Hello!
"Prayer is a surge of the heart!" according to Saint Therese of Lisieux.
How is your Lenten journey going thus far? Recently I was teaching my second grade faith formation class about prayer. We talked about all kinds of prayers that are pleasing to God. And I wanted to impress upon the children that they could pray at any time and any place. I reassured them that they could pray no matter what--even if someone tells them that they are not allowed to pray due to certain rules, because they could pray silently and need not make any exterior motions. It warmed my heart to hear the children share some of the ways that they pray.
As we discussed further I was so heartened to see Abby, one of my little students suddenly lift her heart to God in prayer--right then and there without any inhibitions! She stopped everything, closed her eyes and folded her hands in prayer. I discreetly raised my cell phone and silently snapped a quick photo--it was just that precious.
Oh, the innocence of a child! We should all be that way--reaching up to God in prayer--full surrender!
On another note, please check out these links if you'd like to listen to some recent radio shows I have done, speaking about our Lenten practices, Saint Therese, Mother Teresa, the saints, families, and prayer.
Here's a recent show with the talented Sean Herriott on Relevant Radio: http://relevantradio.streamguys.us/MA%20Archive/MA20140226a.mp3 (my part is approximately at the halfway mark).
Here's one with the wonderful Wendy Weise on Relevant Radio: tunes.apple.com/us/podcast/on-call-wendy-wiese-mar-12/id594106678?i=277243679&mt=2 (scroll to # 13, March 11, 2014).
Here's one with dear friend and radio and television personality Teresa Tomeo on EWTN's "Catholic Connection: http://www.donnacooperoboyle.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/CC_DMCOB_03-18-14.mp3 .
I also want to let you know that I have been doing a weekly Lenten show with the wonderful Matt Swaim on "Son Rise Morning Show." It's at 8:10 AM ET each Friday morning. We discuss Lent in a family with the spiritual direction of Saint Therese and Mother Teresa. When the shows are available in the archives I will include the links in a future newsletter.
Meanwhile, here is some additional information about the show: http://www.sonrisemorningshow.com .
Have a beautiful and prayerful week end. Please keep me in your prayers and be assured of my prayers for you.
God bless you and keep you!
Donna-Marie
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| Here's my beautiful second grade student Abby spontaneously praying . I hope she inspires you as much as she has inspired me. :) [shared with permission from her mother] |
