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Wed, Oct 18

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Austin, TX, USA

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Oct 18, 2023, 7:00 PM

Austin, TX, USA

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Join me for a Lenten Day of Reflection at Mary Queen Church in Friendswood, TX on March 1. Follow the link to register: https://www.maryqueencatholicchurch.org/womens-ministry-lenten-retreat-registration-7

Join me for a Lenten Day of Reflection at Mary Queen Church in Friendswood, TX on March 1. Follow the link to register: https://www.maryqueencatholicchurch.org/womens-ministry-lenten-retreat-registration-7

Are you looking to go deeper this Lent? Join me for a video series that goes along with my book Walking Through Holy Week. Pre-order coming soon! #lent #holyweek

Are you looking to go deeper this Lent? Join me for a video series that goes along with my book Walking Through Holy Week. Pre-order coming soon! #lent #holyweek

I am so excited to share my online Lenten retreat with you, Walking Through Holy Week! This introduction to the course will tell you exactly what is included and how it can help you enter deeply into Lent. Pre-registration will launch soon with special early-bird pricing. #lent #onlineretreat #catholic #prayer #holyweek

I am so excited to share my online Lenten retreat with you, Walking Through Holy Week! This introduction to the course will tell you exactly what is included and how it can help you enter deeply into Lent. Pre-registration will launch soon with special early-bird pricing. #lent #onlineretreat #catholic #prayer #holyweek

Lent isn't far away and I have a great opportunity for you to enter deeply into Lent this year. Stay tuned for a big annoucement tomorrow! #lent #catholic #ashwednesday

Lent isn't far away and I have a great opportunity for you to enter deeply into Lent this year. Stay tuned for a big annoucement tomorrow! #lent #catholic #ashwednesday

Join me at @sjnaustin on February 1st for the women’s retreat, Mary’s Yes. Optional Mass begins at 8:45 and the retreat will go from 9:30-2:30. More information at the link in my bio! @thatcatholicdesign

Join me at @sjnaustin on February 1st for the women’s retreat, Mary’s Yes. Optional Mass begins at 8:45 and the retreat will go from 9:30-2:30. More information at the link in my bio! @thatcatholicdesign

It was a beautiful day to cheer on our daughter at the Houston Marathon. She did great! I’m so proud of all of her work and determination that brought her to the finish line. 🏃‍♀️❤️🎉🏅

It was a beautiful day to cheer on our daughter at the Houston Marathon. She did great! I’m so proud of all of her work and determination that brought her to the finish line. 🏃‍♀️❤️🎉🏅

We know what connection is. Our hearts long for it and God is the only one who can fill that desire for connection. #catholic #catholicspeaker #prayer

We know what connection is. Our hearts long for it and God is the only one who can fill that desire for connection. #catholic #catholicspeaker #prayer

The fire is my favorite place to wait for the stronger skiers at the end of the day - not a bad spot! #skiing #catholicspeaker #catholic

The fire is my favorite place to wait for the stronger skiers at the end of the day - not a bad spot! #skiing #catholicspeaker #catholic

What a blessing to attend SEEK this year and meet such amazing people! God is good. focuscatholic #SEEK

What a blessing to attend SEEK this year and meet such amazing people! God is good. focuscatholic #SEEK

It's almost Christmas and I have a gift for you in this busy season. Take a minute right now to stop and pray. #pray #christmasgift #c#catholicspeaker

It's almost Christmas and I have a gift for you in this busy season. Take a minute right now to stop and pray. #pray #christmasgift #c#catholicspeaker

My girls grew up going to my parents’ house for a week every summer for Grandma-Grandpa camp. All the grandchildren came as soon as they were old enough, and parents were never allowed

Grandma-Grandpa camp held many treasures each year: daily swims, high tea with Grandpa wearing his tux and all the girls wearing their Sunday best, make-your-own pizza and outdoor movie night, and the reading of the classic book, “Make Way for Ducklings” by Robert McCloskey. They are the simplest of traditions, yet they occupy a special place in each of their granddaughters’ hearts.

When my oldest daughter moved to Boston with her husband, it was a special treat for the two of them to visit the statues of the “Make Way for Ducklings” ducks in Boston Public Garden.

When my husband and I visited in early November, one of the stops on our tour was to see the statues of the ducks and how they were dressed for the season. I don’t know who dresses them up, but they always have something going on. Sometimes they waddle around in Celtics uniforms, sometimes in coats and hats, and for our visit, they were still in their astronaut Halloween costumes. It was a highlight of our trip.

Traditions are so simple to create, and the gifts they bring last forever. My girls have so many ways to remember and connect with their grandparents, and their love for each other reaches across the years and the miles. The things they did together didn’t require a lot of money, but they did contain a lot of love and joy.

In the end, isn’t that what really connects us anyway? #AmayzingGraces #Catholic #Catholicauthor #Catholicspeaker

My girls grew up going to my parents’ house for a week every summer for Grandma-Grandpa camp. All the grandchildren came as soon as they were old enough, and parents were never allowed

Grandma-Grandpa camp held many treasures each year: daily swims, high tea with Grandpa wearing his tux and all the girls wearing their Sunday best, make-your-own pizza and outdoor movie night, and the reading of the classic book, “Make Way for Ducklings” by Robert McCloskey. They are the simplest of traditions, yet they occupy a special place in each of their granddaughters’ hearts.

When my oldest daughter moved to Boston with her husband, it was a special treat for the two of them to visit the statues of the “Make Way for Ducklings” ducks in Boston Public Garden.

When my husband and I visited in early November, one of the stops on our tour was to see the statues of the ducks and how they were dressed for the season. I don’t know who dresses them up, but they always have something going on. Sometimes they waddle around in Celtics uniforms, sometimes in coats and hats, and for our visit, they were still in their astronaut Halloween costumes. It was a highlight of our trip.

Traditions are so simple to create, and the gifts they bring last forever. My girls have so many ways to remember and connect with their grandparents, and their love for each other reaches across the years and the miles. The things they did together didn’t require a lot of money, but they did contain a lot of love and joy.

In the end, isn’t that what really connects us anyway? #AmayzingGraces #Catholic #Catholicauthor #Catholicspeaker

Last year, I began Advent with a morning run and rosary. Almost immediately, my reflection landed in the Garden of Gethsemane—a surprising place to be at the beginning of Advent. Yet, it felt fitting for much of what I was experiencing at the time.

Our family had been navigating significant health challenges, and my heart echoed Jesus’ prayer, “If it is possible, please take this cup from me.” Like Him, I had to stay in the garden, wrestling with the weight of my prayer, until I could say with trust, “Your will be done.”

In that sacred place, I discovered a profound truth: we are never alone. Jesus walks with us, sanctifying our suffering and offering hope even in the heaviest of moments.

Our lives don’t always reflect the holiday schedule. The season of preparation and joy for the world may be a season of sorrow and suffering for us.
Yet Advent reminds us that every journey—whether marked by joy or suffering—leads to the promise of salvation.

This Advent season, we prepare for the birth of our Savior, but the reason for His birth goes through the garden and the cross to the resurrection. Heaven is open to us, and wherever we are on that journey, let us use this season to prepare our hearts to receive Jesus in whatever way we need. #advent #hope #suffering #christmas #Catholicspeaker #AmayzingGraces

Last year, I began Advent with a morning run and rosary. Almost immediately, my reflection landed in the Garden of Gethsemane—a surprising place to be at the beginning of Advent. Yet, it felt fitting for much of what I was experiencing at the time.

Our family had been navigating significant health challenges, and my heart echoed Jesus’ prayer, “If it is possible, please take this cup from me.” Like Him, I had to stay in the garden, wrestling with the weight of my prayer, until I could say with trust, “Your will be done.”

In that sacred place, I discovered a profound truth: we are never alone. Jesus walks with us, sanctifying our suffering and offering hope even in the heaviest of moments.

Our lives don’t always reflect the holiday schedule. The season of preparation and joy for the world may be a season of sorrow and suffering for us.
Yet Advent reminds us that every journey—whether marked by joy or suffering—leads to the promise of salvation.

This Advent season, we prepare for the birth of our Savior, but the reason for His birth goes through the garden and the cross to the resurrection. Heaven is open to us, and wherever we are on that journey, let us use this season to prepare our hearts to receive Jesus in whatever way we need. #advent #hope #suffering #christmas #Catholicspeaker #AmayzingGraces

Today we wear pink! The third Sunday of Advent is joyful because we are getting close to Christmas. I challenge you to do something that brings you joy each day this week AND bring joy to someone else every day this week. #joy #Guadete #advent

Today we wear pink! The third Sunday of Advent is joyful because we are getting close to Christmas. I challenge you to do something that brings you joy each day this week AND bring joy to someone else every day this week. #joy #Guadete #advent

I’m working on an exciting project that I can’t wait to share with you! Any guesses?

I’m working on an exciting project that I can’t wait to share with you! Any guesses?

This week's Advent theme is Peace. Have you experienced the peace of Christ? Share with me your experience of God's peace below!

This week's Advent theme is Peace. Have you experienced the peace of Christ? Share with me your experience of God's peace below!

I wonder if the rich young man ever came back. It’s not mentioned in the gospels, but do you think he felt the same way about his stuff once he realized it was keeping him from Jesus? Sometimes we experience something similar, but once we realize that the things we hold onto so tightly are keeping us from Jesus, their power isn’t the same. Something to ponder as we prepare our hearts for Jesus this Christmas.

I wonder if the rich young man ever came back. It’s not mentioned in the gospels, but do you think he felt the same way about his stuff once he realized it was keeping him from Jesus? Sometimes we experience something similar, but once we realize that the things we hold onto so tightly are keeping us from Jesus, their power isn’t the same. Something to ponder as we prepare our hearts for Jesus this Christmas.

We only have time for what we create time for.

Several years ago, I realized that I never called my grandmother. I wanted to, and I repeatedly told myself that I would, and a few times a year, I actually did. She was absolutely delightful, and I really wanted to have a relationship with her beyond the times I saw her at family holiday gatherings. I planned to call her when I had time, but somehow, I never had time.

One day I realized that I did have time - every week as I drove for 15 minutes to meet with my writing group on Tuesdays - and so the weekly calls began.

The calls aren’t long, but they are always meaningful. We laugh; we share our hopes, dreams, and struggles. I give her our family updates, and I hear about her winnings at Bingo, Bunco, and cards. (Her 25-cent games earn her up to $300 a year!) Getting her to laugh until her “tee-hee-hee” gets going is one of life’s sweetest delights. I never knew what would get her tickled, but whenever she was, I would stay in it for as long as I could. (and she literally has a “tee-hee-hee-hee” when she laughs this way – it’s the absolute best!)

A few weeks ago, she needed surgery for a broken leg, and the outcome wasn’t certain. As the operation approached, I was incredibly grateful for the realization that I had been able find the time to call her even in the busiest of schedules. It wasn’t a lot, but it was enough to keep us connected and develop our relationship into one of mutual love and joy. I have so many memories that I will keep with me forever.

If you have a relationship that you would like to nurture, whether it is a distant family member, a friend, a godparent, or a mentor, I want to encourage you to find the time. If God has placed that person on your heart, I’m pretty sure He is giving you a way to get there - twenty minutes on the way to work, ten minutes while you wait in the school pickup line, lunch on Thursdays…

The blessings waiting for both of you are abundant and beautiful. Give it a try.

We only have time for what we create time for.

Several years ago, I realized that I never called my grandmother. I wanted to, and I repeatedly told myself that I would, and a few times a year, I actually did. She was absolutely delightful, and I really wanted to have a relationship with her beyond the times I saw her at family holiday gatherings. I planned to call her when I had time, but somehow, I never had time.

One day I realized that I did have time - every week as I drove for 15 minutes to meet with my writing group on Tuesdays - and so the weekly calls began.

The calls aren’t long, but they are always meaningful. We laugh; we share our hopes, dreams, and struggles. I give her our family updates, and I hear about her winnings at Bingo, Bunco, and cards. (Her 25-cent games earn her up to $300 a year!) Getting her to laugh until her “tee-hee-hee” gets going is one of life’s sweetest delights. I never knew what would get her tickled, but whenever she was, I would stay in it for as long as I could. (and she literally has a “tee-hee-hee-hee” when she laughs this way – it’s the absolute best!)

A few weeks ago, she needed surgery for a broken leg, and the outcome wasn’t certain. As the operation approached, I was incredibly grateful for the realization that I had been able find the time to call her even in the busiest of schedules. It wasn’t a lot, but it was enough to keep us connected and develop our relationship into one of mutual love and joy. I have so many memories that I will keep with me forever.

If you have a relationship that you would like to nurture, whether it is a distant family member, a friend, a godparent, or a mentor, I want to encourage you to find the time. If God has placed that person on your heart, I’m pretty sure He is giving you a way to get there - twenty minutes on the way to work, ten minutes while you wait in the school pickup line, lunch on Thursdays…

The blessings waiting for both of you are abundant and beautiful. Give it a try.

🎉 It’s here! 🎉

Walking Through Holy Week has a stunning NEW COVER! 🌿✝️

The same meaningful content you love is now wrapped in a design that radiates the light and hope of Easter. This book is a perfect reminder of Christ’s journey and the true meaning of Christmas.

📖 Walking Through Holy Week is your guide to deepening your connection to the sacred story of Christ’s passion, death, and triumphant resurrection. Whether for personal reflection or sharing with loved ones, it’s the perfect companion for this meaningful season.

🎁 Available now!—just in time to gift the hope and joy of Easter this Christmas! 🌟

📖 Buy a copy for yourself or a loved one today and start this beautiful journey of faith and renewal.

🎉 It’s here! 🎉

Walking Through Holy Week has a stunning NEW COVER! 🌿✝️

The same meaningful content you love is now wrapped in a design that radiates the light and hope of Easter. This book is a perfect reminder of Christ’s journey and the true meaning of Christmas.

📖 Walking Through Holy Week is your guide to deepening your connection to the sacred story of Christ’s passion, death, and triumphant resurrection. Whether for personal reflection or sharing with loved ones, it’s the perfect companion for this meaningful season.

🎁 Available now!—just in time to gift the hope and joy of Easter this Christmas! 🌟

📖 Buy a copy for yourself or a loved one today and start this beautiful journey of faith and renewal.

Wishing everyone a happy and blessed Thanksgiving!

Wishing everyone a happy and blessed Thanksgiving!

This is why it can be so helpful to write down our prayer intentions. It helps us pay attention to how the Holy Spirit is moving in our lives. How have you seen God answer your prayers?

#AmayzingGraces #Catholicspeaker #KarenMay #Catholic #Catholicauthor

This is why it can be so helpful to write down our prayer intentions. It helps us pay attention to how the Holy Spirit is moving in our lives. How have you seen God answer your prayers?

#AmayzingGraces #Catholicspeaker #KarenMay #Catholic #Catholicauthor

When we are dealing with a stressful situation, my husband and I have countless techniques that help us stay connected and rooted in the grace of the sacrament of our marriage. Prayer is, of course, key, but so is communication.

We have had our fair share of difficult times for the last few years. Throughout it all, we keep trying to come together, facing all that is before us as a team. We stay rooted in prayer which helps us hold onto the hope that all things will work for good for those who love God.

I know deeply that these hardships and struggles are leading to blessings that we would never receive without them. It is hard, sometimes really hard, but facing it together, clinging to Jesus, we can be grateful even in the middle of it all.

I pray that you can hold onto faith, hope, and gratitude in whatever it is that you are facing today. #Catholicspeaker #Catholic #marriage #marriageadvice

When we are dealing with a stressful situation, my husband and I have countless techniques that help us stay connected and rooted in the grace of the sacrament of our marriage. Prayer is, of course, key, but so is communication.

We have had our fair share of difficult times for the last few years. Throughout it all, we keep trying to come together, facing all that is before us as a team. We stay rooted in prayer which helps us hold onto the hope that all things will work for good for those who love God.

I know deeply that these hardships and struggles are leading to blessings that we would never receive without them. It is hard, sometimes really hard, but facing it together, clinging to Jesus, we can be grateful even in the middle of it all.

I pray that you can hold onto faith, hope, and gratitude in whatever it is that you are facing today. #Catholicspeaker #Catholic #marriage #marriageadvice

My prayerful sunrise run the other day started with a frustrated and sorrowful conversation with God about my lack of patience, kindness, compassion, and perseverance in several situations that are happening in my life right now. These situations aren’t easy, and they’re going to take some time to resolve and heal. I know that, and obviously I’m not very happy about it.

Eventually, my 30-minute running prayer turned to reflecting on the insights and encouragement that I have already received and offering up the pain of some of the realities that have come into focus. It was a tough run.

Then I went to Mass, and I read these words:

They are to slander no one, to be peaceable, considerate, exercising all graciousness toward everyone. For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, deluded, slaves to various desires and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful ourselves and hating one another.

I talk about a resonance when God speaks to your heart (link here! https://youtu.be/LjY5_2WQ3PI), and this one hit mine loudly. I had been given encouragement and a plan:

Be gracious and considerate because you aren’t much different.

I was convicted and calmed.

I kept reading and was reminded of the gift I have been given and that I am called to offer:

But when the kindness and generous love of God our savior appeared, not because of any righteous deeds we had done but because of his mercy, he saved us through the bath of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he richly poured out on us through Jesus Christ our savior, so that we might be justified by his grace and become heirs in hope of eternal life. (Titus 3:1-7)

Whenever we fall, whenever we get stuck in anger, frustration, despair, and sorrow, we can return to the gift of generous love that has been poured into us through God’s mercy. That love cannot be contained but must be shared, and that changes everything.

If you are struggling to find peace, I encourage you to continue to pray honestly. Read Scripture, attend Mass or Bible study, and let God speak to your heart now that your heart knows what it was asking in the first place. #peace #prayer

My prayerful sunrise run the other day started with a frustrated and sorrowful conversation with God about my lack of patience, kindness, compassion, and perseverance in several situations that are happening in my life right now. These situations aren’t easy, and they’re going to take some time to resolve and heal. I know that, and obviously I’m not very happy about it.

Eventually, my 30-minute running prayer turned to reflecting on the insights and encouragement that I have already received and offering up the pain of some of the realities that have come into focus. It was a tough run.

Then I went to Mass, and I read these words:

They are to slander no one, to be peaceable, considerate, exercising all graciousness toward everyone. For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, deluded, slaves to various desires and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful ourselves and hating one another.

I talk about a resonance when God speaks to your heart (link here! https://youtu.be/LjY5_2WQ3PI), and this one hit mine loudly. I had been given encouragement and a plan:

Be gracious and considerate because you aren’t much different.

I was convicted and calmed.

I kept reading and was reminded of the gift I have been given and that I am called to offer:

But when the kindness and generous love of God our savior appeared, not because of any righteous deeds we had done but because of his mercy, he saved us through the bath of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he richly poured out on us through Jesus Christ our savior, so that we might be justified by his grace and become heirs in hope of eternal life. (Titus 3:1-7)

Whenever we fall, whenever we get stuck in anger, frustration, despair, and sorrow, we can return to the gift of generous love that has been poured into us through God’s mercy. That love cannot be contained but must be shared, and that changes everything.

If you are struggling to find peace, I encourage you to continue to pray honestly. Read Scripture, attend Mass or Bible study, and let God speak to your heart now that your heart knows what it was asking in the first place. #peace #prayer

God puts longings in our hearts so that we respond to Him. Take a listen to today's video to find out more.

#CatholicSpeaker #CatholicCreator #RetreatLeader #Catholicbooks #Amayzinggraces #CatholicWisdom #KarenMay #Respond #HeartsDesire

God puts longings in our hearts so that we respond to Him. Take a listen to today's video to find out more.

#CatholicSpeaker #CatholicCreator #RetreatLeader #Catholicbooks #Amayzinggraces #CatholicWisdom #KarenMay #Respond #HeartsDesire

I love hearing feedback from those who have attended my talks and retreats! Thank you for sharing your insights with me.

#AmayzingGraces #KarenMay #Catholicspeaker #Catholicauthor #Catholic #biblestudy #Retreat #CatholicMotivation #RetreatLeader

I love hearing feedback from those who have attended my talks and retreats! Thank you for sharing your insights with me.

#AmayzingGraces #KarenMay #Catholicspeaker #Catholicauthor #Catholic #biblestudy #Retreat #CatholicMotivation #RetreatLeader

We’re coming up on a season of doing, of busyness, and of fitting in all of the holiday things. I encourage you to step back from the world’s chaos and remember - You are enough.

We’re coming up on a season of doing, of busyness, and of fitting in all of the holiday things. I encourage you to step back from the world’s chaos and remember - You are enough.

Walking through Holy Week is getting a new cover so grab this one while you can, we have a limited stick and it’s currently on sale! Fun fact: The feet of “Jesus” on the cover of my book Walking Through Holy Week belong to my husband. 🥰 He graciously dressed up in a monk costume I had made for the middle school medieval festival (basically a strip of brown cloth with a twine rope belt) and walked/posed barefoot on the rocky trail behind our house. Some people hiking the path in the normal way passed us by with confused looks as we were squatting down taking pictures of his feet. Others didn’t seem to find it strange at all. We do live in Austin, so I guess we didn’t stand out that much!

If you buy a copy of Walking Through Holy Week now, you will support my husband’s modeling efforts and have one of the last copies of this cover. His feet are going into retirement soon! Link in bio!

Walking through Holy Week is getting a new cover so grab this one while you can, we have a limited stick and it’s currently on sale! Fun fact: The feet of “Jesus” on the cover of my book Walking Through Holy Week belong to my husband. 🥰 He graciously dressed up in a monk costume I had made for the middle school medieval festival (basically a strip of brown cloth with a twine rope belt) and walked/posed barefoot on the rocky trail behind our house. Some people hiking the path in the normal way passed us by with confused looks as we were squatting down taking pictures of his feet. Others didn’t seem to find it strange at all. We do live in Austin, so I guess we didn’t stand out that much!

If you buy a copy of Walking Through Holy Week now, you will support my husband’s modeling efforts and have one of the last copies of this cover. His feet are going into retirement soon! Link in bio!

Such a fun trip to Boston visiting my daughter and son-in-law! The fall colors are a beautiful reflection of God’s glory!

Such a fun trip to Boston visiting my daughter and son-in-law! The fall colors are a beautiful reflection of God’s glory!

Can you pray for my 101 year old grandmother with me? She will be having surgery tomorrow for a broken leg. I am praying for her peace and healing, and for wisdom for the doctors as they perform the surgery. These pictures are from the last couple of years, including her 100th birthday.

I’m so blessed to have had so much time with her, and I’m asking for a little more. Thank you for joining me in prayer.

Can you pray for my 101 year old grandmother with me? She will be having surgery tomorrow for a broken leg. I am praying for her peace and healing, and for wisdom for the doctors as they perform the surgery. These pictures are from the last couple of years, including her 100th birthday.

I’m so blessed to have had so much time with her, and I’m asking for a little more. Thank you for joining me in prayer.

Why pray?
Because God wants it.
I love Dr. Kreeft's reminder that God's desires for us are what we need.
If you need help knowing how to pray, check out Draw Near, a study of prayer based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
Purchase here --> amzn.to/40rH9E7

Why pray?
Because God wants it.
I love Dr. Kreeft's reminder that God's desires for us are what we need.
If you need help knowing how to pray, check out Draw Near, a study of prayer based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
Purchase here --> amzn.to/40rH9E7

Have you ever stopped yourself in the middle of a difficult situation to pray? A few weeks ago, my husband and I were talking to our daughter, and things were getting a bit edgy and frustrating. It wasn’t a heated topic, but it was getting that way!

Fortunately, she had to take a break for a quick meeting, and we could reset. On our side, my husband and I talked it out a bit and went to prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to bring all of us wisdom, clarity, and peace as we talked.

I can’t even begin to tell you how different the conversation was when we talked just a few minutes later. She was not frustrated or defensive, we were clear and calm, and the obstacles that were so large in the previous conversation were completely gone.

In many of my talks, I point out that we need to PRAY our prayers, not SAY our prayers. As Catholics, we have so many powerful prayers available to us, but they are not magic incantations; they are meant to help us orient our hearts and minds to Jesus and allow Him to enter our lives.

I believe that the prayer made a difference in our conversation with our daughter. I’ve had lots of conversations that haven’t been affected that drastically because of a small break. And the power didn’t come from the words I said in my prayer, but from the heart and belief behind them.

This week’s readings remind us of this. We aren’t called to love God by reciting lots of prayers. Our prayers and praise come from our love of God— love that comes from all our hearts, souls, and strength.

This is where the power of prayer comes from. We turn to God, who loves us, created us, and died for us, and we can trust that He will be with us and guide us in everything to bring us closer to Him and heaven.

How are you being invited to pray right now? Let Him in.
#karenmay #amayzinggraces #lethimin #invite #prayer

Have you ever stopped yourself in the middle of a difficult situation to pray? A few weeks ago, my husband and I were talking to our daughter, and things were getting a bit edgy and frustrating. It wasn’t a heated topic, but it was getting that way!

Fortunately, she had to take a break for a quick meeting, and we could reset. On our side, my husband and I talked it out a bit and went to prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to bring all of us wisdom, clarity, and peace as we talked.

I can’t even begin to tell you how different the conversation was when we talked just a few minutes later. She was not frustrated or defensive, we were clear and calm, and the obstacles that were so large in the previous conversation were completely gone.

In many of my talks, I point out that we need to PRAY our prayers, not SAY our prayers. As Catholics, we have so many powerful prayers available to us, but they are not magic incantations; they are meant to help us orient our hearts and minds to Jesus and allow Him to enter our lives.

I believe that the prayer made a difference in our conversation with our daughter. I’ve had lots of conversations that haven’t been affected that drastically because of a small break. And the power didn’t come from the words I said in my prayer, but from the heart and belief behind them.

This week’s readings remind us of this. We aren’t called to love God by reciting lots of prayers. Our prayers and praise come from our love of God— love that comes from all our hearts, souls, and strength.

This is where the power of prayer comes from. We turn to God, who loves us, created us, and died for us, and we can trust that He will be with us and guide us in everything to bring us closer to Him and heaven.

How are you being invited to pray right now? Let Him in.
#karenmay #amayzinggraces #lethimin #invite #prayer

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Karen May

Inspirational Catholic Writer and Speaker

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