD!"

2 Our feet have been standing within your gates, O Jerusalem!

3 Jerusalem, built as a city which is bound firmly together,

4 to which the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, as was decreed for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the LORD.

5 There thrones for judgment were set, the thrones of the house of David.

6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! "May they prosper who love you!

7 Peace be within your walls, and security within your towers!"

8 For my brethren and companions' sake I will say, "Peace be within you!"

9 For the sake of the house of the LORD our God, I will seek your good. ------------------------------------------------------------------------

May we honor you by attending daily Mass.

Psalms 123

A Song of Ascents.

1 To thee I lift up my eyes, O thou who art enthroned in the heavens!

2 Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the LORD our God, till he have mercy upon us.

3 Have mercy upon us, O LORD, have mercy upon us, for we have had more than enough of contempt.

4 Too long our soul has been sated with the scorn of those who are at ease, the contempt of the proud. ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jesus, keep my eyes fixed on You (Heb 12:2).

Psalms 124

A Song of Ascents. Of David.

1 If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, let Israel now say --

2 if it had not been the LORD who was on our side, when men rose up against us,

3 then they would have swallowed us up alive, when their anger was kindled against us;

4 then the flood would have swept us away, the torrent would have gone over us;

5 then over us would have gone the raging waters.

6 Blessed be the LORD, who has not given us as prey to their teeth!

7 We have escaped as a bird from the snare of the fowlers; the snare is broken, and we have escaped!

8 Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth. ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jesus, Savior, thank You for Calvary.

Psalms 125

A Song of Ascents.

1 Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides for ever.

2 As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the LORD is round about his people, from this time forth and for evermore.

3 For the scepter of wickedness shall not rest upon the land allotted to the righteous, lest the righteous put forth their hands to do wrong.

4 Do good, O LORD, to those who are good, and to those who are upright in their hearts!

5 But those who turn aside upon their crooked ways the LORD will lead away with evildoers! Peace be in Israel! ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Father, You are my only security.

Psalms 126

A Song of Ascents.

1 When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream.

2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them."

3 The LORD has done great things for us; we are glad.

4 Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like the watercourses in the Negeb!

5 May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy!

6 He that goes forth weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him. ------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Restore our fortunes, O Lord" (126:4).

Psalms 127

A Song of Ascents. Of Solomon.

1 Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.

2 It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.

3 Lo, sons are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward.

4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the sons of one's youth.

5 Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate. ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Father, You are my only Hope but the only hope I need.

Psalms 128

A Song of Ascents.

1 Blessed is every one who fears the LORD, who walks in his ways!

2 You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be happy, and it shall be well with you.

3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table.

4 Lo, thus shall the man be blessed who fears the LORD.

5 The LORD bless you from Zion! May you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life!

6 May you see your children's children! Peace be upon Israel! ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Father, may I seek first Your kingdom and see everything else provided for my family (Mt 6:33).

Psalms 129

A Song of Ascents.

1 "Sorely have they afflicted me from my youth," let Israel now say --

2 "Sorely have they afflicted me from my youth, yet they have not prevailed against me.

3 The plowers plowed upon my back; they made long their furrows."

4 The LORD is righteous; he has cut the cords of the wicked.

5 May all who hate Zion be put to shame and turned backward!

6 Let them be like the grass on the housetops, which withers before it grows up,

7 with which the reaper does not fill his hand or the binder of sheaves his bosom,

8 while those who pass by do not say, "The blessing of the LORD be upon you! We bless you in the name of the LORD!" ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Father, may I fix my eyes on Jesus.

Psalms 130

1 Out of the depths I cry to thee, O LORD!

2 Lord, hear my voice! Let thy ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications!

3 If thou, O LORD, shouldst mark iniquities, Lord, who could stand?

4 But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.

5 I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I hope;

6 my soul waits for the LORD more than watchmen for the morning, more than watchmen for the morning.

7 O Israel, hope in the LORD! For with the LORD there is steadfast love, and with him is plenteous redemption.

8 And he will redeem Israel from all his iniquities. ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lord, I think I'm waiting for You but You're waiting for me. I want to not leaving you waiting.

Have Mercy on Us

2012-01-05T15:51:00.001-08:00

…Lord Jesus, give us the faith to become a harvest for You so that You may continue through us to give life to men. May our minds be filled with you, the pledge of our future glory. Amen

~ Closing prayer of the Thursday litany taken from the LMC Prayer Book.– Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Advent Books–Late Editions

2012-01-05T15:29:00.001-08:00

We have added two more books to our Advent/Christmas book collection.

I won a copy of The Baker’s Dozen from a giveaway at Sanctus Simplicitus.

Be sure to check out Sanctus Simplicitus Traditional Home/School Planner. A FREE PDF download is available for the remainder of the 2011-2012 school year, ending June 2012. I’ve been using it this school year and love it!! There are also several other printables/downloads that reflect the Traditional Liturgical Calendar.

Sweetie’s Godparents gifted her a copy of Angel and the Baby Jesus. Dad has already read it several times to the little’s. It has quickly become a favorite.

Ringing in 2012

2012-01-04T06:36:00.001-08:00

this was the first year that the little’s were able to stay up until midnight. I don’t know how super baby managed but he did.

Dad and I continued our New Year’s tradition. Dad holds a family session. He leads spiritual reflections. It includes a spiritual progress report and a spiritual goal setting session. Dad leads and each family member takes a turn sharing. Everyone has a chance to voice their own report, offer their gift to Jesus, and to "evaluate" one another. All ages participate. I record the responses. In the past, I have video recorded the sessions. We all love to hear and see our growth over the year.

Dad is responsible for checking in with our goals. He usually does this sporadically (throughout the year) on family nights.

This year, our tradition almost got put off. Dad and I were invited to a New Year’s Eve party. It was tempting for us since the tickets were free and we desired some adult time. After some discernment, we opted to keep our tradition of bringing in the New Year with family. We give thanks and praise to the Good Lord for leading us home. We trust that He is calling us, now more than ever, to resign more fully to our home and family. We pray that we will be given the graces, this year, to see what other activities are hindering us in fully preparing our family for His call, and that we move promptly to become right ordered.

"How shall I make a return to the Lord for all the good He has done for me?" (Ps. 116:12)

~~~

In addition to New Year’s Family session, Dad has started a new tradition—tamale making. He grew up making tamales in his home every Christmas. He’s only made them once on his own. He and my dad rallied together. It was a day full of family fun in the kitchen. Grandma, Nana & Papa, aunts and uncles, and cousins all pitched a hand. We made over 30 dozen pork, chicken, and green chili and cheese tamales. Craziness is what it was.

The Psalms–Day 9

2012-01-04T05:52:00.001-08:00

Day 9 Psalms 105 — 117

previous readings

Psalms 105

1 O give thanks to the LORD, call on his name, make known his deeds among the peoples!

2 Sing to him, sing praises to him, tell of all his wonderful works!

3 Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice!

4 Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his presence continually!

5 Remember the wonderful works that he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he uttered,

6 O offspring of Abraham his servant, sons of Jacob, his chosen ones!

Father, how could such a great God as You adopt me?

Psalms 106

1 Praise the LORD! O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures for ever!

2 Who can utter the mighty doings of the LORD, or show forth all his praise?

3 Blessed are they who observe justice, who do righteousness at all times!

4 Remember me, O LORD, when thou showest favor to thy people; help me when thou deliverest them;

5 that I may see the prosperity of thy chosen ones, that I may rejoice in the gladness of thy nation, that I may glory with thy heritage.

6 Both we and our fathers have sinned; we have committed iniquity, we have done wickedly.

7 Our fathers, when they were in Egypt, did not consider thy wonderful works; they did not remember the abundance of thy steadfast love, but rebelled against the Most High at the Red Sea.

8 Yet he saved them for his name's sake, that he might make known his mighty power.

9 He rebuked the Red Sea, and it became dry; and he led them through the deep as through a desert.

10So he saved them from the hand of the foe, and delivered them from the power of the enemy.

11And the waters covered their adversaries; not one of them was left.

12Then they believed his words; they sang his praise.

13But they soon forgot his works; they did not wait for his counsel.

14But they had a wanton craving in the wilderness, and put God to the test in the desert;

15he gave them what they asked, but sent a wasting disease among them.

16When men in the camp were jealous of Moses and Aaron, the holy one of the LORD,

17the earth opened and swallowed up Dathan, and covered the company of Abi'ram.

18Fire also broke out in their company; the flame burned up the wicked.

19They made a calf in Horeb and worshiped a molten image.

20They exchanged the glory of God for the image of an ox that eats grass.

21They forgot God, their Savior, who had done great things in Egypt,

22wondrous works in the land of Ham, and terrible things by the Red Sea.

23Therefore he said he would destroy them -- had not Moses, his chosen one, stood in the breach before him, to turn away his wrath from destroying them.

24Then they despised the pleasant land, having no faith in his promise.

25They murmured in their tents, and did not obey the voice of the LORD.

26Therefore he raised his hand and swore to them that he would make them fall in the wilderness,

27and would disperse their descendants among the nations, scattering them over the lands.

28Then they attached themselves to the Ba'al of Pe'or, and ate sacrifices offered to the dead;

29they provoked the LORD to anger with their doings, and a plague broke out among them.

30Then Phin'ehas stood up and interposed, and the plague was stayed.

31And that has been reckoned to him as righteousness from generation to generation for ever.

32They angered him at the waters of Mer'ibah, and it went ill with Moses on their account;

33for they made his spirit bitter, and he spoke words that were rash.

34They did not destroy the peoples, as the LORD commanded them,

35but they mingled with the nations and learned to do as they did.

36They served their idols, which became a snare to them.

37They sacrificed their sons and their daughters to the demons;

38they poured out innocent blood, the blood of their sons and daughters, whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan; and the land was polluted with blood.

39Thus they became unclean by their acts, and played the harlot in their doings.

40Then the anger of the LORD was kindled against his people, and he abhorred his heritage;

41he gave them into the hand of the nations, so that those who hated them ruled over them.

42Their enemies oppressed them, and they were brought into subjection under their power.

43Many times he delivered them, but they were rebellious in their purposes, and were brought low through their iniquity.

44Nevertheless he regarded their distress, when he heard their cry.

45He remembered for their sake his covenant, and relented according to the abundance of his steadfast love.

46He caused them to be pitied by all those who held them captive.

47Save us, O LORD our God, and gather us from among the nations, that we may give thanks to thy holy name and glory in thy praise.

48Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting! And let all the people say, "Amen!" Praise the LORD! ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Father, thank You for forgiving me repeatedly.

Psalms 107

1 O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures for ever!

2 Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble

3 and gathered in from the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south.

4 Some wandered in desert wastes, finding no way to a city to dwell in;

5 hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted within them.

6 Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress;

7 he led them by a straight way, till they reached a city to dwell in.

8 Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wonderful works to the sons of men!

9 For he satisfies him who is thirsty, and the hungry he fills with good things.

10Some sat in darkness and in gloom, prisoners in affliction and in irons,

11for they had rebelled against the words of God, and spurned the counsel of the Most High.

12Their hearts were bowed down with hard labor; they fell down, with none to help.

13Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress;

14he brought them out of darkness and gloom, and broke their bonds asunder.

15Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wonderful works to the sons of men!

16For he shatters the doors of bronze, and cuts in two the bars of iron.

17Some were sick through their sinful ways, and because of their iniquities suffered affliction;

18they loathed any kind of food, and they drew near to the gates of death.

19Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress;

20he sent forth his word, and healed them, and delivered them from destruction.

21Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wonderful works to the sons of men!

22And let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving, and tell of his deeds in songs of joy!

23Some went down to the sea in ships, doing business on the great waters;

24they saw the deeds of the LORD, his wondrous works in the deep.

25For he commanded, and raised the stormy wind, which lifted up the waves of the sea.

26They mounted up to heaven, they went down to the depths; their courage melted away in their evil plight;

27they reeled and staggered like drunken men, and were at their wits' end.

28Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress;

29he made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed.

30Then they were glad because they had quiet, and he brought them to their desired haven.

31Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wonderful works to the sons of men!

32Let them extol him in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders.

33He turns rivers into a desert, springs of water into thirsty ground,

34a fruitful land into a salty waste, because of the wickedness of its inhabitants.

35He turns a desert into pools of water, a parched land into springs of water.

36And there he lets the hungry dwell, and they establish a city to live in;

37they sow fields, and plant vineyards, and get a fruitful yield.

38By his blessing they multiply greatly; and he does not let their cattle decrease.

39When they are diminished and brought low through oppression, trouble, and sorrow,

40he pours contempt upon princes and makes them wander in trackless wastes;

41but he raises up the needy out of affliction, and makes their families like flocks.

42The upright see it and are glad; and all wickedness stops its mouth.

43Whoever is wise, let him give heed to these things; let men consider the steadfast love of the LORD. ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Father, thank You for the changes Jesus has made in my life.

Psalms 108

A Song. A Psalm of David.

1 My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast! I will sing and make melody! Awake, my soul!

2 Awake, O harp and lyre! I will awake the dawn!

3 I will give thanks to thee, O LORD, among the peoples, I will sing praises to thee among the nations.

4 For thy steadfast love is great above the heavens, thy faithfulness reaches to the clouds.

5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let thy glory be over all the earth!

6 That thy beloved may be delivered, give help by thy right hand, and answer me!

7 God has promised in his sanctuary: "With exultation I will divide up Shechem, and portion out the Vale of Succoth.

8 Gilead is mine; Manas'seh is mine; E'phraim is my helmet; Judah my scepter.

9 Moab is my washbasin; upon Edom I cast my shoe; over Philistia I shout in triumph."

10Who will bring me to the fortified city? Who will lead me to Edom?

11Hast thou not rejected us, O God? Thou dost not go forth, O God, with our armies.

12O grant us help against the foe, for vain is the help of man!

13With God we shall do valiantly; it is he who will tread down our foes. ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Father, may my joy rise to fever pitch (Acts 8:8).

Psalms 109

To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.

1 Be not silent, O God of my praise!

2 For wicked and deceitful mouths are opened against me, speaking against me with lying tongues.

3 They beset me with words of hate, and attack me without cause.

4 In return for my love they accuse me, even as I make prayer for them.

5 So they reward me evil for good, and hatred for my love.

6 Appoint a wicked man against him; let an accuser bring him to trial.

7 When he is tried, let him come forth guilty; let his prayer be counted as sin!

8 May his days be few; may another seize his goods!

9 May his children be fatherless, and his wife a widow!

10May his children wander about and beg; may they be driven out of the ruins they inhabit!

11May the creditor seize all that he has; may strangers plunder the fruits of his toil!

12Let there be none to extend kindness to him, nor any to pity his fatherless children!

13May his posterity be cut off; may his name be blotted out in the second generation!

14May the iniquity of his fathers be remembered before the LORD, and let not the sin of his mother be blotted out!

15Let them be before the LORD continually; and may his memory be cut off from the earth!

16For he did not remember to show kindness, but pursued the poor and needy and the brokenhearted to their death.

17He loved to curse; let curses come on him! He did not like blessing; may it be far from him!

18He clothed himself with cursing as his coat, may it soak into his body like water, like oil into his bones!

19May it be like a garment which he wraps round him, like a belt with which he daily girds himself!

20May this be the reward of my accusers from the LORD, of those who speak evil against my life!

21But thou, O GOD my Lord, deal on my behalf for thy name's sake; because thy steadfast love is good, deliver me!

22For I am poor and needy, and my heart is stricken within me.

23I am gone, like a shadow at evening; I am shaken off like a locust.

24My knees are weak through fasting; my body has become gaunt.

25I am an object of scorn to my accusers; when they see me, they wag their heads.

26Help me, O LORD my God! Save me according to thy steadfast love!

27Let them know that this is thy hand; thou, O LORD, hast done it!

28Let them curse, but do thou bless! Let my assailants be put to shame; may thy servant be glad!

29May my accusers be clothed with dishonor; may they be wrapped in their own shame as in a mantle!

30With my mouth I will give great thanks to the LORD; I will praise him in the midst of the throng.

31For he stands at the right hand of the needy, to save him from those who condemn him to death. ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Father, I would be forever under the curse of sin and the law if not for You. I thank You.

Psalms 110

A Psalm of David.

1 The LORD says to my lord: "Sit at my right hand, till I make your enemies your footstool."

2 The LORD sends forth from Zion your mighty scepter. Rule in the midst of your foes!

3 Your people will offer themselves freely on the day you lead your host upon the holy mountains. From the womb of the morning like dew your youth will come to you.

4 The LORD has sworn and will not change his mind, "You are a priest for ever after the order of Melchiz'edek."

5 The Lord is at your right hand; he will shatter kings on the day of his wrath.

6 He will execute judgment among the nations, filling them with corpses; he will shatter chiefs over the wide earth.

7 He will drink from the brook by the way; therefore he will lift up his head. ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jesus, I adore You and give my life totally to You.

Psalms 111

1 Praise the LORD. I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation.

2 Great are the works of the LORD, studied by all who have pleasure in them.

3 Full of honor and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures for ever.

4 He has caused his wonderful works to be remembered; the LORD is gracious and merciful.

5 He provides food for those who fear him; he is ever mindful of his covenant.

6 He has shown his people the power of his works, in giving them the heritage of the nations.

7 The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy,

8 they are established for ever and ever, to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.

9 He sent redemption to his people; he has commanded his covenant for ever. Holy and terrible is his name!

10The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those who practice it. His praise endures for ever! ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Father, may Your praises be ever in my mouth (Ps 34:2).

Psalms 112

1 Praise the LORD. Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in his commandments!

2 His descendants will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed.

3 Wealth and riches are in his house; and his righteousness endures for ever.

4 Light rises in the darkness for the upright; the LORD is gracious, merciful, and righteous.

5 It is well with the man who deals generously and lends, who conducts his affairs with justice.

6 For the righteous will never be moved; he will be remembered for ever.

7 He is not afraid of evil tidings; his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD.

8 His heart is steady, he will not be afraid, until he sees his desire on his adversaries.

9 He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures for ever; his horn is exalted in honor.

10The wicked man sees it and is angry; he gnashes his teeth and melts away; the desire of the wicked man comes to nought. ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Father, what a joy it is to live for You!

Psalms 113

1 Praise the LORD! Praise, O servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD!

2 Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time forth and for evermore!

3 From the rising of the sun to its setting the name of the LORD is to be praised!

4 The LORD is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens!

5 Who is like the LORD our God, who is seated on high,

6 who looks far down upon the heavens and the earth?

7 He raises the poor from the dust, and lifts the needy from the ash heap,

8 to make them sit with princes, with the princes of his people.

9 He gives the barren woman a home, making her the joyous mother of children. Praise the LORD! ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jesus, I praise You not only for helping the poor but becoming a poor Man through Your incarnation (2 Cor 8:9).

Psalms 114

1 When Israel went forth from Egypt, the house of Jacob from a people of strange language,

2 Judah became his sanctuary, Israel his dominion.

3 The sea looked and fled, Jordan turned back.

4 The mountains skipped like rams, the hills like lambs.

5 What ails you, O sea, that you flee? O Jordan, that you turn back?

6 O mountains, that you skip like rams? O hills, like lambs?

7 Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the LORD, at the presence of the God of Jacob,

8 who turns the rock into a pool of water, the flint into a spring of water. ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Father, give me a youthful joy.

Psalms 115

1 Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to thy name give glory, for the sake of thy steadfast love and thy faithfulness!

2 Why should the nations say, "Where is their God?"

3 Our God is in the heavens; he does whatever he pleases.

4 Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men's hands.

5 They have mouths, but do not speak; eyes, but do not see.

6 They have ears, but do not hear; noses, but do not smell.

7 They have hands, but do not feel; feet, but do not walk; and they do not make a sound in their throat.

8 Those who make them are like them; so are all who trust in them.

9 O Israel, trust in the LORD! He is their help and their shield.

10O house of Aaron, put your trust in the LORD! He is their help and their shield.

11You who fear the LORD, trust in the LORD! He is their help and their shield.

12The LORD has been mindful of us; he will bless us; he will bless the house of Israel; he will bless the house of Aaron;

13he will bless those who fear the LORD, both small and great.

14May the LORD give you increase, you and your children!

15May you be blessed by the LORD, who made heaven and earth!

16The heavens are the LORD's heavens, but the earth he has given to the sons of men.

17The dead do not praise the LORD, nor do any that go down into silence.

18But we will bless the LORD from this time forth and for evermore. Praise the LORD! ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Father, as a people we praise You as Father of the family.

Psalms 116

1 I love the LORD, because he has heard my voice and my supplications.

2 Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live.

3 The snares of death encompassed me; the pangs of Sheol laid hold on me; I suffered distress and anguish.

4 Then I called on the name of the LORD: "O LORD, I beseech thee, save my life!"

5 Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; our God is merciful.

6 The LORD preserves the simple; when I was brought low, he saved me.

7 Return, O my soul, to your rest; for the LORD has dealt bountifully with you.

8 For thou hast delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling;

9 I walk before the LORD in the land of the living.

10 I kept my faith, even when I said, "I am greatly afflicted";

11 I said in my consternation, "Men are all a vain hope."

12 What shall I render to the LORD for all his bounty to me?

13 I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD,

14 I will pay my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people.

15 Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.

16 O LORD, I am thy servant, the son of thy handmaid. Thou hast loosed my bonds.

17 I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the LORD.

18 I will pay my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people,

19 in the courts of the house of the LORD, in your midst, O Jerusalem. Praise the LORD! ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Father, thank You for the privilege of giving my life for You.

Psalms 117

1 Praise the LORD, all nations! Extol him, all peoples!

2 For great is his steadfast love toward us; and the faithfulness of the LORD endures for ever. Praise the LORD! ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Father, may I reach out in evangelism and intercession to the billions of people who have not heard of Your love.

The Psalms–Day 8

2012-01-03T19:55:00.001-08:00

Day 8 Psalms 92 — 104

previous readings

Psalms 92

1 It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praises to thy name, O Most High;

2 to declare thy steadfast love in the morning, and thy faithfulness by night,

3 to the music of the lute and the harp, to the melody of the lyre.

4 For thou, O LORD, hast made me glad by thy work; at the works of thy hands I sing for joy.

5 How great are thy works, O LORD! Thy thoughts are very deep!

6 The dull man cannot know, the stupid cannot understand this:

Father, may I obey the third commandment.

Psalms 93

1 The LORD reigns; he is robed in majesty; the LORD is robed, he is girded with strength. Yea, the world is established; it shall never be moved;

2 thy throne is established from of old; thou art from everlasting.

3 The floods have lifted up, O LORD, the floods have lifted up their voice, the floods lift up their roaring.

4 Mightier than the thunders of many waters, mightier than the waves of the sea, the LORD on high is mighty!

5 Thy decrees are very sure; holiness befits thy house, O LORD, for evermore. ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Father, I will trust in You.

Psalms 94

1 O LORD, thou God of vengeance, thou God of vengeance, shine forth!

2 Rise up, O judge of the earth; render to the proud their deserts!

3 O LORD, how long shall the wicked, how long shall the wicked exult?

4 They pour out their arrogant words, they boast, all the evildoers.

5 They crush thy people, O LORD, and afflict thy heritage.

6 They slay the widow and the sojourner, and murder the fatherless;

7 and they say, "The LORD does not see; the God of Jacob does not perceive."

8 Understand, O dullest of the people! Fools, when will you be wise?

9 He who planted the ear, does he not hear? He who formed the eye, does he not see?

10He who chastens the nations, does he not chastise? He who teaches men knowledge,

11the LORD, knows the thoughts of man, that they are but a breath.

12Blessed is the man whom thou dost chasten, O LORD, and whom thou dost teach out of thy law

13to give him respite from days of trouble, until a pit is dug for the wicked.

14For the LORD will not forsake his people; he will not abandon his heritage;

15for justice will return to the righteous, and all the upright in heart will follow it.

16Who rises up for me against the wicked? Who stands up for me against evildoers?

17If the LORD had not been my help, my soul would soon have dwelt in the land of silence.

18When I thought, "My foot slips," thy steadfast love, O LORD, held me up.

19When the cares of my heart are many, thy consolations cheer my soul.

20Can wicked rulers be allied with thee, who frame mischief by statute?

21They band together against the life of the righteous, and condemn the innocent to death.

22But the LORD has become my stronghold, and my God the rock of my refuge.

23He will bring back on them their iniquity and wipe them out for their wickedness; the LORD our God will wipe them out. ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Father, may I hold onto my faith.

Psalms 95

1 O come, let us sing to the LORD; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!

2 Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!

3 For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods.

4 In his hand are the depths of the earth; the heights of the mountains are his also.

5 The sea is his, for he made it; for his hands formed the dry land.

6 O come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker!

7 For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. O that today you would hearken to his voice!

8 Harden not your hearts, as at Mer'ibah, as on the day at Massah in the wilderness,

9 when your fathers tested me, and put me to the proof, though they had seen my work.

10For forty years I loathed that generation and said, "They are a people who err in heart, and they do not regard my ways."

11Therefore I swore in my anger that they should not enter my rest. ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Father, may I praise, thank, and pray to You always.

Psalms 96

1 O sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth!

2 Sing to the LORD, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day.

3 Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!

4 For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; he is to be feared above all gods.

5 For all the gods of the peoples are idols; but the LORD made the heavens.

6 Honor and majesty are before him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.

7 Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength!

8 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; bring an offering, and come into his courts!

9 Worship the LORD in holy array; tremble before him, all the earth!

10 Say among the nations, "The LORD reigns! Yea, the world is established, it shall never be moved; he will judge the peoples with equity."

11 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it;

12let the field exult, and everything in it! Then shall all the trees of the wood sing for joy

13before the LORD, for he comes, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with his truth. ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Father, make praise be the atmosphere I live in.

Psalms 97

1 The LORD reigns; let the earth rejoice; let the many coastlands be glad!

2 Clouds and thick darkness are round about him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.

3 Fire goes before him, and burns up his adversaries round about.

4 His lightnings lighten the world; the earth sees and trembles.

5 The mountains melt like wax before the LORD, before the Lord of all the earth.

6 The heavens proclaim his righteousness; and all the peoples behold his glory.

7 All worshipers of images are put to shame, who make their boast in worthless idols; all gods bow down before him.

8 Zion hears and is glad, and the daughters of Judah rejoice, because of thy judgments, O God.

9 For thou, O LORD, art most high over all the earth; thou art exalted far above all gods.

10The LORD loves those who hate evil; he preserves the lives of his saints; he delivers them from the hand of the wicked.

11Light dawns for the righteous, and joy for the upright in heart.

12Rejoice in the LORD, O you righteous, and give thanks to his holy name! ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Father, may I be ready for Jesus to come at any moment.

Psalms 98

A Psalm.

1 O sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things! His right hand and his holy arm have gotten him victory.

2 The LORD has made known his victory, he has revealed his vindication in the sight of the nations.

3 He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God.

4 Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises!

5 Sing praises to the LORD with the lyre, with the lyre and the sound of melody!

6 With trumpets and the sound of the horn make a joyful noise before the King, the LORD!

7 Let the sea roar, and all that fills it; the world and those who dwell in it!

8 Let the floods clap their hands; let the hills sing for joy together

9 before the LORD, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with equity. ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Father may I praise You with abandon.

Psalms 99

1 The LORD reigns; let the peoples tremble! He sits enthroned upon the cherubim; let the earth quake!

2 The LORD is great in Zion; he is exalted over all the peoples.

3 Let them praise thy great and terrible name! Holy is he!

4 Mighty King, lover of justice, thou hast established equity; thou hast executed justice and righteousness in Jacob.

5 Extol the LORD our God; worship at his footstool! Holy is he!

6 Moses and Aaron were among his priests, Samuel also was among those who called on his name. They cried to the LORD, and he answered them.

7 He spoke to them in the pillar of cloud; they kept his testimonies, and the statutes that he gave them.

8 O LORD our God, thou didst answer them; thou wast a forgiving God to them, but an avenger of their wrongdoings.

9 Extol the LORD our God, and worship at his holy mountain; for the LORD our God is holy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Father, may I frequently praise You for extended periods of time.

Psalms 100

A Psalm for the thank offering.

1 Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the lands!

2 Serve the LORD with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!

3 Know that the LORD is God! It is he that made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him, bless his name!

5 For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures for ever, and his faithfulness to all generations. ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Psalms 101

A Psalm of David.

1 I will sing of loyalty and of justice; to thee, O LORD, I will sing.

2 I will give heed to the way that is blameless. Oh when wilt thou come to me? I will walk with integrity of heart within my house;

3 I will not set before my eyes anything that is base. I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not cleave to me.

4 Perverseness of heart shall be far from me; I will know nothing of evil.

5 Him who slanders his neighbor secretly I will destroy. The man of haughty looks and arrogant heart I will not endure.

6 I will look with favor on the faithful in the land, that they may dwell with me; he who walks in the way that is blameless shall minister to me.

7 No man who practices deceit shall dwell in my house; no man who utters lies shall continue in my presence.

8 Morning by morning I will destroy all the wicked in the land, cutting off all the evildoers from the city of the LORD. ------------------------------------------------------------------------

"I will persevere in the way of integrity." —101:2

Psalms 102

A prayer of one afflicted, when he is faint and pours out his complaint before the LORD.

1 Hear my prayer, O LORD; let my cry come to thee!

2 Do not hide thy face from me in the day of my distress! Incline thy ear to me; answer me speedily in the day when I call!

3 For my days pass away like smoke, and my bones burn like a furnace.

4 My heart is smitten like grass, and withered; I forget to eat my bread.

5 Because of my loud groaning my bones cleave to my flesh.

6 I am like a vulture of the wilderness, like an owl of the waste places;

7 I lie awake, I am like a lonely bird on the housetop.

8 All the day my enemies taunt me, those who deride me use my name for a curse.

9 For I eat ashes like bread, and mingle tears with my drink,

10because of thy indignation and anger; for thou hast taken me up and thrown me away.

11My days are like an evening shadow; I wither away like grass.

12But thou, O LORD, art enthroned for ever; thy name endures to all generations.

13Thou wilt arise and have pity on Zion; it is the time to favor her; the appointed time has come.

14For thy servants hold her stones dear, and have pity on her dust.

15The nations will fear the name of the LORD, and all the kings of the earth thy glory.

16For the LORD will build up Zion, he will appear in his glory;

17he will regard the prayer of the destitute, and will not despise their supplication.

18Let this be recorded for a generation to come, so that a people yet unborn may praise the LORD:

19that he looked down from his holy height, from heaven the LORD looked at the earth,

20to hear the groans of the prisoners, to set free those who were doomed to die;

21that men may declare in Zion the name of the LORD, and in Jerusalem his praise,

22when peoples gather together, and kingdoms, to worship the LORD.

23He has broken my strength in mid-course; he has shortened my days.

24"O my God," I say, "take me not hence in the midst of my days, thou whose years endure throughout all generations!"

25Of old thou didst lay the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of thy hands.

26They will perish, but thou dost endure; they will all wear out like a garment. Thou changest them like raiment, and they pass away;

27but thou art the same, and thy years have no end.

28The children of thy servants shall dwell secure; their posterity shall be established before thee. ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lord, have mercy.

Psalms 103

A Psalm of David.

1 Bless the LORD, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless his holy name!

2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits,

3 who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases,

4 who redeems your life from the Pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,

5 who satisfies you with good as long as you live so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

6 The LORD works vindication and justice for all who are oppressed.

7 He made known his ways to Moses, his acts to the people of Israel.

8 The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

9 He will not always chide, nor will he keep his anger for ever.

10 He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor requite us according to our iniquities.

11 For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;

12 as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.

13As a father pities his children, so the LORD pities those who fear him.

14For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust.

15As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower of the field;

16for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place knows it no more.

17But the steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon those who fear him, and his righteousness to children's children,

18to those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments.

19The LORD has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all.

20Bless the LORD, O you his angels, you mighty ones who do his word, hearkening to the voice of his word!

21Bless the LORD, all his hosts, his ministers that do his will!

22Bless the LORD, all his works, in all places of his dominion. Bless the LORD, O my soul! ------------------------------------------------------------------------

May all my being bless His holy name — my mind, spirit, body, emotions, will, sexuality, possessions, family, work, friendships.

Psalms 104

1 Bless the LORD, O my soul! O LORD my God, thou art very great! Thou art clothed with honor and majesty,

2 who coverest thyself with light as with a garment, who hast stretched out the heavens like a tent,

3 who hast laid the beams of thy chambers on the waters, who makest the clouds thy chariot, who ridest on the wings of the wind,

4 who makest the winds thy messengers, fire and flame thy ministers.

5 Thou didst set the earth on its foundations, so that it should never be shaken.

6 Thou didst cover it with the deep as with a garment; the waters stood above the mountains.

7 At thy rebuke they fled; at the sound of thy thunder they took to flight.

8 The mountains rose, the valleys sank down to the place which thou didst appoint for them.

9 Thou didst set a bound which they should not pass, so that they might not again cover the earth.

10 Thou makest springs gush forth in the valleys; they flow between the hills,

11 they give drink to every beast of the field; the wild asses quench their thirst.

12 By them the birds of the air have their habitation; they sing among the branches.

13 From thy lofty abode thou waterest the mountains; the earth is satisfied with the fruit of thy work.

14 Thou dost cause the grass to grow for the cattle, and plants for man to cultivate, that he may bring forth food from the earth,

15 and wine to gladden the heart of man, oil to make his face shine, and bread to strengthen man's heart.

16 The trees of the LORD are watered abundantly, the cedars of Lebanon which he planted.

17 In them the birds build their nests; the stork has her home in the fir trees.

18 The high mountains are for the wild goats; the rocks are a refuge for the badgers.

19 Thou hast made the moon to mark the seasons; the sun knows its time for setting.

20 Thou makest darkness, and it is night, when all the beasts of the forest creep forth.

21 The young lions roar for their prey, seeking their food from God.

22 When the sun rises, they get them away and lie down in their dens.

23 Man goes forth to his work and to his labor until the evening.

24 O LORD, how manifold are thy works! In wisdom hast thou made them all; the earth is full of thy creatures.

25 Yonder is the sea, great and wide, which teems with things innumerable, living things both small and great.

26 There go the ships, and Leviathan which thou didst form to sport in it.

27 These all look to thee, to give them their food in due season.

28 When thou givest to them, they gather it up; when thou openest thy hand, they are filled with good things.

29 When thou hidest thy face, they are dismayed; when thou takest away their breath, they die and return to their dust.

30 When thou sendest forth thy Spirit, they are created; and thou renewest the face of the ground.

31 May the glory of the LORD endure for ever, may the LORD rejoice in his works,

32 who looks on the earth and it trembles, who touches the mountains and they smoke!

33 I will sing to the LORD as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have being.

34 May my meditation be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the LORD.

35 Let sinners be consumed from the earth, and let the wicked be no more! Bless the LORD, O my soul! Praise the LORD! ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Father, may Your creation always bring me joy.

Year in Review 2011

2012-01-02T18:14:00.001-08:00

Here is our review of 2011. It consists of top posts and family favs for each month of 2011.

+AMDG+

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam

~~~

December

St. Lucia's Surprise

a delightful surprise that was a beautiful consolation to Dad and I.

November

St. Andrew Christmas Novena

provided a printable for the Christmas Novena that starts on Nov. 30 ands on Christmas Eve.

October

This is NOT Our Home

we’ve been reminded, on many levels, that we are pilgrims and this is not our home.

September

Just One Drop

a little on consolations, intercession and are time at the beach.

August

{Home} School Room

I joined a blog hop and shared a peak at my learning space.

July

Summer Edition

I’ve enjoyed sharing here at Like Mother, Like Daughter!, {pretty, happy, funny, real}.

June

Journey of Faith and Foot

a 3 day pilgrimage.

May

One

my baby turned 1!

April

Easter Triduum

the Holy Triduum in pictures.

March

Home Organization

highlighted my Lenten Cleaning Program and provided some helpful links.

February

You're Invited to Run for a Cause

team ALL FOR!

January

The Just Person Falls Seven Times a Day

charity litany.

The Psalms–Day 7

2012-01-02T17:05:00.001-08:00

Day 7 Psalms 79 — 91

previous readings

Psalms 79

A Psalm of Asaph.

1 O God, the heathen have come into thy inheritance; they have defiled thy holy temple; they have laid Jerusalem in ruins.

2 They have given the bodies of thy servants to the birds of the air for food, the flesh of thy saints to the beasts of the earth.

3 They have poured out their blood like water round about Jerusalem, and there was none to bury them.

4 We have become a taunt to our neighbors, mocked and derided by those round about us.

5 How long, O LORD? Wilt thou be angry for ever? Will thy jealous wrath burn like fire?

6 Pour out thy anger on the nations that do not know thee, and on the kingdoms that do not call on thy name!

7 For they have devoured Jacob, and laid waste his habitation.

8 Do not remember against us the iniquities of our forefathers; let thy compassion come speedily to meet us, for we are brought very low.

9 Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy name; deliver us, and forgive our sins, for thy name's sake!

10 Why should the nations say, "Where is their God?" Let the avenging of the outpoured blood of thy servants be known among the nations before our eyes!

11 Let the groans of the prisoners come before thee; according to thy great power preserve those doomed to die!

12 Return sevenfold into the bosom of our neighbors the taunts with which they have taunted thee, O Lord!

13 Then we thy people, the flock of thy pasture, will give thanks to thee for ever; from generation to generation we will recount thy praise. ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Father, may I repent now before it's too late.

Psalms 80

To the choirmaster: according to Lilies. A Testimony of Asaph. A Psalm.

1 Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, thou who leadest Joseph like a flock! Thou who art enthroned upon the cherubim, shine forth

2 before E'phraim and Benjamin and Manas'seh! Stir up thy might, and come to save us!

3 Restore us, O God; let thy face shine, that we may be saved!

4 O LORD God of hosts, how long wilt thou be angry with thy people's prayers?

5 Thou hast fed them with the bread of tears, and given them tears to drink in full measure.

6 Thou dost make us the scorn of our neighbors; and our enemies laugh among themselves.

7 Restore us, O God of hosts; let thy face shine, that we may be saved!

8 Thou didst bring a vine out of Egypt; thou didst drive out the nations and plant it.

9 Thou didst clear the ground for it; it took deep root and filled the land.

10 The mountains were covered with its shade, the mighty cedars with its branches;

11 it sent out its branches to the sea, and its shoots to the River.

12 Why then hast thou broken down its walls, so that all who pass along the way pluck its fruit?

13 The boar from the forest ravages it, and all that move in the field feed on it.

14 Turn again, O God of hosts! Look down from heaven, and see; have regard for this vine,

15 the stock which thy right hand planted.

16 They have burned it with fire, they have cut it down; may they perish at the rebuke of thy countenance!

17 But let thy hand be upon the man of thy right hand, the son of man whom thou hast made strong for thyself!

18 Then we will never turn back from thee; give us life, and we will call on thy name!

19 Restore us, O LORD God of hosts! let thy face shine, that we may be saved! ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jesus, renew Your Church.

Psalms 81

To the choirmaster: according to The Gittith. A Psalm of Asaph.

1 Sing aloud to God our strength; shout for joy to the God of Jacob!

2 Raise a song, sound the timbrel, the sweet lyre with the harp.

3 Blow the trumpet at the new moon, at the full moon, on our feast day.

4 For it is a statute for Israel, an ordinance of the God of Jacob.

5 He made it a decree in Joseph, when he went out over the land of Egypt. I hear a voice I had not known:

6 "I relieved your shoulder of the burden; your hands were freed from the basket.

7 In distress you called, and I delivered you; I answered you in the secret place of thunder; I tested you at the waters of Mer'ibah. [Selah]

8 Hear, O my people, while I admonish you! O Israel, if you would but listen to me!

9 There shall be no strange god among you; you shall not bow down to a foreign god.

10 I am the LORD your God, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt. Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it.

11 "But my people did not listen to my voice; Israel would have none of me.

12 So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts, to follow their own counsels.

13 O that my people would listen to me, that Israel would walk in my ways!

14 I would soon subdue their enemies, and turn my hand against their foes.

15 Those who hate the LORD would cringe toward him, and their fate would last for ever.

16 I would feed you with the finest of the wheat, and with honey from the rock I would satisfy you." ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Father, may holy days be more than ceremonies. On the next major feast day, change my life.

Psalms 82

A Psalm of Asaph.

1 God has taken his place in the divine council; in the midst of the gods he holds judgment:

2 "How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked? [Selah]

3 Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute.

4 Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked."

5 They have neither knowledge nor understanding, they walk about in darkness; all the foundations of the earth are shaken.

6 I say, "You are gods, sons of the Most High, all of you;

7 nevertheless, you shall die like men, and fall like any prince."

8 Arise, O God, judge the earth; for to thee belong all the nations! ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Father, I throw myself on the mercy of Your court.

Psalms 83

A Song. A Psalm of Asaph.

1 O God, do not keep silence; do not hold thy peace or be still, O God!

2 For lo, thy enemies are in tumult; those who hate thee have raised their heads.

3 They lay crafty plans against thy people; they consult together against thy protected ones.

4 They say, "Come, let us wipe them out as a nation; let the name of Israel be remembered no more!"

5 Yea, they conspire with one accord; against thee they make a covenant --

6 the tents of Edom and the Ish'maelites, Moab and the Hagrites,

7 Gebal and Ammon and Am'alek, Philistia with the inhabitants of Tyre;

8 Assyria also has joined them; they are the strong arm of the children of Lot. [Selah]

9 Do to them as thou didst to Mid'ian, as to Sis'era and Jabin at the river Kishon,

10 who were destroyed at En-dor, who became dung for the ground.

11 Make their nobles like Oreb and Zeeb, all their princes like Zebah and Zalmun'na,

12 who said, "Let us take possession for ourselves of the pastures of God."

13 O my God, make them like whirling dust, like chaff before the wind.

14 As fire consumes the forest, as the flame sets the mountains ablaze,

15 so do thou pursue them with thy tempest and terrify them with thy hurricane!

16 Fill their faces with shame, that they may seek thy name, O LORD.

17 Let them be put to shame and dismayed for ever; let them perish in disgrace.

18 Let them know that thou alone, whose name is the LORD, art the Most High over all the earth. ------------------------------------------------------------------------

"My Lord, our King, You alone are God. Help me, who am alone and have no help but You" (Est C:14)

Psalms 84

To the choirmaster: according to The Gittith. A Psalm of the Sons of Korah.

1 How lovely is thy dwelling place, O LORD of hosts!

2 My soul longs, yea, faints for the courts of the LORD; my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God.

3 Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, at thy altars, O LORD of hosts, my King and my God.

4 Blessed are those who dwell in thy house, ever singing thy praise! [Selah]

5 Blessed are the men whose strength is in thee, in whose heart are the highways to Zion.

6 As they go through the valley of Baca they make it a place of springs; the early rain also covers it with pools.

7 They go from strength to strength; the God of gods will be seen in Zion.

8 O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer; give ear, O God of Jacob! [Selah]

9 Behold our shield, O God; look upon the face of thine anointed!

10 For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness.

11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield; he bestows favor and honor. No good thing does the LORD withhold from those who walk uprightly.

12 O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man who trusts in thee! ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Father, may the deepest desire of my heart be to worship You.

Psalms 85

To the choirmaster. A Psalm of the Sons of Korah.

1 LORD, thou wast favorable to thy land; thou didst restore the fortunes of Jacob.

2 Thou didst forgive the iniquity of thy people; thou didst pardon all their sin. [Selah]

3 Thou didst withdraw all thy wrath; thou didst turn from thy hot anger.

4 Restore us again, O God of our salvation, and put away thy indignation toward us!

5 Wilt thou be angry with us for ever? Wilt thou prolong thy anger to all generations?

6 Wilt thou not revive us again, that thy people may rejoice in thee?

7 Show us thy steadfast love, O LORD, and grant us thy salvation.

8 Let me hear what God the LORD will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his saints, to those who turn to him in their hearts.

9 Surely his salvation is at hand for those who fear him, that glory may dwell in our land.

10 Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will kiss each other.

11 Faithfulness will spring up from the ground, and righteousness will look down from the sky.

12 Yea, the LORD will give what is good, and our land will yield its increase.

13 Righteousness will go before him, and make his footsteps a way. ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Father, may I seek prophecy above all the other gifts of the Spirit (1 Cor 14:1).

Psalms 86

A Prayer of David.

1 Incline thy ear, O LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy.

2 Preserve my life, for I am godly; save thy servant who trusts in thee. Thou art my God;

3 be gracious to me, O Lord, for to thee do I cry all the day.

4 Gladden the soul of thy servant, for to thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.

5 For thou, O Lord, art good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call on thee.

6 Give ear, O LORD, to my prayer; hearken to my cry of supplication.

7 In the day of my trouble I call on thee, for thou dost answer me.

8 There is none like thee among the gods, O Lord, nor are there any works like thine.

9 All the nations thou hast made shall come and bow down before thee, O Lord, and shall glorify thy name.

10 For thou art great and doest wondrous things, thou alone art God.

11 Teach me thy way, O LORD, that I may walk in thy truth; unite my heart to fear thy name.

12 I give thanks to thee, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify thy name for ever.

13 For great is thy steadfast love toward me; thou hast delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol.

14 O God, insolent men have risen up against me; a band of ruthless men seek my life, and they do not set thee before them.

15 But thou, O Lord, art a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.

16 Turn to me and take pity on me; give thy strength to thy servant, and save the son of thy handmaid.

17 Show me a sign of thy favor, that those who hate me may see and be put to shame because thou, LORD, hast helped me and comforted me. ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Father, I pray for the grace to memorize the psalms. Father, give me the memory I need to serve You well.

Psalms 87

A Psalm of the Sons of Korah. A Song.

1 On the holy mount stands the city he founded;

2 the LORD loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwelling places of Jacob.

3 Glorious things are spoken of you, O city of God. [Selah]

4 Among those who know me I mention Rahab and Babylon; behold, Philistia and Tyre, with Ethiopia -- "This one was born there," they say.

5 And of Zion it shall be said, "This one and that one were born in her"; for the Most High himself will establish her.

6 The LORD records as he registers the peoples, "This one was born there." [Selah]

7 Singers and dancers alike say, "All my springs are in you." ------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! May those who love You prosper!" (Ps 122:6)

Psalms 88

A Song. A Psalm of the Sons of Korah. To the choirmaster: according to Mahalath Leannoth. A Maskil of Heman the Ezrahite.

1 O LORD, my God, I call for help by day; I cry out in the night before thee.

2 Let my prayer come before thee, incline thy ear to my cry!

3 For my soul is full of troubles, and my life draws near to Sheol.

4 I am reckoned among those who go down to the Pit; I am a man who has no strength,

5 like one forsaken among the dead, like the slain that lie in the grave, like those whom thou dost remember no more, for they are cut off from thy hand.

6 Thou hast put me in the depths of the Pit, in the regions dark and deep.

7 Thy wrath lies heavy upon me, and thou dost overwhelm me with all thy waves. [Selah]

8 Thou hast caused my companions to shun me; thou hast made me a thing of horror to them. I am shut in so that I cannot escape;

9 my eye grows dim through sorrow. Every day I call upon thee, O LORD; I spread out my hands to thee.

10 Dost thou work wonders for the dead? Do the shades rise up to praise thee? [Selah]

11 Is thy steadfast love declared in the grave, or thy faithfulness in Abaddon?

12 Are thy wonders known in the darkness, or thy saving help in the land of forgetfulness?

13 But I, O LORD, cry to thee; in the morning my prayer comes before thee.

14 O LORD, why dost thou cast me off? Why dost thou hide thy face from me?

15 Afflicted and close to death from my youth up, I suffer thy terrors; I am helpless.

16 Thy wrath has swept over me; thy dread assaults destroy me.

17 They surround me like a flood all day long; they close in upon me together.

18 Thou hast caused lover and friend to shun me; my companions are in darkness. ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Father, may I always remember that the final word is resurrection.

Psalms 89

A Maskil of Ethan the Ezrahite.

1 I will sing of thy steadfast love, O LORD, for ever; with my mouth I will proclaim thy faithfulness to all generations.

2 For thy steadfast love was established for ever, thy faithfulness is firm as the heavens.

3 Thou hast said, "I have made a covenant with my chosen one, I have sworn to David my servant:

4 `I will establish your descendants for ever, and build your throne for all generations.'" [Selah]

5 Let the heavens praise thy wonders, O LORD, thy faithfulness in the assembly of the holy ones!

6 For who in the skies can be compared to the LORD? Who among the heavenly beings is like the LORD,

7 a God feared in the council of the holy ones, great and terrible above all that are round about him?

8 O LORD God of hosts, who is mighty as thou art, O LORD, with thy faithfulness round about thee?

9 Thou dost rule the raging of the sea; when its waves rise, thou stillest them.

10 Thou didst crush Rahab like a carcass, thou didst scatter thy enemies with thy mighty arm.

11 The heavens are thine, the earth also is thine; the world and all that is in it, thou hast founded them.

12 The north and the south, thou hast created them; Tabor and Hermon joyously praise thy name.

13 Thou hast a mighty arm; strong is thy hand, high thy right hand.

14 Righteousness and justice are the foundation of thy throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before thee.

15 Blessed are the people who know the festal shout, who walk, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance,

16 who exult in thy name all the day, and extol thy righteousness.

17 For thou art the glory of their strength; by thy favor our horn is exalted.

18 For our shield belongs to the LORD, our king to the Holy One of Israel.

19 Of old thou didst speak in a vision to thy faithful one, and say: "I have set the crown upon one who is mighty, I have exalted one chosen from the people.

20 I have found David, my servant; with my holy oil I have anointed him;

21 so that my hand shall ever abide with him, my arm also shall strengthen him.

22 The enemy shall not outwit him, the wicked shall not humble him.

23 I will crush his foes before him and strike down those who hate him.

24 My faithfulness and my steadfast love shall be with him, and in my name shall his horn be exalted.

25 I will set his hand on the sea and his right hand on the rivers.

26 He shall cry to me, `Thou art my Father, my God, and the Rock of my salvation.'

27 And I will make him the first-born, the highest of the kings of the earth.

28 My steadfast love I will keep for him for ever, and my covenant will stand firm for him.

29 I will establish his line for ever and his throne as the days of the heavens.

30 If his children forsake my law and do not walk according to my ordinances,

31 if they violate my statutes and do not keep my commandments,

32 then I will punish their transgression with the rod and their iniquity with scourges;

33 but I will not remove from him my steadfast love, or be false to my faithfulness.

34 I will not violate my covenant, or alter the word that went forth from my lips.

35 Once for all I have sworn by my holiness; I will not lie to David.

36 His line shall endure for ever, his throne as long as the sun before me.

37 Like the moon it shall be established for ever; it shall stand firm while the skies endure." [Selah]

38 But now thou hast cast off and rejected, thou art full of wrath against thy anointed.

39 Thou hast renounced the covenant with thy servant; thou hast defiled his crown in the dust.

40 Thou hast breached all his walls; thou hast laid his strongholds in ruins.

41 All that pass by despoil him; he has become the scorn of his neighbors.

42 Thou hast exalted the right hand of his foes; thou hast made all his enemies rejoice.

43 Yea, thou hast turned back the edge of his sword, and thou hast not made him stand in battle.

44 Thou hast removed the scepter from his hand, and cast his throne to the ground.

45 Thou hast cut short the days of his youth; thou hast covered him with shame. [Selah]

46 How long, O LORD? Wilt thou hide thyself for ever? How long will thy wrath burn like fire?

47 Remember, O Lord, what the measure of life is, for what vanity thou hast created all the sons of men!

48 What man can live and never see death? Who can deliver his soul from the power of Sheol? [Selah]

49 Lord, where is thy steadfast love of old, which by thy faithfulness thou didst swear to David?

50 Remember, O Lord, how thy servant is scorned; how I bear in my bosom the insults of the peoples,

51 with which thy enemies taunt, O LORD, with which they mock the footsteps of thy anointed.

52 Blessed be the LORD for ever! Amen and Amen. ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Father, thank You for the new covenant in Jesus Christ, the Son of David and the Son of God.

Psalms 90

A Prayer of Moses, the man of God.

1 LORD, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations.

2 Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting thou art God.

3 Thou turnest man back to the dust, and sayest, "Turn back, O children of men!"

4 For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the night.

5 Thou dost sweep men away; they are like a dream, like grass which is renewed in the morning:

6 in the morning it flourishes and is renewed; in the evening it fades and withers.

7 For we are consumed by thy anger; by thy wrath we are overwhelmed.

8 Thou hast set our iniquities before thee, our secret sins in the light of thy countenance.

9 For all our days pass away under thy wrath, our years come to an end like a sigh.

10 The years of our life are threescore and ten, or even by reason of strength fourscore; yet their span is but toil and trouble; they are soon gone, and we fly away.

11 Who considers the power of thy anger, and thy wrath according to the fear of thee?

12 So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.

13 Return, O LORD! How long? Have pity on thy servants!

14 Satisfy us in the morning with thy steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.

15 Make us glad as many days as thou hast afflicted us, and as many years as we have seen evil.

16 Let thy work be manifest to thy servants, and thy glorious power to their children.

17 Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish thou the work of our hands upon us, yea, the work of our hands establish thou it. ------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart" (90:12).

Psalms 91

1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High, who abides in the shadow of the Almighty,

2 will say to the LORD, "My refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust."

3 For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence;

4 he will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.

5 You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day,

6 nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.

7 A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand; but it will not come near you.

8 You will only look with your eyes and see the recompense of the wicked.

9 Because you have made the LORD your refuge, the Most High your habitation,

10 no evil shall befall you, no scourge come near your tent.

11 For he will give his angels charge of you to guard you in all your ways.

12 On their hands they will bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone.

13 You will tread on the lion and the adder, the young lion and the serpent you will trample under foot.

14 Because he cleaves to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name.

15 When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will rescue him and honor him.

16 With long life I will satisfy him, and show him my salvation.

Father, may I use fully my authority over the devil (Mt 10:1).

The Psalms–Day 5 & 6

2012-01-02T17:03:00.001-08:00

Day 5 Psalms 53 — 65

Day 6 Psalms 66 — 78

previous readings

Psalms 53

1 The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, doing abominable iniquity; there is none that does good. 2 God looks down from heaven upon the sons of men to see if there are any that are wise, that seek after God. 3 They have all fallen away; they are all alike depraved; there is none that does good, no, not one. 4 Have those who work evil no understanding, who eat up my people as they eat bread, and do not call upon God? 5 There they are, in great terror, in terror such as has not been! For God will scatter the bones of the ungodly; they will be put to shame, for God has rejected them. 6 O that deliverance for Israel would come from Zion! When God restores the fortunes of his people, Jacob will rejoice and Israel be glad. ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Psalms 54

To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments. A Maskil of David, when the Ziphites went and told Saul, "David is in hiding among us." 1 Save me, O God, by thy name, and vindicate me by thy might. 2 Hear my prayer, O God; give ear to the words of my mouth. 3 For insolent men have risen against me, ruthless men seek my life; they do not set God before them. [Selah] 4 Behold, God is my helper; the Lord is the upholder of my life. 5 He will requite my enemies with evil; in thy faithfulness put an end to them. 6 With a freewill offering I will sacrifice to thee; I will give thanks to thy name, O LORD, for it is good. 7 For thou hast delivered me from every trouble, and my eye has looked in triumph on my enemies. ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Psalms 55

To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments. A Maskil of David.

1 Give ear to my prayer, O God; and hide not thyself from my supplication! 2 Attend to me, and answer me; I am overcome by my trouble. I am distraught 3 by the noise of the enemy, because of the oppression of the wicked. For they bring trouble upon me, and in anger they cherish enmity against me. 4 My heart is in anguish within me, the terrors of death have fallen upon me. 5 Fear and trembling come upon me, and horror overwhelms me. 6 And I say, "O that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest; 7 yea, I would wander afar, I would lodge in the wilderness, [Selah] 8 I would haste to find me a shelter from the raging wind and tempest." 9 Destroy their plans, O Lord, confuse their tongues; for I see violence and strife in the city. 10 Day and night they go around it on its walls; and mischief and trouble are within it, 11 ruin is in its midst; oppression and fraud do not depart from its market place. 12 It is not an enemy who taunts me -- then I could bear it; it is not an adversary who deals insolently with me -- then I could hide from him. 13 But it is you, my equal, my companion, my familiar friend. 14 We used to hold sweet converse together; within God's house we walked in fellowship. 15 Let death come upon them; let them go down to Sheol alive; let them go away in terror into their graves. 16 But I call upon God; and the LORD will save me. 17 Evening and morning and at noon I utter my complaint and moan, and he will hear my voice. 18 He will deliver my soul in safety from the battle that I wage, for many are arrayed against me. 19 God will give ear, and humble them, he who is enthroned from of old; because they keep no law, and do not fear God. [Selah] 20 My companion stretched out his hand against his friends, he violated his covenant. 21 His speech was smoother than butter, yet war was in his heart; his words were softer than oil, yet they were drawn swords. 22 Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved. 23 But thou, O God, wilt cast them down into the lowest pit; men of blood and treachery shall not live out half their days. But I will trust in thee. ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Psalms 56

To the choirmaster: according to The Dove on Far-off Terebinths. A Miktam of David, when the Philistines seized him in Gath.

1 Be gracious to me, O God, for men trample upon me; all day long foemen oppress me; 2 my enemies trample upon me all day long, for many fight against me proudly. 3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in thee. 4 In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust without a fear. What can flesh do to me? 5 All day long they seek to injure my cause; all their thoughts are against me for evil. 6 They band themselves together, they lurk, they watch my steps. As they have waited for my life, 7 so recompense them for their crime; in wrath cast down the peoples, O God! 8 Thou hast kept count of my tossings; put thou my tears in thy bottle! Are they not in thy book? 9 Then my enemies will be turned back in the day when I call. This I know, that God is for me. 10 In God, whose word I praise, in the LORD, whose word I praise, 11 in God I trust without a fear. What can man do to me? 12 My vows to thee I must perform, O God; I will render thank offerings to thee. 13 For thou hast delivered my soul from death, yea, my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of life. ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Psalms 57

To the choirmaster: according to Do Not Destroy. A Miktam of David, when he fled from Saul, in the cave.

1 Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in thee my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of thy wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by. 2 I cry to God Most High, to God who fulfils his purpose for me. 3 He will send from heaven and save me, he will put to shame those who trample upon me. [Selah] God will send forth his steadfast love and his faithfulness! 4 I lie in the midst of lions that greedily devour the sons of men; their teeth are spears and arrows, their tongues sharp swords. 5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let thy glory be over all the earth! 6 They set a net for my steps; my soul was bowed down. They dug a pit in my way, but they have fallen into it themselves. [Selah] 7 My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast! I will sing and make melody! 8 Awake, my soul! Awake, O harp and lyre! I will awake the dawn! 9 I will give thanks to thee, O Lord, among the peoples; I will sing praises to thee among the nations. 10 For thy steadfast love is great to the heavens, thy faithfulness to the clouds. 11 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let thy glory be over all the earth! ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Psalms 58

To the choirmaster: according to Do Not Destroy. A Miktam of David.

1 Do you indeed decree what is right, you gods? Do you judge the sons of men uprightly? 2 Nay, in your hearts you devise wrongs; your hands deal out violence on earth. 3 The wicked go astray from the womb, they err from their birth, speaking lies. 4 They have venom like the venom of a serpent, like the deaf adder that stops its ear, 5 so that it does not hear the voice of charmers or of the cunning enchanter. 6 O God, break the teeth in their mouths; tear out the fangs of the young lions, O LORD! 7 Let them vanish like water that runs away; like grass let them be trodden down and wither. 8 Let them be like the snail which dissolves into slime, like the untimely birth that never sees the sun. 9 Sooner than your pots can feel the heat of thorns, whether green or ablaze, may he sweep them away! 10 The righteous will rejoice when he sees the vengeance; he will bathe his feet in the blood of the wicked. 11 Men will say, "Surely there is a reward for the righteous; surely there is a God who judges on earth." ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Psalms 59

To the choirmaster: according to Do Not Destroy. A Miktam of David, when Saul sent men to watch his house in order to kill him.

1 Deliver me from my enemies, O my God, protect me from those who rise up against me, 2 deliver me from those who work evil, and save me from bloodthirsty men. 3 For, lo, they lie in wait for my life; fierce men band themselves against me. For no transgression or sin of mine, O LORD, 4 for no fault of mine, they run and make ready. Rouse thyself, come to my help, and see! 5 Thou, LORD God of hosts, art God of Israel. Awake to punish all the nations; spare none of those who treacherously plot evil. [Selah] 6 Each evening they come back, howling like dogs and prowling about the city. 7 There they are, bellowing with their mouths, and snarling with their lips -- for "Who," they think, "will hear us?" 8 But thou, O LORD, dost laugh at them; thou dost hold all the nations in derision. 9 O my Strength, I will sing praises to thee; for thou, O God, art my fortress. 10 My God in his steadfast love will meet me; my God will let me look in triumph on my enemies. 11 Slay them not, lest my people forget; make them totter by thy power, and bring them down, O Lord, our shield! 12 For the sin of their mouths, the words of their lips, let them be trapped in their pride. For the cursing and lies which they utter, 13 consume them in wrath, consume them till they are no more, that men may know that God rules over Jacob to the ends of the earth. [Selah] 14 Each evening they come back, howling like dogs and prowling about the city. 15 They roam about for food, and growl if they do not get their fill. 16 But I will sing of thy might; I will sing aloud of thy steadfast love in the morning. For thou hast been to me a fortress and a refuge in the day of my distress. 17 O my Strength, I will sing praises to thee, for thou, O God, art my fortress, the God who shows me steadfast love. ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Psalms 60

To the choirmaster: according to Shushan Eduth. A Miktam of David; for instruction; when he strove with Aram-naharaim and with Aram-zobah, and when Joab on his return killed twelve thousand of Edom in the Valley of Salt.

1 O God, thou hast rejected us, broken our defenses; thou hast been angry; oh, restore us. 2 Thou hast made the land to quake, thou hast rent it open; repair its breaches, for it totters. 3 Thou hast made thy people suffer hard things; thou hast given us wine to drink that made us reel. 4 Thou hast set up a banner for those who fear thee, to rally to it from the bow. [Selah] 5 That thy beloved may be delivered, give victory by thy right hand and answer us! 6 God has spoken in his sanctuary: "With exultation I will divide up Shechem and portion out the Vale of Succoth. 7 Gilead is mine; Manas'seh is mine; E'phraim is my helmet; Judah is my scepter. 8 Moab is my washbasin; upon Edom I cast my shoe; over Philistia I shout in triumph." 9 Who will bring me to the fortified city? Who will lead me to Edom? 10Hast thou not rejected us, O God? Thou dost not go forth, O God, with our armies. 11O grant us help against the foe, for vain is the help of man! 12With God we shall do valiantly; it is he who will tread down our foes. ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Psalms 61

To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments. A Psalm of David.

1 Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer; 2 from the end of the earth I call to thee, when my heart is faint. Lead thou me to the rock that is higher than I; 3 for thou art my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy. 4 Let me dwell in thy tent for ever! Oh to be safe under the shelter of thy wings! [Selah] 5 For thou, O God, hast heard my vows, thou hast given me the heritage of those who fear thy name. 6 Prolong the life of the king; may his years endure to all generations! 7 May he be enthroned for ever before God; bid steadfast love and faithfulness watch over him! 8 So will I ever sing praises to thy name, as I pay my vows day after day. ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Psalms 62

To the choirmaster: according to Jeduthun. A Psalm of David.

1 For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. 2 He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly moved. 3 How long will you set upon a man to shatter him, all of you, like a leaning wall, a tottering fence? 4 They only plan to thrust him down from his eminence. They take pleasure in falsehood. They bless with their mouths, but inwardly they curse. [Selah] 5 For God alone my soul waits in silence, for my hope is from him. 6 He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. 7 On God rests my deliverance and my honor; my mighty rock, my refuge is God. 8 Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. [Selah] 9 Men of low estate are but a breath, men of high estate are a delusion; in the balances they go up; they are together lighter than a breath. 10 Put no confidence in extortion, set no vain hopes on robbery; if riches increase, set not your heart on them. 11 Once God has spoken; twice have I heard this: that power belongs to God; 12 and that to thee, O Lord, belongs steadfast love. For thou dost requite a man according to his work. ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Psalms 63

A Psalm of David, when he was in the Wilderness of Judah.

1 O God, thou art my God, I seek thee, my soul thirsts for thee; my flesh faints for thee, as in a dry and weary land where no water is. 2 So I have looked upon thee in the sanctuary, beholding thy power and glory. 3 Because thy steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise thee. 4 So I will bless thee as long as I live; I will lift up my hands and call on thy name. 5 My soul is feasted as with marrow and fat, and my mouth praises thee with joyful lips, 6 when I think of thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the watches of the night; 7 for thou hast been my help, and in the shadow of thy wings I sing for joy. 8 My soul clings to thee; thy right hand upholds me. 9 But those who seek to destroy my life shall go down into the depths of the earth; 10 they shall be given over to the power of the sword, they shall be prey for jackals. 11 But the king shall rejoice in God; all who swear by him shall glory; for the mouths of liars will be stopped. ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Psalms 64

To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.

1 Hear my voice, O God, in my complaint; preserve my life from dread of the enemy, 2 hide me from the secret plots of the wicked, from the scheming of evildoers, 3 who whet their tongues like swords, who aim bitter words like arrows, 4 shooting from ambush at the blameless, shooting at him suddenly and without fear. 5 They hold fast to their evil purpose; they talk of laying snares secretly, thinking, "Who can see us? 6 Who can search out our crimes? We have thought out a cunningly conceived plot." For the inward mind and heart of a man are deep! 7 But God will shoot his arrow at them; they will be wounded suddenly. 8 Because of their tongue he will bring them to ruin; all who see them will wag their heads. 9 Then all men will fear; they will tell what God has wrought, and ponder what he has done. 10 Let the righteous rejoice in the LORD, and take refuge in him! Let all the upright in heart glory! ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Psalms 65

1 Praise is due to thee, O God, in Zion; and to thee shall vows be performed, 2 O thou who hearest prayer! To thee shall all flesh come 3 on account of sins. When our transgressions prevail over us, thou dost forgive them. 4 Blessed is he whom thou dost choose and bring near, to dwell in thy courts! We shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, thy holy temple! 5 By dread deeds thou dost answer us with deliverance, O God of our salvation, who art the hope of all the ends of the earth, and of the farthest seas; 6 who by thy strength hast established the mountains, being girded with might; 7 who dost still the roaring of the seas, the roaring of their waves, the tumult of the peoples; 8 so that those who dwell at earth's farthest bounds are afraid at thy signs; thou makest the outgoings of the morning and the evening to shout for joy. 9 Thou visitest the earth and waterest it, thou greatly enrichest it; the river of God is full of water; thou providest their grain, for so thou hast prepared it. 10 Thou waterest its furrows abundantly, settling its ridges, softening it with showers, and blessing its growth. 11 Thou crownest the year with thy bounty; the tracks of thy chariot drip with fatness. 12 The pastures of the wilderness drip, the hills gird themselves with joy, 13 the meadows clothe themselves with flocks, the valleys deck themselves with grain, they shout and sing together for joy. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ --------

Psalms 66

¹ Unto the end, in, hymns, a psalm of a canticle for David.² May God have mercy on us, and bless us: may he cause the light of his countenance to shine upon us, and may he have mercy on us.³ That we may know thy way upon earth: thy salvation in all nations.⁴ Let people confess to thee, O God: let all people give praise to thee.⁵ Let the nations be glad and rejoice: for thou judgest the people with justice, and directest the nations upon earth.⁶ Let the people, O God, confess to thee: let all the people give praise to thee:⁷ The earth hath yielded her fruit. May God, our God bless us,⁸ May God bless us: and all the ends of the earth fear him.

Psalms 67

¹ Unto the end, a psalm of a canticle for David himself.² Let God arise, and let his enemies be scattered: and let them that hate him flee from before his face.³ As smoke vanisheth, so let them vanish away: as wax melteth before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God. ⁴ And let the just feast, and rejoice before God: and be delighted with gladness.⁵ Sing ye to God, sing a psalm to his name, make a way for him who ascendeth upon the west: the Lord is his name. Rejoice ye before him: but the wicked shall be troubled at his presence, ⁶ Who is the father of orphans, and the judge of widows. God in his holy place: ⁷ God who maketh men of one manner to dwell in a house: Who bringeth out them that were bound in strength; in like manner them that provoke, that dwell in sepulchres. ⁸ O God, when thou didst go forth in the sight of thy people, when thou didst pass through the desert: ⁹ The earth was moved, and the heavens dropped at the presence of the God of Sina, at the presence of the God of Israel. ¹⁰ Thou shalt set aside for thy inheritance a free rain, O God: and it was weakened, but thou hast made it perfect. ¹¹ In it shall thy animals dwell; in thy sweetness, O God, thou hast provided for the poor. ¹² The Lord shall give the word to them that preach good tidings with great power. ¹³ The king of powers is of the beloved, of the beloved; and the beauty of the house shall divide spoils. ¹⁴ If you sleep among the midst of lots, you shall be as the wings of a dove covered with silver, and the hinder parts of her back with the paleness of gold. ¹⁵ When he that is in heaven appointeth kings over her, they shall be whited with snow in Selmon. ¹⁶ The mountain of God is a fat mountain. A curdled mountain, a fat mountain. ¹⁷ Why suspect, ye curdled mountains? A mountain in which God is well pleased to dwell: for there the Lord shall dwell unto the end. ¹⁸ The chariot of God is attended by ten thousands; thousands of them that rejoice: the Lord is among them in Sina, in the holy place. ¹⁹ Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive; thou hast received gifts in men. Yea for those also that do not believe, the dwelling of the Lord God. ²⁰ Blessed be the Lord day by day: the God of our salvation will make our journey prosperous to us. ²¹ Our God is the God of salvation: and of the Lord, of the Lord are the issues from death. ²² But God shall break the heads of his enemies: the hairy crown of them that walk on in their sins. ²³ The Lord said: I will turn them from Basan, I will turn them into the depth of the sea:²⁴ That thy foot may be dipped in the blood of thy enemies; the tongue of thy dogs be red with the same. ²⁵ They have seen thy goings, O God, the goings of my God: of my king who is in his sanctuary. ²⁶ Princes went before joined with singers, in the midst of young damsels playing on timbrels. ²⁷ In the churches bless ye God the Lord, from the fountains of Israel. ²⁸ There is Benjamin a youth, in ecstasy of mind. The princes of Juda are their leaders: the princes of Zabulon, the princes of Nephthali. ²⁹ Command thy strength, O God: confirm, O God, what thou hast wrought in us. ³⁰ From thy temple in Jerusalem, kings shall offer presents to thee. ³¹ Rebuke the wild beasts of the reeds, the congregation of bulls with the kine of the people; who seek to exclude them who are tried with silver. Scatter thou the nations that delight in wars: ³² Ambassadors shall come out of Egypt: Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands to God. ³³ Sing to God, ye kingdoms of the earth: sing ye to the Lord: Sing ye to God, ³⁴ Who mounteth above the heaven of heavens, to the east. Behold he will give to his voice the voice of power: ³⁵ Give ye glory to God for Israel, his magnificence, and his power is in the clouds. ³⁶ God is wonderful in his saints: the God of Israel is he who will give power and strength to his people. Blessed be God.

Psalms 68

¹ Unto the end, for them that shall be changed; for David. ² SAVE me, O God: for the waters are come in even unto my soul. ³ I stick fast in the mire of the deep: and there is no sure standing. I am come into the depth of the sea: and a tempest hath overwhelmed me. ⁴ I have laboured with crying; my jaws are become hoarse: my eyes have failed, whilst I hope in my God. ⁵ They are multiplied above the hairs of my head, who hate me without cause. My enemies are grown strong who have wrongfully persecuted me: then did I pay that which I took not away. ⁶ O God, thou knowest my foolishness; and my offences are not hidden from thee: ⁷ Let not them be ashamed for me, who look for thee, O Lord, the Lord of hosts. Let them not be confounded on my account, who seek thee, O God of Israel. ⁸ Because for thy sake I have borne reproach; shame hath covered my face. ⁹ I am become a stranger to my brethren, and an alien to the sons of my mother. ¹⁰ For the zeal of thy house hath eaten me up: and the reproaches of them that reproached thee are fallen upon me. ¹¹ And I covered my soul in fasting: and it was made a reproach to me. ¹² And I made haircloth my garment: and I became a byword to them. ¹³ They that sat in the gate spoke against me: and they that drank wine made me their song. ¹⁴ But as for me, my prayer is to thee, O Lord; for the time of thy good pleasure, O God. In the multitude of thy mercy hear me, in the truth of thy salvation. ¹⁵ Draw me out of the mire, that I may not stick fast: deliver me from them that hate me, and out of the deep waters. ¹⁶ Let not the tempest of water drown me, nor the deep swallow me up: and let not the pit shut her mouth upon me. ¹⁷ Hear me, O Lord, for thy mercy is kind; look upon me according to the multitude of thy tender mercies. ¹⁸ And turn not away thy face from thy servant: for I am in trouble, hear me speedily. ¹⁹ Attend to my soul, and deliver it: save me because of my enemies. ²⁰ Thou knowest my reproach, and my confusion, and my shame. ²¹ In thy sight are all they that afflict me; my heart hath expected reproach and misery. And I looked for one that would grieve together with me, but there was none: and for one that would comfort me, and I found none. ²² And they gave me gall for my food, and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink. ²³ Let their table become as a snare before them, and a recompense, and a stumblingblock. ²⁴ Let their eyes be darkened that they see not; and their back bend thou down always. ²⁵ Pour out thy indignation upon them: and let thy wrathful anger take hold of them. ²⁶ Let their habitation be made desolate: and let there be none to dwell in their tabernacles. ²⁷ Because they have persecuted him whom thou hast smitten; and they have added to the grief of my wounds. ²⁸ Add thou iniquity upon their iniquity: and let them not come into thy justice. ²⁹ Let them be blotted out of the book of the living; and with the just let them not be written. ³⁰ But I am poor and sorrowful: thy salvation, O God, hath set me up. ³¹ I will praise the name of God with a canticle: and I will magnify him with praise. ³² And it shall please God better than a young calf, that bringeth forth horns and hoofs. ³³ Let the poor see and rejoice: seek ye God, and your soul shall live. ³⁴ For the Lord hath heard the poor: and hath not despised his prisoners. ³⁵ Let the heavens and the earth praise him; the sea, and every thing that creepeth therein. ³⁶ For God will save Sion, and the cities of Juda shall be built up. And they shall dwell there, and acquire it by inheritance. ³⁷ And the seed of his servants shall possess it; and they that love his name shall dwell therein.

Psalms 69

¹ Unto the end, a psalm for David, to bring to remembrance that the Lord saved him. ² O God, come to my assistance; O Lord, make haste to help me.
³ Let them be confounded and ashamed that seek my soul: ⁴ Let them be turned backward, and blush for shame that desire evils to me: Let them be presently turned away blushing for shame that say to me: Tis well, tis well. ⁵ Let all that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee; and let such as love thy salvation say always: The Lord be magnified. ⁶ But I am needy and poor; O God, help me. Thou art my helper and my deliverer: O Lord, make no delay.

Psalms 70

¹ A psalm for David. Of the sons of Jonadab, and the former captives. In thee, O Lord, I have hoped, let me never be put to confusion: ² Deliver me in thy justice, and rescue me. Incline thy ear unto me, and save me. ³ Be thou unto me a God, a protector, and a place of strength: that thou mayst make me safe. For thou art my firmament and my refuge. ⁴ Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the sinner, and out of the hand of the transgressor of the law and of the unjust. ⁵ For thou art my patience, O Lord: my hope, O Lord, from my youth; ⁶ By thee have I been confirmed from the womb: from my mother's womb thou art my protector. Of thee shall I continually sing: ⁷ I run become unto many as a wonder, but thou art a strong helper. ⁸ Let my mouth be filled with praise, that I may sing thy glory; thy greatness all the day long. ⁹ Cast me not off in the time of old age: when my strength shall fail, do not thou forsake me. ¹⁰ For my enemies have spoken against me; and they that watched my soul have consulted together, ¹¹ Saying: God hath forsaken him: pursue and take him, for there is none to deliver him. ¹² O God, be not thou far from me: O my God, make haste to my help. ¹³ Let them be confounded and come to nothing that detract my soul; let them be covered with confusion and shame that seek my hurt. ¹⁴ But I will always hope; and will add to all thy praise. ¹⁵ My mouth shall shew forth thy justice; thy salvation all the day long. Because I have not known learning, ¹⁶ I will enter into the powers of the Lord: O Lord, I will be mindful of thy justice alone. ¹⁷ Thou hast taught me, O God, from my youth: and till now I will declare thy wonderful works. ¹⁸ And unto old age and grey hairs: O God, forsake me not, Until I shew forth thy arm to all the generation that is to come: Thy power, ¹⁹ And thy justice, O God, even to the highest great things thou hast done: O God, who is like to thee? ²⁰ How great troubles hast thou shewn me, many and grievous: and turning thou hast brought me to life, and hast brought me back again from the depths of the earth: ²¹ Thou hast multiplied thy magnificence; and turning to me thou hast comforted me. ²² For I will also confess to thee thy truth with the instruments of psaltery: O God, I will sing to thee with the harp, thou holy one of Israel. ²³ My lips shall greatly rejoice, when I shall sing to thee; and my soul which thou hast redeemed. ²⁴ Yea and my tongue shall meditate on thy justice all the day; when they shall be confounded and put to shame that seek evils to me.

Psalms 71

¹ A psalm on Solomon. ² Give to the king thy judgment, O God: and to the king's son thy justice: To judge thy people with justice, and thy poor with judgment. ³ Let the mountains receive peace for the people: and the hills justice. ⁴ He shall judge the poor of the people, and he shall save the children of the poor: and he shall humble the oppressor. ⁵ And he shall continue with the sun, and before the moon, throughout all generations. ⁶ He shall come down like rain upon the fleece; and as showers falling gently upon the earth. ⁷ In his days shall justice spring up, and abundance of peace, till the moon be taken sway. ⁸ And he shall rule from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth. ⁹ Before him the Ethiopians shall fall down: and his enemies shall lick the ground. ¹⁰ The kings of Tharsis and the islands shall offer presents: the kings of the Arabians and of Saba shall bring gifts:¹¹ And all kings of the earth shall adore him: all nations shall serve him. ¹² For he shall deliver the poor from the mighty: and the needy that had no helper. ¹³ He shall spare the poor and needy: and he shall save the souls of the poor. ¹⁴ He shall redeem their souls from usuries and iniquity: and their names shall be honourable in his sight. ¹⁵ And he shall live, and to him shall be given of the gold of Arabia, for him they shall always adore: they shall bless him all the day. ¹⁶ And there shall be a firmament on the earth on the tops of mountains, above Libanus shall the fruit thereof be exalted: and they of the city shall flourish like the grass of the earth. ¹⁷ Let his name be blessed for evermore: his name continueth before the sun. And in him shall all the tribes of the earth be blessed: all nations shall magnify him. ¹⁸ Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who alone doth wonderful things. ¹⁹ And blessed be the name of his majesty for ever: and the whole earth shall be filled with his majesty. So be it. So be it. ²⁰ The praises of David, the son of Jesse, are ended.

Psalms 72

¹ A psalm for Asaph. How good is God to Israel, to them that are of a right heart! ² But my feet were almost moved; my steps had well nigh slipped. ³ Because I had a zeal on occasion of the wicked, seeing the prosperity of sinners. ⁴ For there is no regard to their death, nor is there strength in their stripes. ⁵ They are not in the labour of men: neither shall they be scourged like other men. ⁶ Therefore pride hath held them fast: they are covered with their iniquity and their wickedness. ⁷ Their iniquity hath come forth, as it were from fatness: they have passed into the affection of the heart. ⁸ They have thought and spoken wickedness: they have spoken iniquity on high. ⁹ They have set their mouth against heaven: and their tongue hath passed through the earth. ¹⁰ Therefore will my people return here and full days shall be found in them. ¹¹ And they said: How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High? ¹² Behold these are sinners; and yet abounding in the world they have obtained riches. ¹³ And I said: Then have I in vain justified my heart, and washed my hands among the innocent. ¹⁴ And I have been scourged all the day; and my chastisement hath been in the mornings. ¹⁵ If I said: I will speak thus; behold I should condemn the generation of thy children. ¹⁶ I studied that I might know this thing, it is a labour in my sight: ¹⁷ Until I go into the sanctuary of God, and understand concerning their last ends. ¹⁸ But indeed for deceits thou hast put it to them: when they were lifted up thou hast cast them down. ¹⁹ How are they brought to desolation? they have suddenly ceased to be: they have perished by reason of their iniquity. ²⁰ As the dream of them that awake, O Lord; so in thy city thou shalt bring their image to nothing. ²¹ For my heart hath been inflamed, and my reins have been changed: ²² And I am brought to nothing, and I knew not. ²³ I am become as a beast before thee: and I am always with thee. ²⁴ Thou hast held me by my right hand; and by thy will thou hast conducted me, and with thy glory thou hast received me. ²⁵ For what have I in heaven? and besides thee what do I desire upon earth? ²⁶ For thee my flesh and my heart hath fainted away: thou art the God of my heart, and the God that is my portion for ever. ²⁷ For behold they that go far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that are disloyal to thee. ²⁸ But it is good for me to adhere to my God, to put my hope in the Lord God: That I may declare all thy praises, in the gates of the daughter of Sion.

Sit nomen Dómini benedíctum!

2012-01-02T12:40:00.001-08:00

"Blessed be the Name of the Lord!"

THE HOLY NAME OF JESUS

DOUBLE, SECOND CLASS / WHITE

The Archangel Gabriel told Mary that her Son was to be called Jesus. Joseph, too, was told by an angel; and at the circumcision ceremony the foster father officially gave the name of Jesus to Mary's Son.

The name means "God saves," and it describes the mission of the divine Child as the Savior of mankind. The redeeming life of this newly named Babe will be climaxed when He is lifted on Calvary above the hosts of men, when He rises from the tomb as Redeemer of the human race.

~~~

Litany to the Most Holy Name of Jesus

...Have Mercy on Us..

Jesus, splendor of the Father. Jesus, brightness of eternal light. Jesus, King of glory. Jesus, sun of justice. Jesus, Son of the Virgin Mary. Jesus, most amiable.
Jesus, most admirable. Jesus, the mighty God. Jesus, Father of the world to come. Jesus, angel of great counsel. Jesus, most powerful. Jesus, most patient. Jesus, most obedient. Jesus, meek and humble of heart.
Jesus, lover of chastity. Jesus, lover of us. Jesus, God of peace. Jesus, author of life. Jesus, example of virtues. Jesus, zealous lover of souls. Jesus, our God.
Jesus, our refuge. Jesus, father of the poor. Jesus, treasure of the faithful. Jesus, good Shepherd. Jesus, true light. Jesus, eternal wisdom. Jesus, infinite goodness. Jesus, our way and our life. Jesus, joy of Angels. Jesus, King of the Patriarchs. Jesus, Master of the Apostles. Jesus, teacher of the Evangelists. Jesus, strength of Martyrs. Jesus, light of Confessors. Jesus, purity of Virgins.
Jesus, crown of Saints.

~~~

Resources:

Blest Be His Holy Name – Fr. Z’s meditation on the Holy Name of Jesus
Sermons on the Holy Name of Jesus – Audio Sancto
Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus – The Church’s Year, Rev. Fr. Leonard Goffine's
The Most Holy Name of Jesus – Breviary
Latin Mass Propers for the Feast of the Most Holy Name of Jesus
Gregorian Chant for the Most Holy Name of Jesus - St. René Goupil (Extraordinary Form)
Collection of Holy Name of Jesus Holy Cards
Holy Name of Jesus Prayer Card – for online viewing and ordering
Additional Resources form 2011 post – JOYfilledfamily

The Power of the Holy Name of Jesus – Audio Sermon from AudioSancto.org
Litany of the Most Holy Name of Jesus - The Church has granted an indulgence of 7 years for the recital of the Litany of the Most Holy Name.
Prayers to the Holy Name
St. Bernadino's Devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus
Story of the Holy Name of Jesus
IHS Stencil – used to stencil/place the monogram of His Name ("IHS") over our doors for protection, in the same way that the Israelites in Egypt used lamb's blood during the first Passover. ~Fisheaters
Devotion to the Holy Name
I.H.S. Coloring Page - from the Latin "Jesus Hominum Salvator" meaning "Jesus, Saviour of men"
I.H.S. and Cross Coloring Page

~~~

“Glorious name, gracious name, name of love and of power! Through you sins are forgiven, through you enemies are vanquished, through you the sick are freed from their illness, through you those suffering in trials are made strong and cheerful. You bring honor to those who believe, you teach those who preach, you give strength to the toiler, you sustain the weary”

~St. Bernardine of Siena

Saint Mary Magdalen de Pazzi

2011-12-29T20:20:00.001-08:00

A little drop of simple obedience is worth a million times more than a whole vase of the choicest contemplation. ~ St. Mary Magdalen de’ Pazzi

I’m renewed to call upon another saint to intercede on my behalf—St. Mary Magdalen de Pazzi.

St. Mary Magdalen of Pazzi chose me for the year.

On the occasion of the New Year 1935 Saint Maria Faustina made this entry in her spiritual Diary:
"Jesus likes to intervene in the smallest details of our life. And He often fulfills secret wishes of mine that I sometimes hide from Him, although I know that from Him nothing can be hidden. There is a custom among us of drawing by lot on New Year's Day, special patrons for ourselves for the whole year...”

~ Saint Maria Faustina

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St. Mart Magdalen of Pazzi

Born in Florence in 1566, she had a religious upbringing and entered the monastery of the Carmelite nuns there. She led a hidden life of prayer and self-denial, praying particularly for the renewal of the Church and encouraging the sisters in holiness. Her life was marked by many extraordinary graces. she died in 1607.

Feast: May 25
Patronage: Against Bodily Ills; Against Sexual Temptation; Sick People

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Come! Consume in us whatever prevents us from being consumed in you. ~from the writings of Saint Mary Magdalene de Pazzi

~~~

Resources:

St. Mary Magdalen of Pazzi General Info - SPQN
St. Mary Magdelen de Pazzi - Bob & Penny Lord
St. Mary Magdalen de Pazzi – Carmelite
St. Mary Magdalen de Pazzi Bio – EWTN
St. Mary Magdelen de Pazzi Bio - EWTN
Video Homily on St. Mary Magdalen de Pazzi
Come Holy Spirit – Audio from the writings On Revelation and On Trials by Saint Mary Magdalen de Pazzi, virgin (1566-1607)
St. Mary Magdalen de Pazzi Holy Card - Holy Card Heaven
St. Mary Magdelen de Pazzi Bio - Catholic Online
St. Mary Magdelen de Pazzi Gallery – Carmelites
Letter of His Holiness Benedict XVI – WF-F
Coloring Page of St. Mary Magdelen de Pazzi – Te Duem

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Saint Mary Magdalene de Pazzi, pray that we will make a commitment to seek the presence of God in prayer the way you did. Guide us to see the graces God gives us as gifts not rewards and to respond with gratitude and humility, not pride and selfishness. Amen

“Mother of Charity,” and “the Charity of the Monastery.” ~ Ora pro nobis

The Psalms–Day 4

2011-12-29T19:49:00.001-08:00

Day 4 Psalms 40 — 52

previous readings

Psalms 40

1 I waited patiently for the LORD; he inclined to me and heard my cry. 2 He drew me up from the desolate pit, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. 3 He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the LORD. 4 Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust, who does not turn to the proud, to those who go astray after false gods! 5 Thou hast multiplied, O LORD my God, thy wondrous deeds and thy thoughts toward us; none can compare with thee! Were I to proclaim and tell of them, they would be more than can be numbered. 6 Sacrifice and offering thou dost not desire; but thou hast given me an open ear. Burnt offering and sin offering thou hast not required.

Father, may I seek your will, always.

Psalms 41

To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.

1 Blessed is he who considers the poor! The LORD delivers him in the day of trouble; 2 the LORD protects him and keeps him alive; he is called blessed in the land; thou dost not give him up to the will of his enemies. 3 The LORD sustains him on his sickbed; in his illness thou healest all his infirmities. 4 As for me, I said, "O LORD, be gracious to me; heal me, for I have sinned against thee!" 5 My enemies say of me in malice: "When will he die, and his name perish?" 6 And when one comes to see me, he utters empty words, while his heart gathers mischief; when he goes out, he tells it abroad. 7 All who hate me whisper together about me; they imagine the worst for me. 8 They say, "A deadly thing has fastened upon him; he will not rise again from where he lies." 9 Even my bosom friend in whom I trusted, who ate of my bread, has lifted his heel against me. 10 But do thou, O LORD, be gracious to me, and raise me up, that I may requite them! 11 By this I know that thou art pleased with me, in that my enemy has not triumphed over me. 12 But thou hast upheld me because of my integrity, and set me in thy presence for ever. 13 Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting! Amen and Amen. ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Father, may the last word always be praise of You.

Psalms 42

To the choirmaster. A Maskil of the Sons of Korah.

1 As a hart longs for flowing streams, so longs my soul for thee, O God. 2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and behold the face of God? 3 My tears have been my food day and night, while men say to me continually, "Where is your God?" 4 These things I remember, as I pour out my soul: how I went with the throng, and led them in procession to the house of God, with glad shouts and songs of thanksgiving, a multitude keeping festival. 5 Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my help 6 and my God. My soul is cast down within me, therefore I remember thee from the land of Jordan and of Hermon, from Mount Mizar. 7 Deep calls to deep at the thunder of thy cataracts; all thy waves and thy billows have gone over me. 8 By day the LORD commands his steadfast love; and at night his song is with me, a prayer to the God of my life. 9 I say to God, my rock: "Why hast thou forgotten me? Why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?" 10 As with a deadly wound in my body, my adversaries taunt me, while they say to me continually, "Where is your God?" 11 Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my help and my God. ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Father, may the last word always be praise of You.

Psalms 43

1 Vindicate me, O God, and defend my cause against an ungodly people; from deceitful and unjust men deliver me! 2 For thou art the God in whom I take refuge; why hast thou cast me off? Why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy? 3 Oh send out thy light and thy truth; let them lead me, let them bring me to thy holy hill and to thy dwelling! 4 Then I will go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy; and I will praise thee with the lyre, O God, my God. 5 Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my help and my God. ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Father, may I live to worship You.

Psalms 44

To the choirmaster. A Maskil of the Sons of Korah.

1 We have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us, what deeds thou didst perform in their days, in the days of old: 2 thou with thy own hand didst drive out the nations, but them thou didst plant; thou didst afflict the peoples, but them thou didst set free; 3 for not by their own sword did they win the land, nor did their own arm give them victory; but thy right hand, and thy arm, and the light of thy countenance; for thou didst delight in them. 4 Thou art my King and my God, who ordainest victories for Jacob. 5 Through thee we push down our foes; through thy name we tread down our assailants. 6 For not in my bow do I trust, nor can my sword save me. 7 But thou hast saved us from our foes, and hast put to confusion those who hate us. 8 In God we have boasted continually, and we will give thanks to thy name for ever. [Selah] 9 Yet thou hast cast us off and abased us, and hast not gone out with our armies. 10 Thou hast made us turn back from the foe; and our enemies have gotten spoil. 11 Thou hast made us like sheep for slaughter, and hast scattered us among the nations. 12 Thou hast sold thy people for a trifle, demanding no high price for them. 13 Thou hast made us the taunt of our neighbors, the derision and scorn of those about us. 14 Thou hast made us a byword among the nations, a laughingstock among the peoples. 15 All day long my disgrace is before me, and shame has covered my face, 16 at the words of the taunters and revilers, at the sight of the enemy and the avenger. 17 All this has come upon us, though we have not forgotten thee, or been false to thy covenant. 18 Our heart has not turned back, nor have our steps departed from thy way, 19 that thou shouldst have broken us in the place of jackals, and covered us with deep darkness. 20 If we had forgotten the name of our God, or spread forth our hands to a strange god, 21 would not God discover this? For he knows the secrets of the heart. 22 Nay, for thy sake we are slain all the day long, and accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 23 Rouse thyself! Why sleepest thou, O Lord? Awake! Do not cast us off for ever! 24 Why dost thou hide thy face? Why dost thou forget our affliction and oppression? 25 For our soul is bowed down to the dust; our body cleaves to the ground. 26 Rise up, come to our help! Deliver us for the sake of thy steadfast love! ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Father, open my eyes daily to new insights in Your word.

Psalms 45

To the choirmaster: according to Lilies. A Maskil of the Sons of Korah a love song.

1 My heart overflows with a goodly theme; I address my verses to the king; my tongue is like the pen of a ready scribe. 2 You are the fairest of the sons of men; grace is poured upon your lips; therefore God has blessed you for ever. 3 Gird your sword upon your thigh, O mighty one, in your glory and majesty! 4 In your majesty ride forth victoriously for the cause of truth and to defend the right; let your right hand teach you dread deeds! 5 Your arrows are sharp in the heart of the king's enemies; the peoples fall under you. 6 Your divine throne endures for ever and ever. Your royal scepter is a scepter of equity; 7 you love righteousness and hate wickedness. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your fellows; 8 your robes are all fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia. From ivory palaces stringed instruments make you glad; 9 daughters of kings are among your ladies of honor; at your right hand stands the queen in gold of Ophir. 10 Hear, O daughter, consider, and incline your ear; forget your people and your father's house; 11 and the king will desire your beauty. Since he is your lord, bow to him; 12 the people of Tyre will sue your favor with gifts, the richest of the people 13 with all kinds of wealth. The princess is decked in her chamber with gold-woven robes; 14 in many-colored robes she is led to the king, with her virgin companions, her escort, in her train. 15 With joy and gladness they are led along as they enter the palace of the king. 16 Instead of your fathers shall be your sons; you will make them princes in all the earth. 17 I will cause your name to be celebrated in all generations; therefore the peoples will praise you for ever and ever. ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jesus, may my relationship with You be deeper than any marriage-relationship.

Psalms 46

To the choirmaster. A Psalm of the Sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. A Song.

1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; 3 though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult. [Selah] 4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. 5 God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God will help her right early. 6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts. 7 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. [Selah] 8 Come, behold the works of the LORD, how he has wrought desolations in the earth. 9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear, he burns the chariots with fire! 10 "Be still, and know that I am God. I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth!" 11 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. [Selah] ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Father, like Jesus, may I die for my enemies.

Psalms 47

To the choirmaster. A Psalm of the Sons of Korah.

1 Clap your hands, all peoples! Shout to God with loud songs of joy! 2 For the LORD, the Most High, is terrible, a great king over all the earth. 3 He subdued peoples under us, and nations under our feet. 4 He chose our heritage for us, the pride of Jacob whom he loves. [Selah] 5 God has gone up with a shout, the LORD with the sound of a trumpet. 6 Sing praises to God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises! 7 For God is the king of all the earth; sing praises with a psalm! 8 God reigns over the nations; God sits on his holy throne. 9 The princes of the peoples gather as the people of the God of Abraham. For the shields of the earth belong to God; he is highly exalted! ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jesus, You are worthy to be praised. I give my life to You.

Psalms 48

A Song. A Psalm of the Sons of Korah.

1 Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised in the city of our God! His holy mountain, 2 beautiful in elevation, is the joy of all the earth, Mount Zion, in the far north, the city of the great King. 3 Within her citadels God has shown himself a sure defense. 4 For lo, the kings assembled, they came on together. 5 As soon as they saw it, they were astounded, they were in panic, they took to flight; 6 trembling took hold of them there, anguish as of a woman in travail. 7 By the east wind thou didst shatter the ships of Tarshish. 8 As we have heard, so have we seen in the city of the LORD of hosts, in the city of our God, which God establishes for ever. [Selah] 9 We have thought on thy steadfast love, O God, in the midst of thy temple. 10 As thy name, O God, so thy praise reaches to the ends of the earth. Thy right hand is filled with victory; 11 let Mount Zion be glad! Let the daughters of Judah rejoice because of thy judgments! 12 Walk about Zion, go round about her, number her towers, 13 consider well her ramparts, go through her citadels; that you may tell the next generation 14 that this is God, our God for ever and ever. He will be our guide for ever. ------------------------------------------------------------------------

"O Lord our God, You are worthy to receive glory and honor and power!" (Rv 4:11).

Psalms 49

To the choirmaster. A Psalm of the Sons of Korah.

1 Hear this, all peoples! Give ear, all inhabitants of the world, 2 both low and high, rich and poor together! 3 My mouth shall speak wisdom; the meditation of my heart shall be understanding. 4 I will incline my ear to a proverb; I will solve my riddle to the music of the lyre. 5 Why should I fear in times of trouble, when the iniquity of my persecutors surrounds me, 6 men who trust in their wealth and boast of the abundance of their riches? 7 Truly no man can ransom himself, or give to God the price of his life, 8 for the ransom of his life is costly, and can never suffice, 9 that he should continue to live on for ever, and never see the Pit. 10 Yea, he shall see that even the wise die, the fool and the stupid alike must perish and leave their wealth to others. 11 Their graves are their homes for ever, their dwelling places to all generations, though they named lands their own. 12 Man cannot abide in his pomp, he is like the beasts that perish. 13 This is the fate of those who have foolish confidence, the end of those who are pleased with their portion. [Selah] 14 Like sheep they are appointed for Sheol; Death shall be their shepherd; straight to the grave they descend, and their form shall waste away; Sheol shall be their home. 15 But God will ransom my soul from the power of Sheol, for he will receive me. [Selah] 16 Be not afraid when one becomes rich, when the glory of his house increases. 17 For when he dies he will carry nothing away; his glory will not go down after him. 18 Though, while he lives, he counts himself happy, and though a man gets praise when he does well for himself, 19 he will go to the generation of his fathers, who will never more see the light. 20 Man cannot abide in his pomp, he is like the beasts that perish. ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jesus, thank You for giving Your life as a ransom for me.

Psalms 50

A Psalm of Asaph.

1 The Mighty One, God the LORD, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting. 2 Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God shines forth. 3 Our God comes, he does not keep silence, before him is a devouring fire, round about him a mighty tempest. 4 He calls to the heavens above and to the earth, that he may judge his people: 5 "Gather to me my faithful ones, who made a covenant with me by sacrifice!" 6 The heavens declare his righteousness, for God himself is judge! [Selah] 7 "Hear, O my people, and I will speak, O Israel, I will testify against you. I am God, your God. 8 I do not reprove you for your sacrifices; your burnt offerings are continually before me. 9 I will accept no bull from your house, nor he-goat from your folds. 10 For every beast of the forest is mine, the cattle on a thousand hills. 11 I know all the birds of the air, and all that moves in the field is mine. 12 "If I were hungry, I would not tell you; for the world and all that is in it is mine. 13 Do I eat the flesh of bulls, or drink the blood of goats? 14 Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and pay your vows to the Most High; 15 and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me." 16 But to the wicked God says: "What right have you to recite my statutes, or take my covenant on your lips? 17 For you hate discipline, and you cast my words behind you. 18 If you see a thief, you are a friend of his; and you keep company with adulterers. 19 "You give your mouth free rein for evil, and your tongue frames deceit. 20 You sit and speak against your brother; you slander your own mother's son.21 These things you have done and I have been silent; you thought that I was one like yourself. But now I rebuke you, and lay the charge before you. 22 "Mark this, then, you who forget God, lest I rend, and there be none to deliver! 23 He who brings thanksgiving as his sacrifice honors me; to him who orders his way aright I will show the salvation of God!" ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Father, may I practice what I pray.

Psalms 51

To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet came to him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba.

1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to thy steadfast love; according to thy abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! 3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. 4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done that which is evil in thy sight, so that thou art justified in thy sentence and blameless in thy judgment. 5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me. 6 Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward being; therefore teach me wisdom in my secret heart. 7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. 8 Fill me with joy and gladness; let the bones which thou hast broken rejoice. 9 Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. 11 Cast me not away from thy presence, and take not thy holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of thy salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. 13 Then I will teach transgressors thy ways, and sinners will return to thee. 14 Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation, and my tongue will sing aloud of thy deliverance. 15 O Lord, open thou my lips, and my mouth shall show forth thy praise. 16 For thou hast no delight in sacrifice; were I to give a burnt offering, thou wouldst not be pleased. 17 The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. 18 Do good to Zion in thy good pleasure; rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, 19 then wilt thou delight in right sacrifices, in burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings; then bulls will be offered on thy altar. ------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Thoroughly wash me from my guilt and of my sin cleanse me" (51:4)

pray this psalm in preparation for regular Confession

Psalms 52

1 Why do you boast, O mighty man, of mischief done against the godly? All the day 2 you are plotting destruction. Your tongue is like a sharp razor, you worker of treachery. 3 You love evil more than good, and lying more than speaking the truth. [Selah] 4 You love all words that devour, O deceitful tongue. 5 But God will break you down for ever; he will snatch and tear you from your tent; he will uproot you from the land of the living. [Selah] 6 The righteous shall see, and fear, and shall laugh at him, saying, 7 "See the man who would not make God his refuge, but trusted in the abundance of his riches, and sought refuge in his wealth!" 8 But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God. I trust in the steadfast love of God for ever and ever. 9 I will thank thee for ever, because thou hast done it. I will proclaim thy name, for it is good, in the presence of the godly. ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Father, may I realize my battle is not against human beings but the devil (Eph 6:12).

2012 Family Saints

2011-12-29T19:22:00.001-08:00

We spent the day preparing for 2012. Dad selected our family’s patron saint for 2012. We each desired to have an additional patron saint for 2012. We used the Saint’s Name Generator.

Here are our patron saints for 2012:

Family – St. Valentine of Rome
Dad – St. Joan of Arc
Mom – St. Mary Magdelen de Pazzi
Rose – St. Pascal Baylon
Sparkles – St. Margaret Clitherow
Sweetie – St. Gemma Galgani

Only those who receive or will receive Our Lord in the Holy Eucharist, selected a patron saint for the year. The boys will focus on growing in devotion to their namesakes.

Family Patron Saints from 2010 and 2011.

Love the Eucharist

2011-12-28T17:09:00.001-08:00

Dad and I have received a prompt answer to our prayers of discernment-- we will be moving forward with Sweetie’s preparation for First Holy Communion. We will start with the foundation, Eucharistic Adoration--devotion to Jesus.

The Eucharist is the sacrament which really, truly and substantially contains the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ under the appearances of Bread and wine. It is the great sacrament of God's love in which Christ is eaten, the mind is filled with grace and a pledge is given to us of future glory.

Eucharistic adoration is a pious devotional exercise consisting of mental and vocal prayer, honoring this special presence of Christ in the Holy Eucharist.

A Holy Hour draws its inspiration from Christ's words to the Apostles in Gethsemane: "Can you not watch one hour with me?" It was taught by the Savior to St. Margaret Mary (1647-90) as one of the special practices of the Sacred Heart devotion.

Sweetie will officially enter our family’s Eucharistic Adoration schedule. We pray that her formation will help her grow as an Apostle of the Eucharist.

We pray…

Lord Jesus in the Holy Eucharist, we believe You are with us in the Blessed Sacrament. We believe You are inviting us to become apostles of the Eucharist through the young people you place into our lives.

You told us, “Allow the little children to come unto me, and do not prevent them from doing so.” In saying this, You were telling us to nourish the Eucharistic faith of the young. It is by believing in You that they come to you. It is by growing in their understanding of this faith that they will grow in their love for You.

Here on earth, they cannot see You with their bodily eyes. But they can see You with the eyes of their soul—provided we nurture their faith by our own deep belief in You our Eucharistic Lord and nourish their hearts by our own selfless affection for you our Eucharistic Love. Amen.

~ Fr. John A. Hardon, S.J.

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Guidelines for the Eucharistic Formation of the Young

~ Fr. John A Hardon, S.J.

An apostle of the Eucharist is one who has certain Eucharistic qualities, eight to be exact.

An apostle of the Eucharist is one who is personally very devoted to the Holy Eucharist
- as Real Presence
- as the Sacrifice of the Mass and
- as Holy Communion
An apostle of the Eucharist is one who realizes that there is no solution to the problems of the world or the problems of the Church, except through the Holy Eucharist.
An apostle of the Eucharist is one who does everything in his power, by word and example, to promote a deeper faith in the Eucharist as Presence-Sacrament, as Sacrifice-Sacrament, and as Communion-Sacrament. All these are seen as the main sources of divine grace for the whole human race.
An apostle of the Eucharist prays for a deeper understanding of the Blessed Sacrament, by himself and by others—especially by bishops and priests.
An apostle of the Eucharist lives a life of reparation for those who neglect the Holy Eucharist or desert the Holy Eucharist, or distort and desecrate the Holy Eucharist.
An apostle of the Eucharist is zealous to convert or re-convert people to a life of grace and the fullness of the Christian faith, which believes that Jesus Christ is, now, present on earth, offering Himself in the Mass by giving us the graces He won for us on Calvary, and giving Himself to us and coming bodily into our body, His soul into our soul, as the pledge of eternal destiny.
An apostle of the Eucharist is a martyr for the Eucharist. No matter what price has to be paid, an apostle of the Eucharist is ready to pay it as a witness to his faith that Jesus Christ is living in our midst today.
An apostle of the Eucharist simply expects the Eucharistic Christ to work whatever miracle needs to be performed in our day, especially:
- Miracles of courage in conquering the demon of human respect by confessing Jesus Christ twenty-four hours a day.
- Miracles of conversion in changing sinners, even today’s murderers in high places, to be humble followers of Christ.

But an apostle of the Eucharist has no illusions. There will be opposition. “Have confidence,” Jesus tells us, “I have overcome the world.”

~~~

“I am first of all saying that except for the Eucharist, no one can remain totally faithful to Jesus Christ and the moral demands He makes on His followers. I am further saying that, except for the Eucharist, God will not convert the multitude of souls estranged from His love.“

~ Fr. John A. Hardon, S.J.

~~~

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I’m linking this post to the First Holy Communion JOY Linky Party. Click on the image below view other First Communion resources.

The Psalms–Day 3

2011-12-28T13:16:00.001-08:00

Day 3 Psalms 28 — 39

My Bible Reading Timeline for Christmastide is listed here.

Psalms 28

1 To thee, O LORD, I call; my rock, be not deaf to me, lest, if thou be silent to me, I become like those who go down to the Pit. 2 Hear the voice of my supplication, as I cry to thee for help, as I lift up my hands toward thy most holy sanctuary. 3 Take me not off with the wicked, with those who are workers of evil, who speak peace with their neighbors, while mischief is in their hearts. 4 Requite them according to their work, and according to the evil of their deeds; requite them according to the work of their hands; render them their due reward. 5 Because they do not regard the works of the LORD, or the work of his hands, he will break them down and build them up no more. 6 Blessed be the LORD! for he has heard the voice of my supplications.

Father, give me supernatural gifts of knowledge and faith.

Psalms 29

A Psalm of David.

1 Ascribe to the LORD, O heavenly beings, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. 2 Ascribe to the LORD the glory of his name; worship the LORD in holy array. 3 The voice of the LORD is upon the waters; the God of glory thunders, the LORD, upon many waters. 4 The voice of the LORD is powerful, the voice of the LORD is full of majesty. 5 The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars, the LORD breaks the cedars of Lebanon. 6 He makes Lebanon to skip like a calf, and Si'rion like a young wild ox. 7 The voice of the LORD flashes forth flames of fire. 8 The voice of the LORD shakes the wilderness, the LORD shakes the wilderness of Kadesh. 9 The voice of the LORD makes the oaks to whirl, and strips the forests bare; and in his temple all cry, "Glory!" 10 The LORD sits enthroned over the flood; the LORD sits enthroned as king for ever. 11 May the LORD give strength to his people! May the LORD bless his people with peace! ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Father, may I praise You always.

Psalms 30

A Psalm of David. A Song at the dedication of the Temple.

1 I will extol thee, O LORD, for thou hast drawn me up, and hast not let my foes rejoice over me. 2 O LORD my God, I cried to thee for help, and thou hast healed me. 3 O LORD, thou hast brought up my soul from Sheol, restored me to life from among those gone down to the Pit. 4 Sing praises to the LORD, O you his saints, and give thanks to his holy name. 5 For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning. 6 As for me, I said in my prosperity, "I shall never be moved." 7 By thy favor, O LORD, thou hadst established me as a strong mountain; thou didst hide thy face, I was dismayed. 8 To thee, O LORD, I cried; and to the LORD I made supplication: 9 "What profit is there in my death, if I go down to the Pit? Will the dust praise thee? Will it tell of thy faithfulness? 10 Hear, O LORD, and be gracious to me! O LORD, be thou my helper!" 11 Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing; thou hast loosed my sackcloth and girded me with gladness, 12 that my soul may praise thee and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks to thee for ever. ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Father, because of Your love for us, may I expect miraculous healings.

Psalms 31

To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.

1 In thee, O LORD, do I seek refuge; let me never be put to shame; in thy righteousness deliver me! 2 Incline thy ear to me, rescue me speedily! Be thou a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me! 3 Yea, thou art my rock and my fortress; for thy name's sake lead me and guide me, 4 take me out of the net which is hidden for me, for thou art my refuge. 5 Into thy hand I commit my spirit; thou hast redeemed me, O LORD, faithful God. 6 Thou hatest those who pay regard to vain idols; but I trust in the LORD. 7 I will rejoice and be glad for thy steadfast love, because thou hast seen my affliction, thou hast taken heed of my adversities, 8 and hast not delivered me into the hand of the enemy; thou hast set my feet in a broad place. 9 Be gracious to me, O LORD, for I am in distress; my eye is wasted from grief, my soul and my body also. 10 For my life is spent with sorrow, and my years with sighing; my strength fails because of my misery, and my bones waste away. 11 I am the scorn of all my adversaries, a horror to my neighbors, an object of dread to my acquaintances; those who see me in the street flee from me. 12 I have passed out of mind like one who is dead; I have become like a broken vessel. 13 Yea, I hear the whispering of many -- terror on every side! -- as they scheme together against me, as they plot to take my life. 14 But I trust in thee, O LORD, I say, "Thou art my God." 15 My times are in thy hand; deliver me from the hand of my enemies and persecutors! 16 Let thy face shine on thy servant; save me in thy steadfast love! 17 Let me not be put to shame, O LORD, for I call on thee; let the wicked be put to shame, let them go dumbfounded to Sheol. 18 Let the lying lips be dumb, which speak insolently against the righteous in pride and contempt. 19 O how abundant is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for those who fear thee, and wrought for those who take refuge in thee, in the sight of the sons of men! 20 In the covert of thy presence thou hidest them from the plots of men; thou holdest them safe under thy shelter from the strife of tongues. 21 Blessed be the LORD, for he has wondrously shown his steadfast love to me when I was beset as in a besieged city. 22 I had said in my alarm, "I am driven far from thy sight." But thou didst hear my supplications, when I cried to thee for help. 23 Love the LORD, all you his saints! The LORD preserves the faithful, but abundantly requites him who acts haughtily. 24 Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the LORD! ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Father, give me the grace to know many of the psalms by memory and to pray them in the worst circumstances.

Psalms 32

A Psalm of David. A Maskil.

1 Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.

2 Blessed is the man to whom the LORD imputes no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit. 3 When I declared not my sin, my body wasted away through my groaning all day long. 4 For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. [Selah] 5 I acknowledged my sin to thee, and I did not hide my iniquity; I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD"; then thou didst forgive the guilt of my sin. [Selah] 6 Therefore let every one who is godly offer prayer to thee; at a time of distress, in the rush of great waters, they shall not reach him. 7 Thou art a hiding place for me, thou preservest me from trouble; thou dost encompass me with deliverance. [Selah] 8 I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. 9 Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding, which must be curbed with bit and bridle, else it will not keep with you. 10 Many are the pangs of the wicked; but steadfast love surrounds him who trusts in the LORD. 11 Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart! ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Father, may I rejoice with all in heaven when I repent.

Psalms 33

1 Rejoice in the LORD, O you righteous! Praise befits the upright. 2 Praise the LORD with the lyre, make melody to him with the harp of ten strings! 3 Sing to him a new song, play skilfully on the strings, with loud shouts. 4 For the word of the LORD is upright; and all his work is done in faithfulness. 5 He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the LORD. 6 By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, and all their host by the breath of his mouth. 7 He gathered the waters of the sea as in a bottle; he put the deeps in storehouses. 8 Let all the earth fear the LORD, let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him! 9 For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood forth. 10 The LORD brings the counsel of the nations to nought; he frustrates the plans of the peoples. 11 The counsel of the LORD stands for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations. 12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage! 13 The LORD looks down from heaven, he sees all the sons of men; 14 from where he sits enthroned he looks forth on all the inhabitants of the earth, 15 he who fashions the hearts of them all, and observes all their deeds. 16 A king is not saved by his great army; a warrior is not delivered by his great strength. 17 The war horse is a vain hope for victory, and by its great might it cannot save. 18 Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love, 19 that he may deliver their soul from death, and keep them alive in famine. 20 Our soul waits for the LORD; he is our help and shield. 21 Yea, our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name. 22 Let thy steadfast love, O LORD, be upon us, even as we hope in thee. ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Father, may America repent before it loses its soul.

Psalms 34

A Psalm of David, when he feigned madness before Abimelech, so that he drove him out, and he went away.

1 I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. 2 My soul makes its boast in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and be glad. 3 O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together! 4 I sought the LORD, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears. 5 Look to him, and be radiant; so your faces shall never be ashamed. 6 This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. 7 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them. 8 O taste and see that the LORD is good! Happy is the man who takes refuge in him! 9 O fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him have no want! 10 The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing. 11 Come, O sons, listen to me, I will teach you the fear of the LORD. 12 What man is there who desires life, and covets many days, that he may enjoy good? 13 Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit. 14 Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it. 15 The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous, and his ears toward their cry. 16 The face of the LORD is against evildoers, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth. 17 When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. 18 The LORD is near to the brokenhearted, and saves the crushed in spirit. 19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous; but the LORD delivers him out of them all. 20 He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken. 21 Evil shall slay the wicked; and those who hate the righteous will be condemned. 22 The LORD redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned. ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Father, give me a word of prophecy when I am overwhelmed with trials.

Psalms 35

A Psalm of David.

1 Contend, O LORD, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me! 2 Take hold of shield and buckler, and rise for my help! 3 Draw the spear and javelin against my pursuers! Say to my soul, "I am your deliverance!" 4 Let them be put to shame and dishonor who seek after my life! Let them be turned back and confounded who devise evil against me! 5 Let them be like chaff before the wind, with the angel of the LORD driving them on! 6 Let their way be dark and slippery, with the angel of the LORD pursuing them! 7 For without cause they hid their net for me; without cause they dug a pit for my life. 8 Let ruin come upon them unawares! And let the net which they hid ensnare them; let them fall therein to ruin! 9 Then my soul shall rejoice in the LORD, exulting in his deliverance. 10 All my bones shall say, "O LORD, who is like thee, thou who deliverest the weak from him who is too strong for him, the weak and needy from him who despoils him?" 11 Malicious witnesses rise up; they ask me of things that I know not. 12 They requite me evil for good; my soul is forlorn. 13 But I, when they were sick -- I wore sackcloth, I afflicted myself with fasting. I prayed with head bowed on my bosom, 14 as though I grieved for my friend or my brother; I went about as one who laments his mother, bowed down and in mourning. 15 But at my stumbling they gathered in glee, they gathered together against me; cripples whom I knew not slandered me without ceasing; 16 they impiously mocked more and more, gnashing at me with their teeth. 17 How long, O LORD, wilt thou look on? Rescue me from their ravages, my life from the lions! 18 Then I will thank thee in the great congregation; in the mighty throng I will praise thee. 19 Let not those rejoice over me who are wrongfully my foes, and let not those wink the eye who hate me without cause. 20 For they do not speak peace, but against those who are quiet in the land they conceive words of deceit. 21 They open wide their mouths against me; they say, "Aha, Aha! our eyes have seen it!" 22 Thou hast seen, O LORD; be not silent! O Lord, be not far from me! 23 Bestir thyself, and awake for my right, for my cause, my God and my Lord! 24 Vindicate me, O LORD, my God, according to thy righteousness; and let them not rejoice over me! 25 Let them not say to themselves, "Aha, we have our heart's desire!" Let them not say, "We have swallowed him up." 26 Let them be put to shame and confusion altogether who rejoice at my calamity! Let them be clothed with shame and dishonor who magnify themselves against me! 27 Let those who desire my vindication shout for joy and be glad, and say evermore, "Great is the LORD, who delights in the welfare of his servant!" 28 Then my tongue shall tell of thy righteousness and of thy praise all the day long. ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Father, may I love my enemies, even if I have to die for them.

Psalms 36

To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David, the servant of the LORD.

1 Transgression speaks to the wicked deep in his heart; there is no fear of God before his eyes. 2 For he flatters himself in his own eyes that his iniquity cannot be found out and hated. 3 The words of his mouth are mischief and deceit; he has ceased to act wisely and do good. 4 He plots mischief while on his bed; he sets himself in a way that is not good; he spurns not evil. 5 Thy steadfast love, O LORD, extends to the heavens, thy faithfulness to the clouds. 6 Thy righteousness is like the mountains of God, thy judgments are like the great deep; man and beast thou savest, O LORD. 7 How precious is thy steadfast love, O God! The children of men take refuge in the shadow of thy wings. 8 They feast on the abundance of thy house, and thou givest them drink from the river of thy delights. 9 For with thee is the fountain of life; in thy light do we see light. 10 O continue thy steadfast love to those who know thee, and thy salvation to the upright of heart! 11 Let not the foot of arrogance come upon me, nor the hand of the wicked drive me away. 12 There the evildoers lie prostrate, they are thrust down, unable to rise. ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Father, thank You for Your tremendous patience. May I repent while I can.

Psalms 37

A Psalm of David.

1 Fret not yourself because of the wicked, be not envious of wrongdoers! 2 For they will soon fade like the grass, and wither like the green herb. 3 Trust in the LORD, and do good; so you will dwell in the land, and enjoy security. 4 Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. 5 Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act. 6 He will bring forth your vindication as the light, and your right as the noonday. 7 Be still before the LORD, and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over him who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices! 8 Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil. 9 For the wicked shall be cut off; but those who wait for the LORD shall possess the land. 10 Yet a little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look well at his place, he will not be there. 11 But the meek shall possess the land, and delight themselves in abundant prosperity. 12 The wicked plots against the righteous, and gnashes his teeth at him; 13 but the LORD laughs at the wicked, for he sees that his day is coming. 14 The wicked draw the sword and bend their bows, to bring down the poor and needy, to slay those who walk uprightly; 15 their sword shall enter their own heart, and their bows shall be broken. 16 Better is a little that the righteous has than the abundance of many wicked. 17 For the arms of the wicked shall be broken; but the LORD upholds the righteous. 18 The LORD knows the days of the blameless, and their heritage will abide for ever; 19 they are not put to shame in evil times, in the days of famine they have abundance. 20 But the wicked perish; the enemies of the LORD are like the glory of the pastures, they vanish -- like smoke they vanish away. 21 The wicked borrows, and cannot pay back, but the righteous is generous and gives; 22 for those blessed by the LORD shall possess the land, but those cursed by him shall be cut off. 23 The steps of a man are from the LORD, and he establishes him in whose way he delights; 24 though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the LORD is the stay of his hand. 25 I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging bread. 26 He is ever giving liberally and lending, and his children become a blessing. 27 Depart from evil, and do good; so shall you abide for ever. 28 For the LORD loves justice; he will not forsake his saints. The righteous shall be preserved for ever, but the children of the wicked shall be cut off. 29 The righteous shall possess the land, and dwell upon it for ever. 30 The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justice. 31 The law of his God is in his heart; his steps do not slip. 32 The wicked watches the righteous, and seeks to slay him. 33 The LORD will not abandon him to his power, or let him be condemned when he is brought to trial. 34 Wait for the LORD, and keep to his way, and he will exalt you to possess the land; you will look on the destruction of the wicked. 35 I have seen a wicked man overbearing, and towering like a cedar of Lebanon. 36 Again I passed by, and, lo, he was no more; though I sought him, he could not be found. 37 Mark the blameless man, and behold the upright, for there is posterity for the man of peace. 38 But transgressors shall be altogether destroyed; the posterity of the wicked shall be cut off. 39 The salvation of the righteous is from the LORD; he is their refuge in the time of trouble. 40 The LORD helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked, and saves them, because they take refuge in him. ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Father, give me an unshakable trust in You.

Psalms 38

A Psalm of David, for the memorial offering.

1 O LORD, rebuke me not in thy anger, nor chasten me in thy wrath! 2 For thy arrows have sunk into me, and thy hand has come down on me. 3 There is no soundness in my flesh because of thy indignation; there is no health in my bones because of my sin. 4 For my iniquities have gone over my head; they weigh like a burden too heavy for me. 5 My wounds grow foul and fester because of my foolishness, 6 I am utterly bowed down and prostrate; all the day I go about mourning. 7 For my loins are filled with burning, and there is no soundness in my flesh. 8 I am utterly spent and crushed; I groan because of the tumult of my heart. 9 Lord, all my longing is known to thee, my sighing is not hidden from thee. 10 My heart throbs, my strength fails me; and the light of my eyes -- it also has gone from me. 11 My friends and companions stand aloof from my plague, and my kinsmen stand afar off. 12 Those who seek my life lay their snares, those who seek my hurt speak of ruin, and meditate treachery all the day long. 13 But I am like a deaf man, I do not hear, like a dumb man who does not open his mouth. 14 Yea, I am like a man who does not hear, and in whose mouth are no rebukes.15 But for thee, O LORD, do I wait; it is thou, O LORD my God, who wilt answer. 16 For I pray, "Only let them not rejoice over me, who boast against me when my foot slips!" 17 For I am ready to fall, and my pain is ever with me. 18 I confess my iniquity, I am sorry for my sin. 19 Those who are my foes without cause are mighty, and many are those who hate me wrongfully. 20 Those who render me evil for good are my adversaries because I follow after good. 21 Do not forsake me, O LORD! O my God, be not far from me! 22 Make haste to help me, O Lord, my salvation! ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Father, some of my health problems are due to my sins. May I repent and be healed.

Psalms 39

1 I said, "I will guard my ways, that I may not sin with my tongue; I will bridle my mouth, so long as the wicked are in my presence." 2 I was dumb and silent, I held my peace to no avail; my distress grew worse, 3 my heart became hot within me. As I mused, the fire burned; then I spoke with my tongue: 4 "LORD, let me know my end, and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is! 5 Behold, thou hast made my days a few handbreadths, and my lifetime is as nothing in thy sight. Surely every man stands as a mere breath! [Selah] 6 Surely man goes about as a shadow! Surely for nought are they in turmoil; man heaps up, and knows not who will gather! 7 "And now, Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in thee. 8 Deliver me from all my transgressions. Make me not the scorn of the fool! 9 I am dumb, I do not open my mouth; for it is thou who hast done it. 10 Remove thy stroke from me; I am spent by the blows of thy hand. 11 When thou dost chasten man with rebukes for sin, thou dost consume like a moth what is dear to him; surely every man is a mere breath! [Selah] 12 "Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear to my cry; hold not thy peace at my tears! For I am thy passing guest, a sojourner, like all my fathers. 13 Look away from me, that I may know gladness, before I depart and be no more!" ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jesus, You are my only Hope but the only hope I need.

Beginning of a Lifelong Friendship

2011-12-28T01:15:00.001-08:00

"They are My delight."

"Suffer them to come unto Me."

Dad and I are praying the following prayers as we discern if it is time for Sweetie to receive Our Lord, in the gift of the Holy Eucharist.

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A Prayer for those who are preparing Children for their First Holy Communion

O Jesus, who hast loved us with such exceeding great love
as to give us the ineffable gift of the Holy Eucharist,
inflame us with a burning zeal to promote Thy glory
by preparing worthily the little children
who are to approach Thy holy table for the first time.
Protect, O Sacred Heart of Jesus,
these young souls from the assaults of evil,
strengthen their faith,
increase their love and endow them
with all the virtues that will make them worthy to receive
Thee.
Amen.

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May Sweetie’s heart be prepared to unite with Jesus, especially in the Eucharist, in Holy Communion. May she be on fire to receive Jesus, just like St. Gemma.

"Today I have received Jesus, and now I possess Him entirely in my miserable soul. In such moments my heart and the Heart of Jesus are one. Oh, if only I could make it remain so always! It would mean that I would not commit anymore sins. Oh, what precious moments are those at Holy Communion! Communion is a happiness, Father, that seems to me cannot be equaled even by the beatitude of the Saints and Angels" ~St Gemma Galgani

St. Gemma ~ ora pro nobis

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More First Holy Communion prayers can be found at my post from 2010.