How do you "offer it up?"

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akarmitage

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I have a chronic back issue that some days leaves me unable to even get out of bed. I’m likely facing surgery in the next month or so.

I’m not a cradle Catholic, but a phrase that I’ve heard a lot as it relates to any kind of suffering is “offer it up.” I understand the concept, but I struggle with how to accomplish it.

What kinds of things do you do when you are offering up suffering?
 
You are joining your pain to the experience that Jesus had on the cross. “Offering it up” puts you in unity with Him.
 
From what I understand you can do it as simply as thinking, “Lord Jesus, I offer you my sufferings today…”

Someone please correct me if that’s not the case.
 
Sailor Kensan seems most right in practice.

One day I went to mass. I thought to God, I would like all of this mass to go to ““This Person”” ((Sorry no names)). I followed this with, "nothing am I to take from this. All of the benefits of this Mass, I wish to go to ““The person mentioned””.
That day, which is the first time I had ever done this in my recollection, I arrived at the person in question’s house. I arrived in the afternoon. Soon, she was to be relieved of a family issue that was most troublesome to her and her daughter.
In the end I realized that the offering of anything to God for the benefit of others, actually works.
 
I wonder if this is similar to offering up one’s prayers for someone else. My understanding of that action is that any merits gained by prayers or pious acts would then be conveyed to the other person. For example, if at the beginning of a day I offer my prayers that day for my pastor, all the merits earned that day would be given to my pastor. I would not receive any merit for them.
 
It’s easy to offer something up! Just unite your pain with Jesus’ suffering on the cross, and offer it as penance for your own sins or those of others. The simplest way to offer your sufferings to God is to make the Morning Offering Prayer:

“Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer You all my prayers, works,sufferings, and actions of this day and all of my life, in union with the Sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world. I offer them for all the intentions of Your Sacred Heart and the apostleship of prayer. Every beat of my heart, every glance of my eyes, every step I take, every single act I do, I wish to be an Act of Love for You. May I say, always and everywhere, all for You, dear Lord.”

There are several variations of this prayer, but that is the general idea. Then, periodically throughout the day, just repeat silently to God whenever some sacrifice, particular pain or even mundane activity comes up that must be endured, “All for You, dear Lord.”

Also, St. Gertrude was told that if we say this prayer for any duty we have to perform, He gives us great graces for it: “O my God, I offer You this act in union with Jesus Christ, in the power of the Holy Spirit, and in praise of Your Eternal Majesty.” But sometimes, especially if we are in pain, it is easier to say “All for You, dear Lord” or some other aspiration that carries an indulgence. I am sorry to hear about your back pain, but hopefully a wealth of graces will come to you for patiently enduring it!:o
 
It’s harder with physical pain - I live with physical pain daily (fibromyalgia), I know this to be true. But it can be done.

For my mental anguishes and the areas of my life which cause me great anxiety, I say in my prayers to Him “Lord, I lay this in Your hands, for I cannot carry this burden alone.” I have started praying the Rosary. This gives me great comfort in a number of ways. There is no pain that Jesus has not felt for me already.

My physical pain has an added element - after I offer it up, I also pray to focus upon my gifts from God. My pain is my pain, but I remain open to new treatments, new research, and new perspectives. I no longer dwell in my pain. I am more than my pain. As I meet new people, I discover that they don’t even know about my condition until I tell them. Sure, I still have bad days, but this is evidence to me that God is carrying me through this and allowing the joy back into my life.
 
The Irish have a saying; “Put it on the Paten”. That is, at mass, in the Offertory before the Consecration, add your hurts, pains, sufferings, etc to the bread on the Paten, and it is all offered up to God.
 
akarmitage said:
I have a chronic back issue that some days leaves me unable to even get out of bed. I’m likely facing surgery in the next month or so.

I’m not a cradle Catholic, but a phrase that I’ve heard a lot as it relates to any kind of suffering is “offer it up.” I understand the concept, but I struggle with how to accomplish it.

What kinds of things do you do when you are offering up suffering?
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Akarmitage, nothing more to add to what has already been said to you.

Just letting you know I understand. Back issues. Been a part of my life for 40 years now.

God bless you when you do go thru surgery.

My only thought after 40 years? Everyone is so special that no one is more special than the other. Pain and suffering come to all.

But, if you are sincerely open it it, God will show you how a rose garden can grown in a pile of manure (if you get my drift). It’s not a wasted experience or opportunity if you sincerely look to Him, and listen. There is a great deal of grace and wisdom to be had if you just listen and are alert.

Honestly,God bless. Listen to Him, and you will be amazed. Even when if overwhelming pain and confusion. Look to Him. Get a picture if need be.Esp of Him in the Garden of Gethsemane while He is undergoing His agony.

You will be left speechless in what you are told. And profoundly humbled too.
 
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