Editor’s note: The author explains her family’s Lenten commitment to take the Love Dare here . Regular updates will be posted all through Lent. Click here to catch up on previous posts. Due to CE staff scheduling, we will not be able to keep up with these posts daily, but we will make sure they are all posted, even though it means they run past Lent. ]
Pray for family members today.
“Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers” (3 John 2).
My mother was the best example of the dare today. She recently started a thirty day communion novena for each of her children and their families. When she was is in the middle of the novena for my sister, she became ill and had to miss a few days of mass. She ended up having to begin the novena over three times before she was able to complete the thirty days! That is a lot of dedication to intercession.
When my son was young, he suffered from Tourette’s and severe OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder). He became almost incapacitated by the fears in his own mind (he was only five years-old). My husband and I fell to our knees one night. We lit a candle and tried to pray. Our sobs of grief for our son were all the prayer we could muster. It took several years, therapy and medication, but now that son is a teenager and he is in remission. I strongly believe in the power of intercessory prayer.
We are trying to refocus our energy (during this dare) on praying for each others’ issues and shortcomings instead of criticizing them. This is a difficult challenge for all of us.
As Catholics we are blessed to have the Saints ready to pray with us and for us at a moments notice. Special novenas and asking for the Saints’ help is always a great idea.
Lord, thank you for giving us the fullness of our faith and faith community, so that we can ask for intercessory prayers from those who will lovingly grant it.
