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WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 4028 [post_author] => 4 [post_date] => 2020-05-20 14:21:54 [post_date_gmt] => 2020-05-20 14:21:54 [post_content] => <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong>Table of Contents</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"className":""} --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#approaching-prayer-for-kids">How to Approach Prayer for Kids</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#morning-prayer-for-kids">Morning Prayer for Kids</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#nighttime-prayer-for-children">Nighttime Prayer for Children</a><!-- wp:list {"className":""} --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#childrens-bedtime-prayers">Children's Bedtime Prayers</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#simple-childrens-prayers">Simple Children's Prayers - Anytime and Meals</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#hallow-kids">Hallow Kids</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Figuring out how to pray with kids can sometimes be difficult.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">However, instilling the habit of prayer into children at a young age can have a lifelong impact. The <a href="https://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/who-we-teach/children">USCCB reminds us</a> that “Parents are also the most effective catechists of prayer for their young children.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p id="approaching-prayer-for-kids" class="">Hallow can help. We’re sharing a few tips and resources–like Hallow Kids–to make this family time more manageable.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Prayer for Kids: How to Approach It</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"id":10876,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none","className":""} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://hallow.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/How-to-Pray-1500-x-900-1-1024x614.png" alt="What to consider when praying with kids: Hallow" class="wp-image-10876"/></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Praying as a family is a hard habit to build in normal circumstances, let alone a global pandemic. Many of us have been home with more family time than usual. While this presents many challenges, it also brings with it the opportunity to pray together as we navigate this time.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">We reached out to a number of families of all sizes and ages and asked for their wisdom in <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray/">how to pray</a> together, with kids. Overwhelmingly they emphasized the importance of:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Praying Consistently</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">It’s helpful to be consistent in both how <em>and</em> when you pray, so kids know what to expect every day.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Introducing Creative Prayers</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Focus on saying prayers that ignite children’s imaginations and show them how to be quiet with God. This could be sharing gratitudes in a fun way, drawing a picture for God, or any other ways that work for your kids.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Making Prayers for Kids Approachable</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Praying within a manageable time frame of prayer is important to keep kids engaged. For younger children, this is likely less than 5 minutes. For older children, 10-15 minutes of prayer might work. As you know that you might have to work to build up the length of time kiddos can stay engaged, we recommend starting with 1 minute of prayer and gradually adding more time.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Being Open With Your Faith</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">It’s crucial to be open about your faith — both the peace it brings you and the struggles you have. They might ask you some questions, so be patient and do your best.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">The home is the first place kids experience the love of God, and there is no better way for them to witness God’s love than through your example. The best way for children to get to know their heavenly Father and Holy Mother can be through the love and forgiveness of their parental figures on earth.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Even if you aim to be consistent, approachable, creative and open in the prayer life that you share with your children, the logistics of it can still be challenging.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Anchoring your prayer around the existing structure of the day–and the natural opportunities for prayer that it provides–can be one way to build prayer with your children into busy schedules.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p id="morning-prayer-for-kids" class="">Here are ideas for different ways of praying throughout your day, but know that this is not supposed to be overwhelming; life is hard enough right now, without adding more to your plate. So, <strong>choose just one time of day and one type of prayer</strong>, and see what works best for your family.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Morning Prayer for Kids</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"id":10877,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"custom","className":""} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://hallow.app.link/blogdownload"><img src="https://hallow.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/How-to-Pray-1500-x-900-2-1024x614.png" alt="Morning prayer with children | Hallow" class="wp-image-10877"/></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:list {"className":""} --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Start your day with the Hallow’s Family Prayer Morning session, which includes a song, psalm, and time for you to talk about the day ahead.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Pray together a simple “Come, Holy Spirit.”&nbsp;</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list {"className":""} --> <ul id="nighttime-prayer-for-children" class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Begin your meal time with grace and share how your day is going so far.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>If you have quiet time after lunch, encourage your kids to spend some time with Jesus. Give them religious <a href="https://www.christianbook.com/found-psalm-23-sally-lloyd-jones/9780310757504/pd/757504?en=google&amp;event=SHOP&amp;kw=childrens-books-0-20%7C757504&amp;p=1179710&amp;dv=c&amp;gclid=EAIaIQobChMItquiu6Wi6wIVEdvACh2RSgjOEAQYAiABEgJdOPD_BwE">books</a>, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/AlmondRodToys">saint blocks</a> to play with, or have them journal if they are older.&nbsp;</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Nighttime Prayer for Children</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">The evening can be a great opportunity to weave in prayer with your children, starting with dinner.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"className":""} --> <ul id="childrens-bedtime-prayers" class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Try Hallow’s Family Prayer Dinner session: includes grace and fun discussion questions to talk about together.&nbsp;</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Make your own Litany of Saints: have each member of your family choose their favorite saints, write them down, and pray together “St. (fill in name), pray for us.”&nbsp;</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Children’s Bedtime Prayers</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list {"className":""} --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Pray this simple prayer: <em>Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep; Thy angels watch me through the night, and keep me safe till morning’s light. Amen.&nbsp;</em></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Consider this short prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours: <em>Lord, give our bodies restful sleep and let the work we have done today bear fruit in eternal life. We ask this through Christ our Lord. — Amen.</em></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Read Bible Bedtime Stories with Hallow Kids.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Choose a Hallow challenge to work through such as <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-with-saints/">Saints</a> (really popular with kids!) or <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray/-our-father/">Our Father</a>.&nbsp;</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Choose a passage from the Bible to pray with imaginative prayer. The Nativity (Luke 2), Jesus walking on water (Matthew 14:22), and Jesus healing the paralytic (Mark 2) are all great ones to try. Read the passage a few times, ask kids to imagine themselves in the story, and talk about what it would have been like to be there.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Try Hallow’s Family Prayer Evening session, which includes Scripture, time to share intentions, and closes with the Salve Regina.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Check out Hallow’s sleep section! There are Sleep Bible Stories, Saint prayers, the Hail Mary quietly prayed on repeat, and other meditations. Start with the shortest lengths and pray together with your kids as you tuck them in.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:image {"id":10878,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"custom","className":""} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://hallow.app.link/blogdownload"><img src="https://hallow.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/How-to-Pray-1500-x-900-3-1024x614.png" alt="" class="wp-image-10878"/></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="simple-childrens-prayers">Simple Children’s Prayers</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">If you’re looking for an “anytime” children’s prayer, we’ve got you covered. Consider the following simple children’s prayers that children can embrace regardless of the time of day.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">This prayer <a href="https://www.usccb.org/sites/default/files/2020-08/childrens-prayer-image.pdf">from the USCCB</a> helps teach children the beauty of God’s creation:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote {"className":""} --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>Loving Father,</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>Thank you for the many beautiful colors</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>and languages of the world</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>and for making all your children unique.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>Thank you for creating me in your image.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>Thank you for loving me and making me wonderful.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>Help me to love like you.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>Help me to share your love</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>with all the children you have made,</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>for they are unique and wonderful.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>Amen.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --><cite>~ USCCB</cite></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">This short <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/thanksgiving-prayer/">prayer of thanksgiving</a> is easy for kids to remember and can work for any meal:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote {"className":""} --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote" id="hallow-kids"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>Thank you, God, for this delicious food, Thank you, God, for all that’s good! Amen.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Hallow Kids–Your One-Stop Resource for Catholic Children’s Prayers</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Hallow is excited now to offer Hallow Kids–prayers and sessions designed specifically for children.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Highlighting our Hallow Kids prayers are our Bible Bedtime stories featuring, prominent Catholic actor Mario Lopez and Catholic comedian Jennifer Fulwiler.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">We hope that you and your children are able to feel peace, deepen your relationship with God, and sleep soundly every night.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">If you're looking for how to pray for your kids, check out our guide on <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/prayers-for-children-how-to-pray-for-your-child/">how to pray for your child (prayers for your children.)</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Related Prayers</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list {"className":""} --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-the-rosary/">How to Pray the Rosary</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/7-sorrows/">How to Pray the Seven Sorrows Rosary</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-our-father/">How to Pray the Lord's Prayer</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-st-therese-novena/">How to Pray the St. Thérèse&nbsp;Novena</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-mary-undoer-of-knots-novena/">How to Pray the Mary, Undoer of Knots Novena</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-divine-mercy-chaplet/">How to Pray the Divine Mercy Novena</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/holy-week-for-kids/">Holy Week for Kids</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/prayers-before-an-exam/">Prayers Before an Exam</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:buttons {"layout":{"type":"flex","justifyContent":"center","orientation":"horizontal"}} --> <div class="wp-block-buttons"><!-- wp:button --> <div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button" href="https://hallow.app.link/blogdownload">Download the Hallow app</a></div> <!-- /wp:button --></div> <!-- /wp:buttons --> [post_title] => How to Pray With Kids - A Guide to Catholic Children’s Prayers [post_excerpt] => Learn how to pray together as a family. 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WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 4016 [post_author] => 4 [post_date] => 2020-05-01 13:58:32 [post_date_gmt] => 2020-05-01 13:58:32 [post_content] => <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">A novena is a method of prayer in which we pray for the same petition or devotion for nine consecutive days. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote {"className":""} --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">All these devoted themselves with one accord to prayer, together with some women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --><cite>Acts 1:14</cite></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-a-novena">What is a novena? </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-origin">Origin</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">This Catholic prayer practice likely originated from the "first novena" shared in the Acts of the Apostles. Before <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/feast-of-the-ascension-of-the-lord/">Jesus ascended</a> into Heaven, the disciples gathered together to ask him about the restoration of Israel. Jesus said to them, "It is not for you to know the times or seasons that the Father has established by his own authority.^&nbsp;But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you,&nbsp;and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1: 7-8). </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">So the disciples and Mary waited together, praying for the <a href="https://hallow.com/2022/09/14/prayer-to-the-holy-spirit-and-other-holy-spirit-prayers/">Holy Spirit</a> to guide them. Finally, <strong>nine days later</strong>, the Holy Spirit came down on them. "When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together" (Acts 2:1). When the disciples prayed together for nine days for the coming of the Holy Spirit, they modeled the novena prayer method that is so popular today. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-authorship">Authorship</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Many saints and other holy people have had novenas revealed to them by Christ or the Virgin Mary. For example, Christ revealed the <a href="https://hallow.com/2022/09/21/how-to-pray-the-surrender-novena/">Surrender Novena</a> to Father Dolindo Ruotolo (1882 - 1970), now a candidate for <a href="https://www.usccb.org/offices/public-affairs/saints" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">beatification</a>, to guide us in growing our <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-the-litany-of-trust/">trust</a> in God — to surrender to Him. Mary revealed the <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-54-day-novena/">54 Day Novena</a> to a young girl suffering from an illness thought to be incurable; this 54-day prayer is actually comprised of 6 novenas. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Other novenas have been prayed for centuries with no author attributed to them, such as the <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/holy-spirit-novena-pentecost-novena/">Holy Spirit Novena</a>. This Novena is traditionally prayed for the nine days before Pentecost, praying for the descent of the gifts of the Holy Spirit: holy fear, piety, fortitude, knowledge, understanding, counsel, wisdom, and the Fruits of the Spirit. You can pray the Holy Spirit Novena with <a href="https://www.chika.church" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chika Anyanwu</a>. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":8075,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"custom","className":""} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://hallow.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Copy-of-Night-Pray-Blog-2-1024x536.png" alt="" class="wp-image-8075"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">You can find the Holy Spirit Novena in the Challenges tab on Hallow.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">There is a wide variety of novenas to pray: <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-with-saints/">with saints</a>, to grow closer to God, or for a particular intention on your heart. So whether you're looking to grow your trust in God or get to know a saint better, we promise you'll find one that works for you!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:buttons {"layout":{"type":"flex","justifyContent":"center","orientation":"horizontal"}} --> <div class="wp-block-buttons"><!-- wp:button --> <div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button" href="https://hallow.app.link/PrayNovena">Pray the Holy Spirit Novena</a></div> <!-- /wp:button --></div> <!-- /wp:buttons --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-types-of-novenas"><strong>Types of novenas</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4,"className":""} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-anticipation">Anticipation</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">We pray novenas in anticipation before or after a funeral, praying for the soul of the person who has passed away and asking God to be close to those who mourn them. This could be a saint's novena that they were close to or a novena to Christ, such as the <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-the-sacred-heart-novena/">Sacred Heart Novena</a>. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4,"className":""} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preparation">Preparation</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">We hope to prepare ourselves for the nine days leading up to a sacrament or another important day with these novenas. For example, some couples might pray a novena before their wedding day, or you might pray the <a href="https://www.praymorenovenas.com/st-andrew-christmas-novena" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">St. Andrew </a><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-the-st-andrew-christmas-novena/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Christmas </a><a href="https://www.praymorenovenas.com/st-andrew-christmas-novena" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Novena</a> leading up to the Birth of Jesus. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4,"className":""} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-petition">Petition</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Novenas in petition ask God to answer a prayer or ask a specific saint for their intercession. First, identify your petition or intention for prayer. Then, select a saint associated with the subject matter. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">For example, you might pray the <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-st-joseph-worker-novena">St. Joseph the Worker Novena</a> if you're praying about employment; we offer this novena in Hallow. If you are praying for peace and joy, the <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/infant-jesus-of-prague-novena/">Infant Jesus of Prague Novena</a> helps us reflect on the Infant Jesus' words to Fr. Cyril: "“The more you honor Me, the more I will bless you."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4,"className":""} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-penance">Penance</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">These novenas are prayed as an act of penitence; we pray for nine days asking God for His mercy. They are often given as a penance after the <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-go-to-confession-the-sacrament-of-penance-reconciliation/">sacrament of confession</a>. In Hallow, you can pray the <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray/-divine-mercy-chaplet/">Divine Mercy Novena</a> with Jonathan Roumie, the actor who plays Jesus in The Chosen. The <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-divine-mercy-chaplet/">St. Lucy Novena</a> is also great for those struggling with repentance and strength in their faith.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-pray-a-novena"><strong>Why pray a novena?</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">We pray for novenas for a specific intention or grace, such as for a loved one, healing, forgiveness, clarity with a big decision, etc. However, they aren't magic. We cannot assume that our prayers will be answered immediately. And, sometimes, what we pray for isn't exactly what we need. Rather, we pray novenas to grow in <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/patience/">patience</a> and place our trust in God, just as the Apostles prayed in anticipation of the Holy Spirit coming to them.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">We pray novenas to become disciples, growing in discipline and opening our hearts to God’s will. Whether our intention is answered or not, we finish the nine days in gratitude for God’s presence in our lives.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-do-you-pray-a-novena"><strong>When do you pray a novena?</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Some novenas are prayed during specific times, such as the Divine Mercy Novena that begins on Good Friday. Traditionally, many people choose to pray novenas asking for a saint’s intercession on the nine days leading up to that saint’s feast day. If you're praying before a sacrament or event, you'll pray the novena for nine days before or after it. In truth, you really can pray a novena at any time. Novenas guide us to grow our trust in God — and that's something we need in all seasons of life. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-pray-a-novena"><strong>How to pray: A Novena</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-identify-your-intention">Identify your intention.</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Before you commit to praying for nine days, take some time to consider what your intention is for prayer. Are you looking to prepare yourself for an event spiritually? Or pray for a loved one that is struggling? Maybe you're simply looking for encouragement to develop a strong prayer habit. Remember: asking the Holy Spirit for guidance is never a bad idea! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-choose-a-novena">Choose a novena.</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">After you've taken some time to prepare yourself for prayer, select a novena that matches your intention. This might be a prayer for that specific intention, or it might be a novena to a saint who is known and loved in the subject you're struggling with or feeling gratitude for in this season of your life. Know that it doesn't have to be a "perfect" fit; by taking time each day to pray for a special intention will hopefully bring you clarity, peace and guide you to put your trust in God. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dedicate-nine-days"><strong>Dedicate nine days</strong>.</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Once you start a novena, dedicate time each day to being present with God and pray it with Him. Sometimes staying on track is difficult. We recommend setting aside a specific time and setting a reminder on your phone (or in Hallow) or adding it to your calendar for the nine days. You might also consider asking someone to pray the novena with you to hold each other accountable. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-embrace-the-novena">Embrace the novena.</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">When you set out on this prayer journey, try to embrace it each day fully. Each day might look a little different for you, but try to accompany your time in prayer with other acts of faith. This might be fasting from social media or gossip, or it could be doing a kind thing for someone else each day. Let these nine days of prayer transform you in more ways than just devoting the time to pray each day. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-be-patient">Be patient. </h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Remember, novenas aren’t magic. If you come to the end of your novena and your prayers appear to be unanswered, know that God hears your prayers and loves you. And often, our prayers are not answered in the way we hoped. Ask for God’s help in trusting in Him and in desiring that His will be done.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator {"opacity":"css","className":"is-style-wide"} --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-css-opacity is-style-wide"/> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">In Hallow, you’ll find the Surrender Novena, <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-novena-for-life/">Novena for Life</a>, <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/holy-family-novena/">Holy Family Novena</a>, the <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-54-day-novena/">54 Day Novena</a>, the St. Joseph Novena, and the <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-divine-mercy-chaplet/">Divine Mercy Novena</a>, and the Sacred Heart Novena with Jonathan Roumie, the actor who plays Jesus in The Chosen. As we continue to add more novenas to the app, we hope you'll start praying with us! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:buttons {"layout":{"type":"flex","justifyContent":"center","orientation":"horizontal"}} --> <div class="wp-block-buttons"><!-- wp:button --> <div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button" href="https://hallow.app.link/PrayNovena">Download Hallow to Pray a Novena</a></div> <!-- /wp:button --></div> <!-- /wp:buttons --> [post_title] => How to Pray a Novena [post_excerpt] => Learn this traditional prayer method taking place over 9 days. [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => how-to-pray-novenas [to_ping] => [pinged] => https://hallow.com/2020/08/23/how-to-pray-54-day-novena/ https://hallow.com/2021/04/06/how-to-pray-with-saints/ https://hallow.com/2019/10/17/patience/ https://hallow.com/2020/03/08/how-to-pray-divine-mercy-chaplet/ [post_modified] => 2024-05-22 15:26:15 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-05-22 15:26:15 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://hallow.com/?p=4016 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw )

WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 4002 [post_author] => 18 [post_date] => 2020-04-17 01:46:00 [post_date_gmt] => 2020-04-17 01:46:00 [post_content] => <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">The Stations of the Cross, also known as the Way of the Cross and the Way of Sorrow (<em>Via Crucis</em> in Latin), detail fourteen different moments on the day Jesus died. This prayer pilgrimage is a powerful way to grow closer to Jesus at any time of the year, though it is most popular during the <a href="https://hallow.com/lent/">Lenten season</a>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote {"className":""} --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>The cross of Christ, embraced with love, never brings sadness with it, but joy, the joy of being saved and doing a little of what he did on the day of his death.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --><cite>Pope Francis</cite></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-are-the-stations-of-the-cross">What are the Stations of the Cross?</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brief-origin">Brief Origin</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Tradition holds that after Christ's death and resurrection, the Blessed Mother retraced Jesus' last day every day. Over the centuries following Christ's Resurrection, this practice transformed into what we know as the Stations of the Cross today. To put it simply, the Good News continued to spread, and so did the popularity of following in the footsteps of Christ, either in the Holy Land or with the stations elsewhere. However, it wasn't until 1462 that the word "stations" was associated with this pilgrimage, either a replicated one or through the original sites; historians <a href="https://aleteia.org/2019/03/08/who-invented-the-stations-of-the-cross/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">credit</a> William Wey with the term "stations."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-franciscans-and-the-stations-of-the-cross">Franciscans and the Stations of the Cross</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">In the early thirteenth century, St. Francis of Assisi made the pilgrimage to the Holy Land. However, he had to get special permission to visit because the Crusades were still occurring. So, while Jerusalem was still under Muslim rule, St. Francis founded the Custody of the Holy Land in 1217 with permission of his Franciscan order. In 1342, the Vatican recognized the Franciscans as the official custodians of holy places (including monasteries, churches, hospitals, and other holy sites). The Franciscans continue to take care of the physical and original holy places we recognize in the Stations of the Cross. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">After this recognition, the Franciscans began <a href="https://aleteia.org/2017/03/17/why-are-there-stations-of-the-cross-in-almost-every-catholic-church/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">replicating</a> these sacred moments and sites around Europe. While this movement started with building the shrines outside, the Franciscans also built stations indoors — in churches around Europe. This wasn't approved by the Vatican at the time, but the Franciscans continued to request that the replication of holy places be approved by the Church. Finally, Pope Innocent XI approved this request in <a href="https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/15569a.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">1686</a>. Nowadays, most churches have the Stations of the Cross in the interior or an outdoor area for walking meditation. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-original-and-scriptural-stations">Original and Scriptural Stations</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">The original Stations of the Cross were passed down through tradition, following the footsteps of Jesus Christ's last day on earth, as we read the <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-the-gospels/">Gospels</a>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">On <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/good-friday-the-passion-of-christ/">Good Friday</a> in 1991, St. John Paul II (who was the Pope at the time) celebrated the Stations of the Cross with an <a href="https://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/prayers-and-devotions/stations-of-the-cross/scriptural-stations-of-the-cross" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">alternative</a> to the original Stations of the Cross. These alternative Stations of the Cross lead us back to the Scriptural moments leading up to Christ's passion. Because of this, we call them the "Scriptural Stations of the Cross." </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Below, you can read the fourteen Stations of the Cross in their original and Scriptural forms. Both devotions are beautiful to pray with as you look to grow closer to Christ. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-14-stations">The 14 Stations</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-first-station">The first station</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Original: Jesus is condemned to death. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Scriptural: Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matt. 26: 36-41)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-second-station">The second station </h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Original: Jesus is given His cross.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Scriptural: Jesus is betrayed by Judas and arrested (Mk. 14: 43-46). </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-third-station">The third station </h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Original: Jesus falls down for the first time.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Scriptural: Jesus is condemned by the Sanhedrin (Lk. 22: 66-71). </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-fourth-station">The fourth station </h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Original: Jesus meets His mother Mary.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Scriptural: Jesus is denied by Peter (Matt. 26: 69-75)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-fifth-station">The fifth station </h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Original: Simon of Cyrene helps carry the cross.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Scriptural: Jesus is judged by Pontius Pilate (Mk. 15: 1-5, 15). </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-sixth-station">The sixth station </h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Original: Veronica wipes Jesus’ face.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Scriptural: Jesus is scourged at the pillar and crowned with thorns. (Jn. 19: 1-3)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-seventh-station">The seventh station </h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Original: Jesus falls down for the second time.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Scriptural: Jesus bears the cross (Jn. 19: 6, 15-7)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-eighth-station">The eighth station </h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Original: Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Scriptural: Jesus is helped by Simon the Cyrenian to carry the cross (Mk. 15: 21). </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-ninth-station">The ninth station </h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Original: Jesus falls down for the third time.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Scriptural: Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem (Lk. 23: 27-31). </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-tenth-station">The tenth station </h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Original: Jesus is stripped of His clothing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Scriptural: Jesus is crucified (Lk. 23: 33-34). </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-eleventh-station">The eleventh station </h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Original: Jesus is nailed to the cross.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Scriptural: Jesus promises his Kingdom to the repentant thief (Lk. 23: 39-43). </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-twelfth-station">The twelfth station </h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Original: Jesus dies on the cross. <em>(Optional but appropriate to remain kneeling for this station)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Scriptural: Jesus speaks to his mother and the Beloved Disciple (Jn. 19: 25-27). </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-thirteenth-station">The thirteenth station </h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Original: Jesus’ body is removed from the cross.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Scriptural: Jesus dies on the cross (Lk. 23: 44-46). <em>(Optional but appropriate to remain kneeling for this station)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-fourteenth-station">The fourteenth station </h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Original: Jesus’ body is placed in the tomb.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Scriptural: Jesus is placed in the tomb (Matt. 27: 57-60). </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-do-we-pray-the-stations-of-the-cross">Why do we pray the Stations of the Cross?</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:quote {"className":""} --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>The Way of the Cross is…a school for the examination of conscience, for conversion, for inner transformation and compassion -- not as sentimentality, as a mere feeling, but as a disturbing experience that knocks on the door of my heart, that obliges me to know myself and to become a better person.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --><cite>Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI</cite></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Following Jesus as he makes the way to his death is disturbing; this is not a comfortable prayer. But by remembering the Stations of the Cross, walking with Jesus, and taking up our own crosses as Jesus calls us to do, we are pulled out of our selfishness. We become more willing to be patient, love, and sacrifice. We become more like the people God created us to be when we remember Christ's sacrifice.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-do-we-pray-the-stations-of-the-cross">When do we pray the Stations of the Cross?</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">The Stations of the Cross are commonly prayed during the Lenten season. Tradition holds that Christ died on a Friday at 3 p.m. Because of this, many parishes offer Stations of the Cross services at this time on Fridays during Lent. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">However, you can pray the Stations of the Cross at any time of the day, and you're not limited to Lent when it comes to this devotion to Christ. On Hallow, you can pray with the Stations of the Cross in a condensed "daily" format (up to 20 minutes), or you can pray the longer Stations Challenge, which guides you in Lectio Divina for each station (10 - 20 minutes each). </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:buttons {"layout":{"type":"flex","justifyContent":"center","orientation":"horizontal"}} --> <div class="wp-block-buttons"><!-- wp:button --> <div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button" href="https://hallow.app.link/iPhdeRjCupb">Pray the Stations of the Cross</a></div> <!-- /wp:button --></div> <!-- /wp:buttons --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-pray-stations-of-the-cross"><strong>How to pray: Stations of the Cross</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:columns --> <div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"width":"33.33%"} --> <div class="wp-block-column" style="flex-basis:33.33%"><!-- wp:image {"id":8043,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none","className":""} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://hallow.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Copy-of-6-16-2021_story-8-576x1024.png" alt="" class="wp-image-8043"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Pray the Stations of the Cross on Hallow, in the Challenges section of the Meditate tab.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --></div> <!-- /wp:column --> <!-- wp:column {"verticalAlignment":"center","width":"66.66%"} --> <div class="wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center" style="flex-basis:66.66%"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">The most common way of praying the Stations of the Cross is in a church or at an outdoor shrine, letting the images of each station in the sanctuary guide you. But you can also pray with the stations at home! For example, you might look up images of stations, sit before a crucifix, or close your eyes and imagine yourself in each moment.&nbsp;Praying with Hallow is a great way to let yourself focus on each station and moment Christ endured. Rather than making sure you're going in the right order, we will guide you. Hallow has three different versions of the stations to guide you including one exclusive session from Bishop Barron of <a href="https://www.wordonfire.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Word on Fire Ministries</a>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Below you'll find a few steps to help you start praying the Stations of the Cross. If you're praying all fourteen stations, you can repeat these steps for each station.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></div> <!-- /wp:column --></div> <!-- /wp:columns --> <!-- wp:yoast/how-to-block {"hasDuration":true,"minutes":"30","jsonDescription":"How to Pray the Stations of the Cross","steps":[{"id":"how-to-step-1744906659226","name":["Prepare for the first station."],"text":["Before you begin, choose which set of stations you plan to pray with, the original or Scriptural. Then, as you prepare yourself for prayer, ask yourself how to make this time in ",{"type":"a","props":{"href":"https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-christian-meditation/","children":["meditation"]}}," peaceful. For example, you might want to close your eyes or take a few deep breaths before you begin."],"jsonName":"Prepare for the first station.","jsonText":"Before you begin, choose which set of stations you plan to pray with, the original or Scriptural. Then, as you prepare yourself for prayer, ask yourself how to make this time in \u003ca href=\u0022https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-christian-meditation/\u0022\u003emeditation\u003c/a\u003e peaceful. For example, you might want to close your eyes or take a few deep breaths before you begin."},{"id":"how-to-step-1744906669847","name":["Name the station."],"text":["Kneel or genuflect before the station. Then, take a moment to quiet your heart and mind to be present with Christ at this moment.",{"type":"br","props":{"children":[]}},"If you're praying with the original stations, Christ has just been condemned to death by Pontius Pilate. If you're praying with the Scriptural stations, Christ is praying with his disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane."],"jsonName":"Name the station.","jsonText":"Kneel or genuflect before the station. Then, take a moment to quiet your heart and mind to be present with Christ at this moment.\u003cbr/\u003eIf you're praying with the original stations, Christ has just been condemned to death by Pontius Pilate. If you're praying with the Scriptural stations, Christ is praying with his disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane."},{"id":"how-to-step-1744906734932","name":["Pray."],"text":[{"type":"em","props":{"children":["We adore You oh Christ and we praise You, for by Your holy cross You have redeemed the world. "]}},{"type":"br","props":{"children":[]}},"When the stations are prayed as a group, this prayer is done in call and response form.",{"type":"br","props":{"children":[]}},{"type":"strong","props":{"children":["Leader:"]}}," We adore You oh Christ and we praise You.",{"type":"br","props":{"children":[]}},{"type":"strong","props":{"children":["Response: "]}},"For by Your Holy Cross, You have redeemed the world.",{"type":"br","props":{"children":[]}},{"type":"a","props":{"href":"https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-alphonsus-liguori","children":["St. Alphonsus de Liguori"]}}," wrote this prayer, along with a popular series of meditations on the stations.  "],"jsonName":"Pray.","jsonText":"\u003cem\u003eWe adore You oh Christ and we praise You, for by Your holy cross You have redeemed the world. \u003c/em\u003e\u003cbr/\u003eWhen the stations are prayed as a group, this prayer is done in call and response form.\u003cbr/\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLeader:\u003c/strong\u003e We adore You oh Christ and we praise You.\u003cbr/\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eResponse: \u003c/strong\u003eFor by Your Holy Cross, You have redeemed the world.\u003cbr/\u003e\u003ca href=\u0022https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-alphonsus-liguori\u0022\u003eSt. Alphonsus de Liguori\u003c/a\u003e wrote this prayer, along with a popular series of meditations on the stations.  "},{"id":"how-to-step-1744906760074","name":[{"type":"strong","props":{"children":["Meditate"]}},"."],"text":["Spend some time contemplating this station. You may kneel, look at an image of the station, close your eyes and imagine being in the moment with Christ. When you're ready, you might read the verse associated, or listen to your guide on Hallow as you begin to pray."],"jsonName":"\u003cstrong\u003eMeditate\u003c/strong\u003e.","jsonText":"Spend some time contemplating this station. You may kneel, look at an image of the station, close your eyes and imagine being in the moment with Christ. When you're ready, you might read the verse associated, or listen to your guide on Hallow as you begin to pray."},{"id":"how-to-step-1744906781773","name":["Pray"],"text":["Close your time before each station with a prayer, such as the ",{"type":"a","props":{"href":"https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray/-our-father/","children":["Lord's Prayer"]}},". Focus on speaking honestly with God."],"jsonName":"Pray","jsonText":"Close your time before each station with a prayer, such as the \u003ca href=\u0022https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray/-our-father/\u0022\u003eLord's Prayer\u003c/a\u003e. Focus on speaking honestly with God."},{"id":"how-to-step-1744906794219","name":["Repeat"],"text":["Repeat this pattern for all 14 stations."],"jsonName":"Repeat","jsonText":"Repeat this pattern for all 14 stations."}],"defaultDurationText":"Time needed:"} --> <div class="schema-how-to wp-block-yoast-how-to-block"><p class="schema-how-to-total-time"><span class="schema-how-to-duration-time-text">Time needed: </span>30 minutes. </p><p class="schema-how-to-description">How to Pray the Stations of the Cross</p> <ol class="schema-how-to-steps"><li class="schema-how-to-step" id="how-to-step-1744906659226"><strong class="schema-how-to-step-name">Prepare for the first station.</strong> <p class="schema-how-to-step-text">Before you begin, choose which set of stations you plan to pray with, the original or Scriptural. Then, as you prepare yourself for prayer, ask yourself how to make this time in <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-christian-meditation/">meditation</a> peaceful. For example, you might want to close your eyes or take a few deep breaths before you begin.</p> </li><li class="schema-how-to-step" id="how-to-step-1744906669847"><strong class="schema-how-to-step-name">Name the station.</strong> <p class="schema-how-to-step-text">Kneel or genuflect before the station. Then, take a moment to quiet your heart and mind to be present with Christ at this moment.<br/>If you're praying with the original stations, Christ has just been condemned to death by Pontius Pilate. If you're praying with the Scriptural stations, Christ is praying with his disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane.</p> </li><li class="schema-how-to-step" id="how-to-step-1744906734932"><strong class="schema-how-to-step-name">Pray.</strong> <p class="schema-how-to-step-text"><em>We adore You oh Christ and we praise You, for by Your holy cross You have redeemed the world. </em><br/>When the stations are prayed as a group, this prayer is done in call and response form.<br/><strong>Leader:</strong> We adore You oh Christ and we praise You.<br/><strong>Response: </strong>For by Your Holy Cross, You have redeemed the world.<br/><a href="https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-alphonsus-liguori">St. Alphonsus de Liguori</a> wrote this prayer, along with a popular series of meditations on the stations.  </p> </li><li class="schema-how-to-step" id="how-to-step-1744906760074"><strong class="schema-how-to-step-name"><strong>Meditate</strong>.</strong> <p class="schema-how-to-step-text">Spend some time contemplating this station. You may kneel, look at an image of the station, close your eyes and imagine being in the moment with Christ. When you're ready, you might read the verse associated, or listen to your guide on Hallow as you begin to pray.</p> </li><li class="schema-how-to-step" id="how-to-step-1744906781773"><strong class="schema-how-to-step-name">Pray</strong> <p class="schema-how-to-step-text">Close your time before each station with a prayer, such as the <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray/-our-father/">Lord's Prayer</a>. Focus on speaking honestly with God.</p> </li><li class="schema-how-to-step" id="how-to-step-1744906794219"><strong class="schema-how-to-step-name">Repeat</strong> <p class="schema-how-to-step-text">Repeat this pattern for all 14 stations.</p> </li></ol></div> <!-- /wp:yoast/how-to-block --> <!-- wp:separator {"opacity":"css","className":"is-style-wide"} --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-css-opacity is-style-wide"/> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">We hope you will join us in praying the 14-Day Stations of the Cross Challenge in Hallow, in which we walk you through each station at a time.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:buttons {"layout":{"type":"flex","justifyContent":"center","orientation":"horizontal"}} --> <div class="wp-block-buttons"><!-- wp:button --> <div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button" href="https://hallow.app.link/iPhdeRjCupb">Download Hallow to Start Praying</a></div> <!-- /wp:button --></div> <!-- /wp:buttons --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-prayer-resources">More Prayer Resources</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list {"className":""} --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-the-rosary/">How to Pray the Rosary</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray/-divine-mercy-chaplet/">Divine Mercy Chaplet</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/lent-fasting-rules">Lent Fasting Rules</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/what-to-give-up-for-lent/">Things to Give Up for Lent</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/lent-prayers/">Lent Prayers</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/7-sorrows/">How to Pray 7 Sorrows Rosary</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> [post_title] => Stations of the Cross: How to Pray [post_excerpt] => Reflect on this challenging prayer following Jesus on the day he died. [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => how-to-pray-stations-of-the-cross [to_ping] => [pinged] => https://hallow.com/2019/09/07/how-to-pray-christian-meditation/ https://hallow.com/2020/02/12/how-to-pray-our-father/ https://hallow.com/2021/06/30/how-to-pray-the-gospels/ https://hallow.com/2019/09/23/how-to-pray-the-rosary/ https://hallow.com/2020/03/08/how-to-pray-divine-mercy-chaplet/ https://hallow.com/2022/02/05/lent-prayers/ https://hallow.com/2021/02/10/7-sorrows/ [post_modified] => 2025-04-17 20:34:40 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-04-17 20:34:40 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://hallow.com/?p=4002 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw )

WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 2676 [post_author] => 8 [post_date] => 2020-04-08 17:35:52 [post_date_gmt] => 2020-04-08 17:35:52 [post_content] => <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong>Read time: ~5.3 minutes</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">God never intended for us to be socially distanced.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">He said, from the very beginning, “It is not good for man to be alone” (Gen. 2:18).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Being Himself a communion of Persons, God created a world in which <em>being-with</em> brings forth life and makes love grow. That’s why the Garden of Eden was so idyllic, lush, and green – God Himself dwelled there with Adam and Eve, and they lived in true harmony.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">All of Creation was meant to move more and more toward perfect communion, but its progress became woefully disrupted by the introduction of sin and its consequent deaths.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">As a result of the Fall, Adam and Eve experienced disintegration within themselves, disconnect in their relationship, disharmony with the created world, and estrangement in their friendship with God.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><br>We are today experiencing the pangs of those same effects as this global pandemic affects our interpersonal communion in abrasive ways.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">The current practice of social distancing is both prudent and loving, but we nevertheless feel the pain of separation when we learn about the increase of deaths, when loved ones are away laboring on the frontlines, when we stand six feet apart, when we avoid each other on sidewalks, when we communicate remotely, and when we shelter in place alone all-day.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">God does not and did not want anything like this to be our end. So, after the Fall, He undertook a thousands-of-years project to restore what had been lost. The entire Old Testament tells the story of a God who will stop at nothing to save and renew the communion He had first established.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">God worked patiently through human history before bringing everything to culmination in Jesus Christ. Jesus became the perfect bridge between God and man, being Himself both fully God and fully man.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">In our upcoming holy days, we see into the heart of this God-man, who comes down from Heaven to bring us back to one another and draw us to himself.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">On Thursday, Jesus gives us the gift of his own Body and Blood, substantiating his longing to be <em>with</em> us and <em>in </em>us; revealing, too, his profound desire for us to live in <em>him</em>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">On Good Friday, he suffers the greatest agony man will ever experience, in total separation from God as a result of death.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Jesus’ body will be isolated on Holy Saturday, and we will mourn, prevented from coming near him because of a large stone and protocols of the day.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><br>Then, in the morning, Jesus will rise.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">On Sunday, Jesus destroys the one thing that could keep us from him. He opens the gates of Heaven and thereby makes possible our living <em>with</em> and <em>in </em>him for all eternity.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">There is a dissonance we feel, however, given our current situation, since most of us will not be able to physically celebrate this Easter triumph in our churches. Most of us will have to continue staying at home and live-streaming from afar.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Although we may not, for the foreseeable future, be able to pray together in person – to lift our voices in one song of praise and receive Jesus’ Body and Blood into our beings – we wait <em>together</em>. We prepare for the day when we will finally be allowed to leave our homes and run, like Mary Magdalene and John, to meet Christ at the empty tomb.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">We remember, too, that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Heb. 13:8).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">This Jesus is the same God who asks, “Where are you?” and never stops searching until we’re found (Gen. 3:9).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">This Jesus is the same God who, well into the darkness of night, walks on water and saves his disciples from the storm (cf. Matt. 14:22-33).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">This Jesus is the same God who passes through locked doors to reach his disciples and speak his peace, with no longer bloodied wounds (cf. John 20:19-23).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">By the victory of his Resurrection, Jesus has overcome any form of social distancing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Nothing, not even death, can stop him from finding a way to his people and bringing us into communion.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> [post_title] => Where is God in our Easter Social Distancing? [post_excerpt] => Walk through Holy Week, and realize God is with us [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => where-is-god-in-our-easter-social-distancing [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2020-10-05 13:28:51 [post_modified_gmt] => 2020-10-05 13:28:51 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://hallow.com/?p=2676 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw )

WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 2633 [post_author] => 13 [post_date] => 2020-04-06 02:58:19 [post_date_gmt] => 2020-04-06 02:58:19 [post_content] => <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong>~5.6 min read </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">As <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/holy-week-schedule/">Holy Week</a> begins, many of us are facing yet another week of not being able to attend Mass in person. <a href="https://hallow.com/lent/">Lent</a> feels extra heavy this year, and as we turn the corner into this holy week, we are struck with the sadness of no grand <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/easter-vigil/">Easter Vigil</a>, no glorious Easter morning mass, no get together with family and friends. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">We as a Hallow team wanted to offer some ideas for how you can still intentionally enter into this week, even if from home. We offer these knowing that this is a particularly stressful season of life for everyone, so this is not meant to be a guilt trip, but instead a fun list of ideas to set next week apart:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong>Participate in services online</strong><br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Though not a perfect substitute for the sights, sounds, and smells that fill our churches during Holy Week, participating in the Mass online can still help us enter into the incredible story of Christ’s love.&nbsp;<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Not all parishes or dioceses are able to offer their Holy Week services online, so if your church is not doing so, here are some other options: <a href="http://catholictv.org">catholictv.org</a>, <a href="http://livemass.net">livemass.net</a> (for extraordinary form), and Mass with <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVdGX3N-WIJ5nUvklBTNhAw">Fr. Mike Schmitz</a> on the Ascension Presents YouTube channel. If you miss them live, you can often watch them later in the day.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong>Spend time in prayer each day</strong><br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">If you aren’t able to watch services online, or in addition to them, try to spend time in prayer each day. This can look different for each person, from 5 minutes to a full hour of prayer.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Hallow will be releasing a collection of prayers for <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/palm-sunday/">Palm Sunday</a>, <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/holy-thursday/">Holy Thursday</a>, <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/good-friday-the-passion-of-christ/">Good Friday</a>, <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-stations-of-the-cross/">Stations of the Cross</a>, Holy Saturday, Easter Vigil, and <a href="https://hallow.com/easter/">Easter Sunday</a>. There will be holy hours, taizes, spiritual communion, and <em>lectio divina</em> meditations on the Gospel passages from each service.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">There is a lot to pray for these days, so no matter how your Lenten promises have gone so far, we’re here to journey with you towards Jesus’ cross and resurrection.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong>Bring physical reminders of the Triduum into your day</strong>&nbsp;<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">The Church calls the 3 days between Holy Thursday and Easter Sunday the “Paschal Triduum”. During these days, every action Jesus took came together for the purpose of opening wide the gates of heaven through his death and resurrection.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Since the liturgies of the Triduum are so rich and memorable (Washing of the Feet, Venerating the Cross, the lighting of the Paschal Candle at the Easter Vigil, to name a few!), here are a few ways to bring those moments from the Gospel into our lived experience at home:&nbsp;<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Wash another person’s feet (while practicing good social distancing) and have a meal together (virtually for some of us) on Holy Thursday. On Good Friday, turn off all lights and electronics from noon until three in the afternoon (or for the rest of the evening!) in honor of the darkness that covered the land as Jesus hung on the cross. On Holy Saturday, have a quiet day of reflection and take even 5 minutes to write down your thoughts about all that has taken place during Holy Week and this unique Lent we have lived through.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">We’ll also be praying a 24-hour rosary as a Hallow community, starting on Holy Saturday until Easter. We’ve asked medical professionals, Catholic speakers, and some of the Hallow team to help lead rosaries, and we would love to pray with you! We’ll be releasing a full schedule soon.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong>And on Easter… celebrate!</strong>&nbsp;<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">No matter what our individual celebrations will look like this week, by the end, Jesus Christ will be risen. Watch a Vigil service on Saturday night and then have a party at midnight (again, while practicing social distancing!) Or on Sunday morning call friends and family, make a fun meal even just for yourself, go outside and give thanks for creation. Play music and dance, wear bright colors, make yourself an Easter egg hunt. It doesn’t need to be big or creative, just something that brings you and those around you joy.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Know that we at Hallow are praying for you as we celebrate Jesus’ coming into Jerusalem today and all that is to come throughout this Holy Week.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">We look forward to the day (very soon) when we can shout “Alleluia!” in praise of our Risen King, even in the midst of the hardships in our lives.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> [post_title] => Holy Week at Home [post_excerpt] => Creative ways to pray while at home during Holy Week [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => holy-week-at-home [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2023-04-04 01:07:02 [post_modified_gmt] => 2023-04-04 01:07:02 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://hallow.com/?p=2633 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw )

WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 2559 [post_author] => 7 [post_date] => 2020-03-26 20:57:09 [post_date_gmt] => 2020-03-26 20:57:09 [post_content] => <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Today, Hallow, a Catholic prayer and meditation app, announced that it will be providing free Hallow Plus subscriptions for new accounts created by health- and social-care workers in the world to help support them during this extremely turbulent and stressful time of global pandemic.&nbsp;<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">“This is a stressful time; one of heavy anxiety for many of us, especially those risking their own health and the health of their families to serve &amp; heal us. It is not a peaceful world today, but we are lucky. Our peace does not come from this world. Our peace is different. ‘<em>My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.</em>’ (John 14:27). We here at Hallow are working hard to do everything we can to help folks find peace &amp; hope in God during this time,” said Alex Jones, co-founder and CEO of Hallow. “We want those on the front lines of this crisis to know how grateful we are for their work, that we’re behind them 100%, and that we’re praying for them with everything we have.”<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Starting today, through at least the end of May, any newly subscribing health- or social-care professional in the world (not available to current paid subscribers) can get a free Hallow Plus subscription by verifying their position at <a rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" href="https://hallow.com/healthcare-idme/">https://hallow.com/healthcare-idme/</a> (or by emailing health@hallow.com if they are in a non-standard position). All subscribers will receive a year of free access to over 500 contemplative sessions focused on finding peace by building a deeper relationship with God. This health crisis is not just a US challenge and as a consequence Hallow will continue to work to find partner charities, health systems, and providers across the world to support their employees and volunteers.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">“Across the country, schools are closing, businesses are going through layoffs as they are forced to shutter their operations for an unknown period of time, and many religious celebrations are being suspended. Those in the healthcare field however, are being asked to work double and triple shifts in facilities that are increasing at or above capacity,” said Alessandro DiSanto, co-founder and Head of Growth at Hallow.&nbsp;<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Erich Kerekes, Hallow co-founder &amp; CTO adds, “We want to do whatever we can to make sure that everyone focusing on supporting the health of others has support in maintaining their own mental and spiritual health.”<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">As 48% of respondents in a recent Reuters poll described this COVID-19 pandemic as an <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-mentalhealth/as-coronavirus-takes-emotional-toll-mental-health-professionals-brace-for-spike-in-demand-idUSKBN2171HJ">“imminent threat”</a>, healthcare workers are facing even higher levels of stress from <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2020/03/were-failing-doctors/608662/">having to cope</a> with the potential risk of exposing themselves and their families to the virus they are treating. In it’s recently published list of recommendations on how to deal with the Coronavirus crisis, <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/managing-stress-anxiety.html">the Center for Disease Control has recommended meditation</a> as a key element of supporting physical health.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">In addition to its effort to help health- and social-care workers, Hallow has also launched new in-app content, including a meditation on the prayer for Spiritual Communion for those separated from physical mass, as well as a 15+ session <em>Stuck at Home</em> “praylist” featuring meditations on the power of prayer and finding peace in trusting God.&nbsp;<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong>About Hallow</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><a href="https://hallow.com">Hallow</a> is a faith-based mediation app that helps its users deepen their relationship with God through audio-guided contemplative prayer sessions. Launched in December of 2018, the app has already been used to pray over 1 million times in over 50 countries. It is currently the #1 Catholic app in the US App Store and has an average 4.9 / 5.0 star rating. Hallow is being used by Catholic schools, parishes, employers, families, priests, and Bishops across the world. For more information please visit us at <a href="https://hallow.com">https://hallow.com</a> or follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HallowPrayer">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/hallowapp">Twitter </a>and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/hallowprayerapp/">Instagram</a>.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">You can download the app directly <a href="https://hallow.onelink.me/Q25Y/a7102612">here</a>.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">May peace be with you </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> [post_title] => Hallow Press Release for Healthcare Professionals [post_excerpt] => In gratitude for your lifesaving work [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => healthcare-press-release [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2020-10-05 13:29:27 [post_modified_gmt] => 2020-10-05 13:29:27 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://hallow.com/?p=2559 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw )

WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 2510 [post_author] => 3 [post_date] => 2020-03-19 14:58:25 [post_date_gmt] => 2020-03-19 14:58:25 [post_content] => <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong>~3:40 minute read</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">I’m sure everyone has had enough about COVID-19 opinions and articles. Our hope with this is to focus on what we’ve done to help the Hallow Family as well as the greater communities in which we live. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">This past week we have done our best to create new content, make the content we already have more accessible by extending our free trial period from the original 7 days to 90 days and made a huge push to help people connect virtually. This is "Part 1" as the situation continues to develop we'll be sure to update with our efforts so, stay tuned!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""> During times like these, we turn to the only One who can console us: </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>"The peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid." - John 14:27</em><br><br> Our small team here at Hallow is working around the clock to try and help us through this time of crisis and difficulty. A few things to highlight: </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong>Spiritual Communion</strong>:&nbsp;Many of your masses have been canceled. Though spiritual communion is not a replacement for mass, it can be a powerful means of seeking union with Christ. This session is now available on the&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://hallow.com/home" target="_blank">app</a>&nbsp;under the Discover tab. Due to the quick turnaround, it is initially only available with Abby as the guide.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong>Stuck at home praylist:</strong>&nbsp;We just released a 15+ session stuck at home praylist to engage you in prayer during social distancing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong>Content on healing</strong>: We are also working on a #pray19 healing community challenge for COVID-19&nbsp;to launch after #pray40.<br><strong><br>3 months free:</strong>&nbsp;In an effort to help people through this time, we are extending our usual 7-day free trial to 3 months for new users,&nbsp;so you can access all of the premium content free of charge.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong>Parishes:&nbsp;</strong>Many of our parishes are struggling with closures. We are working to help them and their parishioners stay connected to their faith and find a sense of peace.&nbsp;Please simply e-mail community@hallow.com if you'd like to share our parish resources with your community. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong>Friends &amp; family:</strong>&nbsp;We are currently at work building out a new friends and family functionality over the next couple of weeks to enable you to stay connected to your faith communities.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong>Social media:</strong>&nbsp;We are hosting live prayer sessions every day on Facebook at 8p CT (as well as 10a CT on Sunday). Follow us&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="http://facebook.com/HallowPrayer" target="_blank">here</a>. We're also sharing our "Keep Calm and Pray" image below with our social networks. Click&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://hallow.com/keepcalm/" target="_blank">here</a>&nbsp;to share it with yours. We are including a special session on 3/19/2020 at 3pm CT to pray the rosary per Pope Francis's request. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Please know of our prayers for you and for the&nbsp;Hallow&nbsp;community. Also please keep those less fortunate in your mind and in your prayers.&nbsp;It is the poor, the homeless, those living paycheck to paycheck, that will experience this crisis the hardest. We can promise that you all are not alone--that we have the Hallow Family in our hearts and in our constant prayers. God bless all. <br> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"align":"center","className":""} --> <p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Let nothing disturb you,<br> Let nothing frighten you,<br> All things are passing away:<br> God never changes.<br> Patience obtains all things<br> Whoever has God lacks nothing;<br> God alone suffices.</em> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"align":"center","className":""} --> <p class="has-text-align-center"><em> St. Teresa of Avila </em> <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4887358/47294b71-4cb4-4f4c-bc23-68ddd5382d54" target="_blank"></a><span class="hs-cta-wrapper" id="hs-cta-wrapper-47294b71-4cb4-4f4c-bc23-68ddd5382d54"><span class="hs-cta-node hs-cta-47294b71-4cb4-4f4c-bc23-68ddd5382d54" id="hs-cta-47294b71-4cb4-4f4c-bc23-68ddd5382d54"></span></span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> [post_title] => Hallow's Response to COVID-19: Part 1 [post_excerpt] => "Whoever has God lacks nothing; God alone suffices." 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WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 2388 [post_author] => 6 [post_date] => 2020-02-25 17:46:17 [post_date_gmt] => 2020-02-25 17:46:17 [post_content] => <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><a href="https://hallow.com/2021/01/15/holydaypackage-lent/">Lent</a> starts tomorrow (!!) and (technically) ends on Thursday April 9^th before the beginning of Good Friday. We wanted to share some ideas below to help you think through and prepare for Lent! As Jesus fasted in the desert for 40 days, we also take 40 days to reflect on our own spiritual journey during this time. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">There are three big parts of the season, which are intended to help us prepare for the celebration of Easter Sunday: Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true,"className":""} --> <ol class=""><li><strong>Prayer</strong>: while we should always strive to pray everyday, Lent is a great time to really focus on your relationship with God. You can start by setting aside 10 minutes before you go to bed or just after you wake to pray. If you aren’t sure where to start, Hallow offers a 9 day intro challenge that is a great way to try out new prayer techniques like Lectio Divina, the Examen, and Christian Meditation. If you want to commit to praying everyday this Lent, join our #pray40 challenge in the community tab of the app. #pray40 helps you set aside time in prayer everyday alongside thousands of others so you aren’t alone on the journey. <br> <br> </li><li><strong>Fasting:</strong> this is the one most people think of when they talk about Lent: what to give up! In the past, I thought the goal of fasting was to make me feel guilty about enjoying certain things. I’ve learned that it’s much more about realizing how we may be taking things for granted and to remind ourselves that we love Jesus more than we love anything else. I’ve found that fasting is very similar to exercising. It may be uncomfortable at the time, but it helps strengthen our self-control and spiritual muscles which is a worthwhile pursuit. Here are some ideas if you are looking for things to give up this Lent: hot showers, snacking, drinking alcohol, buying things for yourself (i.e., something you don’t need but want), or coffee. <br> <br> </li><li><strong>Almsgiving-</strong> this one involves giving things away to others. It helps us remember that everything in our life is a gift, and that the purpose of life is to love God and love others. Almsgiving could involve giving money to charity or your parish, but it could also involve giving something more valuable than money: time. You could devote a certain day to volunteer at a local food pantry or offer to spend some time helping your parish office as well. You could even explore supporting a local group like a<a href="https://www.kofc.org/en/index.html"> Knights of Columbus</a>,<a href="https://www.youngcatholicprofessionals.org/"> Young Catholic Professionals</a>, or<a href="https://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/"> Catholic Charities</a>.</li></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">So, if you’re anything like me and haven’t quite figured out what to do this Lent, take a few minutes to prayerfully consider how God may be calling you to pray, fast, and give this Lent. We look forward to praying with you this Lent!&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> [post_title] => Last Minute Lent Prep [post_excerpt] => Lent snuck up on you? We have ideas! [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => last-minute-lent-prep [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2022-02-06 01:58:57 [post_modified_gmt] => 2022-02-06 01:58:57 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://hallow.com/?p=2388 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw )

WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 2253 [post_author] => 7 [post_date] => 2020-01-31 16:24:36 [post_date_gmt] => 2020-01-31 16:24:36 [post_content] => <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong>~4 min read</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">All great teachers, regardless of where they teach, are automatically front-runners for sainthood in my book. Right along with healthcare workers and emergency personnel, teachers are absolutely critical for the functioning of society. They deal with the good, the bad, and the ugly of small mammals, used to regular naps, growing into self-sufficient and productive members of society. They see it all and serve every day of their professional careers. <br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">This Catholic Schools Week however, I want to send out a special thank you to all Catholic school teachers.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Other than a year at a Christian preschool (which was also awesome), I was blessed with a Catholic school education K-College and while I would never make the claim that my experience was generic-ly “better” than that of my friends at public school, I am particularly thankful for a handful of uniquely Catholic school experiences I encountered:<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong>The Living Gospel</strong> - Along with my classmates, I participated in presentations of <a href="https://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/2009/02/living-stations-of-the-cross-scripts/">Living Stations</a> both in 3rd and 8th grades. In 3rd grade I was Jesus and in 8th grade I was the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caiaphas">High Priest</a>. In addition to the deep life insight of being both the condemned and the condemner, I am extremely thankful for the all the hours my teachers spent corralling us in rehearsal so that we could all internalize that the Gospel isn’t just a historical epic, but a real human story and is alive in each of our lives today. <br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong>Equality in Christ</strong> - In 8th grade I was part of a team responsible for making sure that there were always 3 altar servers at funerals in the parish. In reality, that meant 2 friends and I served at every funeral in the parish for an entire academic year. Despite some extremely hard funerals, including those of infants and children, I learned an extremely important theological lesson in those services. Regardless of whether there were 1 or 1,000 people in the pews at the funeral, our liturgy and God’s overwhelming love was exactly the same for each of the deceased. We are all equal in God’s eyes. He loves us all and wants each and every one of us to accept his love. <br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong>The Grace of the Sacraments</strong> - It wasn’t until much later in my post-college life that I realized how awesome it was to receive the sacraments with my classmates. Friday masses were a staple of my formative years and I am particularly thankful for quarterly confessions in high school. Those priests that made the trek from the suburbs to my high school downtown, 4 times a year, carried me through some tough times when I didn’t realize how much I needed them.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong>Family of Faith</strong> - Freshman year of high school I lost my cousin, mentor, and confirmation sponsor. He was in his early 30s and left behind two young children. My senior year, I lost my grandfather who had lived with my family since I was born. In the weeks after each death, I remember breaking down in tears before and during classes. I will be eternally grateful for the many teachers and classmates that not only came to the funerals, but that continued to take class time to pray together as a family of faith.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><br>To all the teachers out there continuing to <a href="https://careertrend.com/info-7801133-average-teacher-salary-charter-school.html">sacrifice significant earnings</a> by choosing to teach at Catholic schools, thank you.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""> We love you and we appreciate your service.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""> God bless,<br> Alessandro </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> [post_title] => To All Catholic School Teachers: Thank You! [post_excerpt] => Alessandro reflects on his Catholic school experience [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => to-all-catholic-school-teachers-thank-you [to_ping] => [pinged] => https://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/2009/02/living-stations-of-the-cross-scripts/ [post_modified] => 2020-10-05 13:51:33 [post_modified_gmt] => 2020-10-05 13:51:33 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://hallow.com/?p=2253 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw )

WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 2225 [post_author] => 8 [post_date] => 2020-01-28 00:20:44 [post_date_gmt] => 2020-01-28 00:20:44 [post_content] => <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong>~3 minute read</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">I still remember walking into school the day after each of those five NBA championships – the halls abuzz with shouts and high-fives, my friends decked out in their purple and gold.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">I’ll never forget seeing the Lakers in person for the very first time as a junior in high school. There was nothing like watching one of the all-time greats play the game he loved with his unrivaled tenacity and passion. <br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">For years I witnessed the magic and cheered along with family and friends. We, Southern California natives, were the heart of Lakers Nation.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">When Kobe’s career came to a close, I watched again as both #8 and #24 were hoisted up to the heights of Staples Center. We celebrated his countless wins and immortalized his legacy forever.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Kobe’s death this past Sunday hit close to home.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Only four days earlier, my closest childhood friend came to visit, and Kobe Bryant happened to come up in conversation.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">My friend and Kobe were both members of the same Catholic Church in Orange County, CA. My friend told me how he saw Kobe at the morning Mass faithfully every Sunday. With his 6’ 6” frame, he was hard to miss.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Kobe and his wife, Vanessa, witnessed to the strength that comes from prayer and the Sacraments, remaining together in marriage all these years in spite of trials that rocked their past.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">As a couple, they loved their four daughters dearly, and they went beyond themselves to build up the youth and families both in their home parish and in the wider community.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">On the day Kobe’s third daughter, Bianka, was baptized, my childhood friend happened to walk into the church in the middle of the ceremony. He saw Kobe and Vanessa surrounded by loved ones and proudly holding Bianka, dressed in her beautiful white garments. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Kobe and my friend talked for a brief moment afterward, and all Kobe could talk about wasn’t basketball, but family.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Few people could match the worldly accomplishments of Kobe Bryant. Yet, this icon and legend knew what was most important.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Through baptism, he gave all of his children over to God. And every Sunday, even on the morning of the crash, Kobe went to Church – to pray and to give his life over to Christ.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">It seems that, to Kobe, the illuminated purple-gold jerseys and his five championship rings were second to the white robes of Heaven and the imperishable crown of Christ. (cf. Rev. 7:9; 1 Cor. 9:25).<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">May Kobe and all the faithful departed be raised to the heights of Heaven, whereby the enduring victory of Christ, they will be of that number, immortalized with God forever.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>+ John, Keri, and Alyssa Altobelli</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>+ Kobe and Gianna Bryant</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>+ Sarah and Payton Chester</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>+ Christina Mauser</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>+ Ara Zobayan</em><br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>Eternal rest, grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>May they rest in peace.</em><br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Please pray for Vanessa, the Bryant children (Natalia, Bianka, &amp; Capri), and all their families.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> [post_title] => A Tribute to Kobe Bryant [post_excerpt] => Eternal rest, grant unto them, O Lord. 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WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 2195 [post_author] => 3 [post_date] => 2020-01-23 04:49:07 [post_date_gmt] => 2020-01-23 04:49:07 [post_content] => <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">It’s a question we thought quite seriously about when we first started Hallow and continue to think about seriously. Should Hallow be a non-profit or a for-profit? Should it be free for everyone, or should there be a premium option?&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote {"className":""} --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">“Hallow is one of the best possible uses of my time and I love it. Hallow has really buoyed me throughout some difficult months. So it’s worth it no matter the cost.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong>We needed Hallow to be of the highest quality</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">We spoke with several of our spiritual directors, prayed about it and debated it as a team for months. The first thing we all agreed on was that our mission – to help people to pray – had to always come first. It had to guide every decision. Money must always be only a tool to achieve it, never a goal in itself. If we never made any money but were able to help people grow in their faith, we’d have succeeded.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">We realized that in order to do this, and especially to reach out to those who might have fallen away, we needed to build something high-quality. Unfortunately, the faith world, both in media and technology, does not often stack up against the quality of the secular world. As we started looking around, it broke our hearts. Our faith deserves the best.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">We used to do a great job of this. The Church was the source of the most beautiful buildings, the most incredible art, but for some reason, we’ve fallen short in the digital world. The content that we’re sharing is the most incredible content in the world: the Word of God. It deserves the highest quality design and technology to go with it. What we saw is that many people, especially young people, especially people who had fallen away from their faith, often wouldn’t even give an app a try if it wasn’t built to their standard of design and functionality. They just wouldn’t download it, regardless of the beauty of the content within it.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">We knew that we needed to create something high quality. Something that stacked up with the best in the world, both in terms of design, technology, and content. We needed to build a team of the best technical talent in the world. We needed to bring on incredible designers. And we needed to partner with the best content creators in the world to build something worthy of the beauty of the spirituality that we were sharing.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote {"className":""} --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">“I resisted several times, but finally I gave it a whirl and I haven’t stopped spinning! The content is enriching and gratifying and meticulously arranged by topics and speakers! This app is worth every penny my friends - again thank you!”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong>We needed Hallow to be a place of peace</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">We also knew that we really wanted Hallow to be a place of peace and respite away from the business of life. We didn’t want anyone to have to think about money while they prayed. We didn’t want to bombard anyone with ads or requests for donations. Hallow had to be transparent about pricing and then leave users in peace to pray on their own.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">We especially did not want anyone to worry about how Hallow was funding itself. We wanted total transparency. What we often heard from people we talked to was ‘if they’re not asking you to pay, then you’re the thing being sold.’ We never wanted anyone to worry about the privacy of their data with Hallow. We would never sell any user data. Our faith is one of the most personal aspects of our lives. Your privacy should always be the highest priority.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote {"className":""} --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">“I started off with the free trial of this app. However, it was not long at all before I decided it would be worth every penny to subscribe to this since this app really strengthens my spiritual practices...Lampert on spiritual warfare. I highly recommend giving this a trial but it is certainly well worth the money spent for this app”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong>How we decided on our funding model</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">So, after much prayer and discernment, we decided on the premium model. We would price it at a little bit under $6 / mo for the annual plan (~20% discount to the standard secular meditation apps, but definitely still premium). And we would give away a free trial to test out the content without getting charged.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">There were two big benefits we saw from this that we honestly did not expect. The first was that people actually prayed much more. It started to make sense the more that we spoke with people using the app. We all try so many free things, we download a bunch of different free apps, but most we don’t end up using. Taking the step to put some skin in the game made people actually commit to growing deeper in their faith life. In the end, people were up to 2.4x more likely to build a daily habit of prayer if they made some initial investment, even if it was just starting a free trial.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">The second thing was that it made us a lot more committed to building something great. It held us as a team to the standard of building a truly premium product. The fact that we’re asking people to pay for it pushes us to stay up the extra hour till 3am to make sure it’s perfect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">The issue is that most of us are often used to receiving apps for free because large companies can afford to build them and give them away for free. But what we are building at Hallow is a lot more like a book or audiobook than a gaming app. We have a small team of folks constantly working to write and create new content. And books, even those sold by non-profits and Bibles, almost always cost money so they can support their organization’s continued operations.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">That being said, we realize that there are many who cannot afford to purchase the subscription, and we, as a Christian organization, have to prioritize those who are experiencing poverty. So we decided to give a lot of our content away for free forever. We have thousands of sessions available for free forever: the daily rosary, the daily gospel, hundreds of meditations, music, and more. If someone is able to and wants to subscribe to unlock the rest of the content, they can choose to whenever they want, but they should be able to use the app to grow sustainably in their prayer life without paying.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">On top of that, we give away one free subscription for every one that’s purchased. Currently, we are giving away free subscriptions to all clergy members and have a scholarship path for other people to request free subscriptions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote {"className":""} --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">“This app has forever changed my life. It is so good at improving my nonexistent prayer life. I am more devout in my faith. I have incorporated prayer in every aspect of my life. I wake up using Hallow, work with Hallow, pray with my children with Hallow, lectio divina, adoration, reconciliation, listen to hymns and have done novenas. So worth the money my entire family is using it. Thank you Hallow for helping me become a more devout catholic and grow every day in the faith.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:quote {"className":""} --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">“I discovered Hallow when I needed to reinforce my faith, I just want to give some positive feedback - it’s worth every penny!”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:quote {"className":""} --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">“So many good resources, paid for the annual subscription - more than worth the money”&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong>Trying to keep the mission always at our center</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Anyway – I know this is a lot, but I just want to be as transparent as I possibly can with the decisions we make. At the end of the day, every decision we make at Hallow is made through prayer and consultation with the Church and spiritual directors. We hold ourselves to putting our mission first in everything we do, from product to pricing, hiring to firing, and strategy to governance. We structured ourselves as a public-benefit corporation in order to hold ourselves accountable to our mission while also leveraging the best of the startup world. In everything we do, our goal is simply to listen to what God is asking us to do and to do it: to let God Hallow our lives – and this is where we think He’s leading us today.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote {"className":""} --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">“I absolutely adore this Hallow App. It's worth every penny and it motivates me each day.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:quote {"className":""} --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">“Absolutely wonderful and inspiring! Thank you. It is so worth every cent!!”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:quote {"className":""} --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">“This app is worth every cent. There are so many elements to it that have helped to build up and enrich my prayer life.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:quote {"className":""} --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">“I pray with Hallow every day. Most important app I’ve ever downloaded.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> [post_title] => Why is there a Hallow subscription? [post_excerpt] => Trying to keep Hallow's mission at the center [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => why-do-we-charge-for-hallow-plus [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-03-26 17:02:13 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-03-26 17:02:13 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://hallow.com/?p=2195 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw )