What is the strongest prayer for this

[PelagiathePenit]

I have always been one to dwell in the past the could have, should have. I need to learn to let what people have done to me go. I need to stop comparing my sins to others. I am ashamed of my sins mostly because others can see them not because of God. I want to perfect but I cannot in NY own efforts that frustrates me so I am not welcoming of spiritual correction. I guess I am asking here. Some people seem to have it all put together and their sins or failings are not quite as transparent or apparent as mine (sin of vanity). Lord help me.

 

[oldgraymare2]

I have always been one to dwell in the past the could have, should have. I need to learn to let what people have done to me go. I need to stop comparing my sins to others. I am ashamed of my sins mostly because others can see them not because of God. I want to perfect but I cannot in NY own efforts that frustrates me so I am not welcoming of spiritual correction. I guess I am asking here. Some people seem to have it all put together and their sins or failings are not quite as transparent or apparent as mine (sin of vanity). Lord help me.

My Dear,

The “grass always seems greener on the other side.” You have probably heard that saying.

That means that we think that others have it better than we do–at least, that is the way that it seems to us. But, we don’t know that.

We don’t know what someone else’s sins are, unless they want to tell us and share them with us.

What I do is to ask the Lord to make me a better person, and to make me be more like He is, as a person. He has answered those prayers for me, for self-improvement. How have I seen a change in myself?

He has made me a much more caring and compassionate person, and has worked on my conscience when it comes to sin–to know more of what is right and wrong.

You can also pray to be a more forgiving person, too. You may still remember what the other person has done, but with time, the anger and the “sting” of what they have done may lessen.

Don’t be so hard on yourself. Just turn to the Lord for help, in faith. Give your burdens to HIm, and let Him help you. If you have difficulty doing that, then tell Him that, too. God can do what we are not able to do. :hug1:

God bless you!

 

[PelagiathePenit]

My Dear,

The “grass always seems greener on the other side.” You have probably heard that saying.

That means that we think that others have it better than we do–at least, that is the way that it seems to us. But, we don’t know that.

We don’t know what someone else’s sins are, unless they want to tell us and share them with us.

What I do is to ask the Lord to make me a better person, and to make me be more like He is, as a person. He has answered those prayers for me, for self-improvement. How have I seen a change in myself?

He has made me a much more caring and compassionate person, and has worked on my conscience when it comes to sin–to know more of what is right and wrong.

You can also pray to be a more forgiving person, too. You may still remember what the other person has done, but with time, the anger and the “sting” of what they have done may lessen.

Don’t be so hard on yourself. Just turn to the Lord for help, in faith. Give your burdens to HIm, and let Him help you. If you have difficulty doing that, then tell Him that, too. God can do what we are not able to do. :hug1:

God bless you!

forgiveness comes with time. All that matters is that I am trying. At some point I must let it all go. It is mostly the sting or pain. Some do not have this problem though. You are right I am learning it is better not to know other people’s sins or lives for that matter. The only reason people know my sins is because I talk. Perhaps some things are better left in a confessional booth, diary or posted online anonymously. God bless your soul. Thanks.

 

[oldgraymare2]

forgiveness comes with time. All that matters is that I am trying. At some point I must let it all go. It is mostly the sting or pain. Some do not have this problem though. You are right I am learning it is better not to know other people’s sins or lives for that matter. The only reason people know my sins is because I talk. Perhaps some things are better left in a confessional booth, diary or posted online anonymously. God bless your soul. Thanks.

You’re welcome.

One other thing that I forgot to mention is that we can also pray for an increase in the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

I also ask for this, and I have also seen these prayers answered, too.

Here is a link to catholicism.about.com that explains the gifts of the Spirit in more detail.

I especially like to pray for an increase in the gift of Counsel for myself.

Here is the link, if you would like to read more about the gifts of the Spirit:

catholicism.about.com/od/beliefsteachings/tp/Gifts_of_the_Holy_Spirit.htm

We can also pray for an increase in virtues, too.

This to me, also ties into being a better person, as I mentioned in my last post.

Here is a link to catholicism.about.com regarding the theological virtues, if you would like to read more about them:

catholicism.about.com/od/beliefsteachings/p/Charity.htm

 

[Memaw]

forgiveness comes with time. All that matters is that I am trying. At some point I must let it all go. It is mostly the sting or pain. Some do not have this problem though. You are right I am learning it is better not to know other people’s sins or lives for that matter. The only reason people know my sins is because I talk. Perhaps some things are better left in a confessional booth, diary or posted online anonymously. God bless your soul. Thanks.

I would say leave it all in the Confessional. God says HE forgets so we should too. If you feel you need to talk to somebody, talk to a priest and maybe he can help you find a trustworthy Spiritual Director. Leave the past in the Past!!! God Bless, Memaw

 

[pianistclare]

IMHO, you’re letting yourself off the hook too easily.
Forgiveness when you get around to it?
No, forgiveness is now. Absolute. And sincere. Letting things go and meaning it. In the now.
That’s what happens in confession, If we confess being angry, and don’t resolve to stop it, we’re not in the correct frame of mind. Repentance isn’t just “saying things”. It’s genuine.

Imagine if our suffering Lord said “I’ll forgive you your transgressions. Maybe. Later. We’ll see. Give me more time.”
Nope. He never ever says that. He forgives. Right then. Right now when we are truly repentant.

Yes, leave them in a confessional booth where a good confessor can talk back to you in real life.
Posting online, navel gazing, and making excuses, counting on the charity of anonymous people to occasionally back up your reluctance to forgive? No bueno.
That doesn’t help YOU.
Only your confessor can help you.
Tell him the truth. If you have a hard time moving on, tell HIM. He’s the one who can effectively move your forward and keep an eye on it. Expecting others to read between the lines and having one or two people bolster it does not affect change of heart.
You don’t ever have to listen to me, but your confessor is another story.
He’s standing in persona Christi. In that moment. Think about it.

 

[RPRPsych]

IMHO, you’re letting yourself off the hook too easily.
Forgiveness when you get around to it?
No, forgiveness is now. Absolute. And sincere. Letting things go and meaning it. In the now.
That’s what happens in confession, If we confess being angry, and don’t resolve to stop it, we’re not in the correct frame of mind. Repentance isn’t just “saying things”. It’s genuine.

Imagine if our suffering Lord said “I’ll forgive you your transgressions. Maybe. Later. We’ll see. Give me more time.”
Nope. He never ever says that. He forgives. Right then. Right now when we are truly repentant.

Yes, leave them in a confessional booth where a good confessor can talk back to you in real life.
Posting online, navel gazing, and making excuses, counting on the charity of anonymous people to occasionally back up your reluctance to forgive? No bueno.
That doesn’t help YOU.
Only your confessor can help you.
Tell him the truth. If you have a hard time moving on, tell HIM. He’s the one who can effectively move your forward and keep an eye on it. Expecting others to read between the lines and having one or two people bolster it does not affect change of heart.
You don’t ever have to listen to me, but your confessor is another story.
He’s standing in persona Christi. In that moment. Think about it.

 

[Monte_RCMS]

“Lord, Please hold me in your arms, forgive me my sins and make me the way You want me to be.”

 

[PelagiathePenit]

IMHO, you’re letting yourself off the hook too easily.
Forgiveness when you get around to it?
No, forgiveness is now. Absolute. And sincere. Letting things go and meaning it. In the now.
That’s what happens in confession, If we confess being angry, and don’t resolve to stop it, we’re not in the correct frame of mind. Repentance isn’t just “saying things”. It’s genuine.

Imagine if our suffering Lord said “I’ll forgive you your transgressions. Maybe. Later. We’ll see. Give me more time.”
Nope. He never ever says that. He forgives. Right then. Right now when we are truly repentant.

Yes, leave them in a confessional booth where a good confessor can talk back to you in real life.
Posting online, navel gazing, and making excuses, counting on the charity of anonymous people to occasionally back up your reluctance to forgive? No bueno.
That doesn’t help YOU.
Only your confessor can help you.
Tell him the truth. If you have a hard time moving on, tell HIM. He’s the one who can effectively move your forward and keep an eye on it. Expecting others to read between the lines and having one or two people bolster it does not affect change of heart.
You don’t ever have to listen to me, but your confessor is another story.
He’s standing in persona Christi. In that moment. Think about it.

I do not get where you came up with making excuses and me saying I will get around to it. I said forgiveness honestly comes with time. Whsy if i am asking for forgiveness for somwtjing like rape or abuse? Do you really expect me to move on in a day? Besides you really do not know how often i pray to let things go. You are right i should stop asking for advice for only God knows my heart and situation.Didn’t I ask for help with prayers? I really do not like or get your responses sometimes. You seem to find the worse in people. Stop responding to my post. God bless you.

 

[Irishmom2]

forgiveness comes with time.

The only reason people know my sins is because I talk. Perhaps some things are better left in a confessional booth, diary or posted online anonymously. God bless your soul. Thanks.

Forgiveness comes from God in the confessional. Immediately, not over time. If you mean not sinning comes with time, that is another thing. Everyone sins, but you should strive to sin no more for God. I don’t know why you are ashamed of your sins because of other people and not God. You have that backwards. That is a serious flaw.

Perhaps you will be able to let go of things if you stop dwelling on them. Leave your sins in God’s hands in the confessional and speak no more of them. There is no need to tell others, and even less reason to post them online, even anonymously. Just stop. Do something else. If your friends are persuading you to tell them your secrets, get new friends, they don’t respect you. If being online causes you to spill your secrets, get off your computer. Or go on Pinterest and collect things. Inspiring quotes, dream house pics, cute kittens. Anything to stop talking.

 

[PelagiathePenit]

Forgiveness comes from God in the confessional. Immediately, not over time. If you mean not sinning comes with time, that is another thing. Everyone sins, but you should strive to sin no more for God. I don’t know why you are ashamed of your sins because of other people and not God. You have that backwards. That is a serious flaw.

Perhaps you will be able to let go of things if you stop dwelling on them. Leave your sins in God’s hands in the confessional and speak no more of them. There is no need to tell others, and even less reason to post them online, even anonymously. Just stop. Do something else. If your friends are persuading you to tell them your secrets, get new friends, they don’t respect you. If being online causes you to spill your secrets, get off your computer. Or go on Pinterest and collect things. Inspiring quotes, dream house pics, cute kittens. Anything to stop talking.

thank you for your response. I need to stop dwelling. you are right I need not to explain myself to others let alone to people online who really haven’t a clue what situation I am in. I think people took that forgiveness with time thing way out of context. Only my good Lord knows me anyways. God bless. I need not prove myself to strangers anyways.

 

[Irishmom2]

thank you for your response. I need to stop dwelling. you are right I need not to explain myself to others let alone to people online who really haven’t a clue what situation I am in. I think people took that forgiveness with time thing way out of context. Only my good Lord knows me anyways. God bless. I need not prove myself to strangers anyways.

To be fair though, if you are referring to people on this site, they only know what you tell them. I don’t think anyone here is asking you to prove yourself.

 

[Katherine438]

I have always been one to dwell in the past the could have, should have. I need to learn to let what people have done to me go. I need to stop comparing my sins to others. I am ashamed of my sins mostly because others can see them not because of God. I want to perfect but I cannot in NY own efforts that frustrates me so I am not welcoming of spiritual correction. I guess I am asking here. Some people seem to have it all put together and their sins or failings are not quite as transparent or apparent as mine (sin of vanity). Lord help me.

If I were you I would go to confession … it always helps me when I am feeling lost … afterwards attend Mass and receive our Lord … these two sacraments are our strength … after receiving confession you can leave everything behind and move forward … try it … it could be a new beginning. God Bless you.

Also want to tell you, I am also struggling big time … so I am just trying to tell you what is helping me.

 

[animalis]

According to the Angelic Doctor, “the trust of the good” (confident hope, or the proper trust of a soul has for God) rather then the wicked is gathered from the soul of theology in “seven things”:

1. In the fear of God, “In the fear of the Lord is confidence of strength, and there shall be hope for his children.” (Prov 14:26)
2. In prayer, "thy servant hath found confidence to pray before thee. (1 Chr 17:25) “Dearly beloved, if our heart do not reprehend us, we have confidence towards God: And whatsoever we shall ask, we shall receive of him: because we keep his commandments, and do those things which are pleasing in his sight.” (1 Jn 3:21, 22)
3. In consecration of himself to God, “If thou wilt put away from thee the iniquity that is in thy hand, and let not injustice remain in thy tabernacle: Then mayst thou lift up thy face without spot, and thou shalt be steadfast, and shalt not fear. Thou shalt also forget misery, and remember it only as waters that are passed away. And brightness like that of the noonday, shall arise to thee at evening: and when thou shalt think thyself consumed, thou shalt rise as the day star. And thou shalt have confidence, hope being set before thee, and being buried thou shalt sleep secure.” (Jb 11:14-18)
4. In bountiful almsgiving, “Alms shall be a great confidence before the most high God, to all them that give it.” (Tob 4:12)
5. In keeping of the Divine law, “Incline thy ear, and hear the words of the wise: and apply thy heart to my doctrine: Which shall be beautiful for thee, if thou keep it in thy bowels, and it shall flow in thy lips: That thy trust may be in the Lord, wherefore I have also shewn it to thee this day.” (Prov 22:17-19) “If any one love me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him, and will make our abode with him. He that loveth me not, keepeth not my words.” (Jn 14:23, 24)
6. In the blood of Christ, “Having therefore, brethren, a confidence in the entering into the holies by the blood of Christ”. (Heb 10:19)
7. In the day of judgment, “In this is the charity of God perfected with us, that we may have confidence in the day of judgment: because as he is, we also are in this world.” (1 Jn 4:17) (cf. 99 Homilies of S. Thomas Aquinas, Hom. 23)

 

[PelagiathePenit]

To be fair though, if you are referring to people on this site, they only know what you tell them. I don’t think anyone here is asking you to prove yourself.

To be fair, I think some responses seemed to have overlooked the entire point of my post. I was asking for prayers for forgiveness. As for forgiveness taking time, it honestly does. It is A choice to let things go but that doesn’t mean I still do not fall into the temptation to dwell or feel angry. I do not understand how people got the idea I was letting myself off the hook. I guess I choose to let this go as well. Misinterpretations are part of writing online. Please do not give advice if you are unwilling to read my entire post or consider the possible sincerity in it. God bless you.

 

[pianistclare]

I do not get where you came up with making excuses and me saying I will get around to it. I said forgiveness honestly comes with time. Whsy if i am asking for forgiveness for somwtjing like rape or abuse? Do you really expect me to move on in a day? Besides you really do not know how often i pray to let things go. You are right i should stop asking for advice for only God knows my heart and situation. Didn’t I ask for help with prayers? I really do not like or get your responses sometimes. You seem to find the worse in people. Stop responding to my post. God bless you.

I guess you just don’t read your posts before you submit them. You have no idea how you sound. Nothing I said was uncharitable.
I was in a terribly abusive marriage for YEARS.He threatened to kill us all.
I know something about forgiveness.

You have just proven why anonymous internet posting is wrong for some people.
If you cannot take advice in the spirit in which it is given, in response to what you clearly have posted now, and given your posting history, …well…
Growth will come from addressing that.
There is a prayer intention forum if you don’t really want comments. Posting angry isn’t productive.

I will stop responding. It never seems to sink in anyway.
Look a real life Spiritual Director if your issues are that severe. Again, just responding to what you post here.

 

[animalis]

A watchful soul in the context of forgiving and accepting is prepared to display its content of trust. Wherefore, may I suggest the Divine Mercy Chaplet? But strong prayer depends not on the mode but the proper orientation of the source of prayer, or in other words - oikonomia

For it says in James “the continual prayer of a just man availeth much.” (Jas 5:16) He explains this by mentioning the power of Elijah vis-a-vis the prophets of Baal.

 

[Beryllos]

Pelagia, I have no advice at the moment, just a prayer that you may have peace.

 

[Beryllos]

Just found this in another thread. It looks like a good prayer for you, and while you’re at it, pray for njlisa:

I am struggling with doubts about my faith. Please pray for all of us who need peace and faith in our lives.

Prayer for Peace of Mind and Heart

Eternal, Holy God, I come to You burdened with
worries, fears, doubts, and troubles. Calm and
quiet me with peace of mind. Empty me of the
anxiety that disturbs me, of the concerns that
weary my spirit, and weigh heavy on my heart.

Loosen my grip on the disappointments and
grievances I hold on to so tightly. Release me
from the pain of past hurts, of present anger
and tension, of future fears.

Sometimes it’s too much for me Lord –
too many demands and problems –
too much sadness, suffering, and stress.

Renew me spiritually and emotionally.
Give me new strength, hope, and confidence.
Prepare me to meet the constant struggles of
daily life with a deeper faith and trust in You.

Let Your love set me free: for peace,
for joy, for grace, for life, for others,
forever.
Through Christ Our Lord, Amen.



​

 

[Reuben_J]

I have always been one to dwell in the past the could have, should have. I need to learn to let what people have done to me go. I need to stop comparing my sins to others. I am ashamed of my sins mostly because others can see them not because of God. I want to perfect but I cannot in NY own efforts that frustrates me so I am not welcoming of spiritual correction. I guess I am asking here. Some people seem to have it all put together and their sins or failings are not quite as transparent or apparent as mine (sin of vanity). Lord help me.

Hi. Just noted this thread.

I am not sure what you’re trying to say so no advice here. However, I guess it is good to hear second opinion though.

Sin of vanity and pride is probably one of the most common sins and most of us are struggling with it. There are Christians who are very deep in the faith who struggle with this.

The reality is people around us are real and often deep in our hearts we want their approval; we care about what they think and and we want to impress them.

Sometimes there is very little that separates our total focus on the Lord and at the same time being conscious on what we do that may get the attention of our peers. Thus there is always a conflict.

Asking for forgiveness and to give forgiveness are another two things that are difficult to do. I do not believe these are easy things to do, no matter how holy such people are. It is easy to tell a person to do them and perhaps to solve a problem but how to do them is another matter altogether, meaning to say, it is always a struggle and many times we are not successful in trying to do them.

We can only begin to make a decision and work it from there with lots of prayers. Ultimately it is the Lord who will help us to move and change our hearts for us to do them.

If you find it difficult to do the things that the Lord want you to do, you can take comfort that you are not alone. Even the saints couldn’t. St Paul said he couldn’t do the good that he should do but instead did the evil which he shouldn’t do, and therefore what a wretched person he was. (see Rom 7:19).

God bless.