Dear God... Please heal my broken heart

"The LORD is close to brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit" Psalm 34:18

Lord I know that you have put me through this painful situation to help me grow. I am missing him and you know how much I love him. I know you may have someone better for me on the horizon but PLEASE, give me a sign. Please let me know if he will be coming back or that someone better is coming my way. Please God, I don't think I can take this pain much longer. So easy to tell those who really care and love me like my family that I am okay now but I'm still hurting. Sometimes I just want to be alone and cry... sometimes I want to scream so the pain inside my heart can all be released. I am so ashamed to face the people I know like my friends and officemates. I pity myself, I even pity my mother who is really so hurt also when she learned of what happened to me. I have given her so much pain already but a mother will always be there for her children. This is the very first time I have shared to my family so much about my lovelife as I thought it is for keeps already. In my downfall right now, I cannot really just handle this heartache by myself... I thank you God for my loving family. I am really sad to see how worried they are for me even my dad. He asked my mum why I am always sad and just inside my room. Lord, please take care of my family. We have our problems right now in our business and I have added an additional burden again to them. Hope we could all overcome these trials in our life. I ask you now oh God to heal my heart and my mind. I will release myself from any resentment that is holding me. I forgive the one that I am holding resentment also. I feel that I will no longer have a strength to live for the next day. I confess that I am afraid to try on new things and meet a new guy again. I confess that I am intimidated with anything new. I confess that I get envy with those in a happy relationship. Please touch my heart Lord and make it better. Please stop the pain. Please help me to get back on my feet and keep the negative thoughts out of my mind. I will continue to come to you until my broken heart is fully healed. I love you Jesus... I love you Mama Mary. Amen

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

"The LORD is close to brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit" Psalm 34:18. This is a really powerful message to me because it is like saying that no matter what you did, the LORD our God will always be with us. Another bible verse I love and has meaning is "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6. So to me even if you are really hurt or confuse about God then don't worry. Just trust in him, and everything will be alright. God understands this experience because he himself has lived through a broken heart. God has been a jilted lover. Through his love for us, he has endured unfaithfulness and desertion. God understands our loneliness and identifies with us. We can talk to him about this experience and ask him for help at our deepest point of despair – because he’s been there himself!

Heal My Broken Heart

Nancy Burr

~~~~**~~~~

Lord I need some time alone

Just to spend with You.

I’m overwhelmed cause I can’t find

The strength to get me through.

I know I need to trust in You

When sadness covers me.

But I feel numb and so confused,

Please help me Lord I plea.

Each day I ask that You would please

Heal my broken heart.

But Lord it just seems to get worse

My world is torn apart.

I don’t know what I’m doing Lord

I don’t know what to say.

All I know is that I’m sad

And the pain won’t go away.

So much pain and sorrow Lord,

Makes me feel sick inside.

Out of control is how life feels

And it makes me want to hide.

But there’s no place where I can go,

Where I feel safe from harm.

So please dear Jesus let me hide

Inside Your loving arms.

When I’m inside Your loving arms

I feel safe and warm.

I feel like I can cope again.

And forget about the storm.

But I know when I leave this place

I’ll surely fall apart.

So please take all my cares and fears

And the pain that fills my heart.

Please teach me how to live my life

Where You are in control.

And show me how to trust in You

So my life can be whole.

Sometimes I just can’t see the path

That’s right in front of me.

So be my guide and help me see

I pray down on my knee.

Start Here: 15 Healing Steps
by AMELIE CHANCE

How long will it be before you can get through your daily routine without feeling the wave of pain sweep over you, without sensing that knot in the pit of your stomach, and without dwelling on what went wrong? If these are some of the questions you are asking yourself, you are not alone. 

A broken heart can cause such an intense reaction that you may feel your life has been completely stripped of meaning. Jobs, hobbies, and friends may no longer hold any joy. In fact, some of us even experience physical pain with a tight chest, nervous stomach, or terrible insomnia. “Time heals all wounds” is something we have all heard over the years, but do you really have to wait for time to heal these wounds? Absolutely not. There are steps you can take to alleviate the pain you feel. These steps were developed by people who have endured the pain of a difficult break-up and sought a better way to heal.

Whether you are 22 or 62, the first step is to determine from which type of broken heart you currently suffer. That’s right – there are actually 4 different types of broken hearts. Several factors determine the type of broken heart you may be enduring right now including your relationship history, the type of relationship and the reasons for the break-up, among others. Once you know where your heart stands, you will receive customized healing advice.

Okay, so where should you start? Start with the first healing step – the survey – to see where you stand. Get an instant, on screen evaluation. The survey contains 16-questions and can be completed in about 2 minutes. If you’re ready to see which of the 4 types of broken heart you suffer from, then let’s go.

Ready? Take the Survey

So here's the result on me from Ms. Amelie Chance, a Psychologist

Hi Maria,

As promised, here is the extended analysis of your survey results and an important healing lesson. 

You fall into a pretty high category of pain. I understand this is an extremely difficult time, but there is still hope for you to feel better – and soon. Below is a quick summary of your results followed by a custom healing lesson which will start your healing today.

1 – You are suffering from Emptiness -Your mind, body, and heart are basically saying to you, “Hey, what’s the point of any of this without him or her?” The reason it is so painful is that more than loneliness, you are feeling emptiness.

2 – You are experiencing the Reminder Syndrome - You may not be able to get your ex, the break up or the pain out of your mind for more than a few minutes at a time. There are subconscious triggers of your ex everywhere including songs, smells, objects, and much more.

3 – Negative thoughts - you can’t seem to shake them. Why did this happen (again)? I’m never going to meet anyone. The thought of dating again makes me want to vomit. Don’t worry, you are not alone and there is a simple and powerful method to combat these thoughts.

4 – Loss of a possible Soulmate - It seems that you believe that you have lost the person that was the one for you. The one you had been waiting for, the person that made you whole, the one that made you who you are and want to be. I want to tell you that even in this situation, it is possible to heal, to have hope, and to live a vibrant life again.

Ok, so what’s your next step? First, make a pact with yourself to set aside any current thoughts you have about never getting over this pain. Open your mind to the possibility that you can feel better and soon. Agreed?

Next, read mini-lesson 1 below:

Lesson 1:

The day after a break up or the year after (if you haven't found a way to heal) may seem like you are waking up to a nightmare. The space beside you in bed is vacant and that vacancy is sending you a blaring message - you are alone. It seems unbearable.

The reason it is so painful is that more than loneliness, you are feeling emptiness. Being lonely is manageable, but feeling empty is different. Emptiness can strip the meaning from everything from which you once derived enjoyment including your job, friends, family, and hobbies.

Your mind, body, and heart are basically saying to you, "Hey, what is the point of any of this without him or 

her?" Well, there is a point. When you quiet your mind and look deep within, you know this to be true - your life has meaning and though it seems impossible, these feelings will pass. 

Fortunately, you don't have to allow time to do the magic. You can relieve the pain and bring meaning back into your life by practicing some of the following tips.

The first tip to overcome the emptiness is to identify the triggers (times, places, and things) that cause you the 

most pain. Triggers can cause fits of sadness, grief, and loneliness. 

For example, common triggers are the moment you come home from work or when you get into bed at night. Once you've made the list, you need to have a pre-planned adjustment to counteract each trigger. Your adjustment for these triggers can be to go out for dinner if you normally cooked with your ex and to listen to music while falling asleep. These are just examples.

The main point is that you must make yourself aware of the recurring pain triggers and have a plan to make adjustments to these routines. This will help - a lot.

The second tip is to engage your support network. Most of us crawl into a hole and have a tendency to withdraw after a break-up. After my divorce, had I seen a crack in the earth, I would have gladly jumped in. Withdrawal is part of our flight or fight response. Choose to fight. 

Find your friends and family or co-workers and make plans with them. The last thing in the world you may want is to have company, but it is imperative that you socialize at least 2x a week - it accelerates the healing process. Try to hang out with some people who didn't know you and your ex as a couple to bring back your individuality and avoid that trigger.

To help you further, watch my powerful video on core beliefs. In 6 minutes it provides healing in a form I couldn't provide via email. It gets good at 2 minutes, but you have to watch the whole video in order to gain benefit. =>

http://www.healmybrokenheart.com/corebeliefs

See you tomorrow for Lesson 2: Flip Your Thoughts

Love & Light, 

Amelie Chance 

Certified Coach of Positive Psychology

Heal My Broken Heart

P.S. I'm a real person. I look forward to getting to know you better.

P.P.S. Healing takes action. Your homework is to spare 6 minutes right now in order to watch the core beliefs video =>

http://www.healmybrokenheart.com/corebeliefs

Thank you Deacon Ken and Marie

Yesterday, I was really so down and was just inside my room praying and crying. Then, I remember Deacon Ken and Marie from Ant's story so I tried to look for their website to write to them and to request if they could include me and Anthony in their prayers and I need also some piece of advice from them. And now, when I checked my e-mail... oh my God! Yes, they replied like 13 hours ago already. Thank you so much Deacon Ken and Marie Finn. I will reply to you later. I know God and Our Lady will be there for us to guide me and Ant as we face this journey even we need to cross a different road and not together. We promised we will be strong and will remain our faith in Jesus and be devoted to Our Lady. Again, thank you so much. It's one of the special e-mails I have received in my life.

The Reply:

Lord, you look at the heart we look at appearance so we ask you to look into Cy and Anthony's hearts and heal the area's that need healing. Where they don't feel loved please let them feel your love and experience your presence in their lives. If there is any disobedience to your word reveal that to them and show them the area's they need to repent in. Lord, you tell us to ask and we will receive, seek and we will find, knock and the door will be opened to us, so we ask all this in your saving Name Jesus. Amen Our scripture for you is Matthew 11:28-30, "Come to me, all you who are weary and find life burdensome, and I will refresh you. Take my yoke upon your shoulders and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart. Your souls will find rest for my yoke is easy and my burden light." 

God bless you

Deacon Ken & Marie



Another reply :

"For He who has become your husband is your Maker; His name is the Lord of hosts; Your redeemer is the Holy One of Israel, called God of all the earth."

God bless you,
Deacon Ken & Marie

You're my Hiding Place

I am begging to you Mama Mary

Please show to me that you love me... make me feel you are listening to my prayers. I know I am a sinner but I have devoted more time with You and to God. Please make the big miracle now.... please I am sorry for losing hope... ohhh please. I will remain in You... I am sorry for doubting your Love for me. Make me stronger than ever... I need you so much now.

I really don't know what to do... thinking to end my life now...  it is like I am floating right now and so empty. It's really painful. Please enlighten my mind now. Why you gave him to me if it will just be gone? He was gone to me before but returned to me after a year as I believed he is really the one for me.... why it have to happen to us again? Why now? when we are almost there... when you are the one who connected us to be more closer to God.

Please I need You so much right now... please be with us in this dark journey of our lives.

Please be with me as I say the rosary after this... how many do you want Mama Mary? I will do everything. No one can console me right now... only You my sweet loving Mama Mary! Please let me feel and let me discover my purpose in this world... please make me strong to overcome all these trials. Please make me strong for my family for them not to worry about me.


I love you Mama Mary... be with me now.

MAMA'S 60th BIRTHDAY TRIBUTE VIDEO

Let me share this video with you. My sister made this video for my mum's 60th Birthday. This was supposed to be shown when we had the birthday and reunion party but there was no projector. I did the researching for the photos in our old photo albums and scanned it... so this is it... a masterpiece! Good job sis! Muah!

 

Lord God, Mama Mary, please always be there for my family.  Thank you for giving me best family ever. Not so perfect but we love each other.  Keep my love ones safe.  I wish my parents will  have a long life, my brothers and sister, my Aunts and Uncles and Cousin too.  Thank you God. I love you forever and ever.  

Ash Wednesday

* Don’t forget Ash Wednesday is February 22. Begin this Lent by attending Mass on Ash Wednesday!

Ash Wednesday History, Information, Prayers, Resources, Traditions, & More

Ash Wednesday Definition and Summary

Ash Wednesday is the first day of the penitential season of Lent, in which ashes are placed on the head or forehead of the faithful. It is a fast day and usually falls in February. In 2012, Ash Wednesday falls on March February 22 (dates in other years). Prayers: Ash Wednesday Prayers

Basic Facts About Ash Wednesday

Liturgical Color(s): Violet (Purple)

Type of Holiday: Fast day

Time of Year: The first day of Lent

Duration: One day

Celebrates/Symbolizes: Repentance, Sorrow, Humility

Alternate Names: dies cinerum (Day of Ashes)

Scriptural References: Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13; Esther 4:1-3

Introduction

In the Western Church, Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent, the 40-day period of fasting before Easter. On Ash Wednesday, ashes are blessed, mixed with either holy oil or water, and placed upon the head with the sign of the cross, or sprinkled on the forehead. The ashes are made from burning palm branches blessed the previous year on Palm Sunday. When the priest imposes the ashes he says either "remember man you are dust, and to dust you will return" (see Genesis 3:19), or "turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel" (Mark 1:15).

The ashes serve a dual purpose. First, as the above words imply, we are reminded of our mortality and humanity as we begin the Lenten Fast. Second, the ashes are a Biblical symbol of repentance, sorrow, and humility. There are many cases in the Scriptures of wearing ashes as a sign of penitence, often while wearing sackcloth. In 2 Samuel 13:19, Tamar puts on ashes and tears her clothes as a sign of sadness and repentance. In Esther 4:1-3, after learning of the king's decree to kill all Jews, Mordecai tears his garments, and puts on sackcloth and ashes. His fellow Jews do the same thing, as well as beginning to fast. The prophet Jeremiah (6:26) urges his readers to "gird on sackcloth and roll in ashes."

Fasting is a major component of Ash Wednesday, and Ash Wednesday is an official fast day of the Church, along with Good Friday. For official Catholic fast Guidelines, see FAQ Question #3 below. Fasting has a long history in the Church. In Acts 13:1-3, it was while "worshipping the Lord and fasting" that the Holy Spirit led the Apostles to set apart Paul and Barnabas for their work. In Matthew 9:14, Jesus assumes that after he leaves the earth his followers will fast. The history of the Church is filled with stories of fasting and its spiritual value. However, Jesus warns us not to be obvious about our fasting, or only fasting to impress others. Thus, Ash Wednesday is based on the biblical concept of repentance, and the ashes and fasting that are associated with repentance.

History

Ash Wednesday is not a holiday in the Eastern Church, and developed only in the West. Orthodox Churches begin Lent on a Monday, known as "Clean Monday." Ash Wednesday as an official fast day dates to at least the 8th century, since it appears in the Gregorian Sacramentary from that period. Originally, Lent began on a Sunday. However, in order to bring the number of days of Lent to 40 (the days Jesus fasted in the wilderness), the beginning of Lent was eventually transferred to a Wednesday.

Originally, Ash Wednesday was the day when public penitents in Rome began their penance. Recall that in the early Church, penance was often public and protracted. It was only later that private confession and penance began, for pastoral reasons. When public penance gradually fell into disuse by the 8th century, Ash Wednesday became a day of penitence and fasting for all members of the Church. Today, Ash Wednesday is a universal Fast day in the Catholic Church. Many Western Protestant churches also observe Ash Wednesday, including Anglicans, Lutherans, Presbyterians, and United Methodists.

Worship And Prayer Resources

Ash Wednesday Prayers

Prayers for Lent (Lenten Prayers)

Church Fathers Lenten Reading Plan (complete version: lentfatherscomplete.pdf)

The Litany of the Precious Blood of Jesus

The Great Litany (Anglican Use)

The Decalogue

Seven Penitential Psalms (in English)

Seven Penitential Psalms (in Latin)

Lenten Canticles

Suggestions for your Lenten Fast

Stations of the Cross

Lent Sermon I Pope St. Leo

Pray... Wait... Believe... Never Give Up

Many of us are waiting… we know God has a plan, we trust His timing, but sometimes the wait seems long. 

I believe that it is true that God always answers our prayers. But it isn't always easy for me to believe it. There are a lot of tragic things that happen in the world that many good people pray about. And yet the tragedies still happen. There are difficult times in my own life, and I always pray about them. Sometimes the difficulties are resolved, usually in ways I don’t at first recognize. And sometimes it seems like there is no resolution. It seems like God isn't listening or perhaps I’m not praying hard enough.

In a boxing, football match or any kind of sports or contests, the opponents, contestants or the teams are all praying for God’s blessing to win the game or contest. Here in the Philippines, we would even offer a mass for Manny Pacquiao before his match, but for sure the other boxer he and his loveones are also all praying for his victory. There are also so many people praying to win the lottery. All are really in need of the money, has good intentions and wishing for a comfortable life. For some, it may be a prayer about finances, for others, it may be a prayer about healing, and for still others, it may be a prayer regarding marriage or any relationship problems. 

A little reflection would show that God cannot grant some prayers. During the war every nation prayed for victory. Yet it is perfectly obvious that all countries could not be victorious. Two men living together might pray, the one for rain and the other for fine weather. God cannot give both these things at the same time in the same place. Why, if God gave us all we prayed for, we should rule the world, and not He! And surely we would all confess that we are not capable of doing that. Moreover, more than one ruler of the world is an absolute impossibility. God's answer to prayer may be "Yes," or it may be "No." It may be "Wait," for it may be that He plans a much larger blessing than we imagined, and one which involves other lives as well as our own. 

I have been praying a lot to God. I am saying the rosary always and also my boyfriend. He is even the one who encourage me to be more closer to Our Lady. I am attending a novena mass every Wednesday for our Mother of Perpetual Help and a Sunday mass. I am praying not just for myself but for my special someone’s prayers to be answered by our God. With my daily devotion to God and to Our Lady, I know someday it will be answered. I am just hoping it will be soon but I will patiently wait for it. I remember I have a religious friend in college, she told me that the more you are closer to God, the more you will encounter a lot of problems, temptations and sadness. I always saw her crying before about family problems and on finances. Yes, lately, I am facing a lot of it. Sometimes it is really hard to hold on and still believe in the miracles. Sometimes I get lazy praying the rosary. But I realized everytime I am lazy or forgot to pray the rosary, for sure it will be a bad day until I pray again, the situation is better. So I really try to say my rosary everyday and yes so far, I am doing good. I highly recommend to pray the rosary always. It helps a lot in our daily lives. Mama Mary is always there to console us. One of Our Lady's promises for praying the rosary is we can obtain what we will ask by recitation of the rosary. This promise emphasizes Our Lady's role as our Advocate and Mediatrix of all Graces. Of course, all requests are subject to God's Most Perfect Will. God will always grant our request if it is beneficial for our soul, and Our Lady will only intercede for us when our request is good for our salvation. And another promise is, all those who propagate the Holy Rosary shall be aided by Her in our necessities. If one promotes the praying of the Rosary, Our Lady emphasizes Her Maternal care for us by obtaining many Graces like spiritual necessities and also material necessities (neither excess nor luxury), all subject to the Will of God of course. Also remember the words of Padre Pio, we should live our lives with this attitude: "Pray, hope and don't worry".

The last time I prayed so hard was when my brother was hospitalized and really in bad condition and almost died, I prayed many times and surrendered everything to God. I told Him to please don't take yet my brother. In exchange on what I have asked from Him, I will accept it if I cannot have a child of my own for the rest of my life and it is okay to stay single forever. That was really my prayer to Him. I was not even thinking about myself that time. I offered myself to God... my happiness... my dreams. Then, after two weeks in the hospital, my brother was okay. So remembering all these, God really answered my prayer that time. But right now, I am in a relationship, so in love and wishing that someday I can be married also... of course to Ant.  But thinking of what I have promised to God before, He may not grant it this time. I have just realized it today. I have been facing  a lot just to save this relationship. I am scared that this will be all gone soon. It is fine with me to not bear a child of my own but hope God would listen to my prayer. I don't want to be single forever anymore. 

I am so sorry Lord because I know I have promised to You in exchange of the favor that I have asked. I will stay faithful to you. I really appreciate Your love, Lord, but all I really want is to be a wife someday. But You know what is best for me. I am not giving up in praying Lord. Hope You will reconsider mine. I promise to serve you willingly forever and to do what I can to make you loved by others also. I know someday You will make all things right. Please give me strength for I am afraid I cannot travel this perilous road by myself. I am calling on your promise that You will walk with me and share this burden that is so heavy.

Help me to depend on my faith in You, and give me hope, for I need You more than ever. Give me peace, guide me and speak to my heart so that I can listen and understand how to get past these troubles in order to serve you with joy and thanksgiving. I am surrendering myself to You.

You know the desires of my heart. I ask that you bless me with more wisdom, strength, love, courage less fear and doubts. I ask you continue blessing my family, friends and my Anthony. I ask if it is your will for us to be together forever, that it be done. In Jesus name, I pray, Amen.

Bouquet of roses for me from Ant... now from us...  just for you Mama Mary.
We love you!

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

"God proves to be good to the man who passionately waits, to the woman who diligently seeks. It's a good thing to quietly hope, quietly hope for help from God. It's a good thing when you're young to stick it out through the hard times. When life is heavy and hard to take, go off by yourself. Enter the silence. Bow in prayer. Don't ask questions: Wait for hope to appear (Lamentations 3:25-29, The Message). "

by Tricia Goyer and Robin Jones Gunn

Will your love story come true? For many of you it will. Concerning your future husband it could be in the near(er) future, or like some, it could be years in the distance. It could be a quick romance. It could be a slow falling in love. It could be exactly like you pictured it or like nothing you ever dreamed. But when the day comes that your story is celebrated by your closest friends and family, you'll know that every prayer was worth it. And you might even wish you'd prayed more, because prayers are the first gifts you give to your future husband. Gifts that heaven participates in giving.

While we can't guarantee every one of you will have that type of love story, there is another type we do believe will take place. Everyone, everywhere can have a beautiful love story with her God. It begins the moment you look into His eyes, realize how much you are loved, and give your love and commitment in return.

While we cannot guarantee your prayers will lead you down the aisle to a waiting mate, we do know that every prayer whispered is precious to God. None of them are wasted. While we hope your prayers for the man of your dreams come true, we know that your prayers bring you closer to the God of your eternity. And seeing the love in His gaze is the most beautiful love story of all.

If you are to be committed to anything, be committed to preparing your heart for God's — in this way — and in every other aspect of your life. The love you'll experience will be life-changing, and the celebration in eternity is one to look forward to with all your heart.

Why does God wait to answer prayer?
– The Hope of Glory (pg. 313-314)

Why does a good and all-powerful God who could answer our prayers immediately often delay and not respond ‘on time” [from our perspective]? Why does He call us to persevering prayer? Sam Storms provides some excellent answers:

"First, we are presumptuous people. We just assume that God ought always to do what we ask, when we ask, precisely in the way we ask. By delaying his response, God awakens us to the gracious character of all answered prayer. In other words, that God says or does anything at all in response to our petitions is sheer, undiluted grace. Resolute continuation in prayer, watchful perseverance, is often the best way for us to learn this invaluable lesson.

Second, steadfast endurance in coming again and again to the throne of grace is God’s way of cultivating in us a sense of absolute and utter dependence upon him. We are by nature self-reliant, self-sufficient folk. If God were instantly and at all times to answer our every prayer, we would gradually lose our sense of urgency. Truth be told, most of us would soon lose sight of the fact that it is God alone who is the source of all good. Suspending his response, God is saying to each of us: “Just how desperate are you? How conscious are you that I am your only source, your sole and all-sufficient supply?” 

Third, persistent praying puts us in that frame of mind and spirit in which we may properly receive what it is that God is reluctant to give, but that we lack preparation to receive. Try to envision what a mess your life would have been if your parents granted you everything you asked for as a child! God often delays his answers because, quite simply, we are in no shape to receive them. Few of us are willing to admit that, but deep down we know it’s true. 

Fourth, steadfast, watchful continuation in prayer helps us differentiate between impetuous, ill-conceived, selfish desires, and sincere, deep-seated, Christ-exalting ones. Persistence in prayer thus enables us to weed out improper petitions. 

Fifth, endurance at the throne of grace purifies the content of our petitions. By repeating our prayers we are forced to think and rethink what we are saying. We are compelled to evaluate our motivation and aim for asking God for something in particular. It’s a bit like how I read, reread, and read yet again each of these meditations. It helps me identify mistakes, locate typographical errors, and rephrase something that otherwise might be false of misleading. I can almost envision God saying in response to my first articulation of a prayer, “Sam, are you sure you want me to answer that one? Think about it. Contemplate the long-term consequences of a yes. Then co e back and ask me again in different terms, with a purified purpose.” 

Sixth, perseverance cultivates patience. By withholding ans immediate response, we learn how to wait on God. Waiting on the Lord is far from a passive posture. It’s and active, expectant, persistent pressing to the heart and purposes of a loving God. How might we ever learn to do this were it not for steadfastness in prayer? 

Seventh, oftentimes God wants to give, but not now. The answer will come in better circumstances, at a more opportune moment. By delaying his response, a greater and better and more God-glorifying end is secured than by an immediate answer. 

Finally, even if none of the reasons given above make sense to you, persevere anyway! God isn’t asking you to understand; he’s asking you to be faithful.

~~~~*****~~~~

HOW TO PRAY AND GET RESULTS:10 TIPS TO HAVE YOUR PRAYERS ANSWERED

by : SimplyaWomanofFaith

1. BE SPECIFIC: Be clear about what you want. God may be waiting for you to ask for what you want.

2. EXPECT AN ANSWER: God answers all prayers. It’s easier to hear and see God’s answers when you are expecting and trusting that you will hear from Him. Learn to go within for guidance and answers.

3. LISTEN CAREFULLY: God may answer you in a piece of music, a song, a book, another person. If you are busy running around, you may be missing God’s answered prayer.

4. BELIEVE: You must “see” your prayer answered on the inside before it manifests on the outside. Change your thinking and your life will change. Practice affirmations of a daily basis.

5. BE PATIENT: God’s timing is perfect. You must learn to wait for His perfect plan for your life. Trust the answers will come.

6. STAY GRATEFUL: Gratitude is the key to make things manifest quickly. Don’t focus on what’s missing, but focus on what you already have.

7. HAVE FAITH: Your prayers are being answered. Faith is believing when you can not see. Be open and receptive.

8. FORGIVE: Do a daily inventory, let go of resentments and judgements. Holding onto resentments blocks the energy flow and prevents or slows your ability to manifest your desires.

9. SHOW UP: Pray, meditate and visualize daily. When you “show up” God “shows up” and the “HOW” shows up in the perfect time and perfect way. Pay attention to your dreams. Journaling is a form of prayer.

10. INTERNAL HOUSE CLEANING: Be honest with yourself and ask yourself – What old thoughts and beliefs are blocking communication with God? Fasting or cleansing your diet will help detoxify your mind, body and spirit.

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* Some of my favorite worship songs right now... The choir in my church really could also sing this well.

Saint Anthony... my Valentine

Since I can't be with my bf this Valentine's Day, so I went to Saint Anthony... my favorite male saint. 

Me with my Valentine date

Unfailing Prayer to St. Anthony

"Blessed be God in His angels and in His saints."

O Holy St. Anthony, gentlest of Saints, you love for God and Charity for His creatures, made you worthy, when on earth, to possess miraculous powers. Miracles waited on your word, which you were ever ready to speak for those in trouble or anxiety. Encouraged by this thought, I implore of you to obtain for me (state request here). The answer to my prayer may require a miracle, even so, you are the Saint of Miracles.

O gentle and loving St. Anthony, whose heart was ever full of human sympathy, whisper my petition into the eaars of the Sweet Infant Jesus, who loved to be folded in your arms; and the gratitude of my heart will ever be yours. Amen.

(Then say the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be)

Thanks to my Anthony for sending this bouquet of roses

AJ with St. Anthony

Let me just share to you an article about a very interesting and unusual ritual for Saint Anthony for those looking for love or a future partner in life. But I am not going to try this ritual as I have him already. :))

Let St. Anthony Find Your True Love 

(A Valentine Day Ritual from Mexico)

On Tuesday, arriving in Morelia, Mexico on Day One of the Monarch Butterflies and Michoacån Cuisine tour, I didn’t see a single butterfly but did learn about a place that may be more efficient than E-Harmony and Match.com in helping single ladies find the man of their dreams.

It was San Miguelito, the restaurant in Morelia where we ate the first night. It calls itself a “Restaurante, Bazar, Galeria, & Museo” and they’re not kidding.

In addition to scrumptious Mexican food, they sell Day of the Dead figures, Botero-like fat little angels, a wooden chair that is also a skeleton, and aprons imprinted with Guadalupe.

But the main draw is the back room, which, in addition to dining tables and chairs, holds more than 700 images of St. Anthony of Padua all UPSIDE DOWN.

For over twenty years, according to proprietor Cynthia Martinez, single women have been thronging to this room to beg St. Anthony to intercede for them and send their destined mate to their side.

There are bulletin boards filled with photos and thanks from satisfied customers who have finally met their soul mate.

Here is what you have to do: take 13 coins of the same denomination from two bags hanging nearby. Line up 13 coins on the base of the main St Anthony statue. Walk around the statue 13 times. Pray to St. Anthony. (Suggested prayer below. The restaurant also provides a Spanish-language version.)

There is a three-hole notebook below the statue on which you can write your specific request. One woman covered 21 pages detailing her requirements in a mate.

Nearby is a shelf holding some of the dozens of notebooks which have been filled in the past two decades with single women’s requests.

Back in the U.S. I had heard that people wanting to sell their homes would bury a statue of St Anthony in the front year, upside down of course, to speed up the sale. (A new friend, Christina, tells me that that’s actually St. Joseph.)

I think the point of the St. Anthony ritual is that, when your wish is fulfilled, you will release the saint and turn him back over. But the St. Anthony's at San Miguelito restaurant in Morelia have been standing upside-down for so long, while bringing couples together, that I don’t think they have any hope of landing on their feet again.

Here is a poster on the restaurant’s wall advertising the Saint’s miraculous powers to lead you to love.

If you want to try this ritual at home: get your own statue of St. Anthony and 13 identical coins and give it a try. Here is a suggested prayer I found on the internet. If you would like to have the Spanish-language prayer given out by San Miguelito Restaurant, a photograph of it is below.

Oh Wonderful St.Anthony, glorious on account of the fame of thy miracles, and through the condescension of Jesus in coming in the form of a little child to rest in thy arms, obtain for me of his bounty the grace which I ardently desire from the depths of my heart. Thou who was so loving towards miserable sinners, regard not the unworthiness of those who pray to thee, but the glory of God that it may be once again magnified by this request which I now make to you. Amen

Here is a photograph of the St. Antonio pledge that was posted at the restaurant: