Resolutions & Prayers

I know that it is custom to make goals for an upcoming year - a New Year's Resolution. But, while I do have certain things I want to accomplish, they aren't my priority. I was thinking a lot about my family this Christmas, and today, my head was filled with prayers, petitions, and hope for each member of my family (my immediate one). I'd like to ask each of you, my friends, to pray for them for me whenever you get a chance. I can use all the help I can get.

For my father: that any grudges he may hold can be lifted from him his heart. That any supposed wrong-doing that had happened in the past can be forgiven. That the same wrong-doing that has kept my family separated for over a decade can cease and the family can come together again.

LORD, hear my prayer.


For my mother: that she put all her trust in the LORD. That her faith be renewed. That she comes to learn the grace that the LORD has put in front of her in form of Jesus.

LORD, hear my prayer.


For my oldest brother, Luis: that the LORD help him control his anger. That he comes to learn peace and humility. That he comes to realize that the only true path to peace is through Jesus.

LORD, hear my prayer.


For my brother, Danny: that the LORD teach him to forgive. That the LORD rid him of his stubborness. That he stops putting false gods before Him. That he realizes that only through Christ can his life be put on the right track.

LORD, hear my prayer.


For my sister, Lilly: that the LORD help her focus on what is important. That she comes to understand that life is best fulfilled when lived with Jesus at heart. That she get her studies in order.

LORD, hear my prayer.


For myself: I pray for peace. I pray that I can become a better example of a Christian. That through my example, my friends and family can realize the good that the LORD has done for me (and them).

LORD, hear my prayer, heal my heart, and as it is said in the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi:

"Make me a channel of your peace,
Where there is hatred let me bring your love,
Where there is injury your pardon Lord,
And where there's doubt true faith in you.
Make me a channel of your peace,
Where there's despair in life, let me bring hope,
Where there is darkness, only light,
And where there's sadness, ever joy.
O Master grant that I may never seek,
So much to be consoled as to console,
To be understood as to understand,
To be loved as to love with all my soul.
Make me a channel of your peace,
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
In giving to all men that we receive
And in dying that we are born to eternal life."


AMEN.


Thank you for your time.