How EXACTLY do you "Offer It Up"?

[rwillenborg]

I know the scriptural basis has something to do with ‘what is lacking in Christ’s suffering’.
What I don’t understand is EXACTLY HOW one ‘offers it up’. What is being offered? To what end? Do you just say ‘I broke my arm. It really hurts. I give this all to you, Lord?’
I just don’t get it.
Help, and thank you!!

 

[dashso40]

Well ,physical pain is hard to offer up, but you can ask God for help to deal with it. As far as emotional pain and worry, stop worrying so much, and pray for God to take care of it, let Him worry and know that he will watch over you. When I feel anxious over something, I pray
Dear Lord, help me know that there is nothing that will happen today that You and I can not get through together. Amen.

 

[Sailor_Kenshin]

I know the scriptural basis has something to do with ‘what is lacking in Christ’s suffering’.
What I don’t understand is EXACTLY HOW one ‘offers it up’. What is being offered? To what end? Do you just say ‘I broke my arm. It really hurts. I give this all to you, Lord?’
I just don’t get it.
Help, and thank you!!

I’m still all wet, but yes, that was my understanding. You can say whatever set of words you like, I think; God can read your intent.

 

[doanli]

In union with Christ’s sufferings…to accept it willingly and “offering it up” as an act of love to Him and His Will.

It will also lessen suffering in Purgatory, for you if you should have to there, or you can use it for someone else.

At least this has been my understanding and it makes any pain (emotional or physical) that I may have worthwhile and even useful.

FWIW.

 

[ManOnFire]

The way I offered it up:

Learn the Catechism. Do your best to live it. Find a woman (or man) who is also willing to live according to the Way. Practice Natural Family Planning or no birth control which will promote both sacrifice (abstaining = giving it up) and the ultimate intimacy. Committing to raise many kids (giving up your time in exchange for depth) will FORCE you to grow from your parents’ child (the receiver) to mature adulthood (the giver). I found it vitally important to decrease pop culture’s influence in my life. It’s messages are too shallow and temporary. Commit to avoiding temptation and not running away. Once I Committed, I found strength I never knew I had. Sure, I’ve had times when I didn’t know how I would ever continue. It feels very uncomfortable, yet these times stretched my strength to new heights. This is the way to Grow. Pushing the envelope makes me feel alive. I can’t imagine looking back and feeling as though life has passed me by. Who needs to watch actors in the false life of a sitcom when you can live a real one? When you give more than you ever thought possible, you learn to love the little things. As John Adams said (paraphrasing): “I have gazed my eyes upon the Queen of France, with all her jewels, yet I find more beauty in this one tiny flower.” It is in giving that we receive. …

Unfortuately for me, offering up “a little” wasn’t enough to help me to see the big picture. I had to learn the hard way.

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound…

 

[seagal]

I know the scriptural basis has something to do with ‘what is lacking in Christ’s suffering’.
What I don’t understand is EXACTLY HOW one ‘offers it up’. What is being offered? To what end? Do you just say ‘I broke my arm. It really hurts. I give this all to you, Lord?’
I just don’t get it.
Help, and thank you!!

“Offering it up”, the way I understand it, is accepting whatever the hardship is (physical pain, emotional suffering) with a peaceful spirit and saying to God “I offer this suffering to you Lord, use it for the salvation of souls” or whatever intention you want.

Here’s a good article about redemptive suffering, which is what this is:
fisheaters.com/offeringitup.html

 

[SpaceNeedle]

“Offering it up”, the way I understand it, is accepting whatever the hardship is (physical pain, emotional suffering) with a peaceful spirit and saying to God “I offer this suffering to you Lord, use it for the salvation of souls” or whatever intention you want.

Here’s a good article about redemptive suffering, which is what this is:
fisheaters.com/offeringitup.html

This is exactly how I would explain it; well said

When I learned of this through a parish catechist, it was truly life-changing.

 

[Claire_from_DE]

I say to Jesus, “Lord, I offer this to You. Please unite it to Your sufferings on the cross and offer it to Your Father.” or “Please unite this to Your perfect sacrifice at mass today”. If my offering is united to Jesus’ offering I know the Father accepts it. Or sometimes I say, “I offer this to You through Mary’s hands”. It’s a blessing to be able to have some good come out of what you’re suffering, that you know God is using it for His purposes. You can offer things for some other person, for the souls in purgatory, or the intentions of the pope, for those suffering in Haiti, etc. Don’t waste your sufferings and difficulties.