01123 12_3RCurry Ecology Focus on Prayer #12-3

Essays from the Assembly on Areas of Prayer
Environment; Pollution (ECOLOGY) and the Now Word for June, 2008

AREAS OF PRAYER FOCUS
ECOLOGY
(Article 3)
by Rosa Curry

“for he remembered his holy word to his servant abraham. and he led forth his people with joy; with shouts of joy, his chosen ones. and he gave them the lands of the nations, and they took what the peoples had toiled for, that they might keep his statutes and observe his laws. alleluia.” Psalm 105:43-45

God’s Word consistently gives us hope. In Him all things are possible. St. Paul tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 to “Pray unceasingly”. We pray to God that our eyes be open and our hearts softened, so we may live in love and respect for one another. If we keep His greatest command, “Love One Another,” we will in turn also preserve what He has given us.

Forgive me, Lord, if I have failed to cherish what you have given me! Show me the value of each and every drop of water, every bit of energy, and every breath of clean air. As my family thrives in this land of plenty, help me to give to those who have nothing.

We must be aware of consequences that may result from our every action, as we go through our daily routine. One goal must be to research products making sure they are eco-friendly – not only the contents, but the packaging and distribution. To conserve energy, water, and natural resources to the best of our ability, must be foremost in our minds.

One example of our effect on the ecological balance is the gray wolf. Though once abundant over much of North America and Eurasia, the gray wolf inhabits a very small portion of its former range because of widespread destruction of its habitat, and the human encroachment of its habitat. Today, wolves are protected in some areas, hunted for sport in others, or may be subject to extermination as perceived threats to livestock and pets. The gray wolf has been removed from the protection of the endangered species list. Will we have the wisdom to respect this balance, so that it remains so?

“There is One who can protect you from a fall and make you stand unblemished and exultant in the presence of His glory. Glory be to this only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Majesty, too, be His, might and power from ages past, now and for ages to come. Amen.” (Epistle of Jude: 24 – 25)

(Rosa Curry is a leader of the Spirit of Love Prayer Group at Our Lady of the Woods Catholic Community in Woodhaven, Michigan, and is a member of the DCCR Assembly, representing the South Region

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NOW WORD SERIES
June, 2008
by Arlene Apone

The pastoral team we call “The Assembly,” met on Saturday, April 26, 2008, to discern the prophecies from our prayer groups for the past six months. As always, the Lord was clear in His Word to us and consistent in the message given. Published below in its entirety, I will give a brief response to how this word affects me. As we reflect on the Lord’s NOW Word to us, may it continue to grow within us.

CALL: I have called you by name. I call you to be my disciples. Enter into My heart.

My Reflection: Lord, it’s clear you did the calling; you initiated the invitation and gave me my name. As I understand it, this means you’re in charge; you’re the author of my call and name. I have received my new name as scripture says, and the mission is in the name. Let it be done in me as you intend. I choose to enter into your love and heart; Lord, give me the continued grace to live in your heart.

PROCLAMATION: I am all you need. I am! I am! I am! Your hope is in me.

My Reflection: Lord, my head, heart, and faith know you are all I need. However, there are parts of me that choose worldly things. I know you make this love unconditional, but I am sad that I fail to respond to you fully. As I hear you proclaim, “I am!” three times, I get goose bumps and my heart pumps. Everything in me is in awe! You are! You are! You are! My hope is in you alone.

PROMISE: I am blessing you. I place more in your care. Our Mother is with you.

My Reflection: Lord, let me receive the blessings and the more you’re entrusting to me. Thank you, Mother, for being with me always, for your love and your care. I love you.

DIRECTIVE: Open to me, listen to me, follow me. Do not be deceived. Move into the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Minister to my people. Trust me for the victory. Reclaim my joy!

My Reflection: Lord, let all that is within me be open to you, listen to you, and follow after you always. Keep me from all deceptions, from within and without. You are truth – be truth in me. Let me dwell in your Holy Spirit’s presence within me and in the body called the church. Keep me generous in service to others’ needs. I do place my hope and service in your victory, as you fill me with the joy that confidence brings! Glory to you!

SCRIPTURE: 1 Chron. 16:8-13, 1 Chron. 29:10-13, Ps. 23, Ps. 34, Ps. 37:5-6, 12, 17, Ps. 63:2-4, Ps. 127, Sir. 6:14-17, Is. 12:1-6, Is. 45:5-7; Is. 61:1-6, Mt. 5, Jn. 3:30, Jn. 21:15-19, Rm. 8:14-17, 28-38, Gal. 5:13, Eph. 5:6-17, James 1:22-25, 2 Pet. 1:1-3.

My Reflection: As we reflect on the Scriptures given, this word deepens within us and confirms your call to us right now. Lord, we thank you for leading us as we place our trust in you.

(Arlene Apone is the Director of the Detroit Catholic Charismatic Renewal Center, a frequent speaker at retreats, conferences, and days of prayer, as well as an editor, author, and/or co-author of many books.)

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