20 Easy Ways to Become a Saint

Look straight ahead at God.  Make Him first in your life.

Pray.  Pray every minute, every hour, and every day.

Obey the commandments.

Receive the sacraments frequently.

Use the gift of the Sacrament of a Reconciliation regularly.

Love God.  Strive to do His Holy Will which is Love.

Attend Mass, especially on Sundays.

Praise God.  Rejoice in a His Holy a Will.

Reject sin.  When you sin, seek reconciliation in the confessional. 

Repent.  Strive to overcome your weaknesses.  Confess.

Be kind to others, but most importantly, be kind to yourself.

Fast.  Yes, I said fast. 

Read Sacred Scripture daily.  Listen to the Word of God as He speaks to you in scripture.

Offer your sufferings to God.  There is great value in suffering.

Surrender your life to God.  Let Him direct your life.  No matter which path He chooses for you, know that it is His will.

Trust God. 

Let God be God.  Don't stand in His way.  Let Him work the miracles.  Know that you are not in charge. 

Rejoice in God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit!

Receive the Eucharist with love and devotion.  Know that the Eucharist is Jesus, our King and brother.

Adore Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. 











 

Sometimes God Needs to Remind You...

My ankle seems to be healing, but I can't fit into my shoes.  Wearing slippers is my new norm since the fall down the stairs.  I'd rather be wearing my shoes, but even loose sandals are  impossible because of the swelling in my foot.  I have been embarrassed wearing my slippers, especially when attending Mass.  

This morning, as I hobbled into church before morning Mass, I met a friend who saw me limping, and, of course, wearing my slippers.  She asked me what happened.  I told her the story, with a touch of whining, looking for a bit of sympathy.  At the end of the story I added, "and I've had to wear my slippers to church twice." 

Julia looked me straight in the eyes and said, "Well, praise God.  At least you're here."  She smiled and went on her way.  "Praise God."  Oh, my, a moment of humility enveloped me.  "At least, you're here."  Yes, I was at Mass.  I was able to drive.  I was able to get to church without help.  I didn't break a hip or any other bone.  Yes, "Praise God."  I entered Church ready for Mass.

Later in the morning, I went to our local Post Office.  Laurie was there manning her desk.  She saw me limp in wearing my slippers.  Laurie asked me what happened.  I told the story again adding, "and I've had to wear my slippers to church, twice now." 

Laurie looked me square in the eye and said, "At least, you were able to go to church."  Oh, my!  God, being God,  reminded me again.  "Be grateful.  It could have been much worse."  I smiled and left again enveloped in His gift of humility.   Sometimes God reminds me  of what I should already know.

Thank You, Lord Jesus.  Thank You for reminding me of Your Unending Love.  Thank you for giving me these moments of humility.  I was not grateful, but now, I am.  I do praise You!  I thank You!  My Lord, My God, My All!

A Simple Exercise of Praise

Not everyone is able to find their "prayer voice" in writing, but I was blessed to be able to do so.

Praise You, Jesus, and thank You for this gift!

This exercise in praise is simple and effective.  You will need a piece of paper and pen or pencil.

1) Make a list of ten words that remind you of God.  Here's my list.

King of Kings
Blessed of the Father
Light of Heaven
King of angels
Lord of Lords
God above all else
My Shield and Protection
Giver of all gifts
The Great I AM
Our Salvation

2) When you have finished your list, and you can make it longer, if you choose, add the words, "I praise You,"

3) Read Your list using the words "I praise You," and Your words for God.  It doesn't matter if you begin with "I Praise You," or end with those words.

Here's my list:

King of Kings, I praise You!
Blessed of the Father, I praise You!
Light of Heaven, I praise You!
King of angels, I praise You!
Lord of Lords, I praise You!
God above all else, I praise You!
My Shield and Protection, I praise You!
Giver of all gifts, I praise You!
The Great I AM, I praise You!
Our Salvation I praise You!

To praise God and acknowledge Him as above all else is the virtue of humility which brings us closer to God.  Spend a time in prayer each day adoring God!  He is the King of Kings!

Praise You, Heavenly Father!  Praise You, Jesus, my Brother!  Praise You, Holy Spirit, my guide and comforter!

 

Forms of Prayer

My God, My God, You alone are the Holy One, the Lord God of Hosts!  I praise You and I adore You!  I thank You for all that You have done for me and given me.  I ask You now to bring me closer to You through the gift of Prayer.  I ask You also to bring my sisters and brothers on earth closer to You through this gift of prayer.  Thank You, My dearest Lord,  for hearing me.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church talks about the different forms of prayer in Section One, Chapter One,  Article Three, subsections 2623 - 2643.  The forms of prayer  listed are:

1) Adoration and Blessing
2) Petition
3) Intercession
4) Thanksgiving
5) Praise.

1) When we adore our God, we acknowledge that He is above all.  There is nothing or no one greater than He.    Blessing comes through the encounter we have with God when we pray. 

2) When we petition God, we are asking for His blessings and gifts for us.

3) When we intercede with God, we are asking for blessings for our fellow man. This is the way that Jesus prayed.

4) When we thank God, we again acknowledge His Greatness and His gifts to us. 

5) When we praise God, we give glory to God because He is God.

If you read/prayed the introductory prayer, you prayed each form of prayer in just a few sentences.  This took you less than one minute.  Can you give God this minute or more in prayer each day?  Think about it.  God is calling you to pray so that you may grow closer to Him each day and grow in the wonder of His Love.

The Sabbath

Words for the
Sabbath

The Lord, our God, is Above All Else!
There is no one like Him!

He is the King of Kings!
He is the Light of Heaven!
He is the Creator!
He is the Enabler!
He, alone, is above all else!
He is the Paraclete!
He is Truth!
He is Eternal!
He is Love!
He is Everlasting!
He is Joy!
He is Life!
He is the Alpha and Omega!
He is the King of Angels!
He is the King of Saints!
He is the Foundation!
He is the Son!
He is the great I AM!


Prayer for the Sabbath
Heavenly Father, 
We come to You as your children, knowing that You are the Creator of all.
We thank You for this life that You have given us!
We thank You for this day that You have given us!
We adore You, the great I AM!
We praise You, Our God!
In deepest humility, we give You this our day.
Let it be spent in humble praise and thanksgiving of You!
Bring us together with those we love so that we might grow in love.
If we cannot be together, then bless our loved ones.
Grant them the gift of Your Peace and Love.
Accept our offerings of love.
Heal the differences between us. 
Accept our forgiveness as a gift of love to You.
Let us all be one in You.
Join us to our suffering sisters and brothers whom we do not know.
Lord, dearest God, they are Your children, too.
Accept our prayers for them that we might all be one in Your Heart!
Lord, we give You this day.
Thank You for Your gift of love to us of this day.
Praise to You,
Our Almighty and Loving God!
Amen.