Dear Friends in Christ,
As we celebrate Independence Day, we give thanks for the vision of our Founding Fathers of our country. This is also an opportunity to pray for the current leadership of our country and also future leaders. My personal prayer is that the citizens of our country truly embrace the beauty of God’s blessings in our lives and seek to preserve them…. especially the incredible gift of freedom.
Last weekend in my homily I spoke about becoming a better pray-er. Sometimes you may wonder about how to approach God and what to speak with Him about. A simple guideline is to remember the word ACTS….
ADORATION….. Spend a few moments in adoration of the Almighty, recognizing His great glory and remembering How Great Thou Art.
CONTRITION… What do you need to tell God that you are sorry (contrite) for?
THANKSGIVING… Speak to God about what you are thankful for.
SUPPLICATION… What would you like to ask God for either yourself or for another
(intercede for someone)? Try to be specific.
I hope that this helps to strengthen your prayer life. Our prayer life is like a muscle. The more we use it and stretch it the stronger it will become.
When you come before the Lord this week, please whisper my name to the Almighty as well as the names of all of our Priests and Religious Sisters. Pray that we can be the servants of the Church that you need. Know that we will remember you, your families and your intentions. We may not see each other each day but may we meet each day in our prayers.
In Christ,
Very Rev. Stephen D. Parkes, V.F.
Pastor
