Category: Healing

Dark Nights

by rejoiceandpraise, posted in Catholicism, Christian Blogger, Christianity, Depression, Healing, Personal Reflection, prayer, Relationship, Spirituality

This past few weeks, so many around me are going through life (filled) challenges. Many are in a “clinical” depression, sad, or anxious. There are a few friends going through cancer treatments. For some, they cannot see the light and cannot grasp the inner joy within. I lack words of comfort.

For many their darkness stems from not only the death of those close to them, but from the dark cloak of secularism which has taken away their soul and replacing it with shallow emotionalism. Where has their inner joy, peace and love gone?

A young friend just lost her mom and bestie, and she asked me why she is being punished. “Where is God?” “God doesn’t exist!” She is not the only friend who has experienced the death of love ones. I can only listen and silently pray in my heart for them.

There is another recovering from addiction, and sometimes the pain is so bad she has strayed away from her program – “falling off the wagon.”

I recall Father D. Callaway, MIC once saying that therapy without healing the soul (spiritual) is ineffective. The mind and body may get better, but the spirit is weak and often times they fall back into their addiction.

How do I proactively help them? Yes, I try to listen mindfully without opening my big mouth. I give a hug. I also say a silent prayer for them asking for the light of Jesus to touch their souls. I pray for their healing, or I send them prayers to pray.

When someone is ill, praying is the last thing on their mind. When in a depression, it’s difficult to see the light. When someone is going through the pain of lost, no words can comfort. That’s why it’s up to us to pray for their healing, pray a rosary, or light a candle, or offer a mass on their behalf, and above all something I have learnt of late – to listen mindfully. With Jesus in us, this is what we are called to do.

Going through the “dark night of the soul” is real. It is also a process of drawing one nearer to God. There is a light at the end of the tunnel so to speak. God is ever loving and merciful – He waits to hear from us. He waits for us to seek him to help us go through the “dark night of the soul”.

He welcomes our prays for the other.

There is also the freedom to choose. God also wants us – sick, depressed and going through life challenges – to seek him freely.

God also seeks for those in need to seek him from where they are at in their life’s journey. Following Father Mike today – Day 8 helped me understand this more fully: https://youtu.be/m6f2J4Cr3Ps

God Bless all those going through trials, illness, depression, and lost of love ones. Those of us in the faith, let us pray, pray, and pray for them. We can pray the Rosary 📿, light a candle at church, offer a mass. 🙏💕

Note: Forgive me for doing injustice to Saint John of the cross and his “dark night of the soul”. There is a multi-fold meaning to his work, and I do him a great injustice by the flippant and generalized way I am appropriating his phrase.

Prayers For Those Undergoing Cancer Treatments

by rejoiceandpraise, posted in cancer, Christianity, Faith, Healing, illness, prayer, strength

I write this post for a friend and all those who are undergoing treatment for cancer. They may not know Jesus. The most important part is our authentic love – the Jesus in each of us – who want to help but feel a lost as to how. Offering our prayers and sharing with them these healing prayers is an important part of being mindfully helpful to those in need of our support.

Below is a compilation of simple prayers that asks God for strength, healing and hope.

Let us pray and share these with those we know who have cancer and are undergoing radiation and chemotherapy.

Strength and Courage Prayer

Almighty God, please give me bravery and strength, patience and understanding as I go through this tough moment in my life, so that my spirit does not shatter.

And, with time and my will to live, I will be able to heal and recover. I pray that, in the face of difficulty and grief, I will continue to see life as it should be seen: beautiful and full of potential.

Amen, I pray in Jesus’ name.

A Cancer Patient’s Faithful Prayer

You, my God and Creator, have given me life and have provided me with opportunities and experiences. I’m grateful for my friends and family, for simple pleasures, and for the great and inspiring things you’ve shared with me.

Even though I have cancer, and life has been so hard and debilitating that it tears my heart and heightens my dread, my confidence in you still provides me with solace and hope. I put my faith in your healing grace.

Amen.

A Simple Healing Catholic Prayer For Cancer

Lord of the Heavens, I’m safe behind your magnificent love wings. I live within your tender heart.


Your touch has the power to heal.
I can ask for repair and trust in your goodness via Christ’s sufferings.
You are my Lord, Savior, Healer, and Friend.
I am at home in your warm embrace.
Amen.

God Bless 🙏💕

I Need Help

by rejoiceandpraise, posted in Bible, Catholic Faith, Christian Blogger, Christianity, Healing, Healing Prayers, Jesus, prayer, Spirituality

There are times when we need to talk to Jesus and ask for his help. It’s as simple as that, but in our brokenness, our pride gets in the way.

Or we have reached a point in our lives that we no longer believe in the good around us. Yeah, there are lots or reason why in our brokenness we don’t see. A veil of despair and disbelief covers our eyes and psychological mind-frame. There is hope!

Know that Jesus is the way!

A simple prayer for those in need:

“The Book of Psalms is a collection of cries, prayers and praise. The authors of each chapter experienced every struggle, heartache and fear imaginable. This collection of comforting verses will help guide you toward whole and complete healing.”

From: https://www.biblestudytools.com/topical-verses/healing-bible-verses/#3

  • “Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He sent out his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave. Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind.” ~ Psalm 109:19-21
  • “LORD my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me.” ~ Psalm 30:2
  • “The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. The righteous person may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all; he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken. Evil will slay the wicked; the foes of the righteous will be condemned. The LORD will rescue his servants; no one who takes refuge in him will be condemned.” ~ Psalms 34:17-22
  • “Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits – who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion.” ~ Psalms 103:2-4
  • “Have mercy on me, LORD, for I am faint; heal me, LORD, for my bones are in agony.” ~ Psalms 6:2
  • “I said, “Have mercy on me, LORD; heal me, for I have sinned against you.” ~ Psalm 41:4
  • “Hear, LORD, and be merciful to me; LORD, be my help.” You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy” ~ Psalms 30:10-11
  • “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” ~ Psalms 73:26

I pray Jesus will heal your pains and troubles with his healing embrace. God Bless 🙏💕

My Superhero is Saint Joan of Arc

by rejoiceandpraise, posted in Catholic Faith, Catholicism, Chaplet, Christianity, Healing, Novena, prayer, Rosary, Saint Joan of Arc

When I was a youngster, one of my superhero was Saint Joan of Arc. I loved Medieval French history, and Joan of Arc represented a girl who despite all odds was able to lead an army into battle. She lead a country to victory from it’s enemies without killing a soul. The hand of God was upon her!

Joan of Arc was a pious girl from a peasant family. At 13 years old, she had a vision or visitation (Saint Michael, Saint Catherine, and Saint Margaret) with a message to drive the English from France. Her story was just that, and an incredible journey of God’s divine intervention.

During the cruel days of the medieval Inquisition. She was captured by the English and eventually burned at the stake for heresy.

After a through investigation it was declared that she was accused wrongly, and unjustly so. Joan of Arc after much support from the Catholic Church and community had her beatification in 1909, and on May 16, 1920, Pope Benedict XV canonized her.

As I’m going back to work next week after a year off – I was thinking of St. Joan of Arc for her courage, strength, faith, and commitment to God amidst the chaos and political climate of France and the Church at the time. I am also thankful to God for the time to heal spiritually, mentally and physically.

I found the following prayer written for her:

“Prayer of Thanks and Gratitude to St. Joan of Arc,” written by Andrea Rau:

Dear Patron Saint,

Thank you for accompanying me throughout the day, and in the work that I did. Thank you also for your guidance and your counsel. Please help me to listen to God and to you, dear Saint, that I may do what I am called to do. Please intercede on my behalf and beg God to take all my faults and turn them into virtues. I thank you for all you have done for me, and all the things you have interceded for on my behalf. Please continue to pray for me and for all the souls who need it.

St. Joan of Arc, Pray for us.

Chaplet Prayer for Saint Joan of Arc 

The chaplet may be used as a novena (a prayer repeated once every day for nine days) or prayed at any time for any necessity throughout the year. A total number of nineteen beads on this chaplet commemorates each year of Joan’s life. 

How to pray: 
On the medal, make the sign of the Cross, recite: 
“Incline unto my aid, Oh God! Oh Lord, make haste to help me! Amen.” 
Follow this with a: Glory Be. 

On the first single bead on the strand, pray an:
“Our Father”.
On the second single bead on the strand, pray an:
“Our Father”, and then continue by saying, “Saint Joan of Arc, immolated as a victim of the burning stake, pray that I may also become a victim by the faithful practice of all my duties as they pertain to me during my whole life.” 

On the first group of five beads, say a:
“Hail Mary” for each bead. 

On the next divisional bead, Pray an:
“Our Father”, and then recite, 
“Saint Joan of Arc, with you, I only wish to find my delight in practicing humility, charity, and penance, and all the virtues necessary to gain entrance into Heaven. Saint Joan of Arc, pray for us!”

On the second group of five beads, say a:
“Hail Mary” for each bead.

On the next divisional bead, pray an:
“Our Father”, and then recite,
“Saint Joan of Arc, be with me in all my struggles. Like the strong men of Israel, experienced in warfare, who constantly carry the sword at their side, to guard against unforeseen attacks during the night, may I ever be prepared for the combat. Together with the protection of the angels and saints grant me also your own; inspire my endeavours; be my help and my light to guide me to Jesus, our Chief, and when my earthly mission is accomplished, may I expire like you, repeating with love, Jesus! Jesus! Jesus!’ – Saint Joan of Arc, pray for us!” 

On the third group of five beads, pray a:
“Hail Mary” for each bead. 

Conclude the chaplet on the medal, by reciting the following prayer:
“Pray for us, Saint Joan of Arc, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.”

God Bless all those starting anew like I am next week, and, to students starting their new semester this September 🙏💕

Confessions Of Falling Into My Disorder

by rejoiceandpraise, posted in Bible, Catholic Faith, Catholic Journey, Catholic Teaching, Catholicism, Christian Blogger, Christianity, Exorcist, Faith, Father Chad Ripperger, Healing

I confess that I am a shopaholic. When I give into my weakness, Satan and his evil minions jump at every opportunity to create a divide between God and me.

A good example, is while online shopping, I spent more money than I had anticipated. I reasoned it was a sale too good to miss – after all it’s a “Back to School” sale. I should know better, especially as my own son was prepping for a huge back to school sale at his stores. Well, I fell into the guile’s of advertisement and “deals”.

Recalling afterwards my crazed mind as I put items into my cart and pressed pay, not once but twice, I realized and bemoaned my indulgence into the flesh and prayed seeking God’s forgiveness. Seeking for the strength to turn away from things of this world. Thank goodness our God is merciful.

God has a way of speaking to me that always strikes at my inner core. It results in a deeper understanding of Sacred Scripture:

22 Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. 23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes.24 Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! 25 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?26 Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?

27 “Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 28 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith! 29 And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. 30 For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Fatherknows that you need them. 31 But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.32 “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Luke 12:22-34

This verse is especially poignant and meaning because it was part of my meditation for the past few weeks. The depth of meaning in it didn’t hit me until I committed the self indulgent deed of falling prey to my own shopping frenzy.

It was only after I’ve fallen to my own vice that I can finally understand Luke 12:22-34.

God is merciful and will continue to guide us to become more aware of the narrow road towards holiness. I am thankful for his teachings, and graceful for the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Satan and his minion are ever present and waiting to prey on our weaknesses. Vigilance Is the key. I can only battle evil with the help of Jesus. I came across the work of an Exorcist – Fr. Ripperger through the Augustine Institute. Please take the time to watch the following videos. They will help each of us to battle our brokenness with the help of the triune.

More information on the Augustine Institute:

https://www.augustinestudios.org/formed

God Bless and may our beloved Jesus Christ heal our disorders. 💕🙏

God’s Healing Breath

by rejoiceandpraise, posted in Bible, Catholic Faith, Christian Blogger, Christianity, Depression, Faith, Healing, Healing Prayers, Holy Spirit, Jesus, prayer

The past year and a half, has seen me work towards a more balanced spiritual, mental, emotional and physical well-being. None of this would have been possible without a deeper intimacy with Jesus and his divine grace. After becoming depressed and isolated at home during the onset of the Covid Pandemic, my only solace was the Bible. I remember praying for God’s intervention and guidance for healing in my life – to help me find him again, and “to be a stronger me in my own existence”. As I reflect back, Jesus has always been there as he is for each of us. Jesus was simply waiting for me and each of us to invite him into our lives for a deeper relationship.

20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.

Revelations 3:20

Thank you Jesus for the grace to know you more intimately, love you more deeply, and to walk with you more closely.

In fact, through working with a Saint Ignatius Spiritual Director, Art Therapist, and physical exercise, I am now better equip spiritually, emotionally and physically to step back into the ring of life and be the person God meant me to be. That is of course not without the daily challenges that comes with living – but with Jesus in my heart and the foundations of the Catholic faith, I am a stronger me in my own existence.

A psalm of David.

1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.

Psalm 23

Catholic Prayers For Soul Healing

O’ holy one

I have come before you today who needs your healing hand. Everything is possible in you.

Hold my heart within you, and renew my mind, body, and spirit.

I am lost, but I come to you with grace.

You gave us life, and you also give us the gift of eternal bliss.

Give me the strength to move forward on the path you have made for me.

Guide me towards better health, and give me the wisdom to identify the people you have around me to help me get better.

If you have bad memories, anguish, anxiety, or guilt, a “prayer for soul healing” will address those worries. It also focuses on forgiving the causes of your pain.

Catholic Prayers For Depression

Sometimes the thing we need most in order to heal — or even to think about healing — is some good, restful sleep. This prayer asks Jesus to help you sleep, to free the demons from your thoughts, and to have angels over you while you sleep.

Grand spirit

Thank you for being with me through all the ups and downs of my life and the blessings you have given me, for which I admire and thank you.

You know the disease I’ve been battling for a long time and there’s little that can be done by the medical profession – but believe me, I’m awesome and wonderfully made and you know every part of it is my body. You know exactly why I’ve been sick for so long. I come to you now asking that you will do complete recovery work on my body – whatever is causing this persistent problem. I pray that you, by your mercy, give me the health and strength that I need.

Lead me on the path you have planned for me.

God Bless 🙏💕

Finding My Quiet Space

by rejoiceandpraise, posted in art, Christian Blogger, Christianity, creative expression, creativity, Healing, sketching, watercolours

Having my own quiet time is an important part of my daily walk with Jesus. The pass several weeks, this includes time to draw, sketch or paint. Today, I imagined what my quiet and private space looks like.

Jesus often spent time alone with his Father:

35 And in the morning, a great while before day, he rose and went out to a lonely place, and there he prayed. Mark 1:35

In my busy world trying to keep up my mom face, keeping positive, and, juggle all facets of daily life, I don’t allow myself the time to be think, reflect, be sad, down, or even depressed. These days, I take some time and do exactly that – allowing myself to say – I don’t feel too happy today. I feel achy and my joints hurt. I’m feeling sad! Time to cry! Taking ownership of these negative feelings allows me to own it and give them up to Jesus.

Sketch
Larger drawing
“Finding my quiet space to create.”

Yup, there is time spend on prayer, in reading the scripture, but time spent owning the “bad, good and the ugly”,” and giving it up to Christ gives me a sense of release and peace.

God Bless🙏💖

Join The Resistance

by rejoiceandpraise, posted in Catholic Faith, Catholic Journey, Catholicism, Christian Blogger, Christianity, Faith, Forgiveness, God, Healing, Jesus, Ralph Martin

Now more than ever, there is a need for all Christians regardless of creed or denomination to discern. To discern that which comes from our Heavenly Father, and that which comes from the evil one. In our world of misinformation, and false narratives, it is often hard to distinguish what is the truth of God, and what is of the world.

Knowing the difference is detrimental to our journey into eternal life. Truth in our world is no long black and white, but shades of gray (a fusion of half truths mixed with lies) and walking those lines can be like riding a rollercoaster, where the plunge can take you down, and without realizing you have fallen into Satan’s grasp.

Ralph Martin of Renewal Ministries has a new pamphlet coming out, and I encourage my readers to get it.

Join the Resistance exhorts and encourages every believer to stand their ground and resist the evil spirits at work in the world today; the wicked spirits behind the contemporary currents of disorder and despair. Bringing peace and clarity as to how we must respond, best-selling author Dr. Ralph Martin tells us, “We must not let this evil fog of despair and discouragement seep into our souls. But when we notice it crouching at the door of our soul, we need to slam the door, identify it as wicked, and energetically reject it.”

https://www.renewalministries.net/shop/product/join_the_resistance_free

Renewal Ministries is dedicated to fostering renewal and evangelization in the Catholic Church by helping people know the personal love of God in Jesus and grow in holiness.

As a fired up Catholic, I love to share the love of Jesus, and I love tuning into this ministry for the very fact that it is reaching out into our community to spread that love and light. I love to lead others to Jesus through introducing informative and in-depth programs that help us see beyond all the din in our lives. In the series below, Ralph & Peter talk about fixing our eyes on the Lord in challenging times, allowing us to bear fruit, flourish spiritually, and see the glory of Jesus:

God Bless all who are walking in Jesus. Let us pray for the salvation of all💖