What is the biggest calling we have been giving as human beings? To have a relationship with Jesus Christ. Relationships are built on communication and interaction. When it comes to God, another word for that is prayer. It is such an essential part of our lives as Catholics. No wonder the devil is trying so hard to keep us from it. He knows the impact and power of prayer. Lies I've Believed about Prayer One of the biggest lies the devil has told me about prayer is that prayer is something you read from a book and recite in a church. I associated prayer with something unattractive, impersonal, and ritual. It was something I had to do instead of something I wanted to do. However, God gracefully showed me how wrong I was to believe that lie. He helped me to get back to the root of prayer. Prayer is simply a conversation with Someone who loves you more than you can imagine. How can we not desire that? 5 Unexpected Ways to Pray I think it is important to find your own unique way to connect with your Savior. Here are five unexpected ways that God taught me to pray. 1. Quality Time I love the book The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman. One of the five love languages is quality time. This means that we show love and receive love by spending time together. I love to pray this way when I get caught up in the lie that prayer has to be productive. A friend once told me that Adoration is nothing else than two lovers looking at each other and enjoying each other’s company. I think it is a beautiful way to explain what prayer really is. To just simply be, not feeling the pressure of having to use words. Personally, I love to do this in Adoration. But this quality time can be in a park, in your room, any place that you would want to go with someone you love to just enjoy their presence. When I don’t know how to pray, I always find comfort in Jesus telling me that there is no such thing as unsuccessful prayer. [bctt tweet="There is no such thing as unsuccessful prayer. #BISblog //" via="no"] 2. Understanding Your Desires I found that God really speaks to me more clearly than I thought. I fell into the trap of thinking that His voice is somewhere far away, and I have to be really attentive, really patient to try hard to hear His voice. Our God desires communion with us, so why would we make it as hard as possible to hear His voice? St. Paul reminds us that “we have the mind of Christ” (1 Cor. 2:16). Let us not be afraid to understand our own desires. Sometimes we are hiding them from ourselves because we are afraid of the disappointment when they will not be fulfilled. Take courageous step into trusting a God that answers our prayers and ask yourself today, "What is it that I really desire?" Take your time and allow yourself to answer boldly and bring those answers to God. Let Him show you how He wants to fulfill them. 3. Pray with How You Dress God revealed to me this summer that the way I dress really does matter. He has called me out on ways I dressed in the past, but in a way I did not expect. I would imagine Him to say to me “Anna, that’s too short, Catholics shouldn’t wear something like that." That’s the stereotype. However, His voice was completely different, it was more like, “Anna, you are made for so much more. I want you to dress you as the queen you are in my eyes”. He put a desire on my heart to pick out outfits with Him, and when I go shopping to invite Him and ask for His guidance. I promise you, His guidance is pure love. In the beginning of summer, my mom bought me this beautiful navy blue linen dress that I have been wearing almost every day since. The first time I wore it, it suddenly hit me that if our Blessed Virgin Mary lived today, she would totally wear it. It reminds me so much of her. So, every time I wear that dress, simply wearing it is a way of prayer for me. Wearing it is a way to ask for Mary’s intercession and for her to remind to live out my fiat. 4. "Jesus, this is for You." In 1 Thessalonians 5:17 we are called to “pray without ceasing.” The first time I heard this verse, I thought, “That’s too hard.” However, that only reflects my limited understanding of what prayer is. Any act can be a prayer. It is so easy, yet I so often forget. You can do anything and offer it up. When you run, tell Jesus that this is for Him. When you cook, catch up with a friend, study, meet new people, work, sleep, travel, watch a movie, go shopping, are stuck in traffic, or get a haircut. Our God desires to be with us in any situation. Just simply say “Jesus, this is for You," and He will instantly be invited into whatever you are doing. That’s how we can pray without ceasing. 5. Just Look Around You Pure presence in the moment sounds incredibly cliché. Yet as 21st Century people we struggle with it, don’t we? Living consciously and mindfully has become really hard in a world of distraction. Look around and let your God speak to You. With time, He will show you through which surroundings He speaks most directly to your heart. I love to observe families, especially the relationship between parents and their children. To me it is a pure reflection of how God is loving us with His fatherly love. What are you drawn to? Maybe for you it's nature, geography, sports, fashion, or food. Whatever your thing is, God can speak to you through it. Just be attentive and sense His presence. Let's Pray Now! Holy Spirit, teach us to pray vibrantly, wholeheartedly, passionately, uniquely. Help us to worship You in ways You have not yet been worshipped before, Jesus. Let us sing a new song for You. Destroy any lie about prayer that we have been believing. Set our souls on fire for You and increase our desire to pray without ceasing. Amen. What unexpected ways to pray have surprised you in your walk with the Lord? [bctt tweet="5 Unexpected Ways to Pray #BISblog //" via="no"] Anna Sørensen is a 20-something Psychology student currently studying in Ireland. She is from Denmark and Poland–probably because God already foreshadowed that she would appreciate the readings of both St. Faustinas and Søren Kierkegaard. Anna has a heart for empowering women and the Catholic Church. Her favorite things are Sundays, really dark chocolate, and the streets of Rome. This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase by clicking through one of these links, Blessed is She will receive a small percentage of your purchase at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting this ministry by using our affiliate links!

One of the seven Corporal Works of Mercy is to “bury the dead.” While this certainly means grieving alongside families who have lost loved ones, it also means continuing to love and support the deceased after their death. Within the Church, November is an entire month during which we focus on those who have passed. Tomorrow, as we celebrate All Saints Day, we will honor all those men and women who have made it to Heaven before us. Some of them we know (the canonized Saints), but most of them, we don’t know. Many of our own ancestors are probably in the mix! The following day, we will celebrate All Souls Day and pray for all those persons in purgatory. For the remaining days of November, the Church encourages and assists us in praying for our deceased loved ones. It’s a beautiful tradition, full of heart and reverence… but sometimes comes across in a sad and somber manner. Death Does Not Have the Final Word In many Latin American countries—especially Mexico—honoring the deceased happens differently. In fact, All Saints Day and All Souls Day are known by a different name: “Dia de los Muertos” or “The Day of the Dead.” Within these cultures, November 1st-2nd are days spent celebrating the lives of those who have passed on. It’s not a somber feast, but a joyful one, fueled by an explosion of color! The day is seen as a big family reunion, when deceased loved ones are the guests of honor, present in a special, spiritual way. It is a celebration with the dead, not of the dead, acknowledging and celebrating that we remain united no matter where we find ourselves in the cycle of life. I admire this outlook, specifically that death is nothing to fear, as it is simply another stage of existence. As Christians, we all believe this, yet we often view our mortality and the absence of our loved ones with great sorrow. While there is certainly a place for sorrow during grief, I hope we can all reach a place of gratitude for that person's afterlife. Would it not be better to celebrate? Would this not fill our mind and senses with happy and hopeful emotions? Perhaps over time, our attitude towards death may stretch and grow. Perhaps we can come to a better understanding of the solidarity that exists between the Stages of the Church, the true union of Heaven, Purgatory, and Earth. How to Celebrate the Day of the Dead as a Catholic Though I am not of Latino descent, I’ve been trying to be more intentional in my quest to live liturgically. Admiring the life-affirming joy of the customs of Dia de los Muertos, I intend to incorporate a few Mexican traditions into my family’s celebration of All Saints and All Souls Day. Make an “Ofrenda,” an Altar of Offering We have a small prayer altar in our home, complete with a crucifix, an image of Our Lady, and photos of our deceased grandfathers. Tomorrow, I will add the picture of a family friend who died as an infant (as the first day of the celebration remembers “angelitos,” deceased children,) and the following day I will add pictures of other relatives, friends, and neighbors who have passed on. My husband and I will pray for all of them and enjoy a laid back evening with each other, sharing happy stories about each person. As our daughter grows and years pass, we will tell her (and any future siblings) these stories. In this way, our children will be able to know their great grandparents and all our family friends in a manner they never would have otherwise. Eat a Favorite Food Often, ofrendas also contain food for the deceased. The traditional reason being these guests of honor have just completed a long journey in order to visit us. During the celebration, the food is consumed by the living in remembrance of the departed. I don’t know what my grandpa’s favorite meal was; if I did, I’d make it for supper. Instead, I plan to set out some chocolate covered donuts in his honor, a special treat attached with a cherish memory of his last Christmas on this earth. Carry a Momento My husband has a claddagh ring that was worn daily by his Irish grandfather. It’s a cherished momento that is locked away for safekeeping. Still, he likes to bring it out for special occasions (dates that were important in their relationship) and wear it on a chain around his neck. All Souls Day is one of those days. Unlike in Mexico, the rest of your community will probably not be celebrating with you. Thus, praying for our dearly departed may not be at the forefront of your mind throughout the entirety of your day. However, if you carry something with you—an old note, a handkerchief, a piece of jewelry, etc.—you’ll have a tangible reminder to pray for your loved one, as well as all the souls in Purgatory. Visit Graves Sadly, we will be unable to do this for our own loved ones as we live states away from family. Still, it is part of the custom of Dia de los Muertos to tend to the grave of a loved one. Families visit cemeteries, clean the headstones, tend to any foliage, and pray. Some even have a party or a picnic! If we lived within driving distance, I know we would make the effort to make a stop and pray for our loved ones “on site.” Who knows, we might even find some marigolds to take with us and adorn their headstones. Decorate with Marigolds Mexicans believe that marigolds help guide their loved one’s soul back to the world of the living, and given that it only flowers during the rainy season, which precedes the Day of the Dead, it has now become heavily and primarily associated with the festivities. Thus, marigolds are also known as “flor de muerto” (the flower of the dead). I find this fitting, since marigolds are strong, protective flowers that often repel pests that live in the soil and can damage other plants. This is much like how those in Heaven and Purgatory can intercede for us and help us through our own spiritual warfare. Tonight, I am going to swing by my local farmers market and grab a bunch of these flowers to embellish my apartment and remind me of all my friends in Heaven. Love is the Point The main reason for the day is to help those in Purgatory to reach Heaven. Obviously, the absolute best thing we can do for them is to celebrate the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Everything else is supplemental to this. Ultimately, it is love that rules this holiday, with any intentional action being seen by Heaven as a prayerful offering for the deceased. So whatever you do, big or small, let it be done with deliberate love for your deceased loved ones. [bctt tweet="Celebrating the Day of the Dead #BISblog //" username="graceswap"]

It must have been in about 2014 that I first read the book Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand. Let me tell you, it about gutted me. The Life of Louis Zamperini, POW Unbroken is the true story of United States olympian Louis Zamperini who was shot down over the Pacific during World War II and became a prisoner of war in Japan. After surviving floating in a raft in the middle of the Pacific Ocean for 46 days, Zamperini and one of his fellow airmen were taken to an absolute hell on earth. He spent the next two years being endlessly humiliated, starved, and tortured by his prison guard, “The Bird.” Ultimately, Zamperini survived the war and his imprisonment. He returned to his family in southern California. The Movie Adaptation of Unbroken The book goes on to tell about this transition back to “normal” life. It is at this point that the new movie Unbroken: Path to Redemption (released in the U.S. on September 14th) picks up Zamperini’s story. I always find stories of redemption, conversion, or “love conquers all” to be quite compelling. So when I saw the preview of this movie, I knew I wanted to see it. But I was also a little hesitant. Unfortunately, it seems to me that a lot of faith-based movies tend to be formulaic, maybe a little dull, and quite strong in the cheese-factor, if you know what I mean. After watching it, though, I think it’s better to look at it through two different lenses. First, on its merits as a movie. Then, with an eye toward the message it tries to portray. Technically Speaking… The best thing I can say about the cinematic aspects of this movie is that it was stunning to watch. The costumers and set designers did a phenomenal job of recreating the allure and beauty of the mid-to-late 1940s. From clothing and accessories to cars and coffee pots, there was effort put into the smallest detail. I thoroughly enjoyed the visuals. Director Harold Cronk (of God’s Not Dead) and his team of screenwriters seemed to miss the mark as far as the story goes, however. For an hour and a half, the audience watches Zamperini (played quite well by Samuel Hunt) spiral more and more out of control as he grapples with depression, alcoholism, and PTSD (although it hadn’t been named as such in the 1940s). Left Wanting We witness him swing from the heights of love for his new wife and daughter to the crushing lows of nightmares, flashbacks, and hallucinations. But the resolution—the path to redemption, as it were—takes only about the last 10 minutes of the film. And then it’s over. As an audience member, I was left kind of scratching my head. If the movie was supposed to be about this man’s “path to redemption,” shouldn’t the story have been more about that? It seemed to me that the title could more fittingly have been Unbroken: Path Straight to Hell, but Magically Everything Turns Out Just Fine. Faithfully Speaking... Early in the movie, at a family gathering to celebrate his return, we see Zamperini talking with his family’s priest. The priest hails the young man’s return to safety as a miracle. But Zamperini shoots him down. He says that it wasn’t God who saved him, but a couple of atom bombs that did the trick. The priest then tells him not to discount the part God played in bringing his survival. Zamperini looks at the priest with a sad smile and says, “I don’t, Padre. I give Him all the blame.” We see where all of that blame leads him. He tries to continue to rely on the strength and perseverance that had served him so well as an Olympic athlete and as a POW. But he simply can’t do it. And the downward spiral finally lands him on a seat at a Billy Graham revival, something he had begrudgingly agreed to attend with his wife. Finally, Redemption Billy Graham (played by his grandson, Will Graham) talks to the gathered congregation about being distanced from the Lord. What is it that caused that distance? How have they gotten to where they are today? Why do they no longer believe? Then he says, “...because you can’t see Him and can’t hear Him, you shut yourself away from Him.” And that’s the most dangerous place to be. Moved and afraid, Zamperini tries to run out of the tent while everyone’s heads are bowed in prayer. But Reverend Graham sees him and tells him to stop. It is at this moment in the movie that Zamperini makes the choice to believe again. He finally sees that it was indeed God who kept him alive through his imprisonment and who brought his wife and daughter into his life. And that, instead of blaming God, he should offer his life as thanks and praise. Redemption and Forgiveness Without doubt, Louis Zamperini’s return to faith is nothing short of a miracle. But, to me, the even greater miracle is what he does with it. Through the grace of God, Zamperini amends his life. He quits drinking and focuses his attention back on his family. Most remarkably, though, he learns to forgive not only his captors and torturers, but he learns to forgive both God and himself. He becomes a living, breathing testament to the words of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew: If you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you. -Matthew 6:14 What Humans are Truly Capable Of In my humble opinion, if the storytellers had chosen to focus on the forgiveness humans are capable of through the redemption offered to us by Christ, they could have produced a significantly better movie. After all, we are all tormented by our own personal demons; we all have our own histories of pain and suffering to work through. And, like Louis Zamperini, we often find that trying to do so of our own accord only leads to more hurt and heartbreak for ourselves and for our loved ones. But when we accept the redemption that Jesus longs to share with us, when we seek His forgiveness and, in turn, forgive others, well, that’s a story worth being told, don’t you think? Have you seen Unbroken? What are your thoughts? Love it? Hate it? Let us know in the comments! [bctt tweet="Unbroken Movie Review #BISblog //" via="no"] This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase by clicking through one of these links, Blessed is She will receive a small percentage of your purchase at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting this ministry by using our affiliate links!

Dear Fellow Mom, Our eyes meet across the church and we exchange soft smiles. This week, it is my toddler causing commotion, announcing his dissatisfaction with the fact that we are trying to sit still and be quiet rather than play. You know the look on my face, how unsettled my heart is right now, as I try to glean something, anything, from the Gospel as my earrings are used playthings and my nose suddenly becomes the most interesting thing to behold. I shift my son from one arm to the other, feeling a tight pinch in my shoulders, missing my husband’s helping hands right now. I feel the need to flash around my left hand and draw attention to my ringed finger. As if I need to prove my worthiness to be here in God’s house. It is bad enough that my son is boisterous and social during periods of silent prayer. But I am also here alone and feel like there is a spotlight on me and my parenting. Thank You for Seeing Me Thank you for not looking away when our eyes met. For smiling at me, encouraging me through this hour of WrestleMania, striving to draw as little attention to ourselves and utterly failing. Parenting is hard on any given day for a variety of reasons. We are tired, often lonely, probably undernourished because we subsist on coffee and peanut butter. What used to be a time of peace and personal development has now become (at times) something we dread: Mass. With a toddler. It can be hard enough to get dressed for the day with little hands pulling everything out of drawers and putting anything in their mouth that is not nailed down. Thank You for Accepting Me Thank you for offering me encouragement in a space that can be intimidating. For understanding rather than judging. One of these Sundays, when it is your turn to feel drained and strained, blessed but stressed, I will be sitting here with my own little one ready to offer you a warm smile and a silent prayer for peace and grace to help you through your own Sunday morning struggles. Please know that I am rooting for you. Yes, you. We may not know one outside of “brunette mom of two girls” and “blonde mom of one boy.” We may not ever get a chance to connect after Mass for the next few years because naptime is right after church time and we need to get to the car before our ticking little bombs go off. But I’m cheering you on. I am thankful for you and I am praying for you. Sincerely, Your Sister in Christ Is there a mom of toddlers in your own parish who shows up faithfully, week after week? Send them some encouragement today? [bctt tweet="An Open Letter to Moms at Mass with a Toddler #BISblog //" via="no"] LeAnn Wood is a former summer camp director turned middle school teacher. She is a regular consumer of YA literature and coffee. When she isn’t busy with her own little family, she enjoys writing about intentional praying and living on her blog. You can find out more about her here.

Come, my Way, my Truth, my Life: Such a Way, as gives us breath: Such a Truth, as ends all strife: Such a Life, as killeth death. Come, my Light, my Feast, my Strength: Such a Light, as shows a feast: Such a Feast, as mends in length: Such a Strength, as makes his guest. Come, my Joy, my Love, my Heart: Such a Joy, as none can move: Such a Love, as none can part: Such a Heart, as joys in love. -The Call, by George Herbert Reflect You called me and I understood. I understood what real glory was. St. Thérèse of Lisieux [bctt tweet="You called me and I understood. I understood what real glory was. -St. Thérèse of Lisieux #BISblog #BISrests //" via="no"] Listen For musical inspiration for your restful Sunday, listen to our BIS Rests playlist. I recommend praying with "Five Mystical Songs: The Call" by Ralph Vaughan Williams. [bctt tweet="BIS Rests: Calling + Coming #BISblog #BISrests //"] Curated by Rose Coleman. You can find out more about her here.

Take courage; get up, Jesus is calling you. // Mark 10:49 This week's beautiful wallpapers are from Carolyn of Brass & Mint Co. This beautiful piece of art is a beautiful reminder of Who is calling you, sister. Let us go! Remember, you get this awesome design as an 8x10 downloadable print by clicking here! (Members, log in and get yours for free.) Download your F R E E wallpapers right here --->>> Phone wallpaper Desktop wallpaper After you download: Check out this beautiful song all about courage.

As we prepare to celebrate Advent together as a sisterhood, we're deep diving into the creation of this year's Advent Journal called Bearing Light. We sat down with Blessed is She's Managing Editor, Nell O'Leary, to learn about her role in the refining of the Advent Journal and what she hopes for us as we walk together toward Christmas. Bearing Light: An Interview with the Editor First, why do you think we as Catholic women crave an Advent Journal and keep returning to these year after year? I see women looking to prepare their busy lives and hearts for Advent. And it’s a struggle for us! Every year we are facing down new challenges and changes in our lives that mean we want, again, something to ground us liturgically. While the world shouts, "Get your gifts ready!" Blessed is She says, "Let’s get our hearts ready." As Editor, what kind of role did you play in the planning and refining of this year's Advent Journal? It’s such a joy to work as the Managing Editor on these projects! I play the role of cheerleader, guide, and sounding board. Shannon crafted an outline and shared it with Jenna and me. We all three hopped on a call to hear how Shannon’s idea would unfold, and left the call invigorated and joyful! As Shannon wrote, she would share chapters with me and I’d suss out ideas or concepts as need be. But it’s such a light touch as an editor. I’m working with a stunning, well-seasoned, and imaginative writer! Once things wrapped up, our amazing Theological Editor, Susanna Spencer, read through everything carefully and offered tweaks here and there based on her extensive theological knowledge. Between Shannon, Susanna, and myself, we turned over a polished book to Jenna and Erica Tighe for the creative parts! What practices were helpful in getting into the mindset of a Catholic woman during Advent before the season itself? A practice that helped the writing and editing team feel the Advent vibes was praying the Magnificat and studying those Scripture passages sharing when Our Lady uttered this beautiful prayer. She is our primary example of having a receptive and open heart for God’s plan! Instead of just thinking about Advent as the time before Jesus is born, I thought about it as a time to prepare my heart to be open like Our Lady’s was! You've edited all the Blessed is She liturgical devotionals. Why do you think the message of this particular Advent Journal is needed for this particular time in the Church? Right now, looking at the scandal in the Church, I vacillate between feeling enraged and helpless. This Advent reflection book reminds me that I am called to bear God’s image into this world. I can do something! I can personally become a bigger vessel for God’s love, an image bearer of additional depth. And as women, we have special gifts and talents to share to effectuate positive changes in the Church, this beautiful Mystical Body of Christ of which we are blessed to be a part. I think women at this time need to hear that they can do something in the face of evil: be a greater force for good! What do the themes in this year's Advent Journal mean to you personally? I never thought about being made in the image and likeness of God in depth. The words stayed in my memory from my days reciting the Baltimore Catechism, but I never had really gone beyond the words into what they really meant for how to live out my life. Shannon’s words have opened my heart to more! I’m inspired to strive harder to live a life of heroic virtue and be a Saint. I’m inspired to be open to God’s will and not just pursuing my own agenda. And mostly, I’m inspired to bear His image in everything I say and do to really be more like Him. Can you explain the purpose behind the rhythm you all have chosen for each day and week of the Advent Journal? So Mondays and Tuesdays, as well as Thursdays and Fridays, the reader has a pairing of Scripture and reflection. You can opt to journal those days or not (it’s okay if you’re not a journaling kind of gal—I’m not!). We built in Wednesdays as a day to ponder a powerhouse female Saint from the rich tradition of the Church. And Saturdays likewise are a day of reading a short reflection. A pause day. We women can easily feel guilty when we’re “behind” on something and then the guilt makes it so we are ashamed and, if you’re like me, then you want to avoid the thing that triggers this response! Our cadence and pace for this reflection book is to suit the busy woman’s life. That way you never feel behind or like you have to “catch up.” Instead you can go at your own pace and find enjoyment in that. What role, if any, did Our Lady play in your editing process? I prayed the Magnificat a lot and then a Hail Mary before I started my work on any given day. I’m often working after my kids are in bed, or maybe even on my laptop when they’re asleep in my bed with me! I felt Our Blessed Mother’s loving embrace a number of times while working in the off-hours. She’s the best mother ever. What is it that you hope women learn and experience from the Advent Journal? I hope they know how valued they are and how treasured they are by God. I hope they experience the sensation of a lot of pieces coming together in their life to confirm these facts. Finally, I hope they learn the Magnificat by heart because it is a life-changing prayer. May all of our hearts be bigger vessels of God’s love, ready to bear His image into the world in all we think, do, and say! Don't forget to order your Advent Journal so you can pray through the Magnificat with us this year! [bctt tweet="Bearing Light Advent Journal // An Interview with the Editor #BISblog //" via="no"] Nell O’Leary is Managing Editor for Blessed is She, as well as a recovering lawyer married to her law school love. They live with their four kiddos in the great city of Saint Paul, Minnesota. She can down a iced chai tea latte in no time flat. Blogging about natural parenting and sewing organic baby textiles are her sanity. Find out more about her here. Olivia Spears lives in Kentucky, where sweet tea and bourbon flow like milk and honey. She works from home as an editor and social media manager while raising her children and laughing with her husband. Although she now spends most of her free time away from the internet, past adventures are still on her blog. You can find out more about her here.

It was a Saturday afternoon and my husband was away for the weekend. It was just me and my three kids, three years old and under. I was exhausted, stressed, and overwhelmed when a good friend called, asking if I wanted her to come over and help. She left a voicemail saying she could come or not, depending on what would be most helpful to me. As I listened to her voicemail, I had to convince myself to ask her to come. It had been a long day. It was a Houston summer, my three year old decided not to nap after I was finally able to get the newborn down for one, and I had no idea how I was going to make it from 4 p.m. to dinner, bath, and bedtime. Yet I struggled to call back and accept the help. Why? Because I have been trained to believe that to be the best mom that I have to do it myself. That to be the successful woman, I have to do it myself. That I have to be put together and in control. In short, because I have been trained to be a perfectionist. Have It All, Having It Together A lot has been written recently regarding this idea that we, as women, put a lot of pressure on ourselves to be perceived as “having it all.” There are plenty of resources shared about how social media depictions of “everyday” life can cause us to compare our worst day to someone else’s best—or better yet, staged—day. For the most part, those kinds of things don’t bother me. I don’t tend to compare myself to other women’s Instagram posts of perfect rooms or perfect dinners or to other people’s successes posted on Facebook. However, I am influenced by the moms’ groups I am in on Facebook. I read about their struggles and successes in parenting, whether working or stay at home. What I focus on the most is how they’re doing it themselves. I often think that it doesn’t “count” as being successful as a modern woman if I have help from outsiders. The voice in my head interprets those posts as saying that I’m not really doing it right or doing it well if I’m not doing it myself or if I get help. This is especially true coming from a Catholic background and from being rooted in what JPII called the “feminine genius.” We, as women, are created and called to be nurturing caretakers and to be mothers in some way. Holiness Does Not Mean Perfectionism My need for perfectionism twists this to mean that getting help with being a wife, with being a mom, and with taking care of my family is a weakness. Or that it can be considered a form of laziness. I let myself refuse help and struggle more. What I perceive as a success is really a personal pride that makes me more stressed, more tired, and more impatient. So in the end, I let the voice of self-criticism and self-doubt win while my family loses. It Takes a Village It takes a village to raise a child. This is an African proverb that we all know well. This proverb used to feel less pithy and cliche because it used to be true. Families lived closely in communities where everyone would chip in to watch the kids, serve as models for them, and support the other families. We constantly hear about the good ole days when neighborhoods were full of kids playing with their neighbors, coming home when the sun went down. Today, we don’t know our neighbors’ names, let alone work in community with them. We often live far away from family. We have little time for making the friends that we need to have such a community. Even parish life, which used to be the center point of community in a family’s life, has gone the way of the neighborhood. We go to Mass, maybe to other events, though most likely not, and go on our way as a singular family unit. So what do we do? We try to do it all by ourselves. We think we have to do it all, be everything to everyone, and do it gracefully and flawlessly. Accepting Help I am the first to say “thanks but we’re good” whenever someone asks if and how they can help. But I finally began to realize that doing it on my own wasn’t good for my family and it wasn’t good for me either. So when my third baby was born, I finally said "yes" to the meal train offered by my parish, to the time off my mom and other friends could take to come over, to the friend who called my at 4 p.m. on a Saturday afternoon while my husband was gone. What was best for all of us was to say "yes" to the help, to dinner being brought to us, to having a family friend take the two older kids so I could catch a break, to having some adult conversation for my sanity. It wasn’t a weakness to need the help. It was a grace. Fighting Against Solitary Perfectionism We need to push back against the voice that tells us that we need to be perfect. We require the help of our community, our tribe, our family. It’s pride that keeps us from accepting that help a lot of the time. It’s a fear of showing weakness or of making it seem like we don’t have it together. [bctt tweet="It wasn’t a weakness to need the help. It was a grace. #BISblog //" via="no"] What we forget in all of that is that we are made for community. We are made in the image of a God who is communion, who is constantly a loving community of Persons. We are meant to not only offer support and help to others, but also to be willing to accept it when it’s offered to us. Our community is a way in which Christ offers us His hand, His help, His support in our times of struggle, of loneliness, of need. I need a village to raise my children. I need this village to show them what it is like to be a neighbor, to serve another, to love without cost. If they see it and accept it, my hope is that they genuinely pass it on to others in the future. Most of all, I need the help so that I can be who they need me to be, not so that I can be who the evil spirit wants me to think that I need to be. Who is in your village? [bctt tweet="Accepting Our Village, Accepting Help #BISblog //" via="no"] Victoria Mastrangelo is a wife, mother of three, and high school theology teacher in Houston. She loves to read, research, write, drink coffee, and travel, as her dream job is to be perpetual student.

Most of my Catholic friends have several saints with whom they consider to be close spiritual friends, mentors on their life journey. For me some of my favorites include: St. Ignatius of Loyola, Thomas Merton, St. Teresa of Avila, St. Maximilian Kolbe, and Edith Stein, more commonly known as St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross. As a woman, I feel a particular need in my journey to have a variety of female saints and holy women to encourage and challenge me in living the Christian life. When I look over my life, my friendship with Edith was definitely one of years in the making. Meeting Edith Stein I first learned of this Jewish convert turned Carmelite nun at the first parish I worked at in youth ministry. A co-worker told me of her story, specifically about what she had written on what it means to be a woman. It sparked my interest. But after reading some of her heavy writings and philosophical insights, I wrote her off thinking it was too “deep” for me to comprehend. Fast forward to several years ago. I decided to not so quickly write Edith off, and read this book, which was an assortment of her writing on different topics. My interest was sparked. I was fascinated with what she said, how she challenged me to know myself more deeply as a woman. Then about six months later, I stumbled across across a Catholic feminist blog for women, Fem Catholic. On the side bar, there are listed a wide variety of book titles for Catholic women to check out. My eyes landed on this book. And it was that book that drew me into deeper friendship with this woman of God. My own copy is dogeared, highlighted and written in, and has multiple colored sticky notes. Why Edith Stein is Important for Catholic Women One of the things I love most about Edith is that she is a female role model for all Catholic women: single, discerning, religious, married, divorced, widowed. Her life and example has relevance for all of us. To me, that is why she is so relatable even today. Long before Edith ever took vows as a Carmelite, she was a highly educated woman, something very uncommon at that time in the 1930’s. She was a writer, lecturer, and used her time to mentor and nurture young women. She lived in the world for eleven years before she entered Carmel. Even after professing vows, her superiors encouraged her gifts of writing and public speaking. Knowing Ourselves... But the most profound lesson I have learned in becoming friends with Edith, is that she has helped me to truly come to know myself. Edith’s writings teach women today that before we can carry out specific roles and fulfill our God-given vocations, we need to “first become a person.” This is a quote that has led to much inner reflection and personal growth in my own life: Before they can be ready to assist others, women first need to be securely anchored in their own depths. She empowers women to first mature in their own self awareness and identity. Another way to say this is, “Woman, Know Thyself!” ...as Beloved of God What women need most is to first possess a deep understanding of our dignity and worth as women in the eyes of God. We cannot give to others in our careers, vocations, or friendships, what we do not yet first possess. Edith holds a banner up for all women, advocating that we first know ourselves at a soul-deep level. When we make time for this reflection and growth, we will be better friends, sisters, wives, girlfriends, moms, and grandmas. Want More Edith Stein Talk? It is this book that will serve as a guide for my upcoming workshop on October 23rd. The workshop is called: Woman, Know Thyself: Life Lessons from Edith Stein. We will be discussing three practical, simple life lessons for all women (any stage of life or vocation!) from Edith Stein’s own life and writings. With these helpful ways, I have found I have come to really know myself better, and I hope you will as well. I would also encourage you to buy a copy of the book so you can better get to know Edith, but also it will be a great place to start to familiarize yourself with her life and writings. I hope to hang out with many of you at the workshop! [bctt tweet="How Edith Stein Helped Me to (Really) Know Myself #BISblog //" username="amoderngrace"] Patty Breen is a full-time lay minister who finds joy in running, strong cups of coffee, and all things Ignatian spirituality. A Midwestern gal from the mitten state, she is constantly learning to find grace in all things. She is passionate about ministry to divorced Catholics and women whose relationships have been impacted by sexual addiction. You can find out more about her here. This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase by clicking through one of these links, Blessed is She will receive a small percentage of your purchase at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting this ministry by using our affiliate links!

I think my mind will always, at the autumn time of year, drift to an old Jesuit. The letting go of fall, The relinquishment of harvesting The giving of gratitude’s The anticipation of winter All call back the image of that old man Running around the lawn Collecting leaves in his hands Weeping and kissing the trees. That is how I remember the story. He is now dead, so I cannot confirm it. Yet even if he were alive to tell the tale he wouldn’t be able to inform me whether the story were true or false. You see, he had lost his memory almost totally, so he wouldn’t have been able to remember what had happened the previous fall. He wouldn’t have been able to remember that there had been a spring. The man lived totally in the present. In the presence. Not by gift of mysticism, but by erosion of the body. And so when the leaves started falling each fall, it was the end of the world for him. The trees were dying. The earth was ending. No wonder it was an occasion for such tender handling of the leaves and embracing of the earth. Having lost his memory, he had won that sweet and painfully overwhelming sense of the present. To savor, to relish, to give thanks. How easy to lose the simple present. We replay the past, rehearse the future as some kind of conscious armor against the terribly fleeting present. We hope not to feel the hurt of impermanence as much, but we’ve unfortunately traded off our childlike and ancient sensitivity for the eternal now. We suffer the delusion that if we hold ourselves back from caring too much, we will never feel the damage of the loved one now lost. We pass. We are passing away. And this dear earth passes. But there is now. To kiss the falling leaves. To embrace the trees. The point is not to fear the regret of having meant so much to someone that absence might bring pain. The point is not to protect ourselves from loving this present earth, this present face, but to let our hearts be indeed broken By each earthly departure, By all dear separations, By every aching distance. For it is a breaking open, a wound, a poorness of love that fills us with Love’s very self. As C.S. Lewis sang: For this I bless you as the rain falls. The pains you give me Are more precious Than all other gains. -Fall, by John Kavanaugh, SJ Reflect The trees are about to show us how lovely it is to let things go. Anonymous [bctt tweet="The trees are about to show us how lovely it is to let things go. #BISblog #BISrests //" via="no"] Listen For musical inspiration for your restful Sunday, listen to our BIS Rests playlist. [bctt tweet="BIS Rests: Leaves + Trees #BISblog #BISrests //"]

We were supposed to graduate college, get good jobs with health benefits or go to graduate school, then get really good jobs, secure income, pay off debt, begin our 401K, rent a house then buy a house, pay off debt, marry, buy life insurance, work, have one or two children, know how to pay for those children, know how to pay for the groceries to feed those children. If we wanted to marry early, there should be a plan in place to have children later. Hmm… They were good virtues, I am sure. The highest virtue was security. The second highest was success. We did not do it right. Marriage and Family Life: Not What We Expected We had hoped to marry out of college. I delayed my entrance to graduate school so we could hold the wedding. We knew intellectually, waiting to have children was the right thing to do, but we still jumped up and down with joy when we learned I was pregnant. As cradle Catholics of the John Paul II generation, we were on board with using NFP (Natural Family Planning, also called Fertility Awareness Methods). The moment she was born, I wanted her laying beside me. I wanted to be home with her. I slogged through those last classes ready to get back to my little girl. Out of money, we returned to California to the hope of picking up the jobs we had when we left. It did not happen. But every month something always came through. More children came. We embraced each one. I worked off and on while my husband grew his music business. Four kids. Below the poverty line. Living in a beautiful house we rented from my parents. Baby in the hospital. Pregnant again. We were definitely not doing it right. Letting God Be Enough Though I would not trade one moment (except that first trip to Bed, Bath, and Beyond when we got married), I wrestled over the years with our decisions in the face of society’s admonitions. I knew in my heart it was right. We were trying to follow God with each step. It just seemed so crazy. Enter Haley Stewart and her farm without a flushing toilet. Enter her new book, The Grace of Enough. Witness the spotlight on the thing I did not know: we are not alone. This is a generational ache for more than we had. Some of us were lucky in our youth. Our parents did everything they were taught was right, but something was lacking. In The Grace of Enough, Haley Stewart puts her finger on it by pointing the finger at Pope Francis. The Grace of Enough In Pope Francis’s encyclical, Laudato Si, he writes: Human beings are themselves considered consumer goods to be used and then discarded. We have created a “throw away” culture which is now spreading. The actions of consuming, and perspective that things are prized for their usefulness, can infiltrate our relationships, the way we spend our free time, the way we eat, our whole life. The Stewart family felt the generational ache. As an answer, they took an opportunity for Haley’s husband to intern on a farm. They sold the house, packed up the family, moved into 650 square feet and learned to use a compost (that is, non-flushing) toilet. But this is not her memoir. Tagging memories from that year, Stewart examines ideas surrounding the values of beauty, the home, shared meals, hospitality, communities, authentic intimacy in marriage (specifically the use of Fertility Awareness Methods in place of artificial contraception), and valuing interpersonal relationships in family life over income. She is extremely well-read. But unlike other equally-sound Catholic works, rather than quoting Aquinas, Aristotle, and obscure Church Father ad nauseam, we get quotes from Jane Austen, Chesterton, and Harry Potter. Both are good, but this might be more fun. The Throwaway Culture The anecdote to a throwaway culture is not to give up everything and move to a hermitage, but to live mindfully. To engage fully with our environment and the blessings in our lives. It is the Little Way with the Canticle of the Sun and the whole reason art and literature exist. Life should be savored, not just for pleasure, but because it is good. Behold, it is very good. Hayley’s book is an invitation to follow that command: to behold. Being Good Stewards We are stewards. The distractions and noise of our present-day society, the never-ending go when we try to meet these assumed basic goals of home-owning, can leave us filling empty. As much as this book felt like the culmination of so much of my writing and goals for living, as much as I felt validated, supported, not alone in our decision to follow our Catholic instincts, this book also challenged me. Giving gifts are a love language for me. I was raised with recreational shopping. The bank account told me so this morning. Both a companion and a challenge to take the next step in intentional living, I look forward to sharing this book with others and whole-heartedly recommend it to you. Have you read The Grace of Enough? What did you think? Let's talk about it in the comments below! [bctt tweet="BIS Reads: The Grace of Enough by @HaleyCarrots #BISblog //" via="no"] Kathryn Anne Casey is a graduate of Divine Mercy University, freelance writer, housewife, and mother of four children. Her weekly newspaper column “Here’s to the Good Life!” and blog focus on art, psychology, consumerism and the importance of local community. Find out more about her here. This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase by clicking through one of these links, Blessed is She will receive a small percentage of your purchase at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting this ministry by using our affiliate links!

In a reporting class I took in college, if a student’s article had any factual errors, the instructor automatically took 50 points off their grade. It didn’t matter how insignificant the mistake seemed compared to the consequence of inevitable failure on the assignment. Fact checking was more important than your lead, punctuation, and your inverted pyramid. The paramount significance of accuracy in news reporting was underscored. While the search for truth was drilled into me, when I examine the stories of my own psyche, I question why they contain so many inaccuracies. If I were to grade myself most days, I would be in negative numbers for the stories I create in my head about how others feel about me, the significance of an encounter, and the value of my contributions in various circumstances. Feelings Can Muddle the Truth Too often the truth of who I am gets clouded by feelings. For most of my life, I considered my feelings and the feelings of others to be more important than anything else. It’s easy to believe that there’s nothing wrong with this way of thinking. Perhaps if we could trust the accuracy of our feelings, this would be true. But feelings are often to blame for facts being distorted into fiction. A spiritual battle exists for the truth. We feel like we aren’t enough when we measure ourselves against things of the world. But God already decided we were enough when He died on the cross for our redemption. It’s tempting to think that because we feel something strongly it must be true. It’s easy to be swept away in the emotions of our existence: fear, jealousy, inadequacy, desire, and discouragement. Emotions Should Be Properly Ordered But these things are fleeting, not factual. They are emotions, intertwined with mood, motivations, and often whether or not we have eaten in the last three hours. Too often I let my emotions guide me, author fictional accounts of situations, and create unnecessary pain and angst. Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. -Ephesians 6:14 We have to armor ourselves with the truth. We need to fact check the lies we tell ourselves so we can see the truth of who God intends for us to be. When you really believe in God’s goodness and begin to trust in His plan for your life, it is easier to view our emotions as fleeting. I have often heard that happiness is based on circumstances, but joy is from God. It exists regardless of the ebb and flow of our situations. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. -Romans 15:13 Rooted in the Truth I don’t know why it’s easier to believe the bad stuff about ourselves rather than the good. Or why there is the inclination to define our truths by what we feel in any given moment. I just know that sometimes I feel like I have little yellow emoticons floating like bubbles in my head. And too often I am letting these caricatures steal my peace. Armored with the truth of God, discernment becomes clear. Falsehoods are easily identified and dismissed. Peace that is from God is true peace. It doesn’t vacillate, waver, or fictionalize regardless of situations or circumstances. That’s a fact, a truth that, if we live by, gives a whole new meaning to making the grade. How do you redirect your emotions? [bctt tweet="Dissecting Our Emotions and Looking for the Truth #BISblog //" via="no"] Lara Patangan is a freelance writer and mother of two boys. She is currently working on publishing her first book about her mid-life mission to do works of mercy. You can find out more about her here.

A mystic and reformer. St. Teresa of Avila’s heart, mind, and soul were absorbed in all that is Divine and she longed to be with her Spouse, Christ, in Heaven. This deep desire to be in union with her Spouse fueled her passion to be a living witness in the world and to urge others to live a life of greater perfection. In her words: I am bursting and cannot burst because of my desire for the renewal of holy Church, for God’s honour, and for everyone’s salvation. St. Teresa of Avila and Reformation Born in Avila, Spain in 1515, she entered the Carmelite convent of the Incarnation in Avila when she was twenty years old. She noticed that her community was failing to zealously live out the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity, and obedience. With her zealous heart, she, along with her good friend St. John of the Cross, initiated a reform. Despite the many oppositions she faced, her efforts bore fruit. Within her lifetime she founded seventeen convents which more faithfully lived out these counsels . She was canonized a Saint just forty years after her death. In 1970, she was proclaimed one of the first woman doctors of the Church. The Interior Castle St. Teresa’s most famous work is The Interior Castle. Her writings in this book give us a glimpse into her spiritual life. In it she uses the example of a castle with seven rooms to reflect seven stages of the spiritual journey. These stages bring us, at the end, to union with God. She writes: I thought of the soul as resembling a castle, formed of a single diamond or a very transparent crystal and containing many rooms, just as in Heaven there are many mansions. Some of us might consider ourselves perfectionists. But how are we doing in our call to the perfection of our Christian life? Long ago, many people believed that not all Christians were called to a life of perfection. They were under the impression that if one was not a consecrated religious, then one could not expect to have the life of prayer or perfection that St. Teresa of Avila spoke of. This kind of thinking can be dangerous, and it is this idea that tempts us to sell ourselves short as Christians. In the words of the famous football coach, Vince Lombardi, “...if we chase perfection we can catch excellence.” The Way of Perfection St. Thomas Aquinas says that the perfection of the Christian life lies in charity. St. Teresa’s path to perfection focuses on the different levels of prayer. God wants to enlarge our heart so that he can more fully enter in to it. As we stay with God in prayer, and continue increasing our desire for Him, He cannot help but purge our heart and cleanse it in order to make room for Him to fill it to an even greater capacity. St. Teresa said: A beginner must look on himself as one setting out to make a garden for his Lord’s pleasure, on most unfruitful soil which abounds in weeds. His Majesty roots up the weeds and will put in good plants instead. Let us reckon that this is already done when the soul decides to practice prayer and has begun to do so. The Universal Call to Holiness All Christians are to orient their lives in such a way that it leads to perfection. As Jesus said in Matthew 5:48, “You, therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Jesus would not call us to something that he did not intend for us to attain. When we participate in the fullness of Christian life and learn to grow in perfect charity, we will better be able to be a leaven in the world. Lumen Gentium reads, “it is therefore quite clear that all Christians in any state or walk of life are called to the fullness of Christian life and to the perfection of love...the forms and tasks of life are many but holiness is one”. What form of life are you in? What task is God calling you to in your current state in life? [bctt tweet="St. Teresa of Avila: Mystic & Reformer #BISblog //" via="no"] This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase by clicking through one of these links, Blessed is She will receive a small percentage of your purchase at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting this ministry by using our affiliate links!

Slow me down, Lord. Ease the pounding of my heart by the quieting of my mind. Steady my hurried pace with a vision of the eternal reach of time. Give me, amid the confusion of this day, the calmness of the everlasting hills. Break the tensions of my nerves and muscles with the soothing music of the singing streams that live in my memory. Help me to know the magical restoring power of sleep. Teach me the art of taking minute vacations -- of slowing down to look at a flower, to chat with a friend, to pat a dog, to read a few lines from a good book. Remind me each day of the fable of the hare and tortoise, that I may know that the race is not always to the swift -- there is more to life than increasing its speed. Let me look upward into the branches of the towering oak and know that it grew great and strong because it grew slowly and well. Slow me down, Lord, and inspire me to send my roots deep into the soil of life's enduring values, that I may grow toward the start of my greater destiny. -Richard Cardinal Cushing Reflect Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections, but instantly set about remedying them —every day begin the task anew. St. Francis de Sales [bctt tweet="Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections, but instantly set about remedying them —every day begin the task anew. -St. Francis de Sales #BISblog #BISrests //" via="no"] Listen For musical inspiration for your restful Sunday, listen to our BIS Rests playlist. [bctt tweet="BIS Rests: Calm + Constant #BISblog #BISrests //"] Curated by Sarah Stanley. You can find out more about her here.

Then come, follow me. // Mark 10:21 This week's beautiful wallpapers are from Erica of Be a Heart as our SO important reminder of who to follow. Remember, you get this awesome design as an 8x10 downloadable print by clicking here! (Members, log in and get yours for free.) Download your F R E E wallpapers right here --->>> Phone wallpaper Desktop wallpaper

The Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist teaches us how to practice the art of being present in our own lives.

When the painful news about the Catholic clergy abuse crisis broke this summer, I experienced a lot of emotions, especially anger, sadness, frustration, and pain. Our Church has been deeply wounded, and it is so excruciating to see her hurting so deeply. Most of us have felt called to do more to ensure that the abuse and cover ups stop. You can read more about several practical, concrete ideas here. But in this post, we are going to take a moment to step back from “doing” to focus on “being” with Jesus in prayer. Let’s go sit at the feet of Jesus with Mary, while Martha keeps working. Letting the Lord Illuminate Our Darkness Have you taken time to be with Jesus in this mess? His Heart is hurting with you. His anger is burning with you. His tears are flowing with you. Jesus feels the depths of the human pain that we are feeling. He instituted the priesthood knowing that the Apostles were weak. He knew Judas would betray Him. He knew Peter would deny Him. He knew that most of them would run away, hiding in fear. But we also know that in times of darkness, Jesus and Mary are able to more clearly. We must ask Jesus (the Light of the world) and Mary (the Star of the Sea) to help us to see as they see. Can we receive their simple words of truth and hope? Scripture Verses to Lean on During Times of Scandal During your prayer time, imagine Jesus or Mary speaking these Scripture verses to you. “We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” -Romans 8:28 “My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.” - Psalm 62:1-2 “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.” -Psalm 127: 1 “I will hope in Him.” –Lamentations 3:24 “Come, let us rebuild.” –Nehemiah 2:17 “The Lord will fight for you, you only have to keep still.” –Exodus 14:14 “I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Now I am healing you.” -2 Kings 20:5 “In the tender compassion of our Lord, The dawn from on high shall break upon us, to shine on those who dwell in darkness, And the shadow of death, And to guide our feet into the way of peace.” -Luke 1:78-79 “Take no part in the fruitless works of darkness; rather expose them, for it is shameful even to mention the things done by them in secret; but everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for everything that becomes visible is light.” -Eph 5:12-14 Take some time to look up these verses in your Catholic Journaling Bible. Some of them can also be found in our Encourage Bible Verse Cards. The Seven Penitential Psalms Another way to pray with Scripture during this time of scandal is the ancient tradition of praying the Seven Penitential Psalms: Psalms 6, 32, 38, 51, 102, 130, and 143. You can print a booklet of these Psalms here. Here are a few of the Penitential Psalms. Psalm 6 Lord, do not reprove me in your anger; punish me not, in your rage. Have mercy on me, Lord, I have no strength; Lord, heal me, my body is racked; my soul is racked with pain. But you, O Lord … how long? Return, Lord, rescue my soul. Save me in your merciful love; for in death no one remembers you; from the grave, who can give you praise? I am exhausted with my groaning; every night I drench my pillow with tears; I bedew my bed with weeping. My eye wastes away with grief; I have grown old surrounded by my foes. Leave me, all you who do evil; for the Lord has heard my weeping. The Lord has heard my plea; The Lord will accept my prayer. All my foes will retire in confusion, foiled and suddenly confounded. Psalm 38 O, Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger; do not punish me, Lord, in your rage. Your arrows have sunk deep in me; your hand has come down upon me. Through your anger all my body is sick; through my sin, there is no health in my limbs. My guilt towers higher than my head; it is a weight too heavy to bear. My wounds are foul and festering, the result of my own folly. I am bowed and brought to my knees. I go mourning all the day long. All my frame burns with fever; all my body is sick. Spent and utterly crushed, I cry aloud in anguish of heart. O Lord, you know all my longing: my groans are not hidden from you. My heart throbs, my strength is spent; the very light has gone from my eyes. My friends avoid me like a leper; those closest to me stand afar off. Those who plot against my life lay snares; those who seek my ruin speak of harm, planning treachery all the day long. But I am like the deaf who cannot hear, like the dumb unable to speak. I am like a man who hears nothing in whose mouth is no defense. I count on you, O Lord: it is you, Lord God, who will answer. I pray: Do not let them mock me, those who triumph if my foot should slip. For I am on the point of falling and my pain is always before me. I confess that I am guilty and my sin fills me with dismay. My wanton enemies are numberless and my lying foes are many. They repay me evil for good and attack me for seeking what is right. O Lord, do not forsake me! My God, do not stay afar off! Make haste and come to my help, O Lord, my God, my savior! Psalm 102 O Lord, listen to my prayer and let my cry for help reach you. Do not hide your face from me in the day of my distress. Turn your ear towards me and answer me quickly when I call. For my days are vanishing like smoke, my bones burn away like a fire. My heart is withered like the grass, I forget to eat my bread. I cry with all my strength and my skin clings to my bones. I have become like a pelican in the wilderness, like an owl in desolate places. I lie awake and I moan like some lonely bird on a roof. All day long my foes revile me; those who hate me use my name as a curse. The bread I eat is ashes; my drink is mingled with tears. In your anger, Lord, and your fury you have lifted me up and thrown me down. My days are like a passing shadow and I wither away like the grass. But you, O Lord, will endure forever and your name from age to age. You will arise and have mercy on Zion: for this is the time to have mercy. (yes, the time appointed has come) for your servants love her very stones, are moved with pity even for her dust. The nations shall fear the name of the Lord and all the earth’s kings your glory, when the Lord shall build up Zion again and appear in all his glory. Then he will turn to the prayers of the helpless; he will not despise their prayers. Let this be written for ages to come that a people yet unborn may praise the Lord; for the Lord leaned down from his sanctuary on high. He looked down from heaven to the earth that he might hear the groans of the prisoners and free those condemned to die. The sons of your servants shall dwell untroubled and their race shall endure before you that the name of the Lord may be proclaimed in Zion and his praise in the heart of Jerusalem, when peoples and kingdoms are gathered together to pay their homage to the Lord. He has broken my strength in mid-course; he has shortened the days of my life. I say to God: Do not take me away before my days are complete, you, whose days last from age to age. Long ago you founded the earth and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish but you will remain. They will all wear out like a garment. You will change them like clothes that are changed. But you neither change, nor have an end. Psalm 143 Lord, listen to my prayer: turn your ear to my appeal. You are faithful, you are just; give answer. Do not call your servant to judgment for no one is just in your sight. The enemy pursues my soul; he has crushed my life to the ground; he has made me dwell in darkness like the dead, long forgotten. Therefore my spirit fails; my heart is numb within me. I remember the days that are past: I ponder all your works. I muse on what your hand has wrought and to you I stretch out my hands. Like a parched land my soul thirsts for you. Lord, make haste and answer; for my spirit fails within me. Do not hide your face lest I become like those in the grave. In the morning let me know your love for I put my trust in you. Make me know the way I should walk: to you I lift up my soul. Rescue me, Lord, from my enemies; I have fled to you for refuge. Teach me to do your will for you, O Lord, are my God. Let your good spirit guide me in ways that are level and smooth. For your name’s sake, Lord, save my life; in your justice save my soul from distress. In your love make an end of my foes; destroy all those who oppress me for I am your servant, O Lord. The Rosary Finally, one last Scriptural prayer I would recommend is the Rosary. The Scriptures of each Mystery of the Rosary are a wellspring of grace for our wounded Church. With Mary as your guide, pray the Joyful Mysteries with gratitude, the Luminous Mysteries with hope, the Sorrowful Mysteries with patience, and the Glorious Mysteries with faith. Together, let us pray for our Holy Mother Church with the Scriptures! Rose Coleman is a regular contributor to the BIS blog and a devotion writer. She is a contemplative in action who delights in all things beautiful. Her adventurous heart has traveled many places—from circumnavigating the globe on a ship during college to some years in the convent as a religious sister. Exuberant from her childhood, she is an elementary school teacher who learns so much from her students. You can find out more about her here. HIS WORD CHANGES LIVES God is speaking to you through His Word. In this personal study, you will learn to hear God's voice by reading slowly and praying deeply. BEGIN THE JOURNEY