World at Prayer blog
Reflections of Family and Faith
"The family that prays together stays together." - Venerable Patrick Peyton
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Today's iconic symbols of cities include the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Big Ben in London, the Burj Khalifa tower in Dubai, and the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. In the first century, Jerusalem’s magnificent Temple was its icon. Every pilgrim to Jerusalem was deeply impressed by it. But Jesus wasn't impressed by what was going on in the temple. Jesus was downright angry.
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Zacchaeus was wealthy and famous. Although he was a Jew, he enjoyed power and prestige in the society of the Romans because he was a rich tax collector. Zacchaeus’, the name means, “pure and clean” in Hebrew, but ironically, in the eyes of his contemporaries, he was considered “dirty,” dirty as the lepers and harlots. However, deep within him, he had a hunger for a forgiving God. Upon hearing that Jesus was passing through his town, he ventured out and climbed up a sycamore tree to catch a glimpse of him.
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Brief and contemporary inspiration focused on hope and family prayer will be delivered to your inbox! Articles include live video, written word, and links to resources that will lead you and your family deeper into faith.
Learn more about our faith | Return to the Church | Strengthening family unity
Constantine, the first Christian emperor, built a church on land that once belonged to the Laterani family. This church was the forerunner of the present-day Basilica, which dates back to the 4th century. Emperor Constantine was baptized in the Baptistery attached to the Basilica.
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Are you familiar with the frustration of trying to find something you've lost? I sometimes forget where I put my keys, cell phone, or an important document. As strange as it may sound, my fountain pen was once one of those small things. Whenever I lose this pen, I feel a bit lost. I rejoice every time I find it again, usually hidden somewhere in my backpack. We also find ourselves searching for people.
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Love thy Neighbor | Return to the Church
How many times I yearned to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her brood under her wings" ~Luke 13: 34b When I was growing up as a kid, we had chickens at home. Have you ever seen a mother hen caring for her young? If she sees an eagle circling overhead, she instinctively gives a warning sound, and the baby chicks run to hide under her wings. When dark storm clouds fill the sky and thunder roars and lightning flashes, she quickly makes a sound that draws her brood to her. As night approaches and the shadows lengthen, she gives a quiet call that gathers her young to rest under her wings.
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In her book, Choose to Live Each Day Fully, Susan Smith Jones recommended the following Practice of Caring Behavior for couples to achieve marital happiness. She suggested you ask your spouse to provide you with a list of things that you would do which will make him or her feel good. A few examples of things on the list would be: Wash my hair for me; open the door for me; take me to dinner so I won't have to cook. Every day, try to do at least three things on the list for your spouse. Ensure that you acknowledge your partner's efforts and show your appreciation as well.
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