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Sponsors Catholic Charities Archdiocese of OKC St. Philip Neri Catholic Church Health Ministry Lenten Fast Resources www.Daniel-Fast.com based on the www.vegangela.com Book of The Prophet Daniel www.USCCB.org Daniel Fast Meager Meals Health Ministry Team Mobile Meals* Ash Wednesday -Holy Saturday February 10 - March 26 Altar Society* Golden Angels* Youth Ministry *Daniel Fast options available. ST. PHILIP NERI CATHOLIC CHURCH 1107 FELIX PLACE MIDWEST CITY, OK 73110 405-737-4476 www.stphilipnerimwc.org St. Philip Neri—MWC Health Ministry 40 " I ate no savory food, took no meat or wine, and did not anoint myself at all until the end of the three weeks." Daniel 10:3 The end of the fast. A new beginning. "Jesus went out into the desert where the landscape was parched and the surface covered with loose stones and almost no sand. The stones are a symbol of austerity and rigor, desolation and misery, severity and sadness. The devil used stones to tempt Jesus, "If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become loaves of bread" (Mt 4:3), but Jesus made them a symbol for overcoming temptation when he replied, "One does not live on bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God" (Mt 4:4; Dt 8:3). What is the meaning of Lent? The key to understanding the meaning of Lent is simple: Baptism. Preparation for Baptism and for renewing baptismal commitment lies at the heart of the season. Penitents and the rest of the faith community join the catechumens as they enter their final period of preparation for Baptism, accompanying them on their journey and preparing to renew their baptismal vows at Easter. Several elements are especially characteristic of Lent -the recalling of baptism or the preparation for it, penance, almsgiving, fasting, and prayer, in particular contemplative prayer. Contemplative prayer is prayer without words, a heart to heart communion with God for the purpose of love, intimacy, and transformation. Contemplation is particularly appropriate during Lent because the Church calls us to reflect on the meaning of our baptism. By virtue of baptism, we all have the life of Christ within us, and contemplative prayer seeks to deepen our awareness of this life. Not only do we become more aware, we also begin to change in profound ways. 2 Prayerfully consider the lessons you've learned and the good habits you've adopted on the Daniel Fast. Don't leave them behind, but let them become a regular part of your life. This includes your prayer and study time with the Lord as well as improved eating habits. Ease back into a normal diet. This is especially true with caffeine, sugar, fatty foods, meat and dairy products. Small portions are wise. Go slow, adding only one or two foods per day. Continue to eat foods in their most natural form. Limiting artificial ingredients such as artificial colors, flavors and preservatives. Limit processed and fast foods. Make vegetables, fruits and healthy carbohydrates your primary diet. Add meat and dairy in smaller quantities. For caffeine beverages, drink one small cup or glass and then see how your body reacts. Don't be surprised if you get the "jitters." Consider starting with de-caffeinated. Continue to make water your primary drink. At least 1/2 gallon per day. Carry water with you and drink it often. Don't be surprised if you feel tired after you start eat- ing your "typical foods." Your body has been detoxed over the 40 day Daniel Fast, and it might rebel if not fed healthy foods. 39 Day 40 March 26, 2016 Holy Saturday Easter Vigil LOVE "Or are you unaware that we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were indeed buried with him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might live in newness of life." Romans 6:3-4 How do we practice Lent as Catholics? Lenten practice has changed over time, but eventually, the practice prevailed of fasting for six days a week over the course of six weeks, and Ash Wednesday was instituted to bring the number of fast days before Easter to 40. The rules of fasting varied. First, some areas of the Church abstained from all forms of meat and animal products, while others made exceptions for food like fish. For example, Pope St. Gregory, writing to St. Augustine of Canterbury, issued the following rule: "We abstain from flesh, meat, and from all things that come from flesh, as milk, cheese and eggs." Lenten prayer The present fasting and abstinence laws are very simple: Lord, awaken my inner awareness of you. On Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, the faithful fast (having only one full meal a day and smaller snacks to keep March 27, 2016 EASTER up one's strength) and abstain from meat; on the other Fridays of Lent, the faithful abstain from meat. People are PEACE - The Great Gift still encouraged "to give up something" for Lent as a sacrifice. (An interesting note is that technically on Sundays and solemnities like St. Joseph's Day (March 19), one is exempt Easter Prayer Thank you, Lord, for your gift of abundant life. May I receive it with humility, gratitude, and trust. and can partake of whatever has been offered up for Lent. Nevertheless, consider "If you give something up for the Lord, tough it out. Don't act like a Pharisee looking for a loophole." Moreover, an emphasis must be placed on performing spiritual works, like attending the Stations of the Cross, attending Mass, making a weekly holy hour before the Blessed Sacrament, taking time for personal prayer and spiritual reading and most especially making a good confession and receiving sacramental absolution. Although the practices may have evolved over the centuries, the focus remains the same: to repent of sin, to renew our faith and to prepare to celebrate joyfully the mysteries of our salvation. www.usccb.org 38 3 Day 39 What is a Daniel Fast? The Daniel Fast is based on the fasting experiences of the Old Testament Prophet. It's a partial fast where some foods are eaten while others are restricted. March 25, 2016 Good Fri- day Where in Scripture is the basis for Daniel Fast? "But Daniel was resolved not to defile himself with the king's food or wine; so he begged the chief chamberlain to spare him this defilement. Though God had given Daniel the favor and sympathy of the chief chamberlain, he said to Daniel, "I am afraid of my lord the king, who allotted your food and drink. If he sees that you look thinner in comparison to the other young men of your age, you will endanger my life with the king." Then Daniel said to the guardian whom the chief chamberlain had put in charge of Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, "Please test your servants for ten days. Let us be given vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then see how we look in comparison with the other young men who eat from the royal table, and treat your servants according to what you see." He agreed to this request, and tested them for ten days; after ten days they looked healthier and better fed than any of the young men who ate from the royal table. So the steward continued to take away the food and wine they were to receive, and gave them vegetables." Daniel 1:8-16 Final Surrender "No trial has come to you but what is human. God is faithful and will not let you be tried beyond your strength; but with the trial he will also provide a way out, so that you may be able to bear it." 1 Corinthians 10:13 Lenten prayer " I ate no savory food, took no meat or wine, and did not anoint myself at all until the end of the three weeks." Daniel 10:3 Lord Jesus, confronted by the mystery of death, may I always turn to you. Passion Reading - Gospel of Choice 4 37 How will we use the Daniel Fast during Lent? Day 37 March 23, 2016 Wednesday "See, you lowly ones, and be glad; you who seek God, take heart! For the Lord hears the poor, and does not spurn those in bondage." Psalm 69:33-34 First and foremost, the fast is a spiritual discipline where one can draw nearer to God. An invitation to draw deeper into the meaning of our faith. By fasting each day throughout Lent, we become more in communion with Jesus. We better understand his preparation to deal with temptation. We better understand the sacrifice Jesus made for us. Lenten Prayer - Spirit of God, help me to give the total gift of my being, sharing generously what I have. What do we learn from Daniel? From Daniel and his friends we will learn the power of faith and commitment. Passion Reading - Gospel of Choice Who can participate in a Daniel Fast? Entire families, The Daniel Fast is a healthy eating plan. Humble Offering Day 38 March 24, 2016 Holy Thursday What can we gain from using the Daniel Fast Food guidelines during Lent? "Be strong and steadfast; have no fear or dread of them, for it is the Lord, your God, who marches with you; he will never fail you or forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6 While entering into the Daniel Fast is for spiritual purposes, the dietary guidelines of the Daniel Fast improve health. Our bodies seem to flourish when they are well watered and well fed! Passion Reading - Gospel of Choice Health care providers find that by concentrating on improving a person's physical, spiritual and emotional health, beneficial side-effects occur automatically. Well-documented benefits of the Daniel Fast include improvement in many of the following: *Body *Blood Pressure *Concentration *Cholesterol *Cravings *Depression *Diabetes *Energy *Excessive night-time urination *Fertility *Fluid retention *Food allergies and addictions *Good health *Hair and nail *Headaches *Hot flushes *Hypoglycemia *Immunity *Insomnia *Intestinal * Irritable Bowel Syndrome * Menstrual problems* Mind - clearer and sharper *Negative health symptoms *Organs and tissues *Overeating *Reflux and indigestion *Skin problems *Spirituality *Stamina * Tiredness *Weight loss 36 5 The Daniel Fast serves as a means for getting the body "back in order" and not so controlled by the whims of emotional eating, cravings and poor eating choices! Digestion is more efficient, the liver less taxed, and the rest of the body receives the nutrients to thrive. So while the Daniel Fast is primarily a spiritual exercise for the spirit and soul, the body gains great benefits. We are a spirit, we have a soul, and we live in a body. So the Daniel Fast is a great tool to address every part of who we are! How do we use what we have learned and the changes we have incorporated into our lives after Lent? Lent is a period of reflection and examination, seeking what the Holy Spirit desires for our life. What changes we need to make in the natural and in the spirit realm to align properly with God so that repeated negative habits are not found in the upcoming year. Day 35 March 21, 2016 Monday Totality of Gift "Mary took a liter of costly perfumed oil made from genuine aromatic nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and dried them with her hair; the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil." John 12:3 Lenten Prayer Thank you Jesus for making the ultimate sacrifice, giving your life for me. Passion Reading - Gospel of Choice Easter is a New Start. The Daniel Fast gives us the opportunity to recommit to daily devotions and prayer, to improve our outlook in life, and to develop improved eating habits. As Lent and our Daniel Fast ends, we evaluate what foods we will choose to reincorporate into our lives and those that we recognize as not beneficial for our health and well being. As you have been restricting meats, dairy, sugar / sweeteners, and caffeine, you should decide carefully how much to reintroduce. Some healthy choices are: 1. Eating foods in their most natural form. 2. Making vegetables, fruits and healthier carbohydrates your primary diet. 3. Continuing to make water your primary liquid intake and limiting caffeine and sugary drinks. 4.Choosing healthier fats and oils when cooking. 5. Being aware of additives and preservatives in foods and limiting those food choices. 6. Limiting sugars, sweets and treats using naturally sweet foods as an alternative. 6 Day 36 March 22, 2016 Tuesday Growth in Failure "When he had said this, Jesus was deeply troubled and testified, "Amen, amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me." John 13:21 Lenten Prayer Christ Jesus, help me to see your presence in my failures. Passion Reading - Gospel of Choice 35 March 20, 2016 Palm Sunday Foods to include in your diet during the Daniel Fast All fruits. These can be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced or canned. Apples, apricots, bananas, blackberries, blueberries, boysenberries, cantaloupe, cherries, cranberries, figs, grapefruit, grapes, guava, honeydew melon, kiwi, lemons, limes, mangoes, nectarines, oranges, papayas, peaches, pears, pineapples, plums, prunes, raisins, raspberries, strawberries, tangelos, tangerines, and watermelon. All vegetables. These can be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced or canned. Arti- chokes, asparagus, beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauli- Acceptance Then he said to them, "My soul is sorrowful even to death. Remain here and keep watch with me." He advanced a little and fell prostrate in prayer, saying, "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet, not as I will, but as you will." Matthew 26:38-39 flower, celery, chili peppers, collard greens, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, garlic, ginger root, kale, leeks, lettuce, mushrooms, mustard greens, okra, onions, parsley, potatoes, radishes, rutabagas, scallions, spinach, sprouts, squashes, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, turnips, watercress, yams, zucchini. All whole grains, including whole wheat, brown rice, millet, quinoa, oats, Lenten Prayer barley, grits, whole wheat pasta, whole wheat tortillas, rice cakes, popcorn. Lord, I don't understand or desire suffering, but I accept it out of love for you. All nuts and seeds, including sunflower seeds, cashews, peanuts, sesame. Also nut butters including almond, cashew and peanut butter. All legumes. These can be canned or dried. Legumes include dried beans, Prayer Suggestion The Passion Choose one of the Gospel accounts of The Passion of our Lord to read. Whenever you find a passage particularly moving, simply rest in the presence of Christ until you are moved to go on. Do not feel compelled to finish the account at one sitting. Simply be present this week to the Lord in his suffering, death and resurrection. pinto beans, split peas, lentils, black eyed peas, kidney beans, black beans, cannellini beans, white beans. All quality vegetable oils including avocado, coconut, corn, grapeseed, olive, palm oil, and palm kernel oil, peanut, and sesame. Other: tofu, soy products, vinegar, seasonings, salt, herbs and spices. Beverages: spring water, distilled water or other pure waters. If needed water can be flavored with lemon, lime, mint or other natural fruit. John 18:1 - 19:42 Mark 14:26 - 15:47 Matthew 26:36 - 27:66 Luke 22:31 - 23:56 34 These are examples to include but foods are not limited to only these. 7 Foods to avoid on the Daniel Fast Day 33 March 18, 2016 Friday All meat and animal products beef, lamb, pork, poultry, Triumph of Grace and fish, meat broths and gravy, eggs. "If I do not perform my Father's works, do not believe me; but if I perform them, even if you do not believe me, believe the works, so that you may realize [and understand] that the Father is in me and I am in the Father." John 10:37-38 All dairy products milk, cheese, cream, butter, egg All artificial and natural sweeteners sugar, honey, syrups, molasses, agave, stevia and cane juice. Lenten Prayer All leavened bread and agents including yeast, baking so- Allow me to persevere through the difficulties, Lord, that I may find myself in a new place. da and baking powder. Daniel Chapter 14:1-22 All refined and processed food products artificial fla- vorings, food additives, chemicals, white rice and flour, and foods that contain artificial preservatives. I do not revere idols made with hands, but only the living God who made heaven and earth and has dominion over all flesh. Day 34 All deep fried foods potato chips & French fries March 19, 2016 Saturday Abundant Love All solid fats including margarine, butter, lard Beverages including coffee, tea, herbal teas, carbonated "Jesus spoke to them again, saying, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8:12 beverages, soda, energy drinks. Lenten Prayer Lord, strengthen my trust in you all the days of my life. Alcohol: Including wine, beer and spirits. Do I have to give up all these foods? Prayerfully sider what you will give up and then do your best. 8 con- Daniel Chapter 14:23-42 God remembers, does not forsake those who love him. 33 Tips Decide to eat more simply for this period of prayer Day 31 March 16, 2016 Wednesday Joint Heir "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation." Colossians 1:15 Lenten Prayer Lord, help me to understand and accept, I am a child of God, a joint heir with Christ. Daniel Chapter 13:1-49 What shall be the end of things? and fasting. Humble meals. Simple dishes. Flavorful and pleasing is fine. . . but in balance for the purpose of fasting, which is to restrict food for a spiritual purpose. Plan a few simple meals. 3—4 breakfast, 4-5 lunch, and 5-6 dinner menus and then about 3 different snacks. You can rotate menus and it's easier to make sure you have the ingredients on hand. Keep your meals uncomplicated. Then your focus can be on God, scripture and prayer. Prepare several meals at one time. Make a double recipe of and freeze one. An example would be Vegetarian Chili. Using a pot of flavorful and nutritious chili as the center of your menu makes it easy to add a simple green salad and flatbread for a nutritious and satisfying meal. Preparation Day 32 March 17, 2016 Thursday Let God "Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word." Then the angel departed from her." Luke 1:38 Lenten Prayer Gracious Lord, may the model of Mary strengthen my trust in you. Daniel Chapter 13:50-64 Many shall be purified, and the wise shall understand - the wicked shall do wickedly, and not understand. 32 If you have a health condition that requires a special diet, be sure to check with your doctor for his / her input. Modify your fast and eating plan as your condition indicates. Two weeks before starting your fast, it will be helpful to make some changes to prepare and make your fasting experience more successful. Begin to taper your consumption of caffeine, sugar and sugar drinks and snacks, processed foods and other foods not on the fast. Increase your water consumption to 64 ounces each day. Begin to clear your pantry and fridge from foods not on the Daniel Fast food list. Read the Book of Daniel. 1 Chapter each day. Attend a Study on the Book of Daniel. Make meal plans. Purchase foods needed for the fast. Remember, READ THE LABELS! Eat foods in their most natural form. Pray for guidance, Plan what you can do, Do your best, 9 Day 29 March 14, 2016 Monday Dying to Self "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted, saves those whose spirit is crushed. Many are the troubles of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him from them all." Psalms 34:19-20 Lenten Prayer Dying is hard Lord, may I consent to your gift. Daniel Chapter 11:21-40 Then came one who brought blasphemies against Israel. Those who know God will resist valiantly. A future ruler is to come. Day 30 Lord, lead me to you this Lent by whatever path pleases you. We who are incomplete, confused, and riddled with the consequences of original sin constitute the family that the Son of God took upon himself. The message of Jesus is to invite us into divine union, which is the sole remedy for the human predicament. The misguided search for happiness is the human predicament that the Gospel addresses. Happiness can be found only in the experience of union with God. 10 March 15, 2016 Tuesday Ready to Serve "Sing out, heavens, and rejoice, earth, break forth into song, you mountains, For the Lord comforts his people and shows mercy to his afflicted." Isaiah 49:13 Lenten Prayer Lord may I grow in purity of heart ready to serve you each day. Daniel Chapter 12 The ultimate victory. Final instructions. 31 Day 1 March 13, 2016 February 10, 2016 Ash Wednesday Sunday First Fruits Security "You who dwell in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shade of the Almighty, say to the Lord, "My refuge and fortress, my God in whom I trust. Psalms 91:1-2 "All the choicest first fruits of every kind and all the best of your offerings of every kind shall belong to the priests; the best of your dough you shall also give to the priests to bring a blessing upon your house." Ezekiel 44:30 Lenten Prayer Lenten Prayer Guide me Lord to seek you as my shelter always. Lord today I give you the first of me. I put you first in my life. Prayer Suggestion Awareness While contemplation is not a relaxation technique or a method for sharpening our mental powers, we may find it easier to hear God speak to us in silence if we are calm and receptive. One way of preparing to listen to the voice of God within is to become aware of one's breathing while sitting in a quiet space, in a relaxed position, and taking slow deep breaths. Daniel Chapter 1 The name "Daniel" means "God is my judge": God will judge the nations of men. Daniel was a person of deep and abiding faith... As a youth, he purposed not to defile himself. Day 2 February 11, 2016 Thursday Choice "If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it." Luke 9: 23-24 Lenten Prayer Lord may the cross I bear lead me back to you. Daniel Chapter 2:1-13 Nebuchadnezzar's magicians and sorcerers, are unable, to tell him both the dream and its interpretation. 30 11 Day 3 February 12, 2016 Friday Day 27 March 11, 2016 Friday Sanctified by Truth "They do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world. Consecrate them in the truth. Your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I sent them into the world." John 17:16-18 Lenten Prayer Purify me Lord and make me holy as I seek to consecrate myself to you. Daniel Chapter 2:14 - 49 God reveals the secret of the dream to Daniel in a night vision - Daniel approaches the king and explains that God has made known to him both the dream and its interpretation - Daniel then tells the dream, and gives the interpretation. "The Kingdom Which Shall Never Be Destroyed" Day 4 February 13, 2016 Who is He to you? "When Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" They replied, "Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?"" Matthew 16:13-15 Lenten Prayer Lord help me to build my relationship with you that I may not just know of you, but that I may know you intimately. Daniel Chapter 10:4-21 Final vision: "the latter days". Daniel is given strength. Saturday Day 28 March 12, 2016 Saturday Nearer to God "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you of two minds." Lenten Prayer James 4:8 Christ Jesus may my Lenten practices help awaken me to your presence. Help me focus. Daniel Chapter 3:1-23 To conform outwardly would have meant disobedience to God - Into the fiery furnace, they demonstrated faith, determined to serve God no matter what. A new sense of freedom! 12 Seek Guidance "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, on your own intelligence do not rely; In all your ways be mindful of him, and he will make straight your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6 Lenten Prayer As I go through each day, Lord, help me to set aside my thinking and seek you in all I do. Daniel Chapter 11:1-20 Conflict between north and south affects Daniel's people. 29 Day 25 March 9, 2016 Not by Bread Alone "The tempter approached and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become loaves of bread." He said in reply, "It is written: 'One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.'" Matthew 4:3-4 Lenten Prayer Give me strength Lord to become more aware of what I feed my spirit and soul. Daniel Chapter 9:20-27 Identify as a sinner even though faithful to God. May the example of Daniel's life and faith inspire us in our own walk with God, for we too have been blessed to be "greatly beloved." Day 26 March 10, 2016 February 14, 2016 Wednesday Thursday Love of Possessions "Again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of God." Matthew 19:24 Lenten Prayer May I measure my self - worth on my relationship with you Lord, not on possessions. Temptation Then the devil left him and, behold, angels came and ministered to him. Matthew 4:11 Lenten Prayer Spirit of the Living God, when I am tempted as Jesus was, help me to react as he did. Prayer Suggestion Centering Prayer Centering prayer is a meditative practice where the practitioner focuses on a word and repeats that word over and over for a period of time. The purpose is to clear one's mind of outside concerns so that God's voice may be more easily heard. Sit comfortably, relaxed and quiet. Turn your heart to God. Use a one or two syllable word to symbolize your desire to go to God. Let that prayer word come to mind. Whenever you become aware of anything other than God, gently call to mind your prayer word to return to the Lord. After 20 minutes conclude your prayer time by slowly saying the "Our Father". Day 5 February 15, 2016 28 Monday Ask "What do you want me to do for you?" The blind man replied to him, "Master, I want to see." Jesus told him, "Go your way; your faith has saved you." Immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way." Mark 10:51-52 Lenten Prayer Lord help me to activate my faith Daniel Chapter 10:1-3 The revelation of a great war. Sunday Daniel Chapter 3:24-45 Praise God through the trials. 13 Day 6 February 16, 2016 Tuesday Delivery "Magnify the Lord with me; and let us exalt his name together. I sought the Lord, and he answered me, delivered me from all my fears." Psalms 34:4-5 Day 23 March 7, 2016 Monday Become Rooted "So, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, walk in him, rooted in him and built upon him and established in the faith as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving." Colossians 2:6-7 Lenten Prayer Lenten Prayer Christ Jesus, help me to seek you in times of trouble. Dear God, thank you for the invitation that I could have never earned. Daniel Chapter 3:46-50 There was a fourth figure in the fire allowing a closer communion and fellowship with God! Daniel Chapter 9:1-14 Day 7 Day 24 February 17, 2016 Wednesday Strongholds Confessing sin and seeking forgiveness. March 8, 2016 Tuesday Promise of Christ " For our struggle is not with flesh and blood but with the principalities, with the powers, with the world rulers of this present darkness, with the evil spirits in the heavens." Ephesians 6:12 "Let your life be free from love of money but be content with what you have, for he has said, "I will never forsake you or abandon you." Thus we may say with confidence: "The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?" Hebrews 13:5-6 Lenten Prayer Lord, set me free from the chains that bind. Lenten Prayer Lord may I stay centered with you when storms enter my life. Daniel 3:51-90 May our faith be like that of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, committed to serving the Lord and demonstrating "Faith In The Face Of Fire"! 14 Daniel Chapter 9:15-19 Prayer -a plea for God's righteousness and great mercies 27 March 6, 2016 Sunday Day 8 February 18, 2016 Thursday Unearned Inheritance Authority "Then Jesus said "A man had two sons, and the younger son said to his father, 'Father give me the share of your estate that should come to me.' So the father divided the property between them." "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." Luke 15:11-12 Matthew7:7 Lenten Prayer God help me to grow in loving you and serving others Lenten Prayer Lord, may I come to better understand and appreciate the divine inheritance of your love. Daniel Chapter 3:91-100 Deliverance from the Fire. Prayer Suggestion Lectio Divina Lectio Divina, or 'Sacred Reading', is a traditional practice of using Scripture as a path to contemplation. Using a brief, perhaps familiar or favorite passage from Scripture, slowly read it three times: first, to find what God is saying to you in the passage; second to respond to whatever God has said; and third, to rest in God's presence as you have found it in the passage. Day 9 February 19, 2016 Friday Cry Out "Out of the depths I call to you, Lord; Lord, hear my cry! May your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy ." Psalms 130:1-2 Lenten Prayer Dear God, I know you are at my side all the days of my life. Strengthen me on my spiritual journey. Daniel 4:1-6 Nebuchadnezzar Dream 26 15 Day 10 February 20, 2016 Saturday The Kingdom of God "Jesus answered and said to him, "Amen, amen, I say to you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above." John 3:3 Lenten Prayer Christ Jesus, be born in my heart anew this Lent. Day 22 March 5, 2016 Saturday Purpose "For I know well the plans I have in mind for you—oracle of the Lord—plans for your welfare and not for woe, so as to give you a future of hope." Jeremiah 29:11 Lenten Prayer Daniel Chapter 4:7-15 May I quiet myself in your presence Lord, and submit myself to your plans. Addressed to all who dwell on the earth - declare the signs and wonders of the Most High God - Proclaiming God's kingdom to be everlasting. Daniel Chapter 8:14-27 Preparing for the "time of the end." 16 25 Day 20 March 3, 2016 Thursday February 21, 2016 Sunday Things of Above The Face of God "If then you were raised with Christ, seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Think of what is above, not of what is on earth." Colossians 3:1-2 After six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. Lenten Prayer Christ Jesus, help me to set my mind on you as I practice discipline during Lent. Daniel Chapter 7:11-28 March 4, 2016 Lenten Prayer Lord Jesus Christ, may the touch of your Spirit remind me of your glory. Prayer Suggestion Preparing for Judgement and the Coronation of the "Son of Man" Day 21 Matthew 17:1 Friday Awaiting the Promise "She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer. And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem." Luke 2:37-38 The Rosary "The Rosary is a school of contemplative prayer. As the lips and fingers are saying the beads and the mind is reflecting on the mysteries, the presence of Christ in our inmost being awakens and we rest in his presence When his presence begins to dissolve, we return to the prayers and reflections where we left off. In this way, we climb up and down the ladder of interior prayer and allow the habit of contemplation to develop." Fr. Thomas Keating Lenten Prayer Dear Lord, as I fast and pray may I come to recognize and know you, immediately. Daniel Chapter 8:1-14 Cleansing the Sanctuary 24 17 Day 11 February 22, 2016 Monday Letting go Day 18 March 1, 2016 Tuesday With the Spirit " Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap. For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you." Luke 6:38 Lenten Prayer "For those who live according to the flesh are concerned with the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the spirit with the things of the spirit." Romans 8:5 Lenten Prayer Lord, help me to participate more fully at Mass this Lent. Gracious God, help me to accept the blessings of my life with joy and gratitude, and help me let them go for your sake. Daniel Chapter 4:16-24 Dream Interpretation - when his heart became proud and his spirit hardened by insolence, he was put down from his royal throne and deprived of his glory. Daniel Chapter 6:17-29 Can any "seal" by man ever keep God from accomplishing His plans (remember the "sealed" tomb)? Faith and obedience to God saved Daniel. Day 19 March 2, 2016 Wednesday Water for Life Day 12 February 23, 2016 Tuesday Cleanse Yourself "Wash yourselves clean! Put away your misdeeds from before my eyes; cease doing evil; learn to do good. Make justice your aim: redress the wronged, hear the orphan's plea, defend the widow." Isaiah 1:16-17 "On the last and greatest day of the feast, Jesus stood up and exclaimed, "Let anyone who thirsts come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, 'Rivers of living water will flow from within him." John 7:37-38 Lenten Prayer Lenten Prayer Lord Jesus, when I am dry help me turn to your spirit and drink of the living water. Lord, help me to assess my deeds that I may be more Christ like. Daniel Chapter 7:1-10 Daniel Chapter 4:25-34 At the end of the trial, understanding: "The Most High Rules In The Kingdom Of Men" 18 The visions of the four beasts, In which God reveals to Daniel many things about His purpose and plan in history, regarding the nation of Israel and the everlasting kingdom to come. 23 Day 17 February 29, 2016 Monday Why Day 13 February 24, 2016 Wednesday Service My lord," Gideon said to him, "if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are his wondrous deeds about which our ancestors told us when they said, 'Did not the Lord bring us up from Egypt?' For now the Lord has abandoned us and has delivered us into the power of Midian." Judges 6:13 "But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant" Matthew 20:26 Lenten Prayer Lord help me to serve others for their sake and not for how it makes me feel. Lenten Prayer Daniel Chapter 5:1-9 Help me to accept the power of the Lord, claim what is rightfully mine and avoid the pitfalls of the enemy. Foolish praise of the creation rather than the Creator. Daniel Chapter 6:1-16 Daniel "distinguished" himself above the others due to his "excellent spirit". Proving one can be successful without compromising character. The envy of others led to a great choice of faith. Day 14 February 25, 2016 Thursday Trust "Blessed are those who trust in the Lord; the Lord will be their trust." Jerimiah 17:7 Lenten Prayer Thank you, generous God for your constant gifts to me. Daniel Chapter 5:10-16 Carry within the extraordinary spirit, knowledge, and insight of God. 22 19 Day15 February 26, 2016 Friday Steadfast February 28, 2016 Sunday Guidance "I command you: be strong and steadfast! Do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord, your God, is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9 "Here, then, in their thirst for water, the people grumbled against Moses, saying, "Why then did you bring us up out of Egypt? To have us die of thirst with our children and our livestock?" Exodus 17:3 Lenten Prayer Lord, help me to deepen my trust in you when you seem to be silent. Lenten Prayer Lord, help me to accept your guidance today and every day of my life. Daniel Chapter 5:17-24 To number; to weigh; to divide Day 16 February 27, 2016 Prayer Suggestion Saturday A Higher Calling "But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we also await a savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. " Philippians 3:20 A Visit A visit to the Blessed Sacrament is an opportunity to place oneself in the presence of God in a special way. St. Paul reminds us that we are "temples of the Holy Spirit," the Spirit of the same Christ who gives himself in the Eucharist. A visit to the Blessed Sacrament allows us to silently worship the God who dwells within us and who gives us life though the Sacrament. Lenten Prayer Lord, guide me away from the distractions of this earth, that I may live fully in Christ. Daniel Chapter 5:25-30 Let's not wait for "The Hand Writing On The Wall" to tell us that judgment has been passed and the sentence is final. Instead heed "The Hand That Wrote On The Ground", (Jesus) while there is still time for mercy and forgiveness! 20 21