I began
to say the words and notice that my dad was not praying so I stopped and asked
what was wrong. Dad said, “I don’t remember the words.” His illness had begun
to affect his mind. So I said, “No problem” and suggested that I say a few
words of the prayer and that he repeat them after me. Do you know how hard it
is to say the Our Father when you have to stop and think about what you are
saying? Well, we got through the prayer and dad became very peaceful and for
the most part remained peaceful over the last few weeks of his life. I have
always remembered that moment.
I have
never prayed the Our Father at mass, during the rosary or at any other time and
not thought about that moment. What power there is in this simple prayer, what
a gift this simple prayer is to all who pray it.
I would
invite you at some moment today to pause and slowly, deliberately pray the Our
Father. Listen to the words. Realize what God offers you through the words of
this simple prayer and what God asks of you.
By the
way thanks Dad! Have a great Thursday everyone!
Daily
Prayer:
Our Father, who art in heaven hallowed be Thy Name; Thy kingdom come, Thy will
be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and
forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and
lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
A
Runner’s Thoughts: “I run because long after my footprints fade away, maybe I
will have inspired a few to reject the easy path, hit the trails, put one foot
in front of the other, and come to the same conclusion I did: I run because it
always takes me where I want to go.” (Dean Karnazes)
Daily
Blessing:
Thursday greetings and blessings to everyone! I am getting ready to begin our
fifth day of retreat with the sisters here in Chardon, Ohio. In a little while I
will head to breakfast and then I will have a little time before the morning
conference. The retreat seems to be going well, the sisters have a good spirit
about them. Please keep the sisters who are on retreat in your prayers today
and if you could say an extra prayer for the preacher it would be greatly
appreciated!
I hope
your day has started off well. The weather people are calling for thunderstorms
today and the humidity has certainly gone up and I guess we are in for some rain
along the way today. As I sit here writing this reflection the sun is rising
and at least at the start it looks to be a beautiful day. I am hoping the
storms will hold off enough for me to get a run in. Whatever the weather I hope
your day is filled with the presence of God and your journey through it is
guided by God’s grace.
My prayer
of blessing for you today is that you will have a great day and that you know
that all of you continue to be in my prayers. May God’s blessings be upon your
work, your travel, your encounters with others, your struggling moments, your
smiling moments and upon all that you do and all whom you meet…Peace in
Christ’s Passion…Fr. Paul
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