CHARISMA DAILY DEVOTIONAL
FRIDAY 21 AUGUST 2020
EXHIBITING A VIOLENT FAITH
Scriptural Reading: Mk. 11: 21-23
One of the most misunderstood passages of the Bible is: “Since the time of John the Baptist, the kingdom of God has suffered violence, and only the violent take it by force” (Matt. 11:12). This quote is often used as the basis or justification for prayers that spring from hatred and insecurity, making 'Christians' desire evil upon people that they don't like. Yet a correct understanding of this passage reveals something different, something much more profound: faith and relationship with God requires a different kind of violence; violence to the self. It is the violence that refuses to indulge the flesh but subdues it so that it can conform to God's will. It is this kind of violence that frees the soul for the radical fight and exploits of faith, producing the fruits of sanctity, revelation and wonders. Are you ready, dear reader, to do violence to your flesh so that your spirit can soar?
MEDITATION:
Is my faith propelling me to radically sacrifice my self-interest? Am I ready to exercise my faith in an exceptional way?
STRATEGIC PRAYER POINTS:
1. Pray for the gift of radical faith.
2. Ask God for the grace to subdue the flesh so that the spirit can rise.
3. Pray for strength as you do violence to everything in you that rebels against God.
4. Pray for the leaders of the Church for the grace of humility in service.
5. Pay now against the spread of coronavirus pandemic
6. Say the prayers to St. Michael and St. Jude in pages 101 and 103
7. Present your private intentions to God
8. Say your daily prophetic prayers.
DAILY PROPHETIC PRAYERS
Oh Lord God of power and might we praise and thank you for your goodness and mercy in my life. I acknowledge that you are the only one true God and the Almighty who can do all things, who knows all things and who is everywhere at the same time.
I beseech you, Lord, to show me your mercy and forgiveness, I have sinned against you through my thoughts, words, and actions. Through your sacrificial death on the cross, I receive mercy and boldness to approach your throne of grace.
Let the precious blood of Jesus wash me and make me whiter than snow. Heal me oh Lord by your wounds that I may be restored.
I receive your Grace to rise above every limitation.
I receive your Grace to move from Glory to Glory. I proclaim my total freedom in the mighty name of Jesus.
I shall testify the goodness of God in the land of the living in the most powerful name of Jesus.
I shall not die but live to declare the goodness of God, I shall not be put to shame for the Lord is by my side. I shall glorify the Lord all the days of my life.
PRAYER TO ST MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL AGAINST THE FORCES BEHIND COVID - 19.
Holy Michael, the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebukes him, we humbly pray, and do you, O Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who wander through the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
WE PRAY WITH ST JUDE THE PATRON OF DIFFICULT CASES AGAINST THE SPREAD OF CORONA VIRUS
O most holy apostle, Saint Jude, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the Church honoureth and invoketh thee universally, as the patron of hopeless cases and things almost despaired of.
Pray for me, who am so miserable. Make use, I implore thee, of that particular privilege accorded to thee, to bring visible and speedy help where help was almost despaired of.
Come to mine assistance in this great need, that I may receive the consolation and succour of Heaven in all my necessities, tribulations, and sufferings, particularly...
(insert your prayer request here, especially the menace of COVID - 19 Pandemic)
...and that I may praise God with thee and all the elect throughout eternity.
I promise thee, O blessed Jude, to be ever mindful of this great favour, to always honour thee as my special and powerful patron, and to gratefully encourage devotion to thee. Amen.