St. Monica pray for us! Praying for our husbands....

[Belle10]

Good morning all

I wasn’t around yesterday because I was sick. Welcome all “newbies” and those returning who were away for Lent! It’s wonderful that we have a place to come and support each other, though I wish there weren’t so many who needed this place. :grouphug: But, we trust in God’s will for our lives and pray unceasingly, just like St. Monica, for our husbands and children (and other family too).

I urge everyone to pray the chaplet of Divine Mercy for your loved ones too – it has been a blessing for me, as I’m sure it will be for you too.

Jesus, I trust in You!

 

[mom4truth]

jules:

I honestly feel your pain! My dh wasn’t home for Easter. The kids and I were together, but we made it fun (happy) even without him. It was quite sad to see the 3 of us in church without him. I wanted to cry, but didn’t. My dh has been very withdrawn from the family. I have many illnesses and so I have to do almost everything for the family. It’s hard. So, please know you are not alone and I will be praying for you in earnest. God bless you, friend. St. Monica, hear our cries!

 

[JCLA]

I will say Day 1 of the novena today, for my husband’s conversion and for my children to grow up strong in the faith.

Lamb Serenade and Dianna Lynn, thank you for the welcome.

I will keep all here in my prayers.

Nikki

 

[eli1118]

Novena day 3

Friends,
I am just curious, when do you pray to St. Monica?

 

[Belle10]

Novena day 3

Friends,
I am just curious, when do you pray to St. Monica?

I usually pray the novena prayer in the morning, and then when I pray the Rosary* and chaplet of Divine Mercy in the late afternoon I ask her to join in my prayers/help carry them to our Lord.

*I’m not up to a daily Rosary yet, but getting closer every day. I tend to “slack off” on the weekends.

 

[jaq]

When we step back and see the amount of things we go through, it is no wonder we are basket cases. I have seen in the past two ways to deal with this. Falling apart is inevitable, but then we get upset, and question so much.

There is a great amount of GRACE given when we accept what is before us. We, with all our hearts, know and accept there is a plan for us, and nothing is placed before us that we can not handle.

The trick is to spend this time praying on the revelation of what we are to learn from this. If this is not accomplished, we face further battles. If there is so much out of your controle, and you need to face this…as hard as it might be…please know there are so many GRACES when we pray for THE GIFT TO ENDURE.

With this grace and beautiful gift, it is very similar to an anti-depressant the way this works. We recieve a calming effect that helps us cope. The ability can be the difference between remembering lunch time, etc as a mother. It is not life perfected, but the huge load it takes from us is enormous mentally.

I will pray for you…been there, bought and wore the t-shirt hun!

Lana

Thanks for all your responses friends, to my previous posts. I’m relatively new here. My H’s midlife crisis and plan to leave the marriage has been going on for awhile. I can truly say that my prayer life has improved at least a %100 and I have my husband to thank for that. I have heard that when we pray, now matter what the answer or how long it takes God is interceding. Sometimes God wants to strengthen our faith with all these trials and that takes time. Not that we’ll always get the answer we hoped for, but the closeness that we have with our God is unsurpassed. I believe I have received so many graces and blessings through all this. I have a hard time with quitting a marriage when we vowed to stay together and became 1 through the sacrament of Marriage. When I am in Mass or saying the rosary or the chaplet, I often see my husband as being present with me since we are joined together as one in the sacrament of marriage. Even though he’s not physically present I am the one bringing us before God and before Jesus. This has been comforting to me. Additionally I have made the comment to close friends that my husband’s actions in the marriage have sent me to someone else’s arms, and those are the loving arms of My God and Holy Trinity. Let’s all keep praying, and keeping the faith. I am so glad to be in a place that supports me for not giving up. I’m preparing for the worst but still maintaining hope.

:hug3:

JAQ

 

[Nancyannheath]

Dear JAQ

So many of us have been there, gee, I wonder what Mary would have done…all of us handle it differently, and everyone is telling you the TRUTH. Lift you chin, and look at this as a lesson somehow. My husband not only fell from the church, but looking at the phone bill today I see he is up to his old tricks and is calling her again…sigh.

I have a story for you that might help.

A woman in her late 50’s went to confession and told her priest that she wanted to leave her husband, she had enough of his deceipt and flings and could not bear it any more. She asked the priest what she should do. Her priest asked her firmly: “what is there to do? You promised…till death do you part. Women are like refined gold, and God counts all of women’s tears”.

Instead of a regular pennance, he told her to see a goldsmith and ask the goldsmith to show her how gold is refined. Puzzled, she went the very same day to the local jeweler and asked him how gold is refined. He told her he was in the process and to come around to the shop and she was able to see what the jeweler was about to do… he lit the torch and held a nugget of gold over the torch. After what seemed like a very long time she very patiently watched and finally asked “what are you doing” Without taking his eyes off of the torch and the gold, he said he could not stop watching, because if he held the gold over the flame too long, it would be cinders, not enough time, and it would be ruined. He explained he had to watch carefully until it was done. She asked him how he could tell when it was going to finally “be done” and he said, “Oh, that’s the easy part, I will be able to see my reflection in it”

My heart goes out to you…this is all happening for a reason.

 

[jules11]

Thought I’d post this for encouragement. Forgive me if it has been posted before. Thank you for all your prayers. I had a much better day today. God is so good.

Why you are confused and shaken when faced with problems of life?

Leave the care of all your things to me and everything will get better. When you abandon yourself in me, everything will resolve with tranquility according to my will. Do not get desperate, do not direct a shaken prayer at me, as if you wanted to demand the fulfillment of your desires. Close the eyes of your soul and tell me calmly: Jesus, I trust in you.

Avoid the preoccupations and anguishes and the thoughts of what he can happen next. Do not spoil my plans, wanting to impose your ideas on me. Let me be God and act with freedom. Abandon yourself confidently in me. Rest in me and leave your future in my hands. Tell me frequently: Jesus, I trust in you.

What more damage does to you is your reasoning and your own ideas and to want to solve things your way. When you say to me: Jesus, I trust in you, do not be like the patient who asks his doctor to cure him, but he suggests the way to do it. Allow yourself to be carried in my divine arms; do not be afraid, I LOVE YOU.

If you think things are getting worse or are complicated in spite of your prayers continue trusting. Close the eyes of your soul and trust. Continue saying to me at all times: Jesus, I trust in you.

I need my hands to be free to be able to work. Do not tie me up with your useless preoccupations, Satan wants that: to agitate you, anguish you, to take away your Peace. Trust only in ME, abandon yourself in ME. So do not worry, throw all your anguishes at ME and sleep tranquilly. Always tell me: Jesus, I trust in you and you will see great miracles. I promise this to you because of my love for you.

 

[BeeSweet]

**PRAYER TO ST. MONICA

Dear St. Monica,
troubled wife and mother,
many sorrows pierced your heart during your lifetime.
Yet, you never despaired or lost faith.
With confidence, persistence, and profound faith,
you prayed daily for the conversion
of your beloved husband, Patricius,
and your beloved son, Augustine;
your prayers were answered.
Grant me that same fortitude, patience,
and trust in the Lord.
Intercede for me, dear St. Monica,
that God may favorably hear my plea for

the conversion of my husband and the strong faith of my son, the conversion of all sinners in my family and of the spouses being prayed for here by CAF members,**

and grant me the grace to accept His Will in all things,
through Jesus Christ, our Lord,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever.

Amen.

Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us now and at the hour of our death.
Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us now and at the hour of our death.
Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us now and at the hour of our death.

Jesus, I trust in You!
Jesus, I trust in You!
Jesus, I trust in You!

 

[Diana_Lynn]

Good morning all

I wasn’t around yesterday because I was sick. Welcome all “newbies” and those returning who were away for Lent! …:

***Hope you’re feeling better today Belle! :heaven: ***

Novena day 3

Friends,
I am just curious, when do you pray to St. Monica?

I pray each morning. I usually awaken at 5am giving myself ample time, in a quiet, peaceful house to pray, and reflect. I’m praying as the sun comes up too, which is so beautiful to me.

I can truly say that my prayer life has improved at least a %100 … I am so glad to be in a place that supports me for not giving up. I’m preparing for the worst but still maintaining hope.
JAQ

JAQ, That 1st sentence - IT’S A DOOZY! This sentence is so beautiful! It’s so true, for so many (including myself) that when things are going great - not a worry in the world, we fall away from the NEED for God, and don’t remain close. Like ungrateful children, who only take time to call their parents when they NEED something. Not to say - Gee thanks, from the bottom of my heart, for being there for me all my life! And we wonder why we face trial! Look how close we become to God through adversity!
Thank him from the bottom of your heart for granting this opportunity to show you how forgiving he is, and how loving he is to want you so near, and so loving.
God Bless JAQ!

Thought I’d post this for encouragement. Forgive me if it has been posted before. Thank you for all your prayers. I had a much better day today. God is so good.

Why you are confused and shaken when faced with problems of life?

Leave the care of all your things to me and everything will get better. When you abandon yourself in me, everything will resolve with tranquility according to my will. Do not get desperate, do not direct a shaken prayer at me, as if you wanted to demand the fulfillment of your desires. Close the eyes of your soul and tell me calmly: Jesus, I trust in you.

Avoid the preoccupations and anguishes and the thoughts of what he can happen next. Do not spoil my plans, wanting to impose your ideas on me. Let me be God and act with freedom. Abandon yourself confidently in me. Rest in me and leave your future in my hands. Tell me frequently: Jesus, I trust in you.

What more damage does to you is your reasoning and your own ideas and to want to solve things your way. When you say to me: Jesus, I trust in you, do not be like the patient who asks his doctor to cure him, but he suggests the way to do it. Allow yourself to be carried in my divine arms; do not be afraid, I LOVE YOU.

If you think things are getting worse or are complicated in spite of your prayers continue trusting. Close the eyes of your soul and trust. Continue saying to me at all times: Jesus, I trust in you.

I need my hands to be free to be able to work. Do not tie me up with your useless preoccupations, Satan wants that: to agitate you, anguish you, to take away your Peace. Trust only in ME, abandon yourself in ME. So do not worry, throw all your anguishes at ME and sleep tranquilly. Always tell me: Jesus, I trust in you and you will see great miracles. I promise this to you because of my love for you.

**
BEAUTIFUL Jules! I’ve copied it for my own prayer folder. Thank you so much for sharing it!**

 

[Diana_Lynn]

PRAYER TO ST. MONICA

Dear St. Monica,
troubled wife and mother,
many sorrows pierced your heart during your lifetime.
Yet, you never despaired or lost faith.
With confidence, persistence, and profound faith,
you prayed daily for the conversion
of your beloved husband, Patricius,
and your beloved son, Augustine;
your prayers were answered.
Grant me that same fortitude, patience,
and trust in the Lord.
Intercede for me, dear St. Monica,
that God may favorably hear my plea for:

the conversion of my husband and the strong faith of my children, the conversion of all sinners in my family and of the spouses being prayed for here by CAF members,

and grant me the grace to accept His Will in all things,
through Jesus Christ, our Lord,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever.
Amen.

Lord, I commend all husbands and wives
represented in this thread to you this day,
That you would raise us up to be men and women after your own heart.
That you would cause us to grow in wisdom and in knowledge of you
and that these husbands become holy and spiritual heads of these homes,
and that these wives become and remain vessels that shine your light continuously.
Keep us all obedient to your will and humble in mind and action.
Amen.

 

[Belle10]

Novena, day 3:

PRAYER TO ST. MONICA

Dear St. Monica,
troubled wife and mother,
many sorrows pierced your heart during your lifetime.
Yet, you never despaired or lost faith.
With confidence, persistence, and profound faith,
you prayed daily for the conversion
of your beloved husband, Patricius,
and your beloved son, Augustine;
your prayers were answered.
Grant me that same fortitude, patience,
and trust in the Lord.
Intercede for me, dear St. Monica,
that God may favorably hear my plea for:

the conversion of my husband, the strong Catholic faith of our daughter,
the perpetual sobriety of my father and the renewal of my parents’ marriage,
and for all the marriages represented in this thread

and grant me the grace to accept His Will in all things,
through Jesus Christ, our Lord,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever.
Amen.

Lord, I commend all husbands and wives
represented in this thread to you this day,
That you would raise us up to be men and
women after your own heart.
That you would cause us to grow in wisdom and
in knowledge of you and that these husbands
become holy and spiritual heads of these homes,
and that these wives become and remain vessels
that shine your light continuously.
Keep us all obedient to your will and humble
in mind and action.
Amen.

 

[Belle10]

I can truly say that my prayer life has improved at least a %100 and I have my husband to thank for that.
I believe I have received so many graces and blessings through all this.

I honestly believe there is a reason for suffering, no matter what kind, and perhaps you are already getting a glimpse of the reason for yours. :hug1:

When I am in Mass or saying the rosary or the chaplet, I often see my husband as being present with me since we are joined together as one in the sacrament of marriage. Even though he’s not physically present I am the one bringing us before God and before Jesus. This has been comforting to me. Additionally I have made the comment to close friends that my husband’s actions in the marriage have sent me to someone else’s arms, and those are the loving arms of My God and Holy Trinity.

This is so beautiful!! Thank you for this!

Dear JAQ

So many of us have been there, gee, I wonder what Mary would have done…all of us handle it differently, and everyone is telling you the TRUTH. Lift you chin, and look at this as a lesson somehow. My husband not only fell from the church, but looking at the phone bill today I see he is up to his old tricks and is calling her again…sigh.

I have a story for you that might help.

A woman in her late 50’s went to confession and told her priest that she wanted to leave her husband, she had enough of his deceipt and flings and could not bear it any more. She asked the priest what she should do. Her priest asked her firmly: “what is there to do? You promised…till death do you part. Women are like refined gold, and God counts all of women’s tears”.

Instead of a regular pennance, he told her to see a goldsmith and ask the goldsmith to show her how gold is refined. Puzzled, she went the very same day to the local jeweler and asked him how gold is refined. He told her he was in the process and to come around to the shop and she was able to see what the jeweler was about to do… he lit the torch and held a nugget of gold over the torch. After what seemed like a very long time she very patiently watched and finally asked “what are you doing” Without taking his eyes off of the torch and the gold, he said he could not stop watching, because if he held the gold over the flame too long, it would be cinders, not enough time, and it would be ruined. He explained he had to watch carefully until it was done. She asked him how he could tell when it was going to finally “be done” and he said, “Oh, that’s the easy part, I will be able to see my reflection in it”

My heart goes out to you…this is all happening for a reason.

Nancy, I’m sorry for your sorrow. Thank you so much for this story though – I’m printing this one out!

Thought I’d post this for encouragement. Forgive me if it has been posted before. Thank you for all your prayers. I had a much better day today. God is so good.

Close the eyes of your soul and tell me calmly: Jesus, I trust in you.

Jules, thank you, that’s so beautiful. It sounds like it’s from St. Faustina’s Diary - is it? In a moment I’ll share a favorite passage from the Diary.

***Hope you’re feeling better today Belle! :heaven: ***

I am, thank you Diana!

 

[Belle10]

These are two of my favorite passages from the Diary of St. Faustina (if you’re not familiar with it, check out the link in my signature). It’s been such a blessing in my life, I strongly urge all of you to learn about it! This Sunday (March 30) is Divine Mercy Sunday! :bounce:

"In the evening, Jesus gave me the subject for meditation. At the first moment, my heart was filled with fear and joy. Then I pressed myself close to His Heart, and the fear vanished; only joy remained. I felt entirely like a child of God, and the Lord said… ‘Fear nothing…Before I made the world, I loved you with the love your heart is experiencing today and, throughout the centuries, My love will never change.’ "

(Jesus said) “…there is no way to heaven except the way of the cross. I followed it first. You must learn that it is the shortest way… I am giving you a share in those sufferings because of My special love for you and in view of the high degree of holiness I am intending for you in Heaven. A suffering soul is closer to My heart.”

 

[mom4truth]

Diana,

You are always offering words of encouragement to all of us here. I thought I’d ask how YOU’RE doing? I hope you’re doing well, my friend! Your prayers are so inspiring and heartfelt. I’m having a bit of a rough go of it with dh. The silence is annoying (for lack of a better word). But, I suppose it’s better than arguing. Please keep me in your prayers as I always keep you in mine, dear soul! God bless you today! Much love,

 

[Cagrl]

Good morning to all!

Lana, Welcome! I’m glad you found the thread, it sounds like you’re in the right place! I am so sorry to hear that you are suffering this burden. I too have been told (by even my priest) to run, but like you, each time I pray for guidance and direction, I feel I am supposed to stay and help.
You are in good company, my friend. You are among some beautiful, amazing women who understand, and will offer not only their prayers, but their love and kindness when times are tough. Keep your chin up, and keep praying!

Welcome back Cagrl!

Welcome Nikki! Of course! Just dive right in, join in prayer, and feel free to share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with. You’re among friends!

THANK YOU, DIANA! It’s nice to be back. Still praying for all of you and the coversion of our DHs!

 

[BeeSweet]

**PRAYER TO ST. MONICA

Dear St. Monica,
troubled wife and mother,
many sorrows pierced your heart during your lifetime.
Yet, you never despaired or lost faith.
With confidence, persistence, and profound faith,
you prayed daily for the conversion
of your beloved husband, Patricius,
and your beloved son, Augustine;
your prayers were answered.
Grant me that same fortitude, patience,
and trust in the Lord.
Intercede for me, dear St. Monica,
that God may favorably hear my plea for

the conversion of my husband and the strong faith of my son, the conversion of all sinners in my family and of the spouses being prayed for here by CAF members,**

and grant me the grace to accept His Will in all things,
through Jesus Christ, our Lord,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever.

Amen.

Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us now and at the hour of our death.
Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us now and at the hour of our death.
Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us now and at the hour of our death.

Jesus, I trust in You!
Jesus, I trust in You!
Jesus, I trust in You!

 

[BeeSweet]

My husband is falling deeper and deeper into a very dark place. Today is a very important day for him, please pray for him to have clarity, and that he will have his heart softened. Also, please pray I will have the fortitude to finish the Divine Mercy novena today and tomorrow. I’ve been faithful to it every day since Good Friday. My husband and my marriage are my special intentions for the Divine Mercy novena. May God grant us His peace and healing.

Thank you. I’m praying for all of your families as well.

 

[Belle10]

Novena, day 4:

PRAYER TO ST. MONICA

Dear St. Monica,
troubled wife and mother,
many sorrows pierced your heart during your lifetime.
Yet, you never despaired or lost faith.
With confidence, persistence, and profound faith,
you prayed daily for the conversion
of your beloved husband, Patricius,
and your beloved son, Augustine;
your prayers were answered.
Grant me that same fortitude, patience,
and trust in the Lord.
Intercede for me, dear St. Monica,
that God may favorably hear my plea for:

the conversion of my husband, the strong Catholic faith of our daughter,
the perpetual sobriety of my father and the renewal of my parents’ marriage,
and for all the marriages represented in this thread

and grant me the grace to accept His Will in all things,
through Jesus Christ, our Lord,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever.
Amen.

Lord, I commend all husbands and wives
represented in this thread to you this day,
That you would raise us up to be men and
women after your own heart.
That you would cause us to grow in wisdom and
in knowledge of you and that these husbands
become holy and spiritual heads of these homes,
and that these wives become and remain vessels
that shine your light continuously.
Keep us all obedient to your will and humble
in mind and action.
Amen.

 

[Belle10]

My husband is falling deeper and deeper into a very dark place. Today is a very important day for him, please pray for him to have clarity, and that he will have his heart softened. Also, please pray I will have the fortitude to finish the Divine Mercy novena today and tomorrow. I’ve been faithful to it every day since Good Friday. My husband and my marriage are my special intentions for the Divine Mercy novena. May God grant us His peace and healing.

Thank you. I’m praying for all of your families as well.

I’m doing the Divine Mercy novena too, and I will absolutely remember you and your husband when I pray it later today. :hug1: As hard as it is, try to rest in Jesus’ loving embrace - picture Him sitting next to you at work, in the car, wherever - it really helps, and He is always with us!!! (Matthew 28:20)