Strength at my Methodist college

[RuthTherese]

The college that I currently attend is run by Free Methodists, and part of our curriculum requires us to attend “chapel” services 36 times a semester. Needless to say, it’s something I heartily dislike, but I’ve found myself becoming very cynical and judgmental towards their chaplain and my fellow students as the semester’s worn on. I pray that I will be able to look upon these people with love, rather than bitterness, as Christ calls us to do.

 

[MarcoPolo]

Lord, please draw RuthTherese through this and all matters as a greater example of your love. Instill in her always graces for faith, hope, love, joy, prudence, and humility and piety. Shine your divine light through her to others. Grant her always the gift of discernment when truth is spoken. Lead her through this and all enterprises, ever toward the heavenly garden. Have mercy, Lord. Our Lady, angels, and saints, pray with us. Amen.

 

[pollylodges]

Saint Michael, the archangel, defend us in battle, be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the devil, may God rebuke him, we humbly pray. And do you, O’ Prince of the Heavenly host, by the power of God thrust into Hell Satan and all the other evil spirits who prowl about the world for the ruin of souls.

Amen.

†

Our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Amen.

†

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.

Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb Jesus.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

†

 

[JMJ_Telcontar]

Praying that the Lord may grant you strength and enable you to overcome any bitterness with His love.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen

 

[Faithdancer]

I don’t think there is anything inherently diabolical about the Free Methodists or any other Christian denominations, yikes! Quite the contrary.

To the point: perhaps God wants you there to learn tolerance and find a common Christian faith with those of another denomination than your own. It doesn’t mean you have to join them but in learning to respect them, you may teach them to respect your own beliefs, where they differ from Methodist doctrine. That is my prayer for you. Good luck!

 

[tawny]

The college that I currently attend is run by Free Methodists, and part of our curriculum requires us to attend “chapel” services 36 times a semester. Needless to say, it’s something I heartily dislike, but I’ve found myself becoming very cynical and judgmental towards their chaplain and my fellow students as the semester’s worn on. I pray that I will be able to look upon these people with love, rather than bitterness, as Christ calls us to do.

Praying to the Holy Spirit to give you guidance, direction, strength & fortitude in the defensive of your faith.

 

[Cathy]

The college that I currently attend is run by Free Methodists, and part of our curriculum requires us to attend “chapel” services 36 times a semester. Needless to say, it’s something I heartily dislike, but I’ve found myself becoming very cynical and judgmental towards their chaplain and my fellow students as the semester’s worn on. I pray that I will be able to look upon these people with love, rather than bitterness, as Christ calls us to do.

Dear RuthTherese,

I sympathize! A convert to the Catholic Faith at age 45, I spent about 30 years of my life as a Methodist and left the Methodist Church twice: once as a teen, for New Age madness, later as an adult, because of Methodist pastors’ madness (radical feminism, New Age stuff, pro-abortion, and pro-adultery junk). Just before my eyes got opened, I invited a faithful Catholic friend to a Methodist service at my church. Oddly enough, I was embarrassed by what I heard. I am sure my Catholic friend was praying for such an outcome.

You can be praying for the speaker and your fellow students as you attend the services. Pray that the Holy Spirit will guide the speaker and the listeners. And if you feel so led by the Holy Spirit, you can speak with the minister after his sermons, with gentleness and respect. Speaking to the homilist after a liturgy is a far more common occurrence among Methodists than among Catholics. I suppose that is because in the Methodist Church, God’s truth is supposed to come in three ways: scripture, tradition, and the individual’s discernment. In other words, every Methodist is his own pope and magisterium.

Regarding New Age, I was tired of being “god.” I was doing a terrible job of it.

Regarding Protestantism, I was tired of being the pope and magisterium. My theology was confusing and contradictory.

Thanks to God for the One, Holy, Catholic, Apostolic Church! One of my favorite books is Theology for Beginners by Frank Sheed. Maybe your pastor would enjoy a copy.

I’ll be praying for you and your fellow students.
Cathy

 

[InquestofaWoman]

The college that I currently attend is run by Free Methodists, and part of our curriculum requires us to attend “chapel” services 36 times a semester. Needless to say, it’s something I heartily dislike, but I’ve found myself becoming very cynical and judgmental towards their chaplain and my fellow students as the semester’s worn on. I pray that I will be able to look upon these people with love, rather than bitterness, as Christ calls us to do.

Ruth, think of our Lord Jesus while He lived among us. He spoke with people of various backgrounds, even religious strains then deemed inferior to His (i.e. the Samaritan woman). Jesus never once condoned anything He knew was wrong; rather, He stood firmly for principle when necessary, and continuously sought ways of drawing others with infinite cords of patience and love.

It can certainly feel a bit lonely at times, being within a denominational minority at your college. (I know the feeling…) However, consider this an opportunity to exercise those very virtues, which Jesus masterfully conveyed. Pray for patience. Ask the Holy Spirit to transform your thoughts and actions from cynicism to love. Remember these Christians are also people for whom Christ died; some may be sincere in their faith, as you are in yours. See them through the eyes of heaven, rather than your own, and pray for them.

Likewise, we will pray for you. Be encouraged, Ruth! Our Lord Jesus Christ will help you, and see you through.

*And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." (2 Corinthians 12:9)

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another. (John 13:34-35)*

In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit:

Loving, compassionate Jesus, by Your life and death You showed us how to live. You exemplified trust in difficulty, obedience to God, humble servitude and dutifulness, and in all these things an unshakeable, endless love. We ask now that You instill these virtues within our dear Ruth. Wash her in Your depthless sea of mercy. Grant help in her daily interactions, and wisdom to know what she should do. Deepen her insight so she may be able to worship with others, while maintaining her personal faith. Keep her grounded in what she knows to be right, without compromise; but wherever possible, let her find Christian unity in love for You, and thrive upon it according to Your will.

We ask these things in Your name, Father, to Whom, together with the Son and Holy Spirit, be all honour, dominion, and glory, now and forever…

Ave Maria…
Pater Noster…
Gloria Patri…

Amen.

 

[ClearWater]

The college that I currently attend is run by Free Methodists, and part of our curriculum requires us to attend “chapel” services 36 times a semester. Needless to say, it’s something I heartily dislike, but I’ve found myself becoming very cynical and judgmental towards their chaplain and my fellow students as the semester’s worn on. I pray that I will be able to look upon these people with love, rather than bitterness, as Christ calls us to do.

Praying.