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

[Lamb_Serenade]

**DAY THREE

**

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 wisdom, perseverance, and patience for me and the continued sobriety, compassion and wisdom for my DH, (the cop) Roy,

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.

 

[Lamb_Serenade]

As to your husband, ask him this: has he started having these feelings like the devil is trying to steal his soul since he started drinking heavily? Alcohol is a favorite tool of satan – it brings all the terrible feelings of insecurity, sadness, despair, worthlessness, etc. with it. It opens people up to letting those feelings in, to listening to satan’s whispering lies that they’re “not good enough” and “God doesn’t care about them.” That makes it easier to turn them away from God…

Vickie I second what Belle said. I have been living the effects of “heavy drinking”, which is really alcoholism, for the last year. My husband spiraled down so low I wasn’t sure I was going to get him back. satan can dig his heels in so deep when a person lets their guard down like my DH did.

Keep taking care of your spiritual self and keep your kids shielded as much as you can from his bad behavior. Going to church every Sunday and receiving the sacraments is the best weapon against what satan will try to throw at you because GOD is all powerful and can defeat him with a whisper of breath.

In addition to taking care of you spiritually, take care of you physically. Eat right, get enough sleep, move (exercise) even if it’s just for a stroll around the block or playing with your kids.

I will pray for you and your strength and wisdom as well.

Take care,

 

[Vicki333]

Thank You Diana that prayer is beautiful.
Thank you also Belle for your prayer.
In answer to your question. I don’t think at this point his drinking is contributing to any of this. My only concern is what it might turn into if he starts to lose control of it. I myself had a drinking problem at one point, so I know all too well the dangers you’re talking about. He said that this feeling has been happening to him for over 10 years although not every night. He has only been drinking more than usual for the past year. I still don’t know if I would consider him a heavy drinker. It is usually once a week or less. Sometimes he only has one or two. It is the fact that he is out so late and the rare occasions that he obliterates himself that I sometimes have concern over. He hardly used to do this at all before his brother came to live here. But I think because of my past problems I might be a little overly concerned about this aspect of my husband’s life. I still make it known to him that I would rather he stay home, and he better be careful what he does out there.
I’ve also on several occasions advised him to be closer to the Lord not just a “good person”. Which he thinks he is a good person, and I try not to judge(lest I be judged). He tries to justify any wrong doing he does on the evils of the world we are living in(he’s just watching his back and getting even). I can’t tell him God says turn the other cheek if he doesn’t care what God says. Any mention of his walk with God usually leads to him putting up a very large wall of anger between us. This is why at a time where he was being more open I was trying to be more gentle with him. I felt like if I could just get him to say one prayer it might open a door for him to be closer to God. I’ve had other conversations with him since and he pretty much says he hates God and thinks hell can’t be as bad as they say. I can see in his eyes that he doesn’t really believe this. I think his true desire is to have the love of God and let go of his anger and hate, but he is scared to trust anyone . He’s been hurt a lot by people who claim to be trustworthy. He often thinks everyone is out to harm him, and refuses to trust. This mistrust and need to hide things has been one of the worst burdens on our marriage. Anyway thank you for your thoughts on the matter.
I was hoping some of you would pray for my cousins daughter. She is about a month old. They took her to the doctor because she was wincing when they played pattycake with her. The doctors discorvered 22 broken bones. They suspect a bone disease, but haven’t finished diagnosing which one yet. Her name is Eve.
Thank You everyone

 

[Vicki333]

Sorry I didn’t mention you in my last post Jules and Lamb Serenade. I somehow missed your posts when I was first reading. (I tend to get a little distracted with the little ones running around) Anyway I thank you both for your advice. I will definetely try a few things. (how did you know I needed more exercise )
Seriously though why a green scapular I’ve never heard anything about this before? Does the color matter?

 

[Cagrl]

Praying for all of you beautiful women that God may fill you with his love and hope and that we may all grow deeper in our faith and love for Him. Also praying for all the marriages on here.

 

[mom4truth]

Day 3 Novena to St. Monica: done

Diana:

You didn’t answer me confused: ), how are YOU doing, my friend? I’m concerned about you, too. You care so much for all of us! Praying for you, hon! God bless and hold you in His loving arms! Much love,

 

[jules11]

Sorry I didn’t mention you in my last post Jules and Lamb Serenade. I somehow missed your posts when I was first reading. (I tend to get a little distracted with the little ones running around) Anyway I thank you both for your advice. I will definetely try a few things. (how did you know I needed more exercise )
Seriously though why a green scapular I’ve never heard anything about this before? Does the color matter?

The Green scapular is for conversions, I think. Here is some info on it:

memorare.com/mary/scapulargreen.html

greenscapular.org/

 

[jules11]

I have had a down day today. Went to see a lawyer and I cannot believe that my marriage has come to this. I am not a clinical kind of person and I just don’t have it in me to be cold and emotionless about this. I cried all the way home.
My husband and i were messaging each other yesterday and he is so sad and suffering so much.
I was very upset yesterday too. But what hurts me the most is knowing how much pain he is in. He has lost so much and now has nothing; very few friends and family that dont really care. I feel more pain for him in his suffering than anything esle. I at least have a faith in God. I know there is a reason and God will sustain me, but he doesn’t have faith like that.
Please pray for my husband that he finds healing, conversion and especially God’s peace.
I am praying for you all. God bless

 

[Belle10]

Novena day 8:

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 and families 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.

 

[brandymmiller]

Sisters,

I thought that I would share with you the small good news which was my joy to receive this weekend.

I went on retreat at my church. The night before I left, I realized that I had failed to find a substitute for Adoration in the morning. I was concerned. I asked my mother, but she could not commit. The Lord put it in my heart to ask my husband. I had asked him to go with me once, when my heart was deep in sorrow, and he had gone. I had explained to him then why we go, who it is that we are visiting, and what is expected when you are there. He reluctantly agreed. I had no way to know for sure that he would do it, but I trusted in God and I put it out of my mind.

Not only did he go, and he stayed the entire hour, but he brought my son with him. They stayed the entire hour, and were careful to be sure there were enough adorers when they left that Our Lord would not be left alone. This from the man who has said he feels like I’m having an affair with God and he can’t compete. I felt so loved! I can’t imagine a greater gift that my husband could have given me. Can you imagine a man going and sitting with his rival for even 10 minutes, let alone the hour required, because of the love he has for his wife?

Truly this was God’s work, and as hard as it is for me to be patient, God once told me that the reason that He takes so long to work is that He wants to be sure the foundation He lays will last eternally.

 

[Belle10]

I’ve had other conversations with him since and he pretty much says he hates God and thinks hell can’t be as bad as they say. I can see in his eyes that he doesn’t really believe this. I think his true desire is to have the love of God and let go of his anger and hate, but he is scared to trust anyone . He’s been hurt a lot by people who claim to be trustworthy. He often thinks everyone is out to harm him, and refuses to trust. This mistrust and need to hide things has been one of the worst burdens on our marriage. Anyway thank you for your thoughts on the matter.
I was hoping some of you would pray for my cousins daughter. She is about a month old. They took her to the doctor because she was wincing when they played pattycake with her. The doctors discorvered 22 broken bones. They suspect a bone disease, but haven’t finished diagnosing which one yet. Her name is Eve.
Thank You everyone

Vicki, I’m so sorry for all that you’re going through. Below are some of my favorite passages from the Diary of St. Faustina – Jesus gave her the message of His Divine Mercy (see my signature if you’re not familiar with it).

Praying for your cousin’s daughter. Might I suggest starting a thread for her in the prayer intentions section (if you haven’t already)? There are so many people here who are willing to pray for others. :grouphug:

“I desire that priests proclaim this great mercy of Mine towards souls of sinners. Let the sinner not be afraid to approach Me…Distrust on the part of souls is tearing at My insides. The distrust of a chosen soul causes Me even greater pain; despite My inexhaustible love for them they do not trust Me. Even my death is not enough for them. Woe to the soul that abuses these [gifts].”

“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.’”

“…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.”

From the Conversation of the Merciful God with a Despairing Soul:
Jesus: What joy fills My Heart when you return to Me. Because you are weak, I take you in My arms and carry you to the home of My Father.
Soul: (as if awakening, asks fearfully): Is it possible that there is yet mercy for me?
Jesus: There is, My child. You have a special claim on My mercy. Let it act in your poor soul; let the rays of grace enter your soul; they bring with them light, warmth, and life.
Soul: But fear fills me at the thought of my sins, and this terrible fear moves me to doubt Your goodness.
Jesus: My child, all your sins have not wounded My Heart as painfully as your present lack of trust does - that after so many efforts of My love and mercy, you should still doubt My goodness…Tell Me all, My child, hide nothing from Me because My loving Heart, the Heart of Your Best Friend is listening to you."

I have had a down day today. Went to see a lawyer and I cannot believe that my marriage has come to this. I am not a clinical kind of person and I just don’t have it in me to be cold and emotionless about this. I cried all the way home.
My husband and i were messaging each other yesterday and he is so sad and suffering so much.
I was very upset yesterday too. But what hurts me the most is knowing how much pain he is in. He has lost so much and now has nothing; very few friends and family that dont really care. I feel more pain for him in his suffering than anything esle. I at least have a faith in God. I know there is a reason and God will sustain me, but he doesn’t have faith like that.
Please pray for my husband that he finds healing, conversion and especially God’s peace.
I am praying for you all. God bless

Sorry Jules. :hug1: Praying…

 

[Belle10]

Sisters,

I thought that I would share with you the small good news which was my joy to receive this weekend.

I went on retreat at my church. The night before I left, I realized that I had failed to find a substitute for Adoration in the morning. I was concerned. I asked my mother, but she could not commit. The Lord put it in my heart to ask my husband. I had asked him to go with me once, when my heart was deep in sorrow, and he had gone. I had explained to him then why we go, who it is that we are visiting, and what is expected when you are there. He reluctantly agreed. I had no way to know for sure that he would do it, but I trusted in God and I put it out of my mind.

Not only did he go, and he stayed the entire hour, but he brought my son with him. They stayed the entire hour, and were careful to be sure there were enough adorers when they left that Our Lord would not be left alone. This from the man who has said he feels like I’m having an affair with God and he can’t compete. I felt so loved! I can’t imagine a greater gift that my husband could have given me. Can you imagine a man going and sitting with his rival for even 10 minutes, let alone the hour required, because of the love he has for his wife?

Truly this was God’s work, and as hard as it is for me to be patient, God once told me that the reason that He takes so long to work is that He wants to be sure the foundation He lays will last eternally.

That’s wonderful!!! I’m sure Jesus spoke to his heart while he was there. :hug1:

 

[Rammy]

Thank You Diana that prayer is beautiful.
Thank you also Belle for your prayer.
In answer to your question. I don’t think at this point his drinking is contributing to any of this. My only concern is what it might turn into if he starts to lose control of it. I myself had a drinking problem at one point, so I know all too well the dangers you’re talking about. He said that this feeling has been happening to him for over 10 years although not every night. He has only been drinking more than usual for the past year. I still don’t know if I would consider him a heavy drinker. It is usually once a week or less. Sometimes he only has one or two. It is the fact that he is out so late and the rare occasions that he obliterates himself that I sometimes have concern over. He hardly used to do this at all before his brother came to live here. But I think because of my past problems I might be a little overly concerned about this aspect of my husband’s life. I still make it known to him that I would rather he stay home, and he better be careful what he does out there.
I’ve also on several occasions advised him to be closer to the Lord not just a “good person”. Which he thinks he is a good person, and I try not to judge(lest I be judged). He tries to justify any wrong doing he does on the evils of the world we are living in(he’s just watching his back and getting even). I can’t tell him God says turn the other cheek if he doesn’t care what God says. Any mention of his walk with God usually leads to him putting up a very large wall of anger between us. This is why at a time where he was being more open I was trying to be more gentle with him. I felt like if I could just get him to say one prayer it might open a door for him to be closer to God. I’ve had other conversations with him since and he pretty much says he hates God and thinks hell can’t be as bad as they say. I can see in his eyes that he doesn’t really believe this. I think his true desire is to have the love of God and let go of his anger and hate, but he is scared to trust anyone . He’s been hurt a lot by people who claim to be trustworthy. He often thinks everyone is out to harm him, and refuses to trust. This mistrust and need to hide things has been one of the worst burdens on our marriage. Anyway thank you for your thoughts on the matter.
I was hoping some of you would pray for my cousins daughter. She is about a month old. They took her to the doctor because she was wincing when they played pattycake with her. The doctors discorvered 22 broken bones. They suspect a bone disease, but haven’t finished diagnosing which one yet. Her name is Eve.
Thank You everyone

Vicki…it is very clear he is scared. Treat it gently. As far as i can see, religion is mixing him up. So instead of telling him about religion, show him…be a gentle Jesus…be his eyes, his hands and his feet. As it is very hard to seperate the words from this issue because you believe so deeply and he senses the fear in your voice. The voicce that says do this, or you will…

so be what he needs…someone to hear him…win his trust…this is more important than anything else. He feels alone in this fear.

LAna

 

[eli1118]

Novena day 4.

Brandy,
Congratulations!! Having your husband go for you with your son is wonderful. What a blessing!!!

Friends,
I have had better days but boy when I am at work I feel so down; I don’t understand it, I really love what I do but am not as happy. Just thought I would share.

hugs to all:grouphug:

 

[BeeSweet]

Novena to Saint Joseph for all sick husbands to find help.

Day 8 (I missed it yesterday)

O glorious St. Joseph,
friend of the Sacred Heart of Jesus,
thou whose power renders impossible things possible,
come to our aid in our present trouble and distress.
Take these important and difficult affairs
which we recommend to your protection,
that they may end happily.

O dear St. Joseph,
all our confidence is in you.
Let it not be said that we have invoked you in vain,
and since you are so powerful with Jesus and Mary,
show that your goodness equals power.

Amen.

St. Joseph, friend of the Sacred Heart of Jesus,
pray for us and for all who invoke your aid.

St. Joseph, friend of the Sacred Heart of Jesus,
pray for us and for all who invoke your aid.

St. Joseph, friend of the Sacred Heart of Jesus,
pray for us and for all who invoke your aid.

 

[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, healing and salvation of our marriage, and the strong faith of our son, the conversion of all sinners in our families 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!

 

[Lamb_Serenade]

**DAY FOUR

**

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 wisdom, perseverance, and patience for me and the continued sobriety, compassion and wisdom for my DH, (the cop) Roy,

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.

 

[mom4truth]

Novena to St. Monica, Day 3 - done

Dear St. Monica:
I am in desperate need of your help. Please come to my aid, I beg you. In Jesus’ Name, I pray. Amen.

 

[Dave_Pipitone]

Hello! I am a Catholic husband who does pray and I have a very loving wife who has been patient with me during our 25+ years of marriage.

The Center for the Research of the Apostolate (CARA) is a Catholic research organization at Georgetown University. In October 2007, CARA published the results of a National Catholic marriage survey that shows that about 75% of married couples do not pray together regularly. Wives tend to pray more than men do.
(Click here to see the report.

One simple way that I have found to pray with my wife is to use a simple poem-prayer twice a day - when I get up and before I go to sleep. That prayer recalls the three persons involved in our marriage: God, my wife and me – and for my wife: God, me and her. The three virtues of love, faith and hope are the three gifts every lasting marriage is based on. This takes less than two minutes a day.

Over time, this practice creates a positive way of thinking about a husband or wife - especially when we remember that God is the third strand in our marriage.

 

[peacefulpainter]

I have not posted in a while… but i got an email from my husband today. He wants to get online at the same time this week sometime so we can chat online,
we rarely talk or write, so that is something “free” he can do to at least communicate he said he found the public library.
I think that is something positive.
He lives 10 hours away and we have been separated for about 5 yrs. I lose track anymore.
we saw each other for a few hours last summer and he was still drinking a lot , it was very obvious;
but communicating is good, pray that the conversation is guided by God. everytime he contacts me out of the blue it stuns me and I get a little scared.
I have not started doing the Novena properly but I will start tonight.