Catie's prayer: Andy Cloninger's "Walk on"

Still you walked on

I think for me sometimes this is the hardest part. While most of time I am relatively driven, there are other times I just want to throw in the towel. However, Christ endured more the harshest punishment known to man, and he continued to walk on, he continued to forgive, he continued to love, even to the point of death. He walked on for you, for me, for all of us. Holy week is a time that we focus in on the great sacrifice Christ made out of love. We focus on how much God loves us. In my mind, there is nothing better to focus on as we approach the celebration of the resurrected Christ.

Megan's prayer: Raze's "Always and Forever"

Today's song made me feel a bit sad. As I listened, I reminisced about all of the "best friends" I have had over the years. It's no surprise that they have changed over the years as I have grown, but it is sad to think about all of those relationships that are now just memories.

What I ended up focusing on wasn't the past friendships, but the current ones. The line that really stuck with me was "miles and miles and miles are between us." I instantly thought of two of my favorite people who are currently 360 miles away from me.

Although I went from seeing them 2 times a week in class, plus on weekends last year, to only once every 3-4 months now, things haven't changed much, and that thrills me. When I get the chances to see them, we pick up right where we left off. Whether they like it or not, they are going to be my friends for a long time still to come.

I think it's no coincidence that we all met in a religion class. I truly feel blessed.

Chris' prayer: Raze's "Always and Forever"

There are a significant number of songs in my iTunes that I have "accidentally" run into. Songs that I never would have discovered if it weren't for some happy accident. This is one of those songs. This is the last track from the WOW 2000 CD, which was given to me by a friend. There are some wonderful Christian tracks on that CD. All kinds of songs about praising God, and listening to Him, and worshiping Him, and thanking Jesus, and then there is this song, sitting there at the end of the CD. Not explicitly Christian, it almost doesn't seem to fit with the rest of the music on the CD.

But it probably became the most played track from that CD. Just a simple message about friends who are there for us through all the ups and the downs, this track reminds me where I find a lot of the love that God has for me. I am so loved and so cared for by my friends. They show me, whether they are Christian or not, whether they attend services weekly or yearly or not at all, just how much God loves me. And they show me how long He will love me, too:

Always and forever.

YouTube | Lyrics

Catie's prayer: Raze's "Always and Forever"

we will be friends(strong)
forever and ever

There have been many times throughout my life where I felt abandoned, alone, like I had no one to run to. However, so many times I forget to look to Christ as a friend, someone there to help me out, someone who is my friend. A friend that will never leave, no matter how bad the storm gets, no matter how stubborn I'm being, whatever. He's in it with each of us, forever and ever.

Megan's prayer: Point of Grace's "Saving Grace"

I used to be a proud owner of a "WWJD?" bracelet. I wore it probably over 2 years. But although I wore it, I don't know how often I really thought about the question that was written on my wrist.

What would Jesus do?

Now, more than ever in my life, I find myself focusing on the answer to that question. I believe that the answer is "love." Jesus was God's perfect example of love that he showed to the world. Jesus' death is the perfect example of how much he loved the world. I think that if I was able to show even 1% of that love to others, I could change the world.

(It's) all about living love
Being Jesus to those he came to save

What could happen if we all loved just a little more? What would happen if we all took on the task of "being Jesus" to others?

Chris' prayer: Point of Grace's "Saving Grace"

We have to go where she lives

On a retreat a couple years ago, I was in a small group and we were sharing different things about ourselves. One of the questions was something like, "What is your best trait?" I was genuinely struggling to come up with something I really liked for an answer; something that was truthful and meaningful. The other adult in the small group said, "Chris, I think you are wonderful at making people feel comfortable."

I thought about it for a moment and I really hoped it was true. I believe that it is. It is something that I find so important, especially within youth ministry. I feel that, if I'm going to affect these teens in any real and meaningful way, if they are going to give me a chance, then they need to feel comfortable. And they are going to feel comfortable on their terms, on their turf. I need to be there, and not expect them to come to me. I've said a thousand times, "We need to meet them where they are. We need to love them for who they are."

I may be struggling with my calling to youth ministry, but that is one thing that does not waiver, and one thing that I definitely still enjoy- showing teenagers how much God loves them.


iTunes | Lyrics

Catie's prayer: Point of Grace's "Saving Grace"

All about living love
Being Jesus to those he came to save
Sharing life and giving our own away
It's all about serving God

The above lines are what life is about. This is how we are suppose to live our lives. We are to show God's love to all, not just our family and friends, not just those who are extremely lovable. EVERYONE needs to be loved, respected, and cared for. Even if they are the most bitter, hateful person in the world, how will they ever know how to love if they never experience it? They won't. It is up to each of us to make sure that each person we come in contact with knows that they are cared for, knows that they are loved for it is through loving each other that we can best serve God.

Megan's prayer: Selah's "Be Thou Near to Me"

I had never heard this song until today, but I instantly fell in love with it. The lyrics are absolutely wonderful, but what struck me more was the calm melody in the background.

I was introduced to Jim Brickman, the pianist in this song, a few months ago. I have always enjoyed listening to piano players, and his music was no exception. He plays beautifully. There have been many nights where I would listen to the few songs of his that I had on my iTunes over and over, in an attempt to help me fall asleep. They always brought a soothing, calming peace over me.

Today's song was no different than the rest of his music. It brought peace, along with my prayer for the night, found within the lyrics.

O Lord, be thou near to me.

Chris' prayer: Selah's "Be Thou Near to Me"

Seeking the joy of love unspoken

When I was in college, my then-girlfriend and I worked at the same restaurant, and many times worked the same shifts together. One such time, she was working as the To Go server, while I was on the floor with four or five tables. She had already had a rough morning and a To Go shift was not the remedy at all. There wasn't much money to be made in that shift, but there was still a significant amount of work to be done. Her day was getting worse.

I caught one of her two or three total customers standing at the end of the bar waiting for the food to be bagged up and brought out. I asked this wonderful middle aged African American woman to do me a favor. I handed her a $20 bill and asked that she give it to her server, saying only that the woman noticed she was having a tough day and that she deserved so much more. The woman complied and that small gesture (and an abnormally large tip) turned my then-girlfriend's day around.

I never told her that it was me who gave the woman the money or the instructions. The satisfaction, the joy of that moment came in showing someone that they are loved and cared for without saying a word, without taking the credit. Seeing someone I cared about be happy was very much worth it for me.

I need to find more of those moments where I can seek the joy of love unspoken.


YouTube | iTunes | Lyrics

Catie's prayer: Selah's "Be Thou Near to Me"

Oh Lord, be Thou near to me.

I feel like this is more or less my prayer on and off throughout my life depending on what is going on. However, it should be my prayer constantly. No matter what is going on in my life, whether I'm singing praises or going through a storm, the prayer should always be "Oh Lord, be Thou near to me."

Chris' prayer: Out of Eden's "River"

Some try to tell me
That there's another something
That fulfills like You do

Forget "some."

*I* try to tell myself that there is another something that will fulfill me, that will make me happy, that will complete me. I may not say it explicitly, but in my actions I profess this almost daily. With the way I act, with the way I go through my day, with the way I treat others, sometimes it is painfully obvious that I am trying to fill myself with things that are not God. Unfortunately, despite how often it occurs, I don't do a good enough job of catching myself in the act. I only realize after the fact that I was putting something else before God, or seeking solace or happiness from it.

How blessed I am to have a God who is patient, kind, and merciful. He is always there waiting for me. He never leaves. Never gets frustrated. Never quits. He will outlast all of my sins, all of the times I try to fill myself with something other than Him, and then, when I'm finally done being selfish and turn toward Him, He will be there with loving arms surrounding me. How great is my God!


YouTube | iTunes | Lyrics

Megan's prayer: Out of Eden's "River"

When the mountains fall, when the stars collide
I know you'll be there, standing by my side

This past year, I've tried really hard to be independent. I live by myself, cook for myself, and I am responsible for paying the bills on time. It's something I didn't know if I would be able to do it all by myself, but I took a chance.

Although it has been going well for the most part, sometimes I do come to a road block. I wish I could figure everything out on my own, but there are times when I have to swallow my pride, and ask for help from others.

And every time this happens, without any question, my parents are there for me. Ready to help me. No questions asked. They will do everything possible to help me through the hard times, whether it is something physical they can give, like a helping hand with rent, or just my mom's offer to drive down to my apartment just to be with me when I have a bad night. They love me so much.

As great as their love is for me, I know God's love is even more. He will always be there, standing by my side. This is amazing.

Catie's prayer: Out of Eden's "River"

I know You'll be there
And You will still be lovin' me

I don't have too much to say about this except for the fact that I need to remember this. There has been nothing else in my life that has comforted me more than knowing that God is there for me, loving me no matter what. If only I could keep that constantly on my mind and heart.

Megan's prayer: Jars of Clay's "Liquid"

He didn't die for nothing

When I think about how Jesus died for my sins, I don't think I fully grasp just how awesome that love is.

Would I really give my life to save someone elses? Would I give my life to stand up for my faith?

I like to think that I could answer "yes" to these questions, but would that change if I actually found myself in that situation?

Chris' prayer: Jars of Clay's "Liquid"

He didn't die for nothing.

This is the line that will always stick out to me. Always. I've seen Jars of Clay perform in concert probably 8-10 times and this is the song I look forward to. It isn't my favorite song from them, but that doesn't even matter. I want to hear this one. And I want to hear it for this line. The whole song builds and builds and builds until finally it can no longer be contained. And what comes out is this line sung, no...screamed...by the entire audience.

And what a great reminder it is with Easter Sunday right around the corner.


YouTube | iTunes | Lyrics

Catie's prayer: Jars of Clay's "Liquid"

He didn't die for nothing

So many times I forget this. I forget that he died for me, you, everyone. It's one thing to to give of your life, but to actually die the most horrific death ever out of LOVE. Love is something that can be so difficult, but when it works the way is it suppose to, to be completely self-giving, to truly will the good of another, there is nothing more beautiful

Megan's prayer: Jars of Clay's "Flood"

Many times when I feel overwhelmed, the only way I can find to express that is by crying. Sometimes this is an okay thing. When I have this overwhelming sense of joy or happiness in my life, it happens. When I watch Extreme Makeover Home Edition and I see just how much people care for one another, it happens. When I feel an overwhelming sense of love from someone, it happens.

It also happens when I'm overwhelmed with school work, with stress, with frustration. Those are not the most enjoyable times. It's during these times that I need to remember to turn to God, to ask him to "calm the storms that drench my eyes, dry the streams still flowing."

Chris' prayer: Jars of Clay's "Flood"

I remember hearing this song on the radio when it was first released. It was actually even before I had really taken ownership of my faith and invested into my spiritual life. Nonetheless, the feeling I had then is one that I continue to have today: I find myself amazed whenever something spiritual or religious, whether it be a song like this one, a book, or a television show "crosses over" and becomes mainstream. It catches me off guard to find the secular world catching on to something religious.

It probably shouldn't surprise me. I think I recall hearing that something like 90% of Americans believe in God, and something like 80% identify themselves as Christian. It seems like the secular world is so far removed from that statistic, though...that God is part of our lives on Sundays for an hour, then perhaps a minute before meals, and then contained in privacy for the rest of the week. It is refreshing, and yes, amazing, when we as a culture allow Him to escape that box and make an impact on our secular world.


YouTube | iTunes | Lyrics

Catie's prayer: Jars of Clay's "Flood"

Lift me up - keep me from drowning again

There have been many times in my life when I felt like I was drowning. Not literally but in the sense that I was in way over my head. Earlier this week I felt like this. I just had so many little things that had built up and I felt entirely overwhelmed. But God lifted me up. After a while I realized I didn't have much control over what happened in some of the situations so worrying about them was pointless and whatever God wanted to be done was going to be done. It's hardest when we don't have control to want control more than ever. But we were never in control of the situation to begin with so why not give control to God?

Chris' prayer: Jars of Clay's "Boy on a String"

The marionette has your number

There are many times in my life where I feel like a boy on a string.

Sometimes, even though I know I shouldn't, even though I don't want to, I still choose a sinful path. It is like there is no other path. Whether that sin be lying to a family member, killing a friend through the use of words or actions, or lusting after some picture in a movie or on the internet, I sometimes feel like I'm outside my own body, watching it sin, watching myself be lead astray even though I know better.

There are other times where I find myself doing good despite not choosing to. The most prominent example here is when I'm able to step outside my comfort zone with my youth ministry program, either in welcoming a teen, making a fool out of myself for some skit, or leading in something I don't particularly find myself good at. Even though I may not always want to, I still find myself doing these things.

Even though it may not always feel like it, in a way I'm the one in control of the strings. I choose who gets to pull them. Is God pulling my strings today? Or is the devil? Who have you trusted to pull yours?

Megan's prayer: Jars of Clay's "Boy on a String"

You can't feel anything
You're a boy on a string

I'm having a hard time trying to figure out if this is a good or a bad thing.

On one hand, if God is the puppeteer, guiding my every action, maybe I don't feel anything because God makes all the decisions, and doesn't take me anywhere where I would feel hurt.

But what about love? If I can't feel anything, then I obviously can't feel love. If I'm just a "boy on a string," I'm not being able to make my own decisions. I wouldn't feel joy or happiness. I would basically be lifeless.

Maybe it is good to feel, even if those feelings are of hurt or pain. At least then we are able to tell we are alive. And if we can feel hurt, then surely we will be able to feel love. And that, I think, is the greatest feeling of all.

Catie's prayer: Jars of Clay's "Boy on a String"

And youre just wasting time

I feel like I've been doing this a lot lately. Not so much wasting time in not getting things done, more like what am I doing with the time that I've been given. I feel like if every moment, every minute, every second is a gift from God, then I'm not spending the time I've been given very wisely. I need to make every moment that God has given me count, and not take any of them for granted. I'm not sure how to do go about that quite yet, but I'll get there in time.

Megan's prayer: Jars of Clay's "I Need You"

Strangely out of place

I think it's rather obvious just how much I enjoy noon mass at Cletus. I've written numerous blogs about it. But this past weekend was different.

Normally, I ride to mass with Chris, get there super early and have time to spend talking to the teens and other Core members before mass, listen to Carrie practice a few songs, yell "Hi Bob" while he does announcements, sing at the top of my lungs to all the songs I know (and even a few I don't), watch the teens dance, and then spend 20 minutes afterwards trying to figure out where to go to lunch.

This past weekend didn't quite go like that. It took me an hour to get to Cletus, and by the time I arrived, mass was just starting. I missed spending time with the teens before mass, and yelling "Hi Bob". I missed sitting next to Chris, who sings so loud that I know I can sing from the top of my lungs without anyone really noticing. I missed getting two hugs from Matt, one for me and one for my brother.

It's amazing how I could be in the exact place as I had been the week before, yet some how feel so strangely out of place.

Lord, help me to see and experience your love at all times. Especially those times when I most feel out of place.

Chris' prayer: Jars of Clay's "I Need You"

Only had a second to spare
But all the time in the world
To know you're there

I cannot believe that in less than two weeks, it will be Easter Sunday. Lent has completely flown by and has left all of my grandiose plans for preparing myself scattered and broken. I am left with but a second to spare to prepare myself for this Easter season. Fortunately, I still have what seems like all the time in the world to know that Jesus is there for me. With me.



YouTube | iTunes | Lyrics

Catie's prayer: Jars of Clay's "I Need You"

I need you, I need you, I need you
You're all I'm living for

This I think pretty much sums up where I'm at right now. I'm realizing lately how much I just need to depend on God because lately all I'm wanting to do is his will. That's all I want to do. But that is so much easier said than done. There's such a large gap between what I know I should do and what I actually do. I'm trying to make that gap smaller, but I'm just not quite there yet. I need Him in order to do that.

Chris' prayer: Matt Maher's "Just Like You"

I wanna go where You lead me to

What a great line. Although, if I had written it, and done so completely honestly, it would have been more like "I wanna know where You want to lead me to. And then I'll decide if I wanna go there." Because, as much as I love great suspense movies, theme park rides, and new adventures, I always really just want to know what is up ahead. It's hard to do anything without knowing what to expect, but it's even harder trying to live the personal aspects of my life that way. I really do want to go where God leads me...I would just like to know where that might be first. So I can let everyone know where I'll be, or something.


YouTube | iTunes | Lyrics

Megan's prayer: Matt Maher's "Just Like You"

About a month or two ago, I was at noon mass, but having a hard time concentrating. I was surrounded by only teens, and the little chitchat was starting to get to me.

It wasn't until the final song that I felt God's presence. It was Matt Maher's "Just Like You" and the teens around me forced me to dance. I got "deeper, and deeper, and deeper" right there in the pews. Although I'm not normally a fan of being forced to dance, it really helped me to see "I'm dancing in Your holy presence."

Catie's prayer: Matt Maher's "Just Like You"

With reckless abandon to Your truth

Reckless abandon. At first hearing this, reckless abandon might not sound like the best idea in the world. Nobody ever thinks of abandoning something as good and being reckless isn't something most people would pride themselves on. However, when we give in to reckless abandon to the truth, that is when our faith really starts to go deeper, to really make a difference in our lives. When we abandon our will to follow God's will, that's when the changes happen, that's when we get to see more of a glimpse of what God wants for our lives as opposed to just what we want for our lives. And if we follow God's will, there is nothing on earth that could make us happier.

Chris' prayer: Matt Maher's "Welcome to Life"

When I first started prayanewsong, I was doing my prayers in the middle of the day while at work. I enjoyed stopping everything, relaxing, and praying in the middle of my day. Unfortunately, the work around me doesn't stop and so between being interrupted and distracted by what is going on around me, my prayers lacked the depth that I found they had when I would have to pray at night.

So, I decided to pray before I went to bed. Unfortunately, I still haven't gotten into the groove of having to pray before sleeping, so I'd be on my way to sleep when I'd get a text message from my lovely girlfriend reminding me to fulfill my daily obligation. Which leads me to the lyric that stuck out most to me:

So please, if you don't mind, let me remind you

I need more people like Megan in my life, people who are there to remind me to talk to God everyday, to call me out when my actions aren't consistent with my title as "Christian," and to encourage me to love more often and with more depth. I can be a forgetful person who often looks right through my own mistakes and would rather be selfish when it comes to loving others. I need those constant reminders in my life pointing the direction to the Cross upon which my Savior hung.


iTunes | Lyrics

Megan's prayer: Matt Maher's "Welcome to Life"

Today.

In between yesterday and tomorrow.

As wonderful as yesterday might have been, and as much as I can't wait for tomorrow, neither of those things are quite as important as today. The present is what is important. I need to realize that, and not wish away the days.

I hope that I get it right

Catie's prayer: Matt Maher's "Welcome to Life"

Let go of the future so unclear

God has slowly been teaching me how to do this lately. My plans for this summer are unclear with where I am going to be and at the beginning of the week I was freaking out about it. I have people on my back about what I'm going to decide, but I can't quite make a decision yet because other people aren't getting back to me. Yesterday, I finally just let it go. It's hard though. I've never wanted to do God's will so much before in my entire life. And I'm afraid. I'm afraid that I'll make the wrong decision, afraid that I'm just doing what I want over what God wants and that terrifies me more than it ever has before because God's plan is greater than anything else and to not do what he wants of me would break my heart. But sometimes all you can do is let go and let God.

Megan's prayer: Steven Curtis Chapman's "Facts are Facts"

I'm just givin' my opinion with a rhythm and a clever rhyme

I wonder how many times I believe what someone says only because of the way they say it. Maybe they put their opinion in the middle of a believable story, and so I accept it all as truth. Maybe they just state their opinion in such an eloquent way that I find no reason to question it. Maybe this opinion is coming from someone who I trust, and I take it as fact instead of opinion.

While I think it is important to have faith in people and not question everything they say, I have also found the importance of questioning some things. If I just accept everything at face value, when someone challenges my view, I have no backup reasoning for why I support this particular view. Questioning things allows me to grow, to understand why I believe what I believe, and it gives me the ability to defend my beliefs.

Chris' prayer: Steven Curtis Chapman's "Facts Are Facts"

I don't want these words to sound
Like I think I've got it all figured out

When I was younger, I used to say that Rich Mullins' song "Creed" echoed my sentiments about my faith. "I did not make it. No, it is making me" was a line that I felt described who I was. In the midst of seemingly everyone who was journeying spiritually, I felt blessed to have faith that did not waiver, that was not questioned.

But now, I'm completely at the other end of the spectrum. I question everything. I have very few things figured out, and most of my beliefs are subject to change at any moment. Rather than feeling confident that I know the truth, I find myself constantly searching for that truth. And I'm happier for it.


iTunes | Lyrics

Catie's prayer: Steven Curtis Chapman's "Facts Are Facts"

and God can be found

This week, my life has been going absolutely crazy. Or at least to me it has seemed that way. Actually, not so much crazy, more like having a million things to do, having people get on my back about stuff and I'm just not sure what I need to do to make them happy. However, in the midst of all of this, God can be found. I went wondering around last night to try to clear my head and ended up sitting in front of a Marian grotto. I sat there for a while just looking at the statue of Mary, wanting her peace. After sitting there for a while, I gained a little peace of mind, so I got up and walked around some more and found myself looking up at a crucifix. There's this quote that really hit me hard when I was looking up at it. It is something along the lines of "Let us fix our eyes on the crucifix in every difficult moment, and that gaze will renew or strength." I was able to draw strength last night from Christ's strength and in that, I found God and in that found the peace of Christ.

Chris' prayer: David Crowder Band's "Undignified"

I love this song. It is such a great praise song. There is so much energy in the beat and instruments that it causes me to jump up and down when I hear it. Awesome. The thing I love most is the paradox contained in the title. Usually when I think of worshiping God, I don't think of "undignified" as an appropriate response. Being undignified means that I will show a lack of a composed or serious manner that is worthy of respect. It seems like it would be appropriate to be composed and serious and show respect when I worship, but Crowder is asking me to do something different.

He is asking me to be wild and crazy, impassioned, enthusiastic, unapologetic, and determined. Nothing, Lord, is hindering this passion in my soul. It is such a great call to action.


YouTube | iTunes | Lyrics

Megan's prayer: David Crowder Band's "Undignified"

This past weekend I jumped into a freezing cold lake while on retreat. A yearly tradition that I was excited to once again take part in.

Some may says it's foolishness.

Maybe jumping into a cold lake isn't smart. Maybe it leaves me more susceptible to become sick or something like that. There is a chance that my parents, other Core members, maybe even some of the teens think that it was foolish to do this.

I'm okay with being a bit foolish. I didn't jump in cause I had some intense desire to swim at that particular moment. I jumped in to share that moment with the teens, to share in something a bit crazy. It was a great time. It gives us a shared moment.

I hope that these shared moments continue to happen. I hope to grow closer to the teens. I hope to be able to share both fun and foolish experiences with them as well as serious experiences. I hope that sharing these things with them can help draw both me and the teens closer to God.

Catie's prayer: David Crowder Band's "Undignified"

It's all for You my Lord!

I try to live my life in this way. That is, in such a way that everything that I do is for the honor and glory of God. However, it doesn't always work that way- the things of this world distract me. Other things sometimes look better than what God have to offer. However ABSOLUTELY NOTHING is better than what God has to offer each of us. Even though something else might look more appealing, nothing can substitute living our lives completely for our Maker.

Chris' prayer: Big Daddy Weave's "Exalted Forever"

You turned my mourning into dancing

In just one week, it will have been 7 years since my mom passed away unexpectedly. I remember receiving the phone call while I was at work. I remember riding a bus all night to get back home. I remember my entire family in ruins.

And I remember proceeding into her funeral Mass behind the casket. As I did, I looked around and I saw my family and my friends and a bunch of people I didn't even know, all who had come together to pay respects to the wonderful lady my mother was. And I remember smiling during that procession and almost dancing into church that day. For my mother, I had no doubt, would be reunited with her Maker soon and how happy I was to know that.

This is where God's real power lies- His ability to turn mourning into dancing.


iTunes | Lyrics

Megan's prayer: Big Daddy Weave's "Exalted Forever"

The music found at St. Cletus’ noon mass each Sunday is simply wonderful. The music found at each monthly Encounters is amazing. These times finally give me the chance to satisfy my desire, my thoughts of “Oh, I just want to sing your praise.”

I can’t imagine the joy and gratification that comes from a job such as a music minister or a youth minister. Each and every day, as a requirement for their position, they are doing God’s work. Music ministers get to constantly sing God’s praise.

I hope that when I finally grow up and get a real job that I will be able to experience that joy each day. I hope I am blessed with a position that allows me to share that joy with others. It doesn’t have to specifically be a job within the Chruch or ministry, but I hope that I can turn any ordinary job into a chance to show God’s love. To somehow sing his praises each and every day.

Catie's prayer: Big Daddy Weave's "Exalted Forever"

I sing for joy at the work of Your hands

Last week I was in El Salvador building better houses for a few people who live there. Overall it was an absolutely amazing experience. The last full day we were there, we visited two communities children's centers. The first one we visited, we played with the kids all morning. I have yet to see God as present in people as I did in those kids on Friday morning. I constantly saw Christ present in the people down there all week, but Friday it really hit me. They were all just so excited we were there and so excited to spend time with us. The community that we visited in the afternoon was so welcoming. We didn't get to talk to them much, there was a brief presentation of the history of the children's center, then we did the stations of the cross with them. They were so welcoming and so excited to see us which is something rare here in the states. They didn't know any of us but they loved us just the same. But this is how it is suppose to be. We are suppose to appreciate and love and care for each other no matter what. We are to sing in joyful praise to God for the people he has placed in our lives, because the smallest thing, could be seen as the biggest blessing.

Chris' prayer: Big Daddy Weave's "Being in Love with You"

I've been keeping a secret. It is even something that I haven't fully admitted to myself. I'm still coming to grips with it.

I am having such a hard time with Life Teen right now. I'm wondering if it might be time for me to be done. And that thought scares me so much. I remember how scared I was to join the youth ministry program, and this fear is right up there. It is just that I feel like I'm doing so much, and trying to take on even more, and I'm left unfilled by it all. I just feel empty.

Even so, I told one of the kids tonight, "Just spend this weekend being loved. Let everything else go." And then this song comes along. Sometimes I need to be reminded of the things I tell others. With everything going on this weekend, I need to spend time just being in love with God and forget about evrything else.

I pray I'm able to do that.

Megan's prayer: Big Daddy Weave's "Being in Love With You"

We leave for retreat in about 3 hours. I'm still not ready. I'm excited for retreat, but I'm so worried that something isn't going to go right, that me and Andy's session won't turn out right... and then I listened to this song.

I don't need to try to be
The flawless example
...
All I need to do is just be me
Being in love with you

If I'm enough for God, that's all that matters. If he loves me just as I am, there is no reason to worry about not being good enough.

Finally, I think I'm ready for this retreat.

Megan's prayer: Matt Maher's "Ressurection Day"

Tonight I watched "Sister Act" on TV. I loved watching this movie when I was young, and nothing has changed. One of my favorite parts of the whole movie is when the teens, or young adults, who are standing on the street, hear the music coming out of the Church, and decide to go inside to see what is going on.

The excitement in the song, the joy coming from the choir, brought them into the Church, brought them back to Jesus.

Great things can happen when we sing for joy.

Chris' prayer: Matt Maher's "Resurrection Day"

I recently finished the book Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell. I'm a big fan of Gladwell's, so I had to pick this book up, his newest release. Overall, the book is about the subtle opportunities and choices that make someone or something outstanding.

In one of the chapters, Gladwell talks about how language and culture affect the airline industry, and in particular, how pilots communicate with their copilots and ground control. He uses this lens to explain a crash that occured several years ago in New York. In relaying information about fuel to to the ground control, the copilot does not communicate urgency and panic at all. Rather, the tone of his voice downplays the perilous situation they are in and accepts the instructions from the ground crew, who have no idea that this plane does not have enough fuel to comply.

Sometimes, the tone of one's voice can mean everything. It can tell us when a friend is having a bad day, even though their words might suggest otherwise. It can also, as illustrated in Outliers, be vital to correctly pass along a message.

The tone of this song is absolutely perfect for its message. It is the perfect exclamation point to what we are waiting for this Lenten season. The words and the tone come together to show the excitement that Easter holds for us this, and every, year.

We sing for joy, we shout your name
We celebrate your resurrection day

iTunes | Lyrics

Megan's prayer: Kutless' "Treason"

With my two lips I will praise your name
Then I turn around and only curse and blame

I struggled with this song tonight. At first I thought it was because I was unable to connect with the lyrics and understand what the song meant, but I finally realized that I knew all too well what the song meant, and I just didn't want to admit it.

Chris' prayer: Kutless' "Treason"

I can't say that I was terribly familiar with this song before tonight. I'd heard it before when my iPod was on shuffle, but, if I was paying attention to what I was listening to, I always hit the skip button. And if I wasn't paying attention, well, then I wasn't paying attention to the lyrics at all.

And the lyrics I find so fascinating and so poignant. The lyrics describe exactly what sinning is for a Christian: treason. A betrayal of something that we know to be true. At least, that's what it feels like when I sin. It feels exactly like this:

I give you my life then I run in haste
I swear I'm back but then it turns out it's only a season
…
With my two lips I will praise your name
Then I turn around and only curse and blame

Fortunately for me, fortunately for us, this line reminds of the truth which we know to be true:

Your blood it covered all my sin
You changed a traitor into kin

YouTube | iTunes | Lyrics

Chris' prayer: Casting Crowns' "What if His People Prayed"

I'll be the first to admit, I don't pray as often as I should. Also, if I'm being honest, I don't pray as sincerely or as deeply as I should when I do pray. This song calls out to me, asking what would happen if I actually prayed as sincerely, deeply, and often as I should. The thing is, I believe in the power of prayer. I believe in all the things the song says could happen if I, as one of His people, prayed. And yet, I don't.

I was hoping that this Lent would be a time to get my act together and really focus and make strides in my faith. But then I run into weeks like last week, where suddenly it is Saturday, and I'm wondering where the week has gone. It seems like there is always something that I let keep me from doing the things I know I need to do to deepen my faith. "Hopefully, Lent will help." Or, "Hopefully, the Easter season will help." Or, "Once Easter passes and things settle down, then I'll be able to focus."

If only.


YouTube | iTunes | Lyrics

Megan's prayer: Casting Crowns' "What if His People Prayed"

There never seems to be enough time to do all of the things that I want. In my personal activities, in church activities, in my school activities, I always feel that I could be, and should be, doing more. In today’s song, it sounds like I’m not the only one who should be doing more.

What if the armies of the Lord
Picked up and dusted off their swords?

What if the church, for heaven's sake
Finally stepped up to the plate?

What if the life that we pursue
Came from a hunger for the truth?

What if his people prayed?

I fail to understand why these things are happening. Why are God’s “armies” doing so little that their swords are dusty? Why is the Church not seen as stepping up to the plate? Why are we pursuing a life that is not based in truth? Why are we not focused on the power of prayer? I feel like we should be doing more. I will try to do more.

Chris' prayer: Jars of Clay's "Famous Last Words"

Famous last words.

The other night, I was playing a game with my girlfriend and a couple friends of hers, and the question came up: "What would you like your famous last words to be?" Usually the phrase famous last words is used tongue-in-cheek, meant as a joke. Appropriately, I answered the question as a joke.

But I sincerely hope that my famous last words are something meaningful. I hope that the last thing that I'm able to share with others as I pass from this life, whenever that may be, is something that affects those who heard it. I hope it means something to them. Similarly, I hope that the famous last words of my actions aren't a joke. I hope that I'm able to make an impact on those I meet and leave them knowing that they were loved by me.

I hope my famous last words are words of love.


YouTube | iTunes | Lyrics

Megan's prayer: Jars of Clay's "Famous Last Words"

Up until about 10 months ago, I had never thought about living by myself. I always thought I would have roommates during college and then move back home afterwards until I found others to live with or got married. But then things changed, and I took a very scary step in my life, and I moved into an apartment by myself. And I love it.

I’m able to eat dinner when I want, watch the TV shows that I want, play music whenever I feel like dancing, do my homework in peace, and go to bed at any time.

Today’s song pointed out something a bit different to me.

When loneliness is such a sanctuary
Empty are the musings and wasted are the days

Living by myself does not teach me how to compromise, how to get along with others. I no longer get to enjoy the random thoughts and stories that my roommates would always share. Even something inside of me is being lost. I no longer have the perpetual opportunity of sharing my wisdom or my love with those who live with me, and maybe it just becomes wasted because I live alone.

While I’m most likely not going to give up my apartment because of one song, I will start working on not allowing my loneliness to become a sanctuary.

Erinnicole's Prayer: Jars of Clay's "Famous Last Words"

You were only waiting

This kind of irony seems to sprinkle life, or at least, I can think of examples in my own. Especially in my faith life. When I ask God for something, obviously He provides, but sometimes I find myself getting so wrapped up in what I hope/want/think the outcome should/could/would be that I forget to keep my eyes open for what it is. My plan for my life is very different from God's for me. I'm completely okay with that, all I need is for Him to take charge of my life and show me where to go and how to get there. I feel like I would think that I could see God walking out on me when really He is just waiting for me to catch up so He can take me somewhere better. It reminds me of the footprints in the sand poem. My prayer is to always recognize what God has in store for me and to be open to the ideas that He comes up with (i hear they are usually right :-P)

happy [john] 3.16 everyone! i guess even Jesus felt like God walked out on Him sometimes, when He cried out "Father, why have you abandoned me?"...but even there God had it all worked out already.

Chris' prayer: Big Daddy Weave's "Fields of Grace"

There's a place that I lose my selfish pride

If there is one thing that being in youth ministry has taught me it is how to lose my pride and just be wild and crazy and free. To dance like no one is watching.

In real life, I feel like I have to follow all kinds of social rules and norms. I have to contain myself. But when I'm at youth ministry events, or Christian concerts, or adoration, I lose that sense of self-consciousness and am free to just be with my Father, dancing for Him while He sings over me. It is where I am...me.


iTunes | Lyrics

Erinnicole's Prayer: Big Daddy Weave's "Fields of Grace"

I dance for my Father

of all of the things and actions that i should offer up to my Father, why can't it be the little things? why must i try and do huge things, lest feel like i've let him down. i can do things like dance for Him! literally and metaphorically. I can "dance" for Him in my simple words and deeds; the choice to do right over wrong. Especially in Lent as I prepare to do the most joyous dance of the church year! amen!

Megan's prayer: Big Daddy Weave's "Fields of Grace"

There's a place where religion finally dies.

What if we didn't let the differences in religions cause tension? What if we weren't so worried about pushing our beliefs onto others and accepted that person for who they are? What if we just loved everyone?

I think that might be what heaven is like.

Chris' prayer: Jennifer Knapp's "A Little More"

With all this motivation I still find a hesitation
Deep in my soul

Why is it so hard to live a Christian life? Why can it be so hard sometimes to do the right thing when I know exactly why I should, when I realize all the wonderful gifts You give me? Why, despite knowing life would be better lived for You do I still insist on living for me, on pursuing what I want, on attempting to fulfill my needs?

Despite all my demanding I still find You understanding
Show me grace

And even though I insist on doing things my way most of the time, You are still patient with me. You are still there to pick me up, to dust me off, to give me another chance. You patiently teach me Your ways, instructing over and over until I get it, never growing weary. You forgive me despite all my failures, all my faults.

All of it, all of it, Lord, is way more than I deserve.


YouTube | iTunes | Lyrics

Erinnicole's Prayer: Jennifer Knapp's "A Little More"

With all this motivation I still find a hesitation

i have anxiety problems, they used to be much much worse but i still have them. as a result, i am an extremely cautious person. my mind is always flooded with worst-case scenarios; not in a negative thinking way, in a way of being prepared for anything. it seems that when i have an opportunity, this quote seems to be how I react. No matter how much there can be going for me, i still will hesitate and try to figure out what could go wrong. my prayer is to relax and just let God be God. I have faith that He will take care of me.

Megan's prayer: Jennifer Knapp's "A Little More"

I have proved to live a dastardly day.

Although I have heard the word before, I didn't know the exact definition of "dastardly," but the Internet helped me out. Dastardly means "despicably cowardly" or "given to backstabbing." Not exactly the most friendly or loving word, but Knapp uses it to describe how she lives some days in her life.

As much as I hate to admit it, I know I have had my fair share of those moments and days - the times where nothing about my demeanor was "Christ-like."

About a week ago, I was at a talk where the speaker was talking about the importance of being Catholic not only while we are attending church, but in our everyday lives. He talked about how the people that we encounter each day may not have a personal relationship with Christ, and as Catholics, we must realize that with each person we encounter, that person is encountering Christ through us. Our words and actions should be examples of love and grace.

It's made me think a lot about how I treat others.

Catie's prayer: Jennifer Knapp's "A Little More"

A little more than I can give

Lately I feel like a ton is being asked of me. A ton of future things are being put on my plate for what I am going to do, next week, this summer and next year. The thing is I know I can do all that is being asked of me, but I yet I don't know. The thing is, so many times we don't trust in God's ability to work through us. We trust more on what we think we can do as a person over what we can do with God working with us and through us. There's this quote that I really like that I think sums this up pretty well- "Give yourself fully to God. He will use you to accomplish great things on the condition that you believe much more in His love than in your own weakness." When we think we have nothing left to give, we can turn to God and he will fill us up so that we can give even more. We just have to be the ones to go to him.

Megan's prayer: Mary Mary's "Thankful"

There are so many things in my life that I thank God for daily, but there are countless other things that I don't even think about. I thank him for the beautifully sunny days, but when was the last time I thanked him for the rain that brought life to the earth?

Everything he does deserves thanks, and sometimes I forget that. This song served as a little reminder to me of just how thankful I should be.

Chris' prayer: Mary Mary's "Thankful"

I'm pretty sure Mary Mary says "Thank You" about a hundred times in this song. Over and over again, their message is pounded into my head. But it's a good pounding. (: I should be taking everything that I have, every blessing that He's given me, back to Him in praise and thanking Him for all of it. And, although Mary Mary only mentions the good stuff in this song, I should be thankful for the times when things don't go quite right. I should be thankful for everything, for as it says in the song,

Lord, you didn't have to give me one more day

YouTube | iTunes | Lyrics

Catie's prayer: Mary Mary's "Thankful"

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you
It's plain to see
all that he's done for me
I thank you for everything
I live my life
So I can let the world
know that I am

Do I live this way? Do I live in a way that people know that my life has been changed by the one true God? I know I don't always live my life like that. I know my actions don't always reflect the great love that God has for all of us. But I should. God has done so much for each of us and knows us well enough to know what is best for us. God loves us more than we could ever imagine. Why wouldn't we want to let the world know that they are loved?

Megan's prayer: Mark Harris' "For the First Time"

I was waiting for a push, waiting for a sign
Waiting for the perfect moment to arrive
Steady as a clock, caught between the line
Living for myself until I realized
There’s too much life You’ve given me
To let it slip away

I feel like a lot of times I have these great ideas, these great plans, but I keep putting off doing them until a later time. I kept pushing off school projects and papers until spring break. Well spring break has arrived, and now I just want to push them off more.

I'm not sure why I don't realize that NOW is the time. NOW is the time to start fresh, to be productive, and do school work.

I feel like my faith falls into this trend also. The days leading up to Lent I thought "I can't wait till Lent because I'm going to be more dedicated to daily prayer." Why did I wait? Why didn't I just do that right then?

It's something I need to work on.

Erinnicole's Prayer: Mark Harris' "For the First Time"

'Cause being wild at heart is really who I am

The word "wild" has begun to take such a negative connotation in today's society. ie: Girls Gone Wild. But in this sense, I love it! Just being wild at heart, being crazy for God and spontaneous in the ways that I express His love for me. I love the image that I get of being crazy with love for someone - so crazy that I would do anything for them. Just like God does and will do and always has done for me. John 3:16!

Chris' prayer: Mark Harris' "For the First Time"

Ready to live? Exciting! Ready to breathe? Essential! Ready to take in everything? Sounds awesome! Ready to shine? I've always wanted to shine! Ready to live this life of mine? Can't wait! Ready to jump? Scary, but thrilling! Ready to fly? Who doesn't want to fly??!

I feel like the line that I skipped should have been "Ready to be loved?" Being loved is wonderful. It makes me feel all warm and squishy inside, makes me feel so good about myself, makes me smile, makes me happy. I can't think of anything better than being loved. Being loved fits right in with all those things above.

But ready to love? That is a lot of work. It's hard. Sometimes it is less than rewarding, or at least it feels that way. Other times it downright sucks. When others insult me, disappoint me, frustrate me, and hate me, I am called to love them. Am I really ready for that?


YouTube | iTunes | Lyrics

Catie's prayer: Mark Harris' "For the First Time"

"If Christianity is simply about being nice I'm not interested...I'm ready for a Christianity that 'ruins' my life, that captures my heart and makes me uncomfortable. I want to be filled iwth an astonishment which is so captivating that I am considered wild and unpredictable and...well...dangerous. Yes, I want to be 'dangerous' to a dull and boring religion."
- Danger Wonder
I think the above quote, in a way, sums up today's song.

'Cause being wild at heart is really who I am

I think many times we don't think of religion as "dangerous". I mean, religion seems pretty safe, it's about a peaceful, all-loving, all-powerful God. In today's world however, being religious and being Catholic is pretty dangerous. I mean, God wants our lives. To give up control of our lives is pretty scary, pretty dangerous. However, when we take that first jump, that first leap of faith, there is nothing more freeing.

Chris' prayer: Jason Sweet's "Where Will I Go"

I like that this song has so many lines that end in a question mark. It kind of represents where I have been in my faith life for the last few years. I used to be one of those guys that just accepted everything related to my spirituality and never felt the need to question it. I felt blessed to not have to journey to find the faith that was right for me. I'm only beginning to realize the power of questions. My faith is so much deeper now that I have had the courage to ask the difficult questions. The answers haven't always come right after asking the question, and in fact, I am still waiting for some answers, but the process of trying to figure out the answers has been so much better for me than the juvenile accepting of faith just because my mom and dad said so.

If every journey begins with one step, then every spiritual journey begins with a squiggly line sitting above a single dot.


iTunes | Lyrics

Erinnicole's Prayer: Jason Sweet's "Where Will I Go?"

Without a doubt there is something more to my life than this

some people have said "high school are the best years of your life". my grandpa tells me that and the people that sell class rings say it, and many others of course. but i keep thinking to myself, this simply cannot be as good as it gets. I know that God has so, so much more in store for me than the highlight of my day being an A on a spanish test. Sometimes I find myself getting frustrated that I can't see what God does have in store, but i think i should simply take comfort in the fact of knowing that He has a plan for me at all and just be thankful that I mean that much to Him.

Megan's prayer: Jason Sweet's "Where Will I Go"

So what should I do?

For those who know me, this is probably a common question they hear coming from my mouth often. I'm horrible at making decisions. I think part of this is because I hate being wrong. If I make a decision, and it ends up being the wrong one, I'm the only person to blame. I like to ask others for their opinion, what they would do, etc, so that I'm not solely relying on my own thoughts.

Maybe this wouldn't be a problem if I started out by asking God "So, what should I do?" He's got some pretty good ideas, and if I could slow down enough to listen to these ideas, maybe I could be more confident in the decisions I do make.

Catie's prayer: Jason Sweet's "Where Will I Go"

Where will I go from here
And will I know for sure that You will be there
Where will I go from here
Without a doubt there is something more to my
life
than this

I spent the past weekend at the Motherhouse of the School Sisters of Christ the King on a silent vocations discernment retreat. I've never been on a silent retreat like that before. I always thought I was open to a vocation to the religious life, but I realized this weekend that I wasn't as open as I thought I was. I was more open, and now I'm trying to remain open, but it is hard. I don't know where God is leading me. I don't know where I am going from here. I'm at a point where I am asking "where will I go from here". I know there is more to life than this life that I am living but I'm not quite sure what that is.

Well I giving it all up to You

While I don't know where I am going to go from here, I know that God knows my heart and that he knows what will make me happy. If he wants me to be a nun, he will get me there. I'm giving it up to him.

Erinnicole's Prayer: Building 429's "Glory Defined"

never a moment without your presence

this past week has been "go, go, go" with no "stop" at all. i've been doing so many different things and not truly getting enough sleep. in the shuffle of this past week and the next week with all the musical stuff, it will be easy for me to forget that God will be with me amongst the frustrations and even sometimes in the excitement. i pray that I don't get so caught up in the moment that I forget to share it with the One who gave it to me.

Marie's Prayer: Building 429's "Glory Defined"

there's always a bridge that needs crossings

Whenever I get through a difficult Time in my life, there Always seems to be Something else that needs to be done. I need to realize That when I need to cross a bridge I can Call on God to help me. Because no matter what, I will get over the bridge.

Megan's prayer: Building 429's "Glory Defined"

Never a moment without Your presence

To me, this is such a relieving thought. God is always present. Even during the times when my mind is consumed with other things, when I go a day forgetting to pray, when I lose sight of what is important. Even in those time, God is there, which is awesome because those are the times when I truly need him most to be there.

Chris' prayer: Building 429's "Glory Defined"

the best is yet to come

I hope that I always feel this way. About work. About my family. About my friends. About my faith. I hope that I'm always on the upward side of the slope, with anything and everything to look forward to, knowing that, as good or as bad as things might be right now, things are just going to get even better. My Christian faith offers that hope for me that the best is always yet to come. My God has more in store for me than I could ever imagine.

iTunes | Lyrics

Catie's prayer: Building 429's "Glory Defined"

But I know that you're guiding me
and the best is yet to come
You've given me hope for tomorrow

This is probably one of the most comforting things (for me at least) about God. Lately I've been ridiculously busy, constantly running around like a chicken with its head cut off. However, when I slow down and remember that God is in fact taking care of me and that I don't have to go this alone, it gives me great peace of mind. He is my hope for tomorrow.

It's always the simple things
it's always the obvious that crashes over me
It's always in front of meit helps me to remember
this is what I live for
and I can't wait

I want to say something about this but I don't know what to say. The verse in it of itself though is the story of my life. I constantly have to be reminded that God is what I live for, nothing else.

Chris' prayer: Plus One's "Run to You"

And I get lost in You
When I don't have the faith

Huh? I've been lost in God a few times over the years, so in love with and on fire for Him, and feeling so very loved. But those times were always when my faith was strongest. I can't say that I've ever been lost in God when I don't have the faith. That whole idea kind of astounds me.

And it also inspires me. It is something to look for in my journey of faith. When I am completely lost, without any direction and having no clue where I am, when I am just plain out of faith, am I still lost in Him? Am I still madly in love with Him? Will I allow the perfecter of my faith to do just that?


iTunes | Lyrics

Megan's prayer: Plus One's "I Run to You"

In a place of chaos You're the
One thing that brings me peace

Life truly is chaotic. Some days I really feel like I'm way in over my head, that I have too much on my plate and that I just want time to rest. During these times, I find it most helpful to place myself in the presence of God through adoration. These weekly trips have become so important to me. They give me a chance to just rest, to feel a peace wash over me. During that hour, I feel like I can handle anything.

What a perfect feeling.

Catie's prayer: Plus One's "I Run to You"

I run to You

This line is repeated dozens of times in this song and I feel like it more or less sums up my life. I find myself constantly running to Christ, running to the chapel and he is able to settle my uneasiness. Sometimes it feels like that is the only thing to do. And the thing with God is that he is always there, waiting for us to run to him. It's not like we are going to run to him and then he will not be there. Even if we don't he's there, or can't quite feel his presence in our lives, he is there. We just have to be the ones willing to run to him.

Megan's prayer: Jars of Clay's "Unforgetful You"

I don't like today's song. I just arrived home after an amazing adoration experience where I sang about how God is my everything, and then I listen to this song and seems to say that my love for God is conditional. That I'll call him King, but only if he gives me what I need. And how I won't take interest in things that don't pertain to me.

And on the flip side, it shows God as "unforgetful." He calls us "child", but not in the sweet innocent sense, but in more of a "likes to throw tantrums" sense. It's almost as if God is looking down on us.

Maybe I misunderstood the song.

I love God, unconditionally, and I believe he loves me the same way. I am his child, but in a sense that I am the one he wants to hold in his arms, not in the sense that he is upset because of my tantrums.

And yes, God is unforgetful. But not in a "I'm going to hold a grudge forever cause I never forget" but in a more loving way, in a way that shows that he loves us so much he remembers everything little thing that we do.

Marie's Prayer: Jars of Clay's "Unforgetful You"

I never thought to ask You
I always thought You knew

You know what? I never Actually asked God for anything Before. I always assumed He knew what I Wanted/needed. I know now that you can't Expect something to happen If you don't ask for it. Even though God is All knowing, you have To appreciate this fact And ask Him and He, being the Father, will listen and do What's best for me. All of a sudden there's This big lightbulb going On over my head: Eureka!

Chris' prayer: Jars of Clay's "Unforgetful You"

You never minded calling me a child
Well, I guess that's how I acted all the while
But You live through every tantrum
You see through every lie
Though they seem to be more common
I just wanted to know why oh why

Usually, when I hear about being a child of God, this isn't the image I picture. Instead, I picture a father picking his son up, tossing him in the air and spinning around with him in a park somewhere on a gorgeous sunny day. The father's love outweighs practically everything about the son except the son's existence. I never really considered that being called a child with respect to being a child of God could mean anything else. I never stopped to consider that being a child comes with, well, child-like actions– like tantrums, lies, and acting up. Suddenly, the picture isn't so pretty, and a bit more real. However, I think I did get one thing right in my initial image:

The father's love outweighs practically everything about the son except the son's existence.

YouTube | iTunes | Lyrics

Catie's prayer: Jars of Clay's "Unforgetful You"

But You live through every tantrum
You see through every lie
Though they seem to be more common

Lately (as I might have said in past blogs) I am at this point in my relationship with God where I am constantly reminded of how much God loves me, no conditions, no matter what. God sees us at our worst, but is able to see past that to who he created us to be. So many times it's so easy to get caught up in the bad stuff that we forget that God is with us and that he loves us. I don't know who said this quote, but I think the following quote really sums up what I am trying to say. "God loves you the way you are but he refuses to leave you that way."

Megan's prayer: Big Daddy Weave's "For Who You Are"

And I praise you, for who you are.

Loving God, praising God, for who He is doesn't seem to be such a challenge to me. It's not like he has made these mistakes that I see and are upset with him about. To me, He seems perfect.

Loving others for who they are sometimes is harder for me. Especially if we don't share the same opinions or ideas. I should love others, no matter what, but it is something that I struggle with.

Lord, please give me the grace and the strength that I need to love others for exactly who they are.

Chris' prayer: Big Daddy Weave's "For Who You Are"

I'm being reminded again, as I was last Monday, to love those around me for who they are. Not who I want them to be. Not who I wish they were. For who they are. This song reminds me to praise God for who He is:

You are the Lord, The Father of lights
You are God the Keeper of my heart
…
You are the Lover of my soul
You are the Giver of the second start

Erinnicole's Prayer: Big Daddy Weave's "For Who You Are"

Totally, Completely, Entirely

I love this so much. I am a perfectionist, no doubt about it. As such, everything has to be just so. I do not exactly see the world in black and white, per say, but I like to have things either one way or the other. I can see "gray" in situations, but here are examples of what I mean. When I drink water, the glass either has to be full or empty. If I am drinking it, I have to stay next to the faucet to fill it back up after I drink too much so that it will keep its constant level. I hate driving in dusk because I either need the road entirely dark or entirely light. I literally have problems seeing if it is not one or the other. And the strangest one is the color perrywinkle. Which I recently have found a distaste for because perrywinkle as I see it, isn't so much a color as an attempt at three different colors : pink, blue, and purple. I mean, props to those of you who love it, it just goes against my perfectionist ways.
In life, I feel so many uncertainties. I can't always tell who will be there for me and who won't, I don't always know how this evening or tomorrow morning will pan out. Things in this world are shaky and I feel like I almost never have something stable to hold onto because things are constantly changing. I have never thought of God in this way before. I know He is always there, that is common knowledge to me, but I've never considered that He could be my stability in an unstable world. I never really thought of God as a post for me to hold on to. To run to, sure, but to grab and keep hold of, not so much. But reading and listening to these lyrics, that makes complete sense. Not just a little sense or no sense at all, but complete and total sense to me that God should be the one constant in my life. God is who I can depend on always.

Marie's Prayer: Big Daddy Weave's "For Who You Are"

Seems too high for me to reach
To wrap my mind around the mystery

I'm short. This being the case, many things are too High for me to Reach. I like thinking of God this way because it is easier To picture. And being short, I have Learned many ways To make myself a little taller. Likewise, I can make myself Taller in reaching God by praying and Listening and just doing nice things.

Along with being Short, I am a writer. That is why I like the word Mystery. For a character to Be realistic, they have to be Multifaceted. Some of these Characters have so many facets, that it becomes Hard to distinguish which facet of them is the true self. I know that God is 3 persons, so I have to know which person Of God to direct things to. Being a mystery is one of the Things that makes God so amazing.

Catie's prayer: Big Daddy Weave's "For Who You Are"

Seems too high for me to reach

Lately I feel like this. Like I've taken on too much and that everything I have to do is just too incredibly ridiculous for one person to take on. I forget though that with God working with me and through me I can do so much more. I forget that when I work with God instead of trying to fight him, I can do the work and do it that much better because I am working with him.

Megan's prayer: Big Daddy Weave's "Completely Free"

He gave us all He had to give
So that we could truly live

What does it really mean to "truly live"?

During grade school, and even part of high school, I felt like I was living in a bubble. All my friends and family and classmates were in there, but I didn't know about the dangers, or the bad parts of the real world. I watched Barney and Arthur, not the depressing nightly news. Even during college, the main push seems to be to prepare us for the "real world." It's like for the past 20 years of my life I haven't really been living - I've just been preparing to live.

Today's song says that Jesus came and died so I can "truly live" - so that I can be "completely free." I'm sitting here, wondering if I even know what that really means. Do I really have to wait for college to be over to know what that means? Can I discover how to live "completely free" right now? How do I even go about doing that?

Erinnicole's Prayer: Big Daddy Weave's "Completely Free"

And wearing my shame so that I could know him

Embarrassment is not something I feel very often. I am very quiet and introverted at school. When you do not talk and remain low key, it is easy to not be embarrassed. When I hear the word shame, I think first of embarrassment in front of other people. But in the context of my Sin, it becomes so much more. With the person that I am and how unworthy I am of all God blesses me with, I sometimes feel nothing but shame. It is amazing to me that not only can God look past my shame and love me for my faults and failures as well as successes, but He also took all my shame and displayed it as his own upon a cross. That was the most shameful way to die in those days and He had no reason to do it for me, but He did. That is such an example of love to me that it is overwhelming. All so that I could know Him. I still feel unworthy, but I am starting to be able to see myself for who God sees me.

Chris' prayer: Big Daddy Weave's "Completely Free"

There is a definite message in this song that equates sacrifice with happiness and freedom. There could be no better a time to hear this message than during Lent, when we are encouraged to sacrifice. Often times, we wonder if that sacrifice will make us better people, if it will make us happier, if it will make us more free. Lord, I pray that my sacrifice this Lent might fulfill that goal. I pray that it might make me happier, a better person, and most importantly, more free to love and serve You. Amen.

Catie's prayer: Big Daddy Weave's "Completely Free"

All that I have is now yours to receive
Payment in full so that you could be free

So many times I forget that God sent his only son that we might have a chance at eternal life. It's something that I know but don't always keep in mind. I forget that Christ thinks that each of us is to die for. So many times we think that Christ died for our sins, but how many times do we think Christ loves us so much that he died for me? That just drives how much he loves us home that much more when not grouping ourselves together with everyone. Christ did not have to die for our sins, he just loved us THAT MUCH. How amazing is that?

Chris' prayer: Matthew West's "Next Thing You Know"

Next thing you know

Simply put, this cliché is used to describe a sudden change in direction. That is how West describes his spiritual story. One minute, he is innocently watching a televangelist on the TV, and the next, he has dedicated his life to following Christ. I sometimes wish that I had a conversion story that powerful. My spiritual journey has been more about plenty of small steps rather than the one dramatic leap spoke of in the first verse of the song. I grew up Catholic and always knew that it was somehow right for me. It was merely a matter of finding how to take ownership of that faith and make it my own that makes up the bulk of my place in the history of grace.

My spiritual journey might not have that 180° turnaround, or the storybook eye-opening moment, but the power that God can have in my life when I'm able to turn it over to Him is still present. His ability to work through me is no less dominant than if I had a story like West describes. My experience, my spiritual journey, can still be as important, and still be as exciting. The power is not in the sudden change itself. It is in the One who is all powerful.


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Marie's Prayer: Matthew West's "The Next Thing You Know"

Well, I wish I could say
I always stayed right there

I wish I could Always stay right there. Picture it, the best Day of your faith life. Now Picture everyday with you at that same place. Sounds nice doesn't it? It does To me. If I was as Enthused about God as I could be everyday, It would be amazing! But we stray, it's human nature, but What I also know is that it's Human nature to Want to be right there, as close to God as possible. So I strive for that, I strive to be right there At the height of My spirituality at all Times.

Catie's prayer: Matthew West's "Next Thing You Know"

So, what's your story about his glory?
You gotta find your place in the history of grace
Yeah, what's your story about his glory?
Come on and find your place

At the beginning of the school year in bible study we were talking about how we are going to be saints. We had listened to this song that had the line "and when the saints go marching in, I want to be one of them" and I think that's so true. That's where mot of us want to eventually be. My bible study leader had gone on to say how the song went on to say that we're going to be there with Mother Teresa and JP II and everyone else sharing our stories and when it gets to us, what are we going to say? The above part of today's song reminded me of that. What's your story about his glory? So many times I forget that we are to give God the glory. We all have our place in this life, we all have a role to play, each of us can make a difference. However it is up to each of us to play the role that God intended for us.

Megan's prayer: Matthew West's "Next Thing You Know"

Everybody's got their own thirteen

In my own life, I think I have had a few “thirteens” – a few times where I have discovered, or rediscovered, my faith. One of these was the first time I attended a lifenight. I only knew a few people there, but everyone was so welcoming. Although I was surrounded by strangers, I felt loved. I felt God’s presence in the room, and inside me. After that night, I knew that I wouldn’t be leaving lifeteen anytime soon. Four years later, I’m still an active part of the group, although I have taken a different role in the program.

I pray that as we continue this semester, we have successful nights. I pray that the Core team will continue to be successful in sharing their faith and instilling the love of God in the teens. Maybe one of nights will become some teen’s “thirteen.”

Megan's prayer: Pillar's "Let It Out"

A while ago I was talking with a friend, and he told me it was okay to be mad at God. Although God already knows all my feelings, I had never really thought about getting mad, or yelling at him, during my time of prayer. Growing up, I always went to God with prayers of thanksgiving or prayers for those in need. I never fathomed bringing my anger to God.

But it makes so much sense now. Who else better to bring my frustration to than God? Whether it’s frustration with my family or friends, or even frustration with God and my faith, I think he will be able to handle it. He is the perfect listener. He won’t get angry at the words I say, because deep down He knows that I love him, and at the end of the day, that is what matters.

Even during the darkest hours, even during times that I feel like I don’t want to talk to God, I feel like he will be saying…

Let it out. Don’t hold back now.

Erinnicole's Prayer: Pillar's "Let it Out"

I don't know if we ever really learned to pray

Prayer is something that I'm not really sure you can exactly teach. The elements of praying are easy - Praise, Reconciliation, Asking, and Yes [saying yes to God's answer]. But how will any of us ever know if we are praying "right"? Is there even such a thing? We can never know the answers that God planned for us until they happen and we will rarely know how strong of an impact they have on our lives. For instance, what if we didn't get something we prayed for but got something better? A lot of times, I feel like I am praying wrong. I'm honestly not even sure what I measure it against. I guess I measure it at my own worth...what would make my prayers something that God would want to listen to? What makes them sincere? Are they even? But God does want to hear us, because He cares. I so often and so easily leave out that detail. My prayer is to pray...not right or wrong...just pray. I think this song is onto something. The best praying is just letting it out.

Chris' prayer: Pillar's "Let it Out"

Can You hear me cry?

The last time I cried, or at least the last time I remember really shedding some tears, was about a year ago. I was in the midst of one of the darkest times in my spiritual journey. For the life of me, I could just not find the words to pray. When I tried using others' words, including the songs we sung at Mass, they just felt hollow and shallow and forced. It really sucked not to be able to have real conversation with my Maker. It felt like it was never going to end.

So I wasn't expecting much out of the Adoration experience on the Spring Retreat with my church's youth ministry program. I figured it would be just like the rest of my prayer life. As I sang the songs like I always do, thinking about how much it hurt not to be able to speak, and a tear rolled down my cheek. A few seconds later, another one. And suddenly I was bawling.

I found that my tears, my crying, pushed me to sing even louder and with more heart, and when Carrie, our music minister, ended one song, I just kept on singing, making up the words as I went along, mixing familiar lyrics with original ones. I began to cry even harder, feeling the blessing that was being poured out on me in that chapel as I was connecting with God for the first time in months. Tears of immense sadness and despair slowly became tears of hope and mercy, and then tears of joy and thanksgiving.

Sometimes, when nothing else in the world is able to fix our problems, all it takes is a good cry.


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Marie's Prayer: Pillar's "Let it Out"

And I cry out, "Can You help me, please?"

I hate asking for help. I feel vulnerable and Helpless and I Absolutely hate it. What I need to realize is That I can't do it All on my own. So, for once, I will cry out For God's help, not because I'm desperate, but because God can and will Help me when I ask for it. Instead of trying everything else first And waiting to Ask God until I'm out of options, I will Call upon God first. Because if He can't help Me, no one can.

Catie's prayer: Pillar's "Let it Out"

Let it out, can You hear me?
Can You hear me cry?
Let it out, don't hold back, all this I got inside?

I've felt like this a lot since last night. I talked to my dad last night to find out that my grandma had probably had a mini stroke. I was a mess this morning trying to just offer it up, to let his will to be done. I talked to my mom later in the morning to find out that my grandma was fine and so that calmed my restlessness. I talked to my dad again a few minutes ago to find out my grandma had had a stroke today. She's stablized, she lives in a nursing home and they are not taking her to the hospital but she is okay but not doing great. I always thought I was good about trusting in God, but I've realized today that I'm not as good at it as I thought I was. I know that God's will will happen either way so it would just be easier to submit to God's will and trust that what is meant to happen will, but it is so much harder than it sounds. Giving up control is easier said than done.

So, when I cry out, are You listening?
I know You can hear me, I know You can hear me
You're my Comfort, can You hear me?
I know You can hear me, You're my Comfort

I know that God hears my prayers. I know that God heals, and that he is taking care of all of us. He wants us to want his will for our lives. God help me to accept your will this day and every day.

Chris' prayer: Delirious?'s "Gravity"

I'm caught in the middle which way should I go?

This is the question I find myself asking, specifically with regards to the ministry I'm involved in. I'm stuck between investing myself fully into something familiar and constant and supported, or finding a way to lay down my own tracks and try something new, something without any guarantee whatsoever that it won't be a colossal failure. I've been praying and contemplating for awhile, and much like the rest of this song, I really can't make sense of what I'm hearing. I really need a clear "this is what you should do, and here's how I'll help you accomplish that," but I haven't heard that, yet.

Fortunately, there's another song, and more prayer time, tomorrow.


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