Day Three: Monday, January 19, 2015

Intercession: May those who long for a child of their own be filled with trust in God’s loving plan.

Pray the Our Father, 3 Hail Marys, and a Glory Be.

Reflection: It can be very difficult and painful when the Lord doesn’t answer our prayers the way we hope. We may have many doubts and questions, wondering why we face the challenges that we do. Yet even though our suffering is often shrouded in a sense of mystery, we believe that the Lord loves us with great tenderness and compassion that is beyond our imagination. Knowing this, we can trust that “all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose” (Rom 8:28).

• Smile. Ask God today for the grace to be extra joyful and share your love for Christ with those who need that encouragement the most today.
• Pray the Rosary, or even just a decade, today for someone who has hurt or disappointed you, and ask for the grace to forgive that person.
• We can sometimes forget how blessed we are to have many of our daily comforts. Give up sleeping with your pillow tonight.

Here... Let us catch up...

Day Four: Tuesday, January 20, 2015 (en español)

Printable versions of Day Four: (color) (black and white)

Intercession: May children awaiting adoption be welcomed into loving families.

Our Father, 3 Hail Marys, Glory Be

Reflection: Let us reflect on today’s reading from Hebrews (6:10-20)^*, which reminds us to “hold fast to the hope that lies before us. This we have as an anchor of the soul, sure and firm” (Heb 6:18-19)^*. We pray that children awaiting adoption would be filled with the hope of Christ and “the peace of God that surpasses all understanding” (Phil 4:7)^*. We also remember that, we too, can cling fast to this anchor of hope, for we have received “a spirit of adoption, through which we cry, ‘Abba, Father!’” (Rom 8:15)^*. May our loving Father envelop each of us in His love today and open our eyes in faith, that we may see and rejoice in it.

Acts of Reparation (choose one):

• Make an act of faith, hope or love. (www.bit.ly/9DaysFaithHopeLove)
  
• Today, ignore your sweet tooth. Make healthy eating choices.
  
• Make a “quiet hour” today, turning off all electronic devices (cell phone, iPod, computer, television, radio, video game system), and retreat to your room. Spend some time in prayer or prayerful reading.