Category Archives: Catholic Prayer

David’s Magnificat: The Warrior’s Song of Praise

Posted on July 12, 2019 by admin

I have come to think of Psalm 18 as David’s Magnificat. Like Mary’s Magnificat (Lk 1:46-55), Psalm 18 praises God’s wonderful deeds. But in both “Magnificats”, the singer glorifies how God has made the singer great. They are splendid examples of … Continue reading →

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A New Novena to the Holy Spirit: Unleashing the Power

Posted on June 21, 2019 by admin

We recently celebrated the feast of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit came down as a mighty wind and appeared as tongues of fire over the heads of the first disciples. Forty-two years ago, I experienced my own Pentecost, referred to … Continue reading →

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True Images

Posted on May 16, 2017 by admin

The use of imagery in therapy is common. We can use imagination to calm ourselves down or take a mental break. A popular guided meditation goes something like, “Imagine you’re sitting on the beach, the sun on your face, hearing the … Continue reading →

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Jesus, I Trust in You

Posted on April 25, 2017 by admin

Catholics celebrated Divine Mercy Sunday yesterday. “Jesus, I trust in you” is its simple but profound theme. Divine Mercy Sunday is based on revelations to a Polish nun of the early 20th century, St. Faustina Kowalska. Jesus appeared to her in … Continue reading →

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Living and Active, Part II

Posted on April 4, 2017 by admin

As my last post discussed, the Word of God is living and active. It is “living” because it speaks directly to my experience now, even though some parts of the Bible date back 2500 years or more. It is “active” because it … Continue reading →

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Living and Active, Part I

Posted on March 28, 2017 by admin

“The word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword” (Heb 4:12). A client last week shared how he’s discovering the power of the word of God. A cradle Catholic, he’s experiencing new life in the Lord, as … Continue reading →

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St. Joseph, Rock Star

Posted on March 21, 2017 by admin

I’ve recently come to realize a fundamental truth. St. Joseph is a Rock Star. He is the powerful icon of solid, grounded masculinity our anemic culture desperately needs. It’s not that I haven’t seen St. Joseph positively. My childhood parish had a strong Italian presence, … Continue reading →

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The Power of the Holy Spirit

Posted on March 14, 2017 by admin

In a previous post, I mentioned “Alpha”. It’s a kind of “Jesus 101” evangelization course that we’re kicking off at our parish. This weekend was the Alpha retreat, which is devoted to seeking to be filled with the Holy Spirit. … Continue reading →

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Harden Not Your Hearts

Posted on January 30, 2017 by admin

“If today you hear His voice, harden not your hearts.” These words struck me today, while preparing a Bible study on Hebrews 3. The author of Hebrews is quoting Psalm 95:7b-8. What are the dangers of a hardened heart? Aristotle notes that … Continue reading →

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Angels and Demons, Part II

Posted on January 17, 2017 by admin

In my last post, I outlined how the Evil One or demons tempt us to sin. But sometimes the demonic works through doubt, division, discouragement, or confusion rather than specific temptations. I was in a prayer meeting music ministry for years. Unfailingly, … Continue reading →

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