From Fr. Jacek's Desk...

Dear Friends:

Prayer for this Week: Father in heaven, please give your Holy Spirit to me this day. Amen. (Luke 11:13)

“Four Keys” for Families:
#1 – Faith Talk: Discuss in your household or small group:
• Whom do you find it easy to talk to? Why?

• Do you find prayer easy or difficult? Why?

• When Jesus’ disciples wanted to learn how to pray, Jesus taught them the Lord’s
Prayer (Luke 11:1-4). What is your favorite part of the prayer? What part do you find it hardest to pray or to understand?

# 2 – Devotional Practices:
In your home devotion times this week, focus on the different parts of the Lord’s Prayer in turn: (1) Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. (2) Your kingdom come. (3) Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. (4) Give us today our daily bread. (5) Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. (6) Lead us not into temptation. (7) But deliver us from evil. Talk together about what each part means and how it applies to you (e.g. “How do we keep God’s name holy?”; “How do we help God’s kingdom to come?”; “How can we show appreciation for the daily gifts God give us?”). If you have a young child in your home, take this opportunity to help them memorize the prayer.

# 3 - Rituals and Traditions:
Prayer is a practice we need to learn, both as individuals and as households (even Jesus’ disciples needed to learn how to pray!). What part does prayer play in your home life? Consider building these different forms of prayer into your home routine:

Praying for One Another: Pray for household members personally on special occasions, such as birthdays. In addition, try instituting times during the week when you specifically pray for one another.

Praying for Others: Include a time each week to pray for persons outside your household, and for the needs of the wider world.

Mealtime Prayers: Make mealtime graces a part of your daily life.

Prayers of Thanksgiving: Make a habit of offering thanks to God often. Give thanks together when you return safely from a trip, when good news is received, and when milestones are reached. Cultivate an attitude of thankfulness.

Have a blessed week!

In Christ’s peace,
Father Jacek