Sometimes I forget why we pray.
Recently, I began offering an intercessory prayer for suffering active alcoholics and addicts at Franciscan meetings, Knight meetings and the group I facilitate for our parish's Lenten mission. As a recovering alcoholic, I've done this in the past - admittedly more to pray for something that I was familiar with. A lot of times I pray out of habit, rather than with real intention.
Since I began offering these intentions over the past 2 weeks, 2 friends of mine who have been struggling with alcohol abuse have found their way to rehab. They're both a long way from recovery...but they have both taken steps to improve their health and their lives.
From the Pioneers Total Abstinence Association, an Irish Catholic prayer society who "take the pledge" daily in order to make reparation and prayer to the Sacred Heart for the recovery of alcoholics and drug addicts.
The Heroic Offering
“For thy greater Glory and consolation, O most Sacred Heart of Jesus, for Thy sake, to give good example, to practice self-denial, to make reparation to Thee for the sins of intemperance and for the conversion of excessive drinkers, I will abstain for life from all intoxicating drinks, Amen”.
The "Heroic Offering" is the permament Pioneer pledge. There is also temporary (perfect for Lent) and youth pledges. Check out the site!
Thank you Venerable Matt Talbot, Patron of Alcoholics for your intercession! And thank you to my brother Knights, Franciscan brethren, and Mission pilgrims for your prayers as well.
Daily Mass Readings
Isaiah 1:10,16-20
Psalm 50:8-9,16-17,21,23
Matthew 23:1-12
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