13_2 Light in the Darkness by Bill Wittenberg 2nd article AREA OF FOCUSED PRAYER 1-2/ 2009

AREAS OF PRAYER FOCUS
and NOW WORD
Jan./Feb. 2009

AREA OF FOCUSED PRAYER
“Light in the Darkness”
Article 2 for Jan./Feb. 2009
by Bill Wittenberg
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This ministry is one of intercessory prayer for those souls who are heavily involved in evil. We pray they will turn from evil and Satan and embrace goodness and Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

            This prayer ministry, Light Into Darkness, continues to grow as it receives more exposure. We are currently working with the Archdiocese of Detroit to make prayer pamphlets available to all of its parishes.

            Most of us can relate to some form of evil that is active around us. As Christians we hear God’s call to break the bondage of sin and to pray for the perpetrators and victims of such action. We ask God to disable the evil and replace it with the light of Christ. We know we can accomplish this through prayer to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Phil. 4:13)

            It’s interesting how blindness can envelop the sin and evil for some people simply because they have grown used to it and accept it as “normal”. For example, many see abortion as a process one goes through to keep life simple and unambiguous. After all, they say, it is a woman’s personal choice to which she has a right. They do not see the millions of babies killed in the past generation and the many millions to be killed in the next.

            God calls us to pray for the people involved and to do all in our power to stem the flow of baby killing that goes on each day. We are not called to “live with” or tolerate abortion, but as Christians we are called to take action through prayer to

stop this form of evil and to ask the Lord to help those who do not see the fruits of their actions.

             As we pray to stop evil, we also evangelize those who are perpetrators, so that they will turn from darkness and enter into the light of Christ. (Cf. Acts 26:18) “Lord, open their eyes so they can see, open their ears so they can hear, open their minds so they can understand, and their hearts so they can see the glory of the Lord Jesus.”

            Please join me in praying this intercessory prayer that also appears on the prayer pamphlet mentioned above:

            “Let us pray: We lift up before you, Lord Jesus, those who are enslaved by any kind of evil. May your Divine Mercy triumph even in the midst of great darkness and sin. By the power of your death, Jesus, you conquered evil and opened the gates of righteous-ness and holiness. May your victory over evil and death bring healing and wholeness to hearts throughout the world. (In particular, I lift up these persons/situa-tions…..) We pray this in the Name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.”

(Bill Wittenberg, a former prayer group leader at St. Thomas More in Troy. He now serves as a spiritual director at Manresa Jesuit Retreat House.)

NOW WORD
by Arlene Apone
for Jan./Feb 2009

Let us listen to the Word of God and be filled with hope! This NOW Word of God stands on its own; it needs little explanation. What do you hear?
Come to Me; abide in Me.

At anytime, in any place, in any situation, all we need to do is focus on the Lord Jesus and enter into His constant presence within us, as revealed to us by the Holy Spirit.
Do you know that I am here for you? When you seek me you will find me. Do you know how much I love you? I am with you always. Be my disciples.

A disciple is one who is learning, one who is receiving and growing in holiness.
I am pouring out: Love, Forgiveness, Healing, Mercy, Grace, Joy, Anointing, Gifts, and Peace.
Do you hear my voice? Are you listening?
I call you each by name.

The Lord is totally present to each of us, and historically the name implies the mission. What does your name mean and have you heard the Lord call you by a new name? What does your mission ask of you?You are in my hands. Do you know my will for your life? Come back to Me.

This call reflects a possible shift in our hearts, our focus, our attention.
You can trust me in all things. Who reigns on the throne of your heart? I love you and I know you. I am: the Light of the World, the Living Bread, your Redeemer, your Savior, your Provider, your Assurance.
I am: in control, triumphant, the Lord, your God.
You are: Temples of my Holy Spirit, blood of My Blood, and My witnesses. Where is your joy?
Be still, listen and trust. Be not afraid; do not let the world drag you down. Stand firm, have confidence in Me. Persevere; focus on Me, Unite your heart to Mine; just keep giving Me your YES; be My witnesses.

Am I responding by using my gifts and being a witness to others?
The Holy Spirit will draw you into the Father’s glory!
Let it be done according to your Word. Amen!

(Arlene Apone is the Associate Liaison between the Catholic Charismatic Renewal and the Archdiocese of Detroit and the director of the Detroit Catholic Charismatic Renewal Center. She is a frequent speaker at retreats, conferences, and days of prayer, as well as an editor, author, and co-author of many books.)

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