The Importance of Prayer...Always

Taking the time to pray as a family of great importance, but most imperative during times of crisis holding families together through trial praying for all those in need.  During the COVID-19 pandemic, families are drawn together but most powerfully through prayer.  

Ideas to Stay Close as a Family of Prayer

The St. Raymond Nonnatus Foundation for Freedom, Family, and Faith is devoted to outreach to families in crisis.  We pray daily for those families and individuals going through challenging times offering our sacrifices and prayers for them.  We at the foundation continue those prayers always for your own intentions.  

Here are a few ways you and your family can stay close to the Lord during this crisis for our country and the world.

1. Daily Rosary.  The Archdiocese of Philadelphia is offering a nightly Rosary on-line via the Zoom platform at 8 p.m. ET.  People from all over the country are joining in to pray.  Go to www,phillyevang.org for more information.  One does not have to join an on-line call to pray.  Pray the Rosary at anytime of day as a family!

2.  Chaplet of Divine Mercy.  During the pandemic, many families are home together even during the middle of the day.  Take 15 minutes together and reflect and pray on the Chaplet of Divine Mercy.  It is a beautiful prayer from Jesus given to St. Faustina calling on the mercy of God so needed in all of our lives.  Reflect now on that love God has for you.  He has mercy on you at all times.  The Chaplet is generally said at 3 p.m. each day, but can be prayed at any time.

3.  Scripture Reading.  Even if just for 10 or 15 minutes a day, read Holy Scripture.  Take the time to slowly read over the words and think about how God is speaking to your life.  Bible reading is a powerful way God speaks to all of us.

4.  On-Line Daily and Sunday Mass.  Although churches are not holding public Mass, it is the perfect time to watch an on-line Mass and also offer a prayer for "Spiriutal Communion" to stay close to Jesus.  Go to your archdiocese or diocese website to find out where you can watch on-line Mass.  Unite all of your prayers to the Lord during the Mass!

5. Interceding for Those in Need.  This is the time to pray for the sick, those who have lost their jobs, for those who have died, the suffering, and all those on the frontlines working to help end this pandemic and serve others.  Take a few minutes or more each day to pray for them.  Don't be shy to offer an intention on social media and ask others to pray along with you.

6. Holy Hour at Home.  Catholics all over the world are missing receiving the Holy Eucharist, attending Mass, and visiting Our Lord in Eucharistic Adoration.  Since this is not possible for most of us at this time, take an hour during the day praying in front of a crucifix or religious image and "be with God" in prayer.  The image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary are a true blessing right from God; take time to pray along with them if you have these images within your home setting.

7.  Sacrifice and Do Good for Others.  This is an important aspect of what it means to truly be "Catholic".  Our words and prayers must match what we do in reaching out to those who feel marginalized, away from God, and unloved.  Be sure to reach out to them, give when you can to the poor, and "care" about all people not just people you happen to know.  God blesses us in great ways always, and he smiles upon us when we love the unlovable.  This is the mission of every Christian to love all people.  This can never be forgotten when we reflect on "catechesis".

True Catechesis​ includes the importance of aspects such as forgiving people, loving your enemies, reaching out to the marginalized, and being kind to everyone, no exceptions.

We hope these ideas are helpful to you and your family!  Trust that God will get you through this time of the pandemic.  He is with you always.  Send us a prayer intention by clicking here.  Although our initial mission is outreach to those affected by divorce and separation, we pray and accompany families and individuals in crisis.  Our prayers are with all of you at this time.  Learn more about us at www.nonnatus.org.

God bless you and your family!