As we move into the second half of January, we have the opportunity to refocus and recenter in prayer. St. Francis De Sales said, "Have patience with all things, But, first of all with yourself." My prayer resolution for the next two weeks is to be patient. I so easily get down on myself for not having everything exactly the way it should be, for all the little ways that I don't think I am measuring up -- including in prayer. So for the next few weeks, I am going to work on being less critical of myself and more forgiving. God is patient and forgiving with me -- I need to cultivate that practice within myself. Comment below with your thoughts: What is your resolution in prayer for the rest of the month? Where do you need to refocus? or, simply answer: Did you pray today?

It's Sunday. The Sabbath. The day of rest. Finding rest, true rest, can be tough. Sure, I sleep every night, but do I make space to let myself rest in God's care? I don't often set aside all my cares and let my heart rest in Him. Sometimes, when life gets exhausting, I need to retreat from the stress that swirls around me in daily life and go on retreat. Last year, I had the chance to make the inaugural Blessed Is She retreat in Phoenix during a time of serious discernment for me. My heart was put at peace over the course of the weekend. I found a deep sense of rest and renewal among BIS sisters from all over the country. This year, more cities and retreats are joining the list. Phoenix and Austin are open now, and more cities will be announced over the coming weeks and months. Keep your eye here for all the information. The retreats are open to women of all ages, from all walks of life. There will be set aside time for prayer, for worship, for talks that will transform your faith journey and deepen your relationship with the Lord. So many of our sisters hope to meet you there. Comment below with your thoughts: Where can you retreat and find rest? Will you join us on retreat this year? or, simply answer: Did you pray today?

At every Mass, we hear the intentions of our community and pray together for them. Today, take the time to pray for the intentions of our Blessed Is She community. For the women who share their cares and concerns and joys and sorrows in our Facebook groups, on Instagram and Twitter, in the comments on this blog, and for everything that remains in sisters' hearts, unwritten and unspoken. Comment below with your thoughts: Do you have an intention to share with the community? Post it below, and pray for the intentions of all of our sisters. or, simply answer: Did you pray today?

It's been a long week here. The first full week back at work and school for me, and I'm toast. My word for 2017 is silence, and I lacked it. So today, I am doing something simple. On my drive home tonight, I will turn off my music. I won't make a phone call. I will embrace the quiet bubble of my car on my commute. Today, can you drive, take the bus or train, walk, or however you get around in silence with me? Acknowledge the noise that surrounds you, and surrender to it. Welcome the quieting of your body and mind, and turn your heart to God. I have a friend who commuted in quiet for a whole Lent. I may not be there yet, but today I can embrace the (sometimes uncomfortable) silence. Comment below with your thoughts: Did you find silence in your travels today? Did it change your perspective on your day? or, simply answer: Did you pray today?

Another day, another opportunity for me to think about ins and outs of my schedule. There are always so many things I want to squeeze in -- sometimes my to-do list crowds out my simple human needs: sleep, food, exercise... How can I breeze past those basics?! At this time of year, I often find myself reflecting on the basic human needs required by the Incarnation. Jesus, too, still just needed to eat dinner. Mary, the Immaculate Conception, still had to find time to cook meals for her child. Tonight, I am taking the time to make a meal. Instead of multi-tasking on my phone or putting a podcast on or worrying about what I need to do next, I am going to work in whatever stillness I can find. Chopping, stirring, and serving, just like the Blessed Mother would have on a countless number of occasions. Whether you are cooking for a family or just yourself (like I am!), these daily chores matter and have meaning. The work of daily life is itself holy. Comment below with your thoughts: Reflect on how Mary moved through her days, serving and caring for herself and her family. How can you channel her holiness in your own day? or, simply answer: Did you pray today?

You might have noticed, over the last few days, that I've been thinking a lot about how to fill my everyday life up with grace. The smallest tasks and moments are all opportunities to dive more deeply into the love of the Trinity. Really, every breath we take offers a chance to recognize God's presence. Sit for a moment today and take a few slow, deep breaths. Invite the Holy Spirit, the Breath of God, to fill our hearts and minds and souls. Invite the Holy Spirit to fill your very body. Comment below with your thoughts: What simple moments in your day provide you with the chance to recognize God's presence? or, simply answer: Did you pray today?

One of the things I want to learn to do more meaningfully this year is to know I walk with God by my side every day. Sometimes I just feel so alone, even though I know that is never true. Today, I am taking a cue from my BIS sister Mary Catherine Craige and going on a prayer walk to remind me that I never walk alone. Her instructions were simple: Take a walk. Take this time to find intentional encounter with God. Be with Him. Talk to Him. Listen to Him. "Walking with Jesus," she told me, "literally." Today I am taking time to clear my head and pray on a walk. (Even though it is quite chilly here in Wisconsin.) Comment below with your thoughts: Did you take a prayer walk today? How did it feel for you? or, simply answer: Did you pray today?

The Epiphany has passed, the New Year feels a little less fresh, and real life seems to be crowding in for me. The sweet lull I had felt earlier this month has passed, and everything is running full speed ahead. All I want is a little more space and time for calm. The reality of my life right now -- and probably the lives of many of us -- mean that that space and time is hard to come by. But that doesn't mean I can't find God on my busy Monday. I remember what I so often have been told to do: Offer it up. My frustration: offering it up. The noise: offering it up. My stresses, sorrows, loneliness: offering it all up. photo credit Comment below with your thoughts: What can you offer up today? What can Jesus redeem in your day? or, simply answer: Did you pray today?

Today, here in the US, we observe the Epiphany. The Magi arrive, honoring the splendor of Christ. This splendor has not dimmed. While we can't look up and point to the Star of Bethlehem, we can turn our eyes to the spangled heavens every night. We may not visit the manger with gold, frankincense, and myrrh, but we are anointed with chrism (myrrh!) in Baptism and Confirmation, sometimes smell frankincense in incense at Mass, and can adore Jesus set in gold at Adoration. We call back to the Epiphany so often without even noticing. Praise Jesus today. Honor His splendor and glory. Comment below with your thoughts: How can you praise and adore the Christ child alongside the Magi? or, simply answer: Did you pray today?

As we round out the first week of the year, I hope you have taken the time to sit silently with the Lord. Quiet, peaceful prayer doesn’t just look the same for everyone. Like any other facet of our lives, each of us approach God in a unique way. For some of us, silence and contemplation come naturally, but for others, calming the heart and mind for prayer is one of the greatest challenges of our prayer life. Today, seek out a way to find quiet and turn toward Heaven. Here are a few ideas: Pray the Rosary Sit with Jesus at Adoration Reflect on today’s reading and devotional Journal Spend a moment in a quiet church Light a candle and recenter within your physical surroundings Comment below with your thoughts: Share your favorite way to pray quietly. How do you cultivate internal peace? Are you comfortable with sitting in silence? or, simply answer: Did you pray today?

In today's devotion, Patty Hubbard writes about her beautiful, personal relationship with the Holy Spirit: "How do we begin to have a personal relationship with the Holy Spirit? We ask. We stop ourselves and pray one of the most ancient prayers of the Church, "Come, Holy Spirit." Ask the Spirit to bring to fulfillment in your life the graces of your Baptism and Confirmation. Ask for the power and boldness of the Spirit to be active in your life. Talk to the Holy Spirit as you would to Our Lord Jesus. Pray for a greater outpouring of the Spirit each day." Comment below with your thoughts: Have you developed a personal relationship with the Holy Spirit, the third Person of the Trinity? Can you reflect on times you have seen the Fruits and Gifts of the Spirit in your life? or, simply answer: Did you pray today?

The Catholic Church encourages all believers to have a special relationship with Mary, Mother of God, the first disciple. Today, spend time in prayer with Mary -- in the Rosary, a Marian prayer, the Magnificat, or just alongside her in contemplation. Alyssa Duet, a BIS sister in Florida with a passion for photography, shared this reflection on her relationship with the Blessed Mother: "Whenever life seems to be stressful or overwhelming, I know I can always turn to my spiritual mother, Mary, and she will protect me by placing me under her loving mantle. I have come to also have an even closer relationship with Jesus through Our Lady’s guidance. When I feel lost or confused, I know I can always turn to praying the mysteries of the Rosary. It is only through Mary, and the Catholic Church, that I come have come to better understand God’s love for me and place my trust in the ever-almighty Creator. I try to echo the trusting words proclaimed by the Immaculate Mary: “Let it be done to me according to your word.” I am forever grateful for Mary’s influence on my life and for her motherly care she has given me all my life. Through Mary, I find fulfillment in knowing Jesus Christ and finding my purpose for which I was created." Comment below with your thoughts: How will you pray with Mary today? Has your relationship with Mary helped you develop in prayer? or, simply answer: Did you pray today?

Over the last few days, I've been asking myself (and you): What can I do to start 2017 refreshed and grounded? What can I do to foster my relationship with God all year? As we have started 2017, our prayer prompts have asked about us to recognize what we need in my spiritual life to keep my soul whole and healthy. Sometimes, though, we need to start with our bodies to be able to grow spiritually! As Catholics, we honor the Incarnation by recognizing the unity of body and soul. Today, do something for your physical body in addition to your spiritual self. What can you make time for in your day? Eat food that nourishes your body Move in a way that feels invigorating — walk, stretch, swim, or whatever feels right Rest or nap to recharge Spend time outdoors Comment below with your thoughts: How does your relationship with your body impact your relationship with your soul? How can you view every facet of yourself in harmony? or, simply answer: Did you pray today?

As we grow together as a prayer community, we also will each grow individually as we create space within ourselves for quiet prayer. In this time of year, as we continue through the Christmas season, it can be a challenge to step away from the many demands of the world around us and focus our eyes and hearts on God. In the words of St. Therese of Lisieux, “For me prayer is a surge of the heart, it is a simple look towards Heaven, it is a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trial and joy.” Today, spend time in silent contemplation, looking toward heaven. Comment below with your thoughts: Where in your day do you seek quiet? How do you turn your heart toward Heaven in prayer? Who do you turn to as a model for forming the habit of recognizing God in your day? or, simply answer: Did you pray today?

As Catholics, we have a unique opportunity to seek peace and grace in the sacrament of Reconciliation. Henri Nouwen writes, "This [sacrament] calls us to let go of old hurts in the Name of God." A regular practice of confessing and being absolved is something that has changed not only my relationship with God and myself, but also with others in my life. When I am in the practice of reflecting on how my actions have done harm, I am more conscientious about the damage of sin on relationships of all kinds. [bctt tweet="Reconciliation calls us to let go of old hurts in the Name of God."] Comment below with your thoughts: Do you seek Reconciliation regularly? When can you find time to seek the grace of Absolution? or, simply answer: Did you pray today? photo credit

We pledge that for the first part of the year 2017, we will pray daily together as a sisterhood. Whether it be reading the daily devotions (subscribe here), prayer journaling, lectio divina, reading the Word, a rosary, silent time, etc., we will dive into prayer. January 1st-31st will be a new start to the year and a time to dedicate ourselves again to even 10 minutes of devoted prayer time. If you’re "in," yay! You can fill in your name and email address, and we will send you the Prayer Pledge posts directly to your email. Whatever your response, know that you have sisters walking with you. Let’s hold each other accountable in prayer and in life. Ponder the poem below (attribution is hard to find), and then comment with your pledge. Disturb us, Lord, when We are too well pleased with ourselves, When our dreams have come true Because we have dreamed too little, When we arrived safely Because we sailed too close to the shore. Disturb us, Lord, to dare more boldly, To venture on wider seas Where storms will show your mastery; Where losing sight of land, We shall find the stars Pledge by signing up and/or commenting below. To a new year, sister in Christ. Join us for the prayer pledge. * indicates required First Name Email Address *

Gaudete Sunday. Pink peeps into the purple of Advent. "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice. Let your forbearance be known to all, for the Lord is near at hand; have no anxiety about anything, but in all things, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God. Lord, you have blessed your land; you have turned away the captivity of Jacob." Pink represents joy! Joy of the coming Savior. Download your free wallpaper designed by Lauren of When Beauty Met Truth below!   Phone wallpaper Desktop wallpaper