Keeping Your Heart and Mind in Sync
If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts. Psalm 95:8
God speaks to us in various ways. Are we ready to listen, and follow, as God speaks to us? Good listening skill is very important in maintaining relationship. For example, living with others would be more rewarding if we were better at listening and taking to heart what others have to say. Listening with our heart as well as our head does not come naturally. It is a skill we must learn. Once we get the hang of it, our spiritual well-being will improve as well. If we can listen to others, we can listen to God. Why did the early Christian community grow rapidly? Because they were of one heart and mind. (Acts 4:32) Do you remember those tips of proper listening etiquette that Mom, Dad, and your grade teachers gave you? I think it’s worth to consider and see how you can apply it to your prayer life:
+ Give full attention… Do you give God full attention when you pray?
+ Listen more than you talk. ... Do you listen to God more than you talk?
+ Come to an occasion armed with topics at the ready. ...When you pray, do you come to God with list of what you want or Pray that His will be done?
+ Don't interrupt… Do you interrupt God’s silence? Remember, silence is God's first language.
+ Show interest in what being communicated… Do you show interest in God’s plan for you?
+ Don’t check your phone or tablet in the middle of a conversation… Do you turn off your phone/tablet when you pray?
“I pray…that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me. And I have given them the glory you gave me, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may be brought to perfection as one, that the world may know that you sent me, and that you loved them even as you loved me.” (John 17: 21-23)
Day 2 – Our Lady of Fatima Novena
O Most Holy Virgin Mary, you came to Fatima to reveal the graces that come from praying the Holy Rosary to three little shepherd children. Inspire us with a sincere love of this devotion so that, like the shepherd children, it is not a burdensome task but a life-giving prayer. May our prayers and meditations on the mysteries of our redemption bring us closer to your Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ.
Our Lady of Fatima, we pray that we may be like you and follow your example. We pray for all those who face oppression, that they will find peace. We pray and give thanks for all the blessings we enjoy.
Lord Jesus, the miracles, prophecies and prayers that Your Mother brought to us at Fatima amazed the whole world. We are certain of her closeness to You. We ask through the intercession of Our Lady of Fatima that you graciously hear and answer our prayers.
Especially… (Mention your intentions here…)
Our Lady of Fatima, Pray for us!
Our Lady of the Rosary, Pray for us!
Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pray for us!
“From nuclear war, from incalculable self-destruction, from every kind of war, deliver us.” Amen.
Peace always,
Father Vincent Vuong Nguyen