Family Spirituality

Share special intentions

Here’s a spiritual practice that ought to make a comeback. Have everyone in the family pray for one another’s "special intentions." Announce that there’s something you’re praying for (someone’s health problem, a difficult time at work or school, inner turmoil), and everyone in the family keeps that special intention in mind all week. This is not only a way to share concerns, but also to share our expectation that God will respond. One friend I know keeps a statue of Saint Jude on the window sill in the kitchen. Anyone in the family can slip a piece of paper under the statue with a note (cryptic or clear) listing his or her intention. The rest of the crew pray for that person all week long. TJM

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