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Returned yesterday from a 5 day retreat with the Intercessors of the Lamb, a good, faithful religious community of religious men & women.  May Christ bless them for their ministry!

One of the many things I will take with me is their distinction between petition and intercession.  In petition, we ask for things for ourselves and others.  In intercession, we ask God what graces He wants to give that person and then we ask Him on behalf of that person.  I regularly heard them say, "Lord teach me how to pray for..."
 
 
Today is Ash Wednesday and begins the holy season of Lent.  In the Mass there is a line that says, "the joyful season of Lent."  Really?  Why is 40 day of repentance and giving up stuff supposed to be joyful?  Because of what Jesus said, "If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full." 

We turn away from sin and seek to be faithful to the Gospel because we believe that the truth sets us free and that conversion allows us to more and more filled with God's life and love, the source of true joy.
 
Inspirational 02/04/2010
 
Here are some of my favorite Christian songs:
"I'm Not Alright" by SanctusReal
"Hold My Heart" by Tenth Avenue North
"Satisfy" by Tenth Avenue North
"Times" by Tenth Avenue North
"Forgiven" by Sanctus Real
"Your Love Never Fails" by Chris Quilala
"How He Loves" by David Crowder Band
"By Your Side" by Tenth Avenue North
"Beloved" by Tenth Avenue North
"You Are" by Tenth Avenue North
"All Along" by Remedy Drive
"Alive Again" by Matt Maher
"Even Now" by Foolish Things