Happy Mardi Gras!*

Today is the day that Christians all over the world celebrate and thank God for the abundance He showers upon us before entering the austere lessons of Lent. A Mardi Gras prayer includes these words:

As our feasting fills us with gratitude, so may our fasting and abstinence hollow out in us a place for deeper desires and an attentiveness to hear the cry of the poor.

Those who participated in last fall’s prayer campaign (If My People) should also include thanks and heartfelt gratitude for these answers to our prayers for the United States:

* The elections in Virginia, New Jersey, and Massachusetts
* The failure of the Underwear Bomber’s attempt to blow up a plane load of passengers over a densely populated area
* The exposure of lying and fraud by the primary scientists behind the global warming theories
* The continued unraveling of the massive health care proposals
* The resignations of many politicians

Once again let’s join other Americans in praying for our country during Lent, which starts tomorrow. Much needs to change in our government, in our culture, and in our personal lives; let’s pray for improvement (i.e. realignment with God’s purposes) in all areas. Then after Easter, take note of the miracles that unfold.

Although I have often been Missing-In-Action for the last three months, I am returning to the daily blog today. I promise to have brief meditations every day to remind you to pray, as well as tidbits of political news you may have missed.

Or, there are other sites on the Internet where you might find inspiration:
1. 40 Days for Life is dedicated to prayers to end abortion in the U.S. They will begin a new initiative tomorrow.
2. Spiritual Exercises is a website for those who use Lent to examine their lives in the light of the Gospel. These exercises were first promulgated by St. Ignatius of Loyola and have inspired Christians for over 450 years. I have used them twice and found them quite helpful.
3. Once again the Aggie Catholics have come up with their Lenten website, which is full of information, many answers to questions, and links to other sites.

* Due to the mass media's deleterious emphasis and influence, few people still understand the true meaning of Mardi Gras, or St. Valentine's Day, or St. Patrick's Day, or Christmas, . . . .

If My People

I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed. Daniel 7:12-14

Yesterday was the feast of The Lord Jesus Christ the King in the Catholic Church and Daniel 7:13-14 was the first reading. After being depressed for months about the direction our country is taking, it was good to be reminded that Jesus is the victor over all evil. In fact, in John 18:37b He tells Pontius Pilate, "To this end was I born and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice."

Pray that we and all our fellow citizens would again prize the truth above politics, above personal embarrassment, above our favorite secret sins, and above unearned gains of every variety.

If My People

Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy reward. Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. Isaiah 58:6-9a

Notice that those of us who fast and pray are also asked to avoid burdening others with demands and expectations, to break our own bad habits, to give food, clothing, and shelter to the poor, and to keep family relationships close to our hearts. Then Lord promises to answer our calls for help. Let us fast and pray for the United States.

If My People

The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. James 5:16b

I can do fervent. It's easy to be fervent in prayer as the problems mount up higher and higher. I can even work on the "effectual" part as I model my prayer after the prayer the Lord Jesus taught His followers along with other examples in the Bible. It's the righteous person part that gives me pause.

I keep remembering the Pharisees, the church leaders and good people of that day, who did all the right things even to tithing the herbs in their gardens. Yet they received condemnation because although they knew much about God, but they didn't recognize Him when He was in their midst living out the principles of God in front of their eyes.

Dear Lord, help us all to know and love You more fully so that our fervent prayers would be effective. And please protect our country from all enemies, both within and without.

If My People

In the morning, fill us with your love; we shall exult and rejoice all our days. Give us joy to balance our affliction for the years when we knew misfortune. Psalm 90:14-15

Psalms, or The Psalter, has been the prayer book for faith filled people for over 3,000 years. Turn to it daily to find the prayer to express your need or your mood. It helps you articulate to God the longings in your heart that are so deep you can hardly find words for them. These prayers help you keep your sanity, for no matter how desperate the circumstances, they bring you back to the omnipotence of God. As I have said before, don't spend a lot of time telling God how big your problems are, instead tell your problems how big your God is.

If My People

Blessed be the LORD, my rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle; he is my steadfast love and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield and he in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me. Psalm 144:1-2

While our ultimate safety comes from the hand of God, today let us give pray for those who have done the Lord's work in protecting us and our country. We bless those who have fallen while defending liberty and we thank all those who serve or who have served in our armed forces.

If My People

The Lord opens the eyes of the blind, the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down, the Lord loves the [uncompromisingly] righteous (those upright in heart and in right standing with Him). Psalm 146:8 Amp. Bible

Pray that the Lord will open blind eyes of the politically correct that refuse to see truth because it does not fit their preconceived notions. Pray for all Americans to see their countrymen with eyes of love that is compassionate, tough, and truthful. Pray for the vision to see your own flaws that you might receive the grace to begin correcting them. And thank God that He is more patient and loving with us all than we are with ourselves.

If My People

Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! Isaiah 5:20-21

Beware of politically correct speech because it lacks moral clarity. Pray that our country will turn against its perversions because it destroys the good while excusing the evil. Only the truth will ever set us free.

If My People

Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? Matthew 7:9-11

Sometimes we feel like our Father has given us a stone, or even a serpent. We stand there with heavy hearts explaining to Him how much it resembles a stone.
But rest assured, it is bread, no matter what it looks like at that moment. Even our worst disappointments at least bring good with them and often turn out better that what we requested in the first place. With 20-20 hindsight we can thank God that He didn't answer the way we expected. And occasionally, we have to wait until heaven to get the whole picture and really understand that it was bread and not a stone or a serpent. But, every time we ask for bread, our Father gives it to us.

If My People

See, I have taught you decrees and laws as the LORD my God commanded me, so that you may follow them in the land you are entering to take possession of it. Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations, who will hear about all these decrees and say, "Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people." Deuteronomy 4:5-6

Too many people think of Biblical standards as being out-dated, overly restrictive, or applicable only to individuals. However, nations built on Judeo-Christian principles have prospered both financially and intellectually while also providing personal freedom since Moses led the ragtag band of ex slaves out of Egypt into the Promised Land.

Even today, as social scientists have verified, those who try to apply Biblical principles to their own lives turn out to be happier and more productive than the nihilists or the hedonists. While avoiding manipulation or coercion, Christians need to show our decadent culture the rewards of godly lives. Are we causing our neighbors to say that we are "wise and understanding people?"

If My People

Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
So the Levites quieted all the people, saying, “Be still, for the day is holy; do not be grieved.” And all the people went their way to eat and drink, to send portions and rejoice greatly, because they understood the words that were declared to them. Nehemiah 8:10-12

Today's reading reminds us that there is a rhythm in a Godly life -- a time for fasting and a time for celebrating. We have been fasting and praying for our country about 40 days, but now is the time to stop that emphasis and spend our time praising God and thanking Him for answered prayer.

In the verse above Nehemiah, Ezra, and the Levites comforted the people who had been fasting and repenting of their sins with great sadness. They insisted that everyone should now eat the best parts of the meat and even to send portions to those who had not participated in their acts of penance and prayer. God is so gracious that He sends blessings to everyone if only a small portion of people pray and seek His face. God is not a stingy curmudgeon. He loves us all. And our prayers do more good for more people than we can imagine.

If My People

On the way where I shall walk they have hidden a snare to entrap me. Look on my right and see: there is no one who takes my part. I have no means of escape, not one who cares for my soul.

I cry to you, O Lord. I have said: "You are my refuge, all I have left in the land of the living. Listen, then, to my cry for I am in the depths of distress. Rescue me from those who pursue me for they are stronger than I. Bring my soul out of this prison and then I shall praise your name." Psalm 142:3B-7A

Individually, none of us has a lot of power on election day. We may have little or nothing to contribute financially to worthy office seekers; lack of time and energy usually constricts our ability to work in the campaign office; each person has only have one vote. But we do have prayer, the spiritual nuclear weapon of all time. Let us fervently pray for every precinct -- that there would be no voter fraud or intimidation. May everyone vote according to the will of God. And may every vote be counted honestly.

If My People

Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust. Acts 14:23

If the great Paul and Barnabas needed to fast and pray before selecting church leaders, then we 21st Century Christians certainly should do the same when voting for political leaders in the US. We do not want a church run by the state or a state run by a church, but we do need leaders who will make wise decisions for all, not just for their own personal gain. Since none of us know what is really in the heart of any person other than ourselves and since we have no control over vote counting procedures, we must rely on Divine help. Pray today and tomorrow for elections at every level. We must start the job of turning our ship of state around to a better direction.

If My People, XXXVIII

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were not willing! Luke 13:34

How terribly sad to read that the God who created us and our universe loves us so much He wants to hug us and shield us from harm. Yet we are unwilling! We push Him away, fearing His love. Or perhaps, we are so arrogant that we think we do God a favor by engaging in pious acts such as praying or going to church and He should be quite content with our leftover love. Pray for the wisdom to daily return in grateful affection to the One who loves us most. Only then will we find the happiness we so desperately seek.

If My People, XXXVII

I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live. Deuteronomy 30:19

We individually, as a family, and as a nation are always blessed when we choose life. Although at times it appears to our darkened minds that death couched in such modern sounding terms as abortion, euthanasia, embryonic stem cell research, etc. is the rational or practical thing to do, it always, always creates more harm than good. Pray that Americans would become more aware that life is a gift from God to be treasured at all costs.

If My People, XXXVI

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. I Timothy 2:1-2

Only when the general populace is allowed to live peaceably without interference by regulations or excessive taxation will creativity and innovation flourish, as the US witnessed during the Twentieth Century. Those conditions also allow the good news of God's mercy to spread easily, enriching all people: those in authority and those under authority. Pray that our political leaders will again allow Americans to live in the freedom that is our heritage.

If My People, XXXV

It is because of the Lord's mercy and loving-kindness that we are not consumed, because His [tender] compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great and abundant is Your stability and faithfulness. The Lord is my portion or share, says my living being (my inner self); therefore will I hope in Him and wait expectantly for Him. The Lord is good to those who wait hopefully and expectantly for Him, to those who seek Him [inquire of and for Him and require Him by right of necessity and on the authority of God's word]. Lamentations 3:21-24 Amplified Bible

If you ever feel overwhelmed with problems, read Jeremiah and Lamentations. In those two books you get the story of a faithful follower of God who experienced unbelievable persecution and some of his prayers to God about it. The Cliff notes version is the first half of the third chapter of Lamentations. In spite of a lifetime of hardship and being misunderstood, he exclaims that God's mercies are new every morning and that He is faithful at all times.

Take courage. God is faithful even when everyone else persecutes you. Each morning He lavishes new graces to get you through the problems of that day. Praise and thank Him for His tender compassion.

If My People, XXXIV

After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the LORD and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying:
"Give thanks to the LORD,
for his love endures forever."
As they began to sing and praise, the LORD set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated. 2 Chronicles 20:21-22

This is one of my favorite stories because I get so tickled thinking about a battle plan that sends the choir out in front of the actual warriors. It also illustrates the truth that we too easily substitute fretting for praying. Prayer is not a recitation of the problem since God already knows more about the problem than we do. It is reactivating and realigning our relationship with God. Our own level of faith, trust, obedience, and love is renewed as we praise God and acknowledge that He is the giver of all good gifts.

Continue to pray for our country and its leaders.

If My People, XXXI

Destroy [their schemes], O Lord, confuse their tongues, for I have seen violence and strife in the city. Day and night they go about on its walls; iniquity and mischief are in its midst. Violence and ruin are within it; fraud and guile do not depart from its streets and marketplaces. Psalm 55:9-11

We pray today that those who would incite physical, financial, or spiritual ruin in our dear country would be confused. Pray for their plans to be destroyed. Pray for an end to the fraud and guile exhibited openly, but without rebuke. And pray that each one of us would be part of the solution, not part of the problem.

If My People, XXX

Then said Jesus, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do."
And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God. Luke 23: 34-35

Pray today for the grace to forgive, the most difficult part of the Christian life. Mother Angelica of EWTN pointed out some time ago that we haven't forgiven until, like Jesus, we make excuses for those who hurt us, even when they don't desire or deserve it. When we do, the fog in our own head clears, our own personalities heal, and we give the other person/people a chance to change for the better. Let us not imprison our enemies in their misguided deeds. Set them free to experience God's love also.