Prayer to help fight the temptation of materialism

[sarcophagus]

Ok, as most of you know, I’m a student and a wife. We’re also very poor. Not because we don’t make enough money, but because we can’t fight materialism very well. We splurge when we get unexpected money instead of saving. DH believes he can spend his money on whatever he wants, which I try to tell him it’s not a great idea, but to no avail. I guess I’ll just have to teach by example but the problem is, I’m not a good example. I spend my money on my vices, ciggarettes, makeup, clothes, magazines. It’s terrible and I want to stop but it seems so hard. I need divine help!!! It’s gotten to the point where I’ve gone without food because of my spending “habit”.

Does anyone know any saints or prayers for this situation. Also, does anyone else have any advice on how to curb this “habit”?

Thanks

 

[gez722]

sarcophagus:

Does anyone know any saints or prayers for this situation. Also, does anyone else have any advice on how to curb this “habit”?
Thanks

Here’s a nice prayer by St. Augustine. It doesn’t specifically mention materialism, but it deals with making Jesus the center of your life which implies detachment from the things of this world.

Lord Jesus, let me know myself and know You,
And desire nothing save only You.
Let me hate myself and love You.
Let me do everything for the sake of You.
Let me humble myself and exalt You.
Let me think of nothing except You.
Let me die to myself and live in You.
Let me accept whatever happens as from You.
Let me banish self and follow You,
And ever desire to follow You.
Let me fly from myself and take refuge in You,
That I may deserve to be defended by You.
Let me fear for myself, let me fear You,
And let me be among those who are chosen by You.
Let me distrust myself and put my trust in You.
Let me be willing to obey for the sake of You.
Let me cling to nothing save only to You,
And let me be poor because of You.
Look upon me, that I may love You.
Call me that I may see You,
And for ever enjoy You. Amen.

Also, here’s a nice prayer for the 7 gifts of the Holy Spirit. In particular, the gift of wisdom helps you become detached from the perishable things of this world.

O Lord Jesus Christ, Who, before ascending into heaven, didst promise to send the Holy Ghost to finish Thy work in the souls of Thy Apostles and Disciples, deign to grant the same Holy Spirit to me, that He may perfect in my soul the work of Thy grace and Thy love. Grant me the Spirit of Wisdom that I may despise the perishable things of this world and aspire only after the things that are eternal, the Spirit of Understanding to enlighten my mind with the light of Thy divine truth, the Spirit of Counsel that I may ever choose the surest way of pleasing God and gaining Heaven, the Spirit of Fortitude that I may bear my cross with Thee, and that I may overcome with courage all the obstacles that oppose my salvation, the Spirit of Knowledge that I may know God and know myself and grow perfect in the science of the Saints, the Spirit of Piety that I may find the service of God sweet and amiable, the Spirit of Fear that I may be filled with a loving reverence towards God, and may dread in any way to displease Him. Mark me, dear Lord, with the sign of Thy true disciples and animate me in all things with Thy Spirit. Amen.

God Bless,
Gary

 

[Deacon_Tony560]

sarcophagus:

Ok, as most of you know, I’m a student and a wife. We’re also very poor. Not because we don’t make enough money, but because we can’t fight materialism very well. We splurge when we get unexpected money instead of saving. DH believes he can spend his money on whatever he wants, which I try to tell him it’s not a great idea, but to no avail. I guess I’ll just have to teach by example but the problem is, I’m not a good example. I spend my money on my vices, ciggarettes, makeup, clothes, magazines. It’s terrible and I want to stop but it seems so hard. I need divine help!!! It’s gotten to the point where I’ve gone without food because of my spending “habit”.

Does anyone know any saints or prayers for this situation. Also, does anyone else have any advice on how to curb this “habit”?

Thanks

Look into the Secular Franciscan Order. They have some great insight into the spirituality of rejecting materialism.

 

[sarcophagus]

Thanks guys…I figure since we’re starting fresh in a new place, this would be the time to try the hardest. I’ve purposely moved into a cheaper area of town so we can save money. That was my first step. We have a goal now, we hope to save enough to pay off DH’s student loans this year and then possibly live there another year to save for a down payment on a house!!!

These prayers will come in handy. Thanks again!!!

 

[srp643]

sarcophagus:

Ok, as most of you know, I’m a student and a wife. We’re also very poor. Not because we don’t make enough money, but because we can’t fight materialism very well. We splurge when we get unexpected money instead of saving. DH believes he can spend his money on whatever he wants, which I try to tell him it’s not a great idea, but to no avail. I guess I’ll just have to teach by example but the problem is, I’m not a good example. I spend my money on my vices, ciggarettes, makeup, clothes, magazines. It’s terrible and I want to stop but it seems so hard. I need divine help!!! It’s gotten to the point where I’ve gone without food because of my spending “habit”.

Does anyone know any saints or prayers for this situation. Also, does anyone else have any advice on how to curb this “habit”?

Thanks

First, talk to a priest about this problem and pray. Second, consider “paying” yourself first before paying your expenses - put 10% in a separate account every month before writing checks. Third, consider giving more to the Church - God will reward you many times over and you will amazingly find yourself with more resources, both spiritual and financial. Last, set a financial goal and stick to it.

 

[elfland]

Dear Sarcophagus,

I, too, have been struggling against materialism. This past Lent I gave up browsing in stores (especially bookstores!). It sounds trivial, but I had figured out that I was tempting myself to buy things I didn’t need by going to bookstores. Even if one doesn’t have money, it is unhealthy to gawk at stuff in stores one knows one doesn’t need. It was a harsh penance and one whose lessons I hope to remember.

Unfortunately, I had a recent relapse in a different form. I found myself spending too much on religious articles and gifts. It is essential for Catholics to read and study, and good theological books and tapes and sacred art and religious items can help if used properly, but all one really needs to help them win the fight is Holy Communion, which is priceless (no matter what E-bay sellers think).

I am a recent high school graduate and have neither the money to spend on clothes or gadgets nor the responsibility of housing and feeding myself. But, I am tempted nonetheless. When I stare too long at a shiny car or fancy makeup, I try to say out loud “how much more beautiful are the heavenly courts!” This has worked for me in two ways: 1) it doesn’t deny the goodness of the item (because it usually is good) and 2) it helps me recall what I hope will be my end, eternal bliss that is not fleeting like the pleasure I may get in coughing up a few dollars that could be better put in the collection basket or a few minutes better spent adoring our Eucharistic Lord.

What really doesn’t work is deliberating on the spot- if I catch myself frivilously window-shopping, I walk away and talk it out with my Lord, saying something like “I love you, Lord, and I above all I hope to meet you in heaven, to show my love to you I will not cast loving glances at things that will rot away.”

There’s a really cool quote from St. Pio of Pietrelcina that helps me subdue my lower passions: “Consider the past as nothing and say, like David: now I begin to love my God.” And, it really helps me to remember that Jesus himself was poor and yet we Christians hold Him in quite high regard (for a gross understatement). The King of Kings was laid in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn!

God bless you in your struggle!

 

[AnnaTheresa]

I’m also struggling with materialism too. As an example, I buy clothes and never get around to wearing them because I feel like I have to “use up” the clothes I have first. I buy duplicates in case the item I really like gets ruined, I’ll always have a backup. I once bought six yellow shirts with the idea in mind that some of my friends may like them too. Bad idea. They weren’t interested. They wound up in the dumpster. Never worn. I didn’t really like the first (they were a florescent yellow) but I got a deal.

I found myself spending too much on religious articles and gifts.

I recently spent over $200 on religious articles and gifts mostly with the idea of handing them out. I buy a lot of religious books (I read them too) and it’s not uncommon to buy more than one of the same book if it’s really good so I can give them out. Usually once I finished with the book I get rid of it. That is, unless I find it especially helpful for me. I’ve given a of religious things out to people over the years but I’m also stuck with a lot. I clear it away, regret the waste, and then repeat the cycle. lol Terrible, isn’t it?

I don’t necessarily hoard. My home is very clean. I love cleanliness/ simplicity. Stuff doesn’t have time to build up because it either gets given away, donated or put into the dumpster. But the cycle gets repeated and that’s where I’m looking for some advice! Do you have any tips or suggestions?

Lately I’ve come to the conclusion that I am thinking way too much for others on the one hand, and on the other hand, I’m actually a pretty greedy person.

Jesus Christ tells us not to be solicitous for these things. “Therefore I say to you, be not solicitous for your life, what you shall eat, nor for your body, what you shall put on.” Mat. 6:25. How can I practice this?

Anyway, thank you for taking the time to read this.