Hello all-I was wondering if I might ask for your prayers again. I’ve mentioned before that I suffer from some chronic illnesses as well as depression, and I have suffered a bit of a relapse with all of these issues. When this happens, my relationships with family, my husband, and God all seem to incur some serious damage as well from the increased stress and this time is no exception. I was hoping to make it to Confession sometime this week as that’s always a good starting place to feel better, but I haven’t yet found a place that practices social distancing and a phone call to schedule something outside of normal Confession times hasn’t been returned (being immunocompromised, I’ve been trying to take every precaution possible at this time). I get terribly anxious about Confession as I used to suffer from a severe case of being overly scrupulous so working up the nerve to go is always a challenge. I would very much appreciate it if you could keep me in your prayers as I try to recover both physically and spiritually, and of course you will all be in mine! Thank you
Will add your name to our intentions in our prayer group. Ask for Jesus to cover you with His blood to protect you. Also, can I send you a prayer? So many have commented in my prayer group how beautiful if is. I haven't seen prayers posted anywhere and am not sure if this is permitted..just don't want to ho against any rules.
Prayers going up, Annie. May God give you the strength, grace, courage and healing that you need right now. O Mary, conceived without sin...
God bless, Annie. I remembered all forum members at Holy Mass this morning. As usual brought all those suffering mentally, physically, spiritually and/or emotionally. So your combined needs and concerns are in the safe hands of the Lord, right in the palm of His Holy Hands.
Praying Annie. It will get better, don't be too hard on yourself. I know this sounds trivial and perhaps impossible when you are feeling down, but it is often helpful to find something to smile about. I walked through some very dark days for a number of years, and it took a terrible toll on my physical health. My body hurt all over. There were days when it was painful for me to walk even a few steps, and I was eventually diagnosed with an autoimmune disease. As you are well aware there is no quick fix for depression. I prayed, read many self help books on the subject, read amusing books, and went for a daily walk, all of this helped me immensely. At the time I was a young mother raising a family, and I happened upon a series of very humorous books written by Erma Bombeck about the challenges she faced raising a family. Erma has since passed, she battled kidney disease for many years. As far as dealing with whatever sufferings are sent your way, Erma said it best, " If you can't change something you had better laugh at it, and if you can laugh at it, you can live with it. " Laughter in no way minimizes the seriousness of a situation, but it can be an important tool, along with prayer, for surviving depression.
Annie this is the prayer I mentioned which seems to give a lot of comfort and help. I think because it feels very personal and intimate with Jesus. I sure hope it will also help you. PRAYER FOR WORRY, FEAR AND DOUBT: Eternal, Holy God, I come to You burdened with worries, fears, doubts and troubles. Calm and quiet me with peace of mind. Empty me of the anxiety that disturbs me, of the concerns that weary my spirit, and weigh heavy on my heart. Loosen my grip on the disappointments and grievances I hold on to so tightly. Release me from the pain of past hurts, of present anger and tension, of future fears. Sometimes it’s too much for me Lord, too many demands and problems, too much sadness, suffering, and stress. Renew me spiritually and emotionally. Give me new strength, hope, and confidence. Prepare me to meet the constant struggles of daily life with a deeper faith and trust in You. Let your love set me free, for peace, for joy, for grace, for life, for others, forever. Amen.
I agree whole-heartedly. I tell people all the time that laughter can heal. God invented it. "I love Lucy" is really great for this. I experienced the same as you with auto immune disease. And it brings you down. But we are God's and Annie He will help you..give it time and trust.
