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WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 8591 [post_author] => 18 [post_date] => 2021-08-03 18:52:14 [post_date_gmt] => 2021-08-03 18:52:14 [post_content] => <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">We can all feel “knotted” at times. Pray the Mary, Undoer of Knots Novena to help you get untangled.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote {"className":""} --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Even the most tangled knots are loosened by His grace. And Mary, whose “yes” opened the door for God to undo the knot of the ancient disobedience, is the Mother who patiently and lovingly brings us to God, so that He can untangle the knots of our soul by His fatherly mercy.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --><cite>Pope Francis (October 12, 2013)</cite></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="">What is the Mary, Undoer of Knots Novena?</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">We pray this <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-novenas/">novena</a> when there are knots, tangles, and problems in our lives that we can't undo, untangle, or fix on our own. It could be a knot in your spiritual life, in your relationship, or perhaps for a knot in the life of someone close to you.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="">A Marian devotion</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Throughout history, Mary has made herself known — meeting people in their doubt, pain, thanksgiving, and more — to guide them in faith and love. Sometimes, she physically appears to people; this is what we call a Marian apparition. Mary also often intercedes on someone's behalf and provides them with a prayer or calls on them to pray for a certain intention; this is what we call a Marian intercession. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Out of these two experiences with the Blessed Mother comes prayers to pray with her, called <a href="https://www.catholicherald.com/News/Local_News/What_are_Marian_devotions_and_how_can_they_enrich_your_faith_/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marian devotions</a>. Some of these devotions have been prayed for centuries! For example, the traditional <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-the-rosary/">Rosary</a> and the <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/7-sorrows/">7 Sorrows Rosary</a> are both Marian devotions. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Tradition holds that the Mary, Undoer of Knots Novena originated out of Marian intercession to a German couple on the brink of divorce. However, the theology and teaching behind this Marian devotion that asks the Blessed Mother to guide us to God and whose grace loosens the many knots in our lives, can be traced all the way back to the second century. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="">St. Irenaeus</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">In October of 2013, Pope Francis <a href="https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2013/october/documents/papa-francesco_20131012_preghiera-mariana.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">delivered</a> a message on Mary's faith, quoting <a href="http://St. Iranaeus" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">St. Irenaeus</a>. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote {"className":""} --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">The knot of Eve’s disobedience was untied by the obedience of Mary; what the virgin Eve bound by her unbelief, the Virgin Mary loosened by her faith.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --><cite>St. Ireneaus</cite></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">In the second century, St. Irenaeus was already speaking of Mary as the undoer of the original knot of disobedience in the Garden of Eden. And just as Mary's devotion to God (her constant “yes, Lord”) untied Eve's knot, she continues to guide us to faith in the untying of our own knots, too. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="">Wolfgang &amp; Sophie — a reconciled marriage</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">In the early seventeenth century, there was a German couple of nobility on the brink of divorce — Wolfgang Langenmantel and Sophie Imoff. With the hope of saving his marriage, Wolfgang decided to turn to Father Rem, a Jesuit priest at the University of Ingolstadt. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">According to <a href="https://udayton.edu/imri/mary/u/untier-of-knots.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Richard Lenar</a>, Wolfgang visited Fr. Rem several times to pray with the Virgin Mary. For their last visit, Wolfgang brought his wedding ribbon (a German tradition to physically symbolize the bride and groom's “tying together” at their marriage ceremony) to pray with Fr. Rem before a painting of the Virgin Mary. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:columns {"verticalAlignment":"center"} --> <div class="wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center"><!-- wp:column {"verticalAlignment":"center","width":"33.33%"} --> <div class="wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center" style="flex-basis:33.33%"><!-- wp:image {"align":"center","id":8624,"width":202,"height":347,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none","className":"p-1 is-style-rounded","padding":1} --> <figure class="p-1 wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized is-style-rounded"><img src="https://hallow.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Johann_Georg_Schmidtner__by_Johann_Georg_Schmidtner-2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-8624" width="202" height="347"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Johann Georg Melchior Schmidtner (1625-1705), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons</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=""><em>“In a solemn ritual act, Father Rem took Wolfgang’s wedding ribbon and lifted it up, while at the same time untying the knots of the ribbon one by one. As Father Rem smoothed out the ribbon, it became intensely white. Because of this happening, Wolfgang and Sophie were able to avoid a divorce and continue their marriage.”</em> - Richard Lenar</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Almost a century later, the Langenmantel family commissioned German artist Johann Melchior Georg Schmittdner&nbsp;to paint a scene for their family altar. He painted a beautiful portrait of Mary, untying the white ribbon of Wolfgang and Sophie's marriage. You can also see her foot atop a snake curled in knots, suppressing evil. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">We can meditate on the image of Mary as she unties the knots in our lives — in our relationships with others and God and of anything else in our lives that might be a bit tangled.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></div> <!-- /wp:column --></div> <!-- /wp:columns --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="">Modern popularity</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Pope Francis encountered the devotion via Schmittdner's painting in Germany, taking this prayer to the Virgin Mary back to Argentina. In his papacy, he has made this devotion even more popular in the Christian world. In May of 2021, Pope Francis <a href="https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/247848/pope-francis-turns-to-mary-undoer-of-knots-at-end-of-rosary-marathon-for-end-to-pandemic" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">called</a> on Mary, Undoer of Knots, for her intercession at the end of the global Rosary to end the pandemic. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote {"className":""} --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Tonight we gather before you, our Virgin Mother, venerated in this image as the one who unties knots. In fact, there are many knots that bind our lives and our activities. They are knots of selfishness and indifference, economic and social knots, knots of violence and war ... We pray to you, Holy Mother, untie the knots that oppress us materially and spiritually, so that we may joyfully bear witness to your Son and our Lord, Jesus Christ.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --><cite>Pope Francis (May 31, 2021)</cite></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">We will pray this devotion to Our Lady, Undoer of Knots, as a <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-novenas/">novena</a> for nine days straight on Hallow, leading up to the feast of the Assumption and led by <a href="https://jpiihealingcenter.org/team-members/sr-miriam-james-heidland/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sr. Miriam James Heidland.</a> The novena will remain on the app, and can be a prayer you turn to whenever you want to ask Mary for her intercession.</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/MaryUndoer">Pray with Mary, Undoer of Knots</a></div> <!-- /wp:button --></div> <!-- /wp:buttons --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="">Why do we pray the Mary, Undoer of Knots novena?</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">You can pray this novena for any kind of knot in your life. No matter your intention for prayer, the Blessed Mother always intercedes on our behalf. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote {"className":""} --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">You, who know how to untie the knots of our existence, and know the desires of our hearts, come to our aid. We are certain that, as in Cana of Galilee, you will ensure that joy and celebration will return to our homes after this time of trial.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --><cite>Pope Francis (May 31, 2021)</cite></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Pope Francis reminds us of Mary's intercession at the Wedding at Cana when she noticed that there was no more wine. In turn, Jesus performed his first miracle: turning water into wine. Just as Mary noticed this, she, too, notices the knots in our lives and desires to undo them. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="">When do we pray the Mary, Undoer of Knots novena?</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">You pray this novena whenever a knot in your life needs undoing with Mary's guidance and God's grace. However, this novena is commonly prayed around a Marian feast day.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="">How to Pray: Mary, Undoer of Knots Novena</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"id":8802,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none","className":""} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://hallow.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/How-to-Pray-Mary-Undoer-of-Knots-2-1024x536.png" alt="Hallow App - How to Pray Mary Undoer of Knots Novena " class="wp-image-8802"/></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="">Reflect on the “knots” in your life </h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Consider the following questions before you begin this novena:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"className":""} --> <ul class=""><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>What is getting in the way of my growing closer to Jesus?</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Is there a problem in my life I can't seem to fix? </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>How can I rely on Mary's ability to untangle the knots in my life and lead me to God's grace?</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">It might even be helpful to journal about the knots in your life. You could even draw a ribbon to visualize Mary undoing the knots in your life as you pray this novena. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="">Make the Sign of the Cross</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>In the name of the Father, the Son, and the <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/prayers-to-the-holy-spirit/">Holy Spirit</a>. </em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="">Reflect with the daily meditation</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">In this novena, we will pray with a different daily <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-christian-meditation/">meditation</a> each day on God's mercy, grace, and love. In Hallow, we will guide you to meditate peacefully on the undoing of the knots in your life. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">The first day's meditation goes as follows: </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>Dearest Holy Mother, Most Holy Mary, you undo the knots that suffocate your children, extend your merciful hands to me. I entrust to You today this knot and all the negative consequences that it provokes in my life: (pause)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>Mary, Undoer of Knots, pray for me.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="">Say or listen to the main prayer of the novena</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>Virgin Mary, Mother of fair love, Mother who never refuses to come to the aid of a child in need, Mother whose hands never cease to serve your beloved children because they are moved by the divine love and immense mercy that exists in your heart, cast your compassionate eyes upon me and see the snarl of knots that exist in my life.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>You know very well how desperate I am, my pain and how I am bound by these knots.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>Mary, Mother to whom God entrusted the undoing of the knots in the lives of His children, I entrust into your hands the ribbon of my life.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>No one, not even the evil one himself, can take it away from your precious care. In your hands there is no knot that cannot be undone.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>Powerful Mother, by your grace and intercessory power with Your Son and My Liberator, Jesus, take into your hands today this knot...I beg you to undo it for the glory of God, once for all, You are my hope.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>O my Lady, you are the only consolation God gives me, the fortification of my feeble strength, the enrichment of my destitution and with Christ the freedom from my chains.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>Hear my plea.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>Keep me, guide me, protect me, o safe refuge!</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="">Conclude with the Sign of the Cross</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.</em></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="">This novena is one of our upcoming Community Challenges, and we couldn't be more excited to pray with you to untie the knots in our lives. In the meantime, you can pray the Surrender Novena, the&nbsp;<a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-54-day-novena/">54 Day Novena</a>, the St. Joseph Novena, and the&nbsp;<a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-divine-mercy-chaplet/">Divine Mercy Novena</a>&nbsp;and the Sacred Heart Novena with Jonathan Roumie, the actor who plays Jesus in <em>The Chosen</em>.</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/MaryUndoer">Pray Novenas on Hallow</a></div> <!-- /wp:button --></div> <!-- /wp:buttons --> <h3 class="">Related Prayers</h3> <p><!-- /wp:heading --></p> <p><!-- wp:list --></p> <ul class=""> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-the-rosary/">How to Pray the Rosary</a></li> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/7-sorrows/">The Seven Sorrows Rosary</a></li> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-our-father/">The Lord's Prayer (Our Father)</a></li> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-st-therese-novena/">The St. Thérèse Novena</a></li> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-mary-undoer-of-knots-novena/">Mary, Undoer of Knots Novena</a></li> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-divine-mercy-chaplet/">Divine Mercy Novena</a></li> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-the-litany-of-humility/">How to Pray the Litany of Humility</a></li> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-the-litany-of-trust/">How to Pray the Litany of Trust</a></li> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/feast-of-our-lady-of-guadalupe-prayers-celebrations/">Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe</a></li> </ul> <p><!-- /wp:list --></p> [post_title] => How to Pray the Mary, Undoer of Knots Novena [post_excerpt] => Pray this novena to help untangle the "knots" in your life. [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => how-to-pray-mary-undoer-of-knots-novena [to_ping] => [pinged] => https://hallow.com/2020/05/01/how-to-pray-novenas/ https://hallow.com/2019/09/23/how-to-pray-the-rosary/ https://hallow.com/2021/02/10/7-sorrows/ https://hallow.com/2019/09/07/how-to-pray-christian-meditation/ https://hallow.com/2020/08/23/how-to-pray-54-day-novena/ https://hallow.com/2020/03/08/how-to-pray-divine-mercy-chaplet/ https://hallow.com/2021/11/24/thanksgiving-prayer/ https://hallow.com/2021/12/22/christmas-prayer-catholic-blessings/ https://hallow.com/2021/09/19/how-to-pray-st-therese-novena/ https://hallow.com/2020/02/12/how-to-pray-our-father/ [post_modified] => 2023-01-30 02:57:47 [post_modified_gmt] => 2023-01-30 02:57:47 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://hallow.com/?p=8591 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw )

WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 8030 [post_author] => 18 [post_date] => 2021-07-16 18:29:14 [post_date_gmt] => 2021-07-16 18:29:14 [post_content] => <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong>Table of Contents</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"className":""} --> <ul class=""><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#intro">Introduction</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#bible-verses">Bible Verses/Prayers for Anxiety</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#saints">Prayers for Anxiety and Stress from Saints</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#other-prayers-nervousness">Other Prayers for Anxiety and Nervousness</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#mental-health">Mental Health and Prayer</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#related-prayers">Related Prayers</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="" id="intro">We all feel anxiety at times for different kinds of reasons. At Hallow, we believe prayer is a component of supporting and strengthening mental health, but we also know it isn't a standalone solution. If you are experiencing severe depression, severe anxiety, or simply need support, we urge you to reach out to a mental health professional in your area. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">This being said, we hope these prayers for anxiety might help provide solace, consistency or lead you out of moments of pain, suffering, or discomfort. Most importantly, we hope these prayers remind us that we are never alone in this world — we always have God and an army of <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/praying-with-saints-mental-health-awareness-month-2021/">Saints</a> behind us. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Anxiety doesn't go away with a prayer like magic, but it might help us find support and love in our faith — to ultimately lighten our burdens. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="bible-verses">Bible verses to ease your anxiety and nervousness</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">We know praying with a verse might not make something you’re struggling with instantly go away. However, we hope these verses remind you that God is always with you — in good times and in bad. Consider choosing a verse each day, week, or month to memorize or reread multiple times. It might not relieve anxiety away in full, but it might help relieve it at the moment. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">1 Peter 5:6-7</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">"Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time.^&nbsp;Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Romans 8:38-39</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">"For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers,&nbsp;nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Romans 8:28</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">"We know that all things work together for good&nbsp;for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Jeremiah 29:11</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">"For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the&nbsp;Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">John 14:27</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">"Peace I leave with you; 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."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Philippians 4:13</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">"I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Psalm 23:1-4</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">"The&nbsp;Lord&nbsp;is my shepherd, I shall not want.<br>^&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He makes me lie down in green pastures;<br>he leads me beside still waters;<br>^&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;he restores my soul.<br>He leads me in right paths<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;for his name’s sake.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">^&nbsp;Even though I walk through the darkest valley,<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I fear no evil;<br>for you are with me;<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;your rod and your staff—<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;they comfort me."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="saints"><strong>Prayers for anxiety</strong> and stress from Saints</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:quote {"className":""} --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Let us think only of spending the present day well. Then, when tomorrow shall have come, it will be called TODAY, and then, we will think about it.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --><cite>St. Francis de Sales</cite></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">When you say these prayers for anxiety, remember that you are never alone. There are thousands of others praying them with you, as well as the Saints who wrote them in their own moments and seasons of struggling and feeling overwhelmed. All of these Saint prayers for anxiety can be found in the Saints Challenge on Hallow. </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/PrayersAnxiety">Pray with the Saints on Hallow</a></div> <!-- /wp:button --></div> <!-- /wp:buttons --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Let Nothing Disturb You (St. Teresa of Avila)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">This prayer reminds us that this earthly life is temporary; everything in this life shall pass, but God is eternal. Pray this prayer for calmness when you feel overwhelmed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>Let nothing disturb you,&nbsp;<br>Let nothing frighten you,&nbsp;<br>All things are passing away:&nbsp;<br>God never changes.&nbsp;<br>Patience obtains all things.<br>Whoever has God lacks nothing;&nbsp;<br>God alone suffices.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong><em>READ MORE: <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/st-teresa-of-avila-prayers-quotes-feast-day/">ST. TERESA OF ÁVILA</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Surrender (<a href="https://hallow.com/saints/ignatius-loyola/">St. Ignatius</a> of Loyola)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Pray this prayer when you feel overcome by stress or worry. It reminds us that God gave us everything, and it is to Him that we can return it all. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty,<br>My memory, my understanding,<br>And my entire will,<br>All I have and call my own.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>You have given all to me.<br>To you, Lord, I return it.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>Everything is yours; do with it what you will.<br>Give me only your love and your grace,<br>That is enough for me.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Be at Peace (St. Francis de Sales)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">In this prayer, St. Francis de Sales helps us remember that God is with us today, and He will be with us tomorrow, too. This is a prayer to help us grow our trust in God and give over our anxieties to Him. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>Be at peace. </em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>Do not look forward in fear to the changes in life;<br>Rather look to them with full hope that as they arise,<br>God, whose very own you are, will lead you safely through all things.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>And when you cannot stand it, God will carry you in His arms.<br>Do not fear what may happen tomorrow;<br>The same everlasting Father who cares for you today<br>Will take care of you then and every day.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>He will either shield you from suffering,<br>Or give you unfailing strength to bear it.<br>Be at peace,<br>And put aside all anxious thoughts and imagination.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Stay With Me, Lord (St. Padre Pio)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">This prayer from Pio is our call on God to simply be present with us. As we <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray/">pray</a>, we recognize that we were never, are never, and never will be alone — God is always with us. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em><em>Stay with me, Lord,&nbsp;for it is necessary to have You present&nbsp;so that I do not forget You.&nbsp;You know how easily I abandon You.</em><br><em>Stay with me, Lord,&nbsp;because I am weak&nbsp;and I need Your strength,&nbsp;that I may not fall so often.</em><br><em>Stay with me, Lord,&nbsp;for You are my light and without You&nbsp;I am in darkness.</em><br><em><em>Stay with me, Lord,&nbsp;to show me Your will.</em><br><em>Stay with me, Lord,&nbsp;so that I hear Your voice&nbsp;and follow You.</em><br><em>Stay with me, Lord,&nbsp;for I desire to love You very much&nbsp;and to be in Your company always.</em><br><em>Stay <em><em>with me, Lord,&nbsp;if You wish me to be faithful to You</em>.<br>Stay with me, Lord,&nbsp;for as poor as my soul is&nbsp;I want it to be a place of consolation for You,&nbsp;a nest of Love.</em></em></em></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong><em>ALSO PRAY:</em></strong> <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/padre-pio-prayers-feast-day/">Padre Pio Healing Prayer</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Holy Spirit, Come Into My Heart (St. Catherine of Siena)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">When we are at a loss for words, we can always call on the Holy Spirit. This prayer for love and guidance is similar to a short prayer we say at Hallow often: "Come, Holy Spirit."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em><em>Holy Spirit, come into my heart;</em><br><em>Draw it to Thee by Thy power, O my God,</em><br><em>And grant me charity with filial fear.</em></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em><em>Preserve me, O beautiful love, from every evil thought;</em><br><em>Warm me, inflame me with Thy dear love, <em><br><em>And every pain will seem light to me.</em><br><em>My Father, my sweet Lord, help me in all my actions.</em></em></em></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em><em>Jesus, love.&nbsp;</em><br><em>Jesus, love.&nbsp;</em></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong><em>READ MORE:</em></strong> <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/prayers-to-the-holy-spirit/">Prayers to the Holy Spirit</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="other-prayers-nervousness">Other prayers for anxiety and nervousness</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">These prayers, meditations, and methods might ease your anxiety or lead you to a clearer understanding of both mind and heart. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Lectio Divina</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-lectio-divina/">Lectio Divina</a> is a meditative way of reading Scripture in which we focus on listening rather than speaking while we rest with God. In times of anxiety, praying Lectio Divina with relevant Scripture might help ease pain or discomfort. You can read more on drawing comfort from Scripture <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/drawing-comfort-from-scripture-mental-health-awareness-month-2021/">here</a> and hear some suggestions that might speak to you. (Hint: the Psalms, <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-the-gospels/">the Gospels</a>, and the Book of Job are all good places to start.) </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Daily Examen</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">The <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-the-examen/">Daily Examen</a> is a reflective prayer that helps us notice where God moved throughout our day. For this reason, it's usually prayed at night. However, depending on when a prayer for anxiety might work best for you, you can adapt it to fit your needs. For Mental Health Awareness month, Hallow <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/the-examen-mental-health-awareness-month-2021/">recognized</a> the Examen as a tool for strengthening mental health. Exchanging anxiety for gratitude isn't easy, and we recognize that. However, we believe that this practice grows our capacity to slow down, reflect, and appreciate where God moves throughout our daily lives.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">In Hallow, we offer several Examens in our various Praylists, praying for Calm, Hope, Humility, Gratitude, and more. </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/PrayersAnxiety">Pray the Daily Examen with Hallow</a></div> <!-- /wp:button --></div> <!-- /wp:buttons --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Before sleep</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Do you ever have trouble <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/falling-asleep-with-god/">falling asleep</a> at night? From making tomorrow's <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-prayer-helped-me-with-my-to-do-list-anxiety%EF%BB%BF/">to-do list</a> or ruminating on moments from today, finding peace before sleep is something many of us struggle with daily. For many, time before sleep is the most-anxiety producing time of the day. We encourage you to pray when your head hits the pillow. It might not immediately stop or prevent your anxiety, but it might remind you that you are never alone. If you find solace in praying with Mary, you can always repeat a decade of the <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-the-rosary/">Rosary</a> or simply repeat the <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-the-hail-mary/">Hail Mary prayer</a> until you fall asleep. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>Hail, Mary, full of grace,<br>the Lord is with thee.<br>Blessed art thou amongst women<br>and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.<br>Holy Mary, Mother of God,<br>pray for us sinners,<br>now and at the hour of our death.&nbsp;<br>Amen.</em></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="">We hope these methods and prayers for anxiety support you in truly resting with God. Remember, He always meets us where we are. </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/PrayersAnxiety">Pray with Hallow</a></div> <!-- /wp:button --></div> <!-- /wp:buttons --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="" id="mental-health"><em><strong>Please note: While prayer is an important part of strong mental health, it is not a standalone solution to severe mental illness such as depression, addiction, severe anxiety, etc. If you are experiencing any of these, we urge you to reach out to a mental health professional in your area.</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="related-prayers"><strong>Related Prayers</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list {"className":""} --> <ul class=""><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/prayers-for-strength/">Prayers for Strength</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/prayers-for-healing/">Prayers for Healing</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/prayers-for-sleep/">Prayers for Sleep</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/2022/09/02/prayers-for-hope/">Prayers </a><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/prayers-for-hope/">for </a><a href="https://hallow.com/2022/09/02/prayers-for-hope/">H</a><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/prayers-for-hope/">ope</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>Updated June 2022*</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> [post_title] => Prayers for Anxiety and Fear [post_excerpt] => We hope these prayers remind you that you are always loved and never alone. [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => prayers-for-anxiety [to_ping] => [pinged] => https://hallow.com/2019/09/23/how-to-pray-the-rosary/ https://hallow.com/2021/07/02/how-to-pray/ https://hallow.com/2020/01/09/how-to-pray-lectio-divina/ https://hallow.com/2021/05/12/drawing-comfort-from-scripture-mental-health-awareness-month-2021/ https://hallow.com/2021/06/30/how-to-pray-the-gospels/ https://hallow.com/2019/09/13/how-to-pray-the-examen/ https://hallow.com/2021/05/19/praying-with-saints-mental-health-awareness-month-2021/ https://hallow.com/2019/08/06/falling-asleep-with-god/ https://hallow.com/2019/08/05/how-prayer-helped-me-with-my-to-do-list-anxiety%EF%BB%BF/ https://hallow.com/2022/01/19/how-to-pray-the-hail-mary/ https://hallow.com/2021/08/10/prayers-for-healing/ https://hallow.com/2021/05/27/the-examen-mental-health-awareness-month-2021/ https://hallow.com/2021/09/19/prayers-for-sleep/ [post_modified] => 2024-02-13 21:05:01 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-02-13 21:05:01 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://hallow.com/?p=8030 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw )

WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 8160 [post_author] => 24 [post_date] => 2021-07-09 20:12:05 [post_date_gmt] => 2021-07-09 20:12:05 [post_content] => <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Hallow announced today that they will release the first installment of the app's Audio Bible with <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jonathanroumieofficial/?hl=en">Jonathan Roumie</a>, the actor who plays Jesus in <em>The Chosen</em>. Alongside daily Gospel readings, users can enjoy introductions and commentary for each Gospel from theologian and author <a href="https://edwardsri.com/about-dr-sri/">Dr. Edward Sri</a>, as well as speaker and biblical scholar <a href="https://www.drmaryhealy.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Mary Healy</a>. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">The challenge was designed with flexibility in mind. Each session covers a few chapters in about twenty minutes. Listeners can pray at the same time each day with Hallow’s recently launched Routines functionality, or whenever they get the chance while on vacation or with family and friends. Overall, the Hallow team hopes this Gospel challenge reignites daily prayer routines this summer through listening and meditating on the Word of God.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="">The 30-Day Gospel Challenge</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Hallow's Gospel Challenge guides listeners through all four of the <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-the-gospels/">Gospels</a> in just thirty days. The Challenge follows the traditional Biblical order of the Gospels — Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Each day, Jonathan Roumie narrates a few chapters of the Gospels from users to reflect on, meditate with, and grow in their walk with Jesus. Furthermore, Hallow is offering a downloadable Study Guide for individual or group study of the Gospels to support reflection outside of prayer time. Anyone can download the guide <a href="https://hallow.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/30-Day-Gospel-Challenge-Study-Guide.pdf">here</a>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:buttons {"contentJustification":"center"} --> <div class="wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center"><!-- wp:button --> <div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link" href="https://hallow.app.link/blogdownload">Join the 30-Day Gospel Challenge</a></div> <!-- /wp:button --></div> <!-- /wp:buttons --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="">Partnership with Jonathan Roumie</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:quote {"className":""} --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><p>Hallow has been transformative not only for me but for so many others. There’s something for EVERYONE – meditations, prayers, music, the saints – making it impossibly easy to pray more!</p><cite>Jonathan Roumie</cite></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">“Hallow has been transformative not only for me, but for so many others. There’s something for EVERYONE – meditations, prayers, music, the Saints – making it impossibly easy to pray more!” said Jonathan Roumie</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Hallow has partnered with Jonathan Roumie several times in the past, including to record the <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray/-divine-mercy-chaplet/">Divine Mercy Chaplet</a>, Sacred Heart Novena, and the <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-our-father-in-aramaic/">Lord's Prayer in Aramaic</a>. A trained narrator and experienced actor, Jonathan Roumie has a captivating yet calming voice to guide the Hallow Community through the life of Christ.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">“We couldn't be more excited about our partnership with Jonathan for this audio-guided experience of the Gospels. Our hope is that it helps people deepen their relationship with God, who we believe wants to get to know each and every one of us through His Word,” said Hallow CEO &amp; Co-Founder, Alex Jones.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="">About Hallow</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><a href="https://hallow.com/">Hallow</a> is a Catholic prayer and meditation app that helps users deepen their relationship with God through audio-guided prayer and music. The app has over 2,000 sessions including several novenas, the Rosary, daily Examens, litanies, music, Bible stories, Praylists focused on themes like love and humility, and so much more. In addition to this permanent content, Hallow offers several seasonal challenges each year for the Hallow Community to pray together. Launched in December 2018, Hallow is the #1 Catholic app in the US and Canadian app stores. Over 10 million prayers have been prayed using the app in over 150 countries.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:buttons {"contentJustification":"center"} --> <div class="wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center"><!-- wp:button --> <div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link" href="https://hallow.app.link/blogdownload">Download the Hallow App</a></div> <!-- /wp:button --></div> <!-- /wp:buttons --> [post_title] => Hallow Launches 30-Day Gospel Challenge with Jonathan Roumie from The Chosen [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => hallow-press-release-30-day-gospel-challenge-with-jonathan-roumie-from-the-chosen [to_ping] => [pinged] => https://hallow.com/2021/06/30/how-to-pray-the-gospels/ https://hallow.com/2021/02/16/how-to-pray-our-father-in-aramaic/ https://hallow.com/2020/03/08/how-to-pray-divine-mercy-chaplet/ [post_modified] => 2021-09-21 19:41:44 [post_modified_gmt] => 2021-09-21 19:41:44 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://hallow.com/?p=8160 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw )

WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 7606 [post_author] => 18 [post_date] => 2021-06-30 12:32:08 [post_date_gmt] => 2021-06-30 12:32:08 [post_content] => <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">The Gospels are the first four books of the New Testament: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. These four books detail the life of Christ. <a href="https://hallow.onelink.me/Q25Y/julywjesusblog">Praying with the Good News</a> leads us to better know and love Christ through the testament of his life on earth. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":8317,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"custom","className":"is-style-default"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-style-default"><a href="https://hallow.onelink.me/Q25Y/julywjesusblog"><img src="https://hallow.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/V2-Text-1024x512.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-8317"/></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="">What are the Gospels?</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="">General origin</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">The Gospels are the first four books of the New Testament. Sharing stories about the life of Christ, these books teach us facts about Jesus' life and the lessons we should learn from these true stories. Scholars continue to <a href="https://zondervanacademic.com/blog/gospel-definition" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">research</a> the dates, authors, and editors associated with these Biblical accounts. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><a href="https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/who-really-wrote-the-gospels-1134" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Authorship</a> wasn't the same in the first century as it is now. Nowadays, an author typically types their piece, edits it, and sends it to their editor. Back then, an author might have dictated the piece to a scribe or even left it up to a student or pupil to work on a section. Sharing texts with others was no easy task, either. Back in the first century (and up to the invention of the printing press), all texts were copied by hand. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="">Guided by the Holy Spirit </h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Intuitively, we know the text probably wasn't copied exactly as it was originally shared. Although no one knows for certain when the Gospels were written or who might have been part of the writing process, what's most important is remembering their guide — the <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/prayers-to-the-holy-spirit/">Holy Spirit</a>. The Holy Spirit guided the composition of the four Gospels, and each time we pray with the Gospels, the Holy Spirit is with us, too. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote {"className":""} --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">I have said these things to you while I am still with you.^&nbsp;But the Advocate,&nbsp;the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --><cite>John 14:25-26</cite></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">The four Gospels are not all the same — which stories they include, the writing process behind them, and their intended audiences. However, these differences actually give us a fuller knowledge and understanding of the life of Christ. We know more stories about His life, and each author leads us to discover different lessons in their respective texts.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="">Synoptic Gospels</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Of the four books, Matthew, Mark, and Luke are most similar to one another. They share similar content, structure and often use the same wording. Because of this, scholars refer to these first three books of the New Testament as the "synoptic" Gospels. <a href="https://www.etymonline.com/word/synoptic" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">"Synoptic"</a> comes from the Greek word "synoptikos," meaning to take a comprehensive view. Some scholars believe the three authors shared a similar source, while others believe one Gospel served as a source for the other two. This dispute is called the "synoptic problem." Regardless, the synoptic Gospels are beautifully written, and each author had their own way of addressing a different <a href="https://www.danielakin.com/wp-content/uploads/old/Resource_316/Why%20Four%20Gospels.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">audience</a>. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4,"className":""} --> <h4 class="">The Gospel of Matthew</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Although there is some debate, tradition holds that the Gospel of Matthew was written by St. Matthew, tax-collector turned disciple of Jesus. Matthew intended that his Gospel appeal to then-current Jews at the time of his writing. For centuries, Jews prayed for a messiah to deliver them. So, Matthew sought to tell them the good news — Jesus was the one they waited for all these years. Thus, Matthew begins his Gospel with the following: “An account of the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah,&nbsp;the son of David, the son of Abraham” (Matthew 1:1). An angel represents Matthew when he is depicted in art. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4,"className":""} --> <h4 class="">The Gospel of Mark</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Tradition holds that Mark was a companion of both Paul and Peter. Mark's Gospel focuses on the action and leadership of Christ, appealing to the Romans at the time of his authorship. This Gospel actually skips over Jesus' birth and childhood and jumps directly into his <a href="https://bibleproject.com/blog/mark-gospel-servant-messiah/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">public ministry</a>. Mark starts his Gospel by recounting the words of the prophet Isaiah and John the Baptist. He announces the arrival of Jesus, the Messenger of God: “He proclaimed, “The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals.^&nbsp;I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit” (Mark 1:7-8). In religious art, a lion represents Mark. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4,"className":""} --> <h4 class="">The Gospel of Luke</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Luke was believed to have written his eloquent Gospel for the general Greco-Roman world, not necessarily for people of the Jewish tradition at the time. A Gentile himself, tradition holds that Luke was a physician and companion of the Apostle Paul. He addresses the book to <a href="https://www.bibleinfo.com/en/questions/who-was-theophilus" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">"Theophilus,"</a> which translates to 'friend of God' or 'loved by God.' Luke likely wrote this testimony on the life of Christ to make the Christian faith approachable. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Arguably the best storyteller among the four evangelists, Luke's Gospel focuses on the humanity of Christ during his time on earth. In the first chapter, Luke focuses on telling the truth to Theophilus. “I too decided, after investigating everything carefully from the very first, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the truth concerning the things about which you have been instructed” Luke 1:3-4). In art, an ox represents Luke.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="">The fourth Gospel: John</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">The fourth and final Gospel is attributed to John, the Beloved Disciple. The theology of John's Gospel is rich with symbols and metaphors for us to better love and know Christ. While John's Gospel omits much of the stories and parables from Christ's life included by the Synoptics, it adds a new dimension to our understanding of the life of Christ. John emphasizes Christ as the Logos or "Word," the <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/logos" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">divine reason</a> for Creation. John begins his Gospel with this truth. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.&nbsp;He was in the beginning with God.&nbsp;All things came into being through him, and without him, not one thing came into being” (John 1:1-3). An eagle represents John in art. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="">Have you ever wanted to hear Jesus read you the Bible?</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Well, now you can hear all four Gospels narrated by Jonathan Roumie, the actor who plays Jesus in the viral crowdfunded streaming series, <em>The Chosen</em>, exclusively on the <a href="https://hallow.onelink.me/Q25Y/julywjesusblog">Hallow App</a>. As part of the 30-Day Gospel Challenge, Jonathan reads a few chapters of each Gospel every day for 30 days.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":8289,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"custom","className":"is-style-default"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-style-default"><a href="https://hallow.onelink.me/Q25Y/julywjesusblog"><img src="https://hallow.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/julyJesus_1080x1080-1024x1024.png" alt="Hallow Catholic Audio Bible" class="wp-image-8289"/></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:buttons {"layout":{"type":"flex","justifyContent":"center","orientation":"horizontal"}} --> <div class="wp-block-buttons"><!-- wp:button {"backgroundColor":"black"} --> <div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-background-color has-background wp-element-button" href="https://hallow.onelink.me/Q25Y/julywjesusblog">Join the 30-Day Gospel Challenge</a></div> <!-- /wp:button --></div> <!-- /wp:buttons --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="">Why do we read the Gospels?</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="">The Life of Christ</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">As humans, we connect with others by telling stories and listening to them. And, we've been connecting like this since the beginning of time! God created us knowing this. It's why we see stories in Creation all around us, and why He sent His only Son to earth — to connect with us and therefore lead us to Him. The Word, and the Gospels, are no different. The Holy Spirit guided the composition of these four books — for you, for me, for everyone — to hear the true stories of Christ's life. We read, listen to, and meditate upon these stories so that we might become closer to God. We also see that Christ fulfilled the promises God made in the Old Testament — giving us new life. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="">When do we pray with the Gospels?</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="">In Mass </h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">The <a href="https://media.ascensionpress.com/2020/08/20/how-to-understand-the-cycle-of-readings-at-mass/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Church's Liturgy</a> is based on a three-year calendar for Sunday Masses and a two-year calendar for daily Mass. As a result, each time you attend Mass and celebrate the Liturgy, you hear a reading from the Gospel. This organization of Scripture is called the Lectionary. In the Lectionary, the Church divides three years into three liturgical years: A, B, and C. The Gospel of Matthew makes up most of Year A, Mark for Year B, and Luke for Year C. The Gospel of John is read during the Easter season, no matter the current liturgical year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">If you go to Mass every Sunday for three years, you'll hear most of the four Gospels. While not every single verse is included in the Lectionary, the Church thought long and hard about making sure we hear the full story of Christ's life. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="">Daily conversation with God</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">You can pray with the Gospel every day! There are several ways to pray with the Gospels outside of Mass. First, the Gospels are always available to you as a source of prayer inspiration, Bible study, imaginative prayer, or <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-lectio-divina/">Lectio Divina</a>. Secondly, you can pray with the Daily Gospel (taken from the <a href="https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Daily Bible Reading</a>) in your daily conversation with God at any time of the day on the Hallow App. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:buttons {"layout":{"type":"flex","justifyContent":"center","orientation":"horizontal"}} --> <div class="wp-block-buttons"><!-- wp:button {"backgroundColor":"black"} --> <div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-background-color has-background wp-element-button" href="https://hallow.app.link/blogdownload">Pray with the Daily Gospel on Hallow</a></div> <!-- /wp:button --></div> <!-- /wp:buttons --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="">How to Pray: The Gospels</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="">First, choose a passage </h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Select a passage from Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John. You could use the Daily Bible Reading based on the Lectionary, or you could pray with one of your favorite <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/parables-of-jesus/">parables</a> or moments in Christ's life. We recommend starting with something shorter. You might want to consider these 8 stories from Christ's life: </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"className":""} --> <ul class=""><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Jesus and the Leper (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+1%3A40-45&amp;version=NRSV" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mark 1:40-45</a>)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>The Boy Jesus in the Temple (<a href="http://biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+2%3A41–52&amp;version=NRSV" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Luke 2:41-52</a>)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Jesus Feed the Five Thousand (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+14%3A13-21&amp;version=NRSV" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Matthew 14:13-21</a>)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>A Man Born Blind Receives Sight (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+9&amp;version=NRSV" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">John 9</a>)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>The Parable of the Good Samaritan (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+10%3A25-37&amp;version=NRSV" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Luke 10:25-37</a>)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Jesus and the Woman at the Well (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+4&amp;version=NRSV" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">John 4</a>)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>The Beatitudes (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5%3A3-12&amp;version=NRSV" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Matthew 5:13-21</a>)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>The Wedding at Cana (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+2%3A1-11&amp;version=NRSV" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">John 2:1-11</a>)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Jesus Walks on the Water (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+14%3A22-33&amp;version=NRSV" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Matthew 14:22-33</a>)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="">Second, picture yourself in the moment.</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Read (or listen to) the passage you select a few times and begin to imagine yourself there, besides Christ and among his disciples. This method of prayer is a type of Ignatian contemplation. Ask yourself a few questions to set the scene as you let the Holy Spirit begin to move through your time in prayer. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"className":""} --> <ul class=""><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>What does the scene look like?</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Who are you in the scene?</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Are you in nature — besides the water or atop a mountain?</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Are you searching for something? </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="">Third, acknowledge what stands out to you.</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Now that you imagine yourself in the scene, you can begin to notice what stands out to you. This might be something visual, or it might be something more intangible. What is the Holy Spirit leading you to as you read or listen to Scripture? Take a few moments to rest with what you notice. Is it something Jesus says in Scripture? Is it the beauty of the nature you imagine yourself being surrounded by? Let your prayer focus on this word, sense, or image at the forefront of your mind. Again, anything that sticks out is worthy of your prayer — this is the Holy Spirit leading you.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="">Lastly, rest with Christ. </h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Remember, praying with the Gospels is meant to lead us closer to Jesus. As we <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray/-christian-meditation/">meditate</a> on the Word, we understand the depth of Christ's thirty-three years on earth. We celebrate the coming of the Messiah (Matthew), appreciate his servant leadership (Mark), relate to his humanity (Luke), and sit in awe of how he is the divine purpose of Creation (John). </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:image {"id":8318,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"custom","className":"is-style-default"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-style-default"><a href="https://hallow.onelink.me/Q25Y/julywjesusblog"><img src="https://hallow.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/V1-Text-1024x512.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-8318"/></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong>We are so excited to release Hallow's exclusive audio-guided Gospels, read by Jonathan Roumie! </strong>We're kicking off this release by listening to all four Gospels in 30 days for the new <strong>30-Day Gospel Challenge in Hallow.</strong> We look forward to journeying with Jesus as we pray through Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:buttons {"layout":{"type":"flex","justifyContent":"center","orientation":"horizontal"}} --> <div class="wp-block-buttons"><!-- wp:button {"backgroundColor":"black"} --> <div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-background-color has-background wp-element-button" href="https://hallow.onelink.me/Q25Y/julywjesusblog">Pray the Gospels with Jonathan Roumie</a></div> <!-- /wp:button --></div> <!-- /wp:buttons --> <!-- wp:spacer --> <div style="height:100px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div> <!-- /wp:spacer --> [post_title] => How to Pray With the Gospels [post_excerpt] => Draw closer to Jesus as you meditate on the Gospels. [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => how-to-pray-the-gospels [to_ping] => [pinged] => https://hallow.com/2019/09/07/how-to-pray-christian-meditation/ https://hallow.com/2020/01/09/how-to-pray-lectio-divina/ [post_modified] => 2023-01-30 03:00:06 [post_modified_gmt] => 2023-01-30 03:00:06 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://hallow.com/?p=7606 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw )

WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 6839 [post_author] => 16 [post_date] => 2021-05-31 16:18:17 [post_date_gmt] => 2021-05-31 16:18:17 [post_content] => <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">May is <a href="https://www.mhanational.org/mental-health-month">Mental Health Awareness Month</a>, an initiative that was first started over 60 years ago by <a href="https://www.mhanational.org/">Mental Health America</a>. This year’s theme is “Tools2Thrive,” so we are excited to <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/mental-health-awareness-month//">share suggestions each week</a> of different types of prayer that can support a strong spiritual practice <em>and</em> a healthy mental state. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">(See our earlier posts on <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/drawing-comfort-from-scripture-mental-health-awareness-month-2021/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lectio Divina</a>, <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/praying-with-saints-mental-health-awareness-month-2021/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Praying with Saints</a>, and <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/the-examen-mental-health-awareness-month-2021/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Examen</a>.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Today, we’re sharing some resources for <strong>Community and Family Prayer.</strong> As we head into summer, we know that many people will spend well-deserved time relaxing with their friends and family. This community energy can be just as beneficial in our prayer lives!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">We believe that prayer helps build a strong personal relationship with God, <em>and </em>we believe that praying with and for others is an important practice that strengthens communities and helps to build God’s Kingdom. After all, we are all one body in Christ.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">From a mental health perspective, building and maintaining a strong community is incredibly important. Having close relationships with those around us help us build a sense of belonging and purpose and has been linked to increased <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/pere.12187">health</a>, <a href="https://www.happify.com/hd/why-friends-make-us-happier/">happiness</a>, and even <a href="https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/the-health-benefits-of-strong-relationships">longevity</a>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">In our spiritual lives, community is just as important. We celebrate sacraments together because we want to share the joy of marriage and baptism with our spiritual companions. We look to others in times of sorrow for comfort and to know that those around us may have experienced something similar.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">In the creation story in Genesis, God creates both Adam and Eve because humans are inherently social beings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote {"className":""} --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>The Lord God said: It is not good for the man to be alone</em>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --><cite>Genesis 2:18</cite></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:buttons {"className":"wp-block-button is-style-fill","layout":{"type":"flex","justifyContent":"center","orientation":"horizontal"}} --> <div class="wp-block-buttons wp-block-button is-style-fill"><!-- wp:button {"backgroundColor":"hallow-purple","textColor":"pale-purple","className":"is-style-fill"} --> <div class="wp-block-button is-style-fill"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-pale-purple-color has-hallow-purple-background-color has-text-color has-background wp-element-button" href="https://hallow.onelink.me/Q25Y/mentalhealthblog" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pray with Hallow</a></div> <!-- /wp:button --></div> <!-- /wp:buttons --> <!-- wp:separator {"opacity":"css"} --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-css-opacity"/> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">The Hallow app can be an important tool for building a personal prayer practice, but we also have several tools designed to build a prayer community and unite together.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><a href="https://hallow.app/community">Community Challenges</a></strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Throughout the year, we host Community Challenges that invite our users to pray together in a particular type of prayer. Most recently, we prayed together with Chika Anyanwu <a href="https://hallow.com/challenges/22">the Holy Spirit Novena</a> to prepare for Pentecost. Right now, you can <a href="https://hallow.com/challenges/23">join the Sacred Heart Novena</a> with Jonathan Roumie. The Community Challenges unite us as one Church in prayer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><a href="https://hallow.app/groups">Family Groups</a></strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Did you know you can create your own family or group in the Hallow app? You can invite your friends and family to join you in a private space where you can share reflections on the sessions and ask for prayers from your group. (You can also schedule prayers for your family to pray together - simply select “schedule session” then choose the time and the Hallow Family.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><a href="https://hallow.app/prayers/7000">Family Prayers</a></strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">The app includes three prayers specifically designed for families to pray together - in the Morning, at Dinner, and in the Evening. Each of these are meant to be prayed together out loud, and we’ve included the opportunity to discuss together afterwards as well. Building a habit of praying together can strengthen your relationship with your family and open the door for further discussion and journeying as a group. (Family prayers can be found in the app under ‘Dailies.’)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><strong><a href="mailto:community@hallow.app">Hallow Partnerships</a></strong></strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">We know that there are many communities praying together who use Hallow and have drawn closer together through prayer. We partner with schools, parishes, and other communities to help support their prayer life with Hallow accounts, events, trainings, and more. These community partnerships are an important part of our mission of one million people praying every day. (Interested in learning more? Reach out at community@hallow.app or read about our <a href="https://hallow.com/hallow-for-educators/">Educator program</a> and <a href="http://hallow.com/hallow-for-schools">School Partnerships</a>.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator {"opacity":"css"} --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-css-opacity"/> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Wherever you are in your prayer journey, and whatever may be working through in your personal mental health, we believe that those around you can be an important source of strength, wisdom, and inspiration. The Hallow family is always here for you, and we continue to pray for each and every one of our users.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">We hope you’ll pray with us!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:buttons {"layout":{"type":"flex","justifyContent":"center","orientation":"horizontal"}} --> <div class="wp-block-buttons"><!-- wp:button {"backgroundColor":"hallow-purple","textColor":"pale-purple","className":"is-style-fill"} --> <div class="wp-block-button is-style-fill"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-pale-purple-color has-hallow-purple-background-color has-text-color has-background wp-element-button" href="https://hallow.onelink.me/Q25Y/mentalhealthblog" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pray with Hallow</a></div> <!-- /wp:button --></div> <!-- /wp:buttons --> <!-- wp:separator {"opacity":"css"} --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-css-opacity"/> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em><strong>Note: While prayer is an important part of strong mental health, it is not a standalone solution to severe mental illness such as depression, addiction, severe anxiety, etc. If you are experiencing any of these, we urge you to reach out to a mental health professional in your area.</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:shortcode --> [et_bloom_inline optin_id="optin_1"] <!-- /wp:shortcode --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> [post_title] => Community and Family Prayers for Mental Health Awareness Month [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => community-and-family-prayer-mental-health-awareness-month [to_ping] => [pinged] => https://hallow.com/2021/05/07/mental-health-awareness-2021/ https://hallow.com/2021/05/12/drawing-comfort-from-scripture-mental-health-awareness-month-2021/ [post_modified] => 2024-04-19 16:17:36 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-04-19 16:17:36 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://hallow.com/?p=6839 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw )

WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 6835 [post_author] => 16 [post_date] => 2021-05-27 22:13:53 [post_date_gmt] => 2021-05-27 22:13:53 [post_content] => <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">May is <a href="https://www.mhanational.org/mental-health-month">Mental Health Awareness Month</a>, an initiative that was first started over 60 years ago by <a href="https://www.mhanational.org/">Mental Health America</a>. We’re sharing suggestions for different kinds of prayer that can support a strong spiritual practice and a healthy mental state. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">(See our other posts on&nbsp;<a href="https://hallow.com/blog/mental-health-drawing-comfort-from-scripture/">Mental Health &amp; Lectio Divina</a>&nbsp;and <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/mental-health-praying-with-saints/">Mental Health &amp; Praying with Saints</a>.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-the-examen/">The Examen</a> is a type of prayer in which we are invited to reflect on our day and identify moments, places, people, and experiences in which we experienced God. We also spend time thinking about tomorrow and where the Spirit may be leading us. It was described by St. Ignatius of Loyola in his <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/ignatian-spirituality-and-the-spiritual-exercises/">Spiritual Exercises</a> and is practiced by many Christians today. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><a href="https://hallow.com/saints/ignatius-loyola/">St. Ignatius</a> believed that the Examen was a gift from God to be shared as widely as possible. In fact, he believed so strongly in its impact on our lives that in founding the Jesuits, he made praying the Examen a <strong>daily requirement</strong> for the entire order.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">He may have been on to something. In addition to helping us feel close to God and finding God in all things in our lives, a daily habit of reflection can be incredibly powerful in strengthening our mental health. In particular, <a href="https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_gratitude_changes_you_and_your_brain" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">several studies</a> have linked a practice of gratitude, a key part of the Examen, with <a href="https://namica.org/blog/the-impact-of-gratitude-on-mental-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">improved mental health</a>. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Our daily lives are full of ups and downs, and by reflecting on the moments as a whole, we are able to contextualize challenges and setbacks within the broader context of our lives and God’s presence. Practicing the Examen daily helps us to identify <em>both</em> the good and the bad. It then helps us to release ourselves from guilt, shame, or sorrow, and look forward to what is coming.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">You can find the Examen in the "Dailies" section on Hallow. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:buttons {"className":"wp-block-button is-style-fill","layout":{"type":"flex","justifyContent":"center","orientation":"horizontal"}} --> <div class="wp-block-buttons wp-block-button is-style-fill"><!-- wp:button {"backgroundColor":"hallow-purple","textColor":"pale-purple","className":"is-style-fill"} --> <div class="wp-block-button is-style-fill"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-pale-purple-color has-hallow-purple-background-color has-text-color has-background wp-element-button" href="https://hallow.onelink.me/Q25Y/mentalhealthblog" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pray the Examen with Hallow</a></div> <!-- /wp:button --></div> <!-- /wp:buttons --> <!-- wp:separator {"opacity":"css"} --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-css-opacity"/> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-steps-to-the-examen">Steps to the Examen</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-prayer">Prayer</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Entering into prayer, we invite God into our daily lives. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-thanksgiving">Thanksgiving </h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">In starting each Examen with thanksgiving, we remind ourselves that God desires the best for us. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reviewing">Reviewing</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">In reviewing our day, we practice reflection and notice the Spirit’s presence where we otherwise may have missed it. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-responding">Responding </h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">By responding to God, we grow closer to God in a deeply personal way. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-forward">Looking Forward</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Looking forward, we remind ourselves that tomorrow is a new day, and God is with us, always.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator {"opacity":"css"} --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-css-opacity"/> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">The Examen can be adapted in many ways to help us reflect on our lives within our worldly context. For example, try an Examen focused on <a href="https://jesuitseastois.org/news-feed/emerging-from-covid-an-examen">Life After COVID-19</a> and where the Spirit is leading us from here. Or perhaps you’d like to try the Examen as a family - try adapting the prayer for <a href="https://www.dsj.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/STF-Daily-Examen-for-Families.pdf">Children and Teens</a>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Whatever you may be going through, doing an Examen can help you see God’s presence in your life. Practicing the Examen daily is an incredibly grounding habit that helps to build a solid foundation of strong mental health through prayer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:buttons {"layout":{"type":"flex","justifyContent":"center","orientation":"horizontal"}} --> <div class="wp-block-buttons"><!-- wp:button {"backgroundColor":"hallow-purple","textColor":"pale-purple","className":"is-style-fill"} --> <div class="wp-block-button is-style-fill"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-pale-purple-color has-hallow-purple-background-color has-text-color has-background wp-element-button" href="https://hallow.onelink.me/Q25Y/mentalhealthblog" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pray the Examen with Hallow</a></div> <!-- /wp:button --></div> <!-- /wp:buttons --> <!-- wp:separator {"opacity":"css"} --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-css-opacity"/> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em><strong>Note: While prayer is an important part of strong mental health, it is not a standalone solution to severe mental illness such as depression, addiction, severe anxiety, etc. If you are experiencing any of these, we urge you to reach out to a mental health professional in your area.</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:shortcode --> [et_bloom_inline optin_id="optin_1"] <!-- /wp:shortcode --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> [post_title] => Mental Health and the Examen [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => mental-health-the-examen [to_ping] => [pinged] => https://hallow.com/2021/05/07/mental-health-awareness-2021/ https://hallow.com/2021/05/12/drawing-comfort-from-scripture-mental-health-awareness-month-2021/ [post_modified] => 2024-07-24 17:25:08 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-07-24 17:25:08 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://hallow.com/?p=6835 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw )

WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 6833 [post_author] => 18 [post_date] => 2021-05-26 14:27:13 [post_date_gmt] => 2021-05-26 14:27:13 [post_content] => <!-- wp:paragraph {"align":"right","className":"","fontSize":"normal"} --> <p class="has-text-align-right has-normal-font-size"><em><strong>“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him.”&nbsp;</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"align":"right","className":"","fontSize":"normal"} --> <p class="has-text-align-right has-normal-font-size"><em><strong>Psalm 37:7&nbsp;</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Most Wednesdays, Pope Francis holds a General Audience at the Vatican. For several months, he has spoken on the <a href="https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/resource/55436/what-is-catechesis">catechesis</a> of prayer. On Wednesday, April 28th, Pope Francis gave the 31st audience of this catechesis, and he focused on something near and dear to us at Hallow: meditation.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">You can read the full audience transcript <a href="http://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/audiences/2021/documents/papa-francesco_20210428_udienza-generale.html">here</a>, or watch the video recording <a href="https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/events/event.dir.html/content/vaticanevents/en/2021/4/28/udienzagenerale.html">here</a>, but we are sharing <strong>three key takeaways</strong> from Pope Francis, applicable to your prayer life and time spent in <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-christian-meditation/">meditation</a> with the Hallow App. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"","fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><em>“</em></strong><strong><em>We all need to meditate, to reflect, to discover ourselves, it is a human dynamic.” - Pope Francis</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":"","fontSize":"normal"} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading has-normal-font-size" id="h-1-catholic-meditation-leads-us-outside-of-ourselves"><strong>1. Catholic meditation leads us outside of ourselves</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">It is so easy to rush through the day, hurrying from one place to another. Pope Francis asks us to slow down, take a breath, and be still. “We have an inner life that cannot always be trampled on.” In these moments, when we tend to our inner life, we are meditating on something greater than and outside of ourselves: our Creator. Pope Francis tells us, “For us Christians, meditating is a way to encounter Jesus. And in this way, only in this way, we rediscover ourselves.” Catholic meditation leads us not only into introspection but more so to the true knowledge of Christ.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":"","fontSize":"normal"} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading has-normal-font-size" id="h-2-meditation-is-a-dialogue"><strong>2. Meditation is a dialogue</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Meditation is a method of prayer which allows us to quiet our thoughts and connect with the Creator. It helps us realize that we are always in the presence of Christ, no matter where we are or what time it is. “Every moment of Jesus’ earthly life, through the grace of prayer, can become immediate to us, thanks to the Holy Spirit, the guide,” Pope Francis shares with us. As we enter this peaceful state, we also enter into dialogue with Christ. In further explanation, “The prayer of the Christian is first of all an encounter with the Other, with a capital “O”: the transcendent encounter with God.”&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":"","fontSize":"normal"} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading has-normal-font-size" id="h-3-meditation-is-a-journey-nbsp"><strong>3. Meditation is a journey&nbsp;</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Pope Francis explains, “the methods of meditation are paths to travel in order to arrive at the encounter with Jesus.” Different methods work better for different people. For example, you may best encounter Christ by meditating on sacred art or scripture through <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-lectio-divina/">Lectio Divina</a>, but others might prefer to pray <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray/-with-music/">with music</a> or <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-with-music/">the Rosary</a> with Our Lady. Thankfully, we don’t make this journey alone — the Holy Spirit is always with us!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">When we meditate, we learn more about ourselves and our relationship with Christ. Christian meditation is a method to lead us outside of ourselves, on a journey to Christ through constant dialogue with him.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">If meditation is a new part of your prayer routine, get started with Hallow’s <a href="https://hallow.app/chapters/11">Intro Challenge</a> after downloading the app. We guide you through different kinds of Christian meditation, including Lectio Divina and <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-the-examen/">the Examen</a>, to sit in silence with God and grow closer to Him. We hope to pray with you soon! </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/blogdownload">Start Meditating with Hallow</a></div> <!-- /wp:button --></div> <!-- /wp:buttons --> <!-- wp:spacer {"height":"40px"} --> <div style="height:40px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div> <!-- /wp:spacer --> [post_title] => 3 Takeaways from Pope Francis on Christian Meditation [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => 3-takeaways-from-pope-francis-on-christian-meditation [to_ping] => [pinged] => https://hallow.com/2019/09/07/how-to-pray-christian-meditation/ https://hallow.com/2020/01/09/how-to-pray-lectio-divina/ https://hallow.com/2020/12/14/how-to-pray-with-music/ https://hallow.com/2019/09/13/how-to-pray-the-examen/ https://hallow.com/2019/09/23/how-to-pray-the-rosary/ [post_modified] => 2024-09-18 21:19:28 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-09-18 21:19:28 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://hallow.com/?p=6833 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw )

WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 6735 [post_author] => 16 [post_date] => 2021-05-19 23:07:07 [post_date_gmt] => 2021-05-19 23:07:07 [post_content] => <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">May is <a href="https://www.mhanational.org/mental-health-month">Mental Health Awareness Month</a>, an initiative that was first started over 60 years ago by <a href="https://www.mhanational.org/">Mental Health America</a>. We’re sharing suggestions for different kinds of prayer that can support a strong spiritual practice and a healthy mental state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">(See our other posts on <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/mental-health-drawing-comfort-from-scripture/">Mental Health &amp; Lectio Divina</a> and Mental Health &amp; the Examen.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-with-saints/">Praying with the saints</a> is one type of prayer to support strong mental health.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">One of the most important aspects of building and maintaining strong mental health is having a community around us to draw strength from and turn to for examples. In addition to our personal communities here on earth - our friends, families, colleagues, and loved ones - we, as Catholics, can turn to the saints as our heavenly companions as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Praying with the saints, and asking saints to pray for us, reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles. Whatever you may be dealing with or working through right now, chances are there is a Saint who experienced something similar. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">You can turn to a saint with a similar experience (or any saint) to ask for their prayers and look to them for inspiration and guidance on how to grow closer to God even amidst your own struggles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:buttons {"className":"wp-block-button is-style-fill","layout":{"type":"flex","justifyContent":"center","orientation":"horizontal"}} --> <div class="wp-block-buttons wp-block-button is-style-fill"><!-- wp:button {"backgroundColor":"hallow-purple","textColor":"pale-purple","className":"is-style-fill"} --> <div class="wp-block-button is-style-fill"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-pale-purple-color has-hallow-purple-background-color has-text-color has-background wp-element-button" href="https://hallow.onelink.me/Q25Y/mentalhealthblog" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pray with Hallow</a></div> <!-- /wp:button --></div> <!-- /wp:buttons --> <!-- wp:separator {"opacity":"css"} --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-css-opacity"/> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-saints-mental-health">Saints: Mental Health</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-saint-dymphna">Saint Dymphna</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><a href="https://hallow.com/saints/dymphna/">Saint Dymphna</a> is the patron saint of mental illness. She was murdered by her own father, who was afflicted with mental illness of his own after his wife’s death. In praying with Saint Dymphna, we ask for her intercession for those who are struggling with anxiety, depression, or any mental struggles, large or small. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>Saint Dymphna, pray for us!</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-saint-oscar-romero">Saint Oscar Romero</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><a href="https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-oscar-arnulfo-romero">Saint Oscar Romero</a> was diagnosed late in his life with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). In a time when mental health and mental illness were not often discussed, he was willing to visit a psychiatrist and work through his diagnosis while also continuing to serve his community in El Salvador. In praying with Saint Oscar Romero, we ask for his intercession for all who suffer from chronic conditions, and we look to him for strength and confidence in our vocations, despite struggles. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>Saint Oscar Romero, pray for us!</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-saint-francis-de-sales">Saint Francis de Sales</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">When <a href="https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-francis-de-sales">Saint Francis de Sales</a> was 19 and studying at the University, he struggled with depression that was rooted in a feeling of hopelessness and lack of meaning in his own life. Upon overcoming his depression, he devoted himself to God, and it was this experience that helped clarify his calling to the priesthood. In praying with Saint Francis de Sales, we ask for his intercession for those who are depressed and who doubt God’s presence in their lives. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>Saint Francis de Sales, pray for us!&nbsp;</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator {"opacity":"css"} --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-css-opacity"/> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">There are many more saints whose examples can inspire us to turn to God as we work to build and maintain a strong mental state.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">In the Hallow App, we have Daily Saint sessions that include a background on a specific Saint, then a prayer, quotation, poem, or hymn written by them. This is a great place to start drawing on their examples for your own life! You can also check out our shorter Saints Challenge, where we meditate on the lives and writings of some of Christianity’s most famous saints, or our Saints Prayers Praylist in the Sleep section of the App.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">We invite you to join us in praying with these incredible men and women who inspire us to lead more saintly lives.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:buttons {"layout":{"type":"flex","justifyContent":"center","orientation":"horizontal"}} --> <div class="wp-block-buttons"><!-- wp:button {"backgroundColor":"hallow-purple","textColor":"pale-purple","className":"is-style-fill"} --> <div class="wp-block-button is-style-fill"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-pale-purple-color has-hallow-purple-background-color has-text-color has-background wp-element-button" href="https://hallow.onelink.me/Q25Y/mentalhealthblog" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pray with Hallow</a></div> <!-- /wp:button --></div> <!-- /wp:buttons --> <!-- wp:heading {"textAlign":"center","className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center" id="h-saint-teresa-of-avila-s-prayer-for-peace"><strong>Saint Teresa of Avila’s Prayer for Peace</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"align":"center","className":""} --> <p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Let nothing disturb you,&nbsp;</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"align":"center","className":""} --> <p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Let nothing frighten you,&nbsp;</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"align":"center","className":""} --> <p class="has-text-align-center"><em>All things are passing away:&nbsp;</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"align":"center","className":""} --> <p class="has-text-align-center"><em>God never changes.&nbsp;</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"align":"center","className":""} --> <p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Patience obtains all things</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"align":"center","className":""} --> <p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Whoever has God lacks nothing;&nbsp;</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"align":"center","className":""} --> <p class="has-text-align-center"><em>God alone suffices.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator {"opacity":"css"} --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-css-opacity"/> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em><strong>Note: While prayer is an important part of strong mental health, it is not a standalone solution to severe mental illness such as depression, addiction, severe anxiety, etc. If you are experiencing any of these, we urge you to reach out to a mental health professional in your area.</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:shortcode --> [et_bloom_inline optin_id="optin_1"] <!-- /wp:shortcode --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-resources">More Resources</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list {"className":""} --> <ul class=""><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/scripture/bible-verses-for-depression/">Bible Verses for Depression</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/scripture/bible-verses-for-loneliness/">Bible Verses for Loneliness </a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/scripture/bible-verses-for-mental-health/">Bible Verses for Mental Health</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> [post_title] => Mental Health and Praying with Saints [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => mental-health-praying-with-saints [to_ping] => [pinged] => https://hallow.com/2021/05/07/mental-health-awareness-2021/ https://hallow.com/2021/05/12/drawing-comfort-from-scripture-mental-health-awareness-month-2021/ [post_modified] => 2024-05-16 15:10:47 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-05-16 15:10:47 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://hallow.com/?p=6735 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw )

WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 6609 [post_author] => 16 [post_date] => 2021-05-12 18:35:55 [post_date_gmt] => 2021-05-12 18:35:55 [post_content] => <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">May is <a href="https://www.mhanational.org/mental-health-month">Mental Health Awareness Month</a>, an initiative that was first started over 60 years ago by <a href="https://www.mhanational.org/">Mental Health America</a>. We’re sharing suggestions for different kinds of prayer that can support a strong spiritual practice and a healthy mental state. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">(See our other posts on&nbsp;<a href="https://hallow.com/blog/mental-health-praying-with-saints/">Mental Health &amp; Saints</a> and <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/mental-health-the-examen/">Mental Health &amp; the Examen</a>.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-lectio-divina/">Lectio Divina</a> is a type of prayer in which we slowly read a passage from Scripture; it’s Latin for “divine reading.” By rooting prayer in God’s word, we can take comfort in knowing that He accompanies us on any journey, including strengthening our mental health.&nbsp; </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">With this prayer method, we pay close attention to what stands out to us in a passage, bringing our thoughts and emotions to God. It’s a way for us to spend intentional time with God’s word and build mental fortitude by trusting in God and turning to Him in times of pain.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Throughout Scripture, God reminds us that we are not expected to be perfect. Challenges, setbacks, struggles, and disappointments are all part of our human experience. Also, part of our human experience is learning how to live with and work through these challenges, which is why we have professionals like therapists, mental health counselors, spiritual directors, life coaches, and other individuals who are important companions when we are struggling.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Lectio Divina can be done with any scripture passage. Here are a few of our suggestions: </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="">Lectio Divina: Book of Job</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Consider praying with the book of Job, whose anguish and pain was so deep and constant, and yet who trusted in God’s will.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>“He said, ‘Naked I came forth from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I go back there. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord!’ In all this Job did not sin, nor did he charge God with wrong.”</em> (Job 1:21-21)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="">Lectio Divina: Psalms </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Praying with the Psalms remind us that God is with us at all times and can be a source of comfort in times of joy as well as in times of sorrow.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>“The righteous cry out, the Lord hears and he rescues them from all their afflictions. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted, saves those whose spirit is crushed.”</em> (Psalms 34:18-19)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="">Lectio Divina: Gospels</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Throughout the Gospels, Jesus teaches us to be patient and trust in the Lord, especially when we feel anxious or uncertain.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>“Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil.”</em> (Matthew 6:34)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>“I have told you this so that you might have peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world.”</em> (John 16:33)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Read more: <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-the-gospels/">How to Pray with the Gospels</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator {"opacity":"css"} --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-css-opacity"/> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">While prayer alone is not a remedy for mental health challenges or severe mental health illness, Lectio Divina is an important tool for strengthening our relationship with God, which in turn helps us build strong mental health. When we struggle, understanding through Scripture that God is with us can give us the trust and confidence to ask for help when we need it.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Ready to get started? The Hallow app includes numerous Lectio Divina sessions - including the Daily Gospel, which is a great way to begin.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:buttons {"layout":{"type":"flex","justifyContent":"center","orientation":"horizontal"}} --> <div class="wp-block-buttons"><!-- wp:button {"backgroundColor":"hallow-purple","textColor":"pale-purple","className":"is-style-fill"} --> <div class="wp-block-button is-style-fill"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-pale-purple-color has-hallow-purple-background-color has-text-color has-background wp-element-button" href="https://hallow.onelink.me/Q25Y/mentalhealthblog" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pray with Hallow</a></div> <!-- /wp:button --></div> <!-- /wp:buttons --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong>RELATED:</strong> <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/prayers-for-anxiety/">Prayers for Anxiety</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator {"opacity":"css"} --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-css-opacity"/> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em><strong>Note: While prayer is an important part of strong mental health, it is not a standalone solution to severe mental illness such as depression, addiction, severe anxiety, etc. If you are experiencing any of these, we urge you to reach out to a mental health professional in your area.</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:shortcode --> [et_bloom_inline optin_id="optin_1"] <!-- /wp:shortcode --> [post_title] => Mental Health and Drawing Comfort from Scripture [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => mental-health-drawing-comfort-from-scripture [to_ping] => [pinged] => https://hallow.com/2021/05/07/mental-health-awareness-2021/ https://hallow.com/2021/07/16/prayers-for-anxiety/ [post_modified] => 2023-05-03 19:10:02 [post_modified_gmt] => 2023-05-03 19:10:02 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://hallow.com/?p=6609 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw )

WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 6571 [post_author] => 16 [post_date] => 2021-05-07 16:55:24 [post_date_gmt] => 2021-05-07 16:55:24 [post_content] => <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">May is <a href="https://www.mhanational.org/mental-health-month">Mental Health Awareness Month</a>, an initiative that was first started over 60 years ago by <a href="https://www.mhanational.org/">Mental Health America</a>. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Each year, organizations across the country and the world participate by sharing resources, stories, and tools to support increased mental health awareness throughout the population. This year, Hallow is proud to participate by supporting our community in strengthening their mental health.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">At Hallow, we believe that prayer can and should be an integral part of a mental health practice. God calls us to share our gifts and talents with the world, and the best way to do that is by starting from a position of strong spiritual <em>and </em>mental health.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">In fact, <a href="https://psychcentral.com/blog/spirituality-and-prayer-relieve-stress#1">several research studies</a> have shown that a routine prayer practice can have measurable effects on a person’s <a href="https://nyulangone.org/news/brain-images-reveal-first-physical-evidence-prayers-reduce-cravings-alcoholics-anonymous-members">resilience</a>, happiness, and performance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Below, you'll find several different prayer techniques and spiritual practices that can help contribute to your goal of strengthening your mental health through a personal relationship with God, wherever you may be on that journey.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":5,"className":""} --> <h5 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lectio-divina-draw-wisdom-and-strength-from-god-s-word"><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/drawing-comfort-from-scripture-mental-health-awareness-month-2021/">Lectio Divina</a>: draw wisdom and strength from God’s word</h5> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>Peace I leave you, My peace I give you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, nor fearful.</em> (John 14:7)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":5,"className":""} --> <h5 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-praying-with-saints-learn-from-holy-men-and-women-who-had-mental-health-challenges-of-their-own"><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/praying-with-saints-mental-health-awareness-month-2021/">Praying with Saints</a>: learn from holy men and women who had mental health challenges of their own</h5> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>“God, whose very own you are, will lead you safely through all things; and when you cannot stand it, God will carry you in His arms.” - St. Francis de Sales</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":5,"className":""} --> <h5 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-examen-spend-time-each-day-reflecting-on-god-s-presence-in-your-life"><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/the-examen-mental-health-awareness-month-2021/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Examen</a>: spend time each day reflecting on God’s presence in your life</h5> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>Where has God been present today? What are you looking forward to tomorrow?</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":5,"className":""} --> <h5 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community-and-family-prayer">Community and Family prayer</h5> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>Build accountability and support by sharing your prayer practice with those around you.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">We are excited to pray with you during Mental Health Awareness Month this year. As with any prayer journey, the first step is collecting yourself in the present and asking God to join you. The Hallow team has <a href="http://hallow.com/prayer">written a prayer</a> to help you do just that. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator {"opacity":"css"} --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-css-opacity"/> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"align":"center","className":""} --> <p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Dear Lord, Thank you for being with me always.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"align":"center","className":""} --> <p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Help me quiet my mind and heart so that I can hear your voice and follow your will.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"align":"center","className":""} --> <p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Extend your grace into the busyness of my life, so that I may learn to be still and notice your presence.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"align":"center","className":""} --> <p class="has-text-align-center"><em>I pray for the courage to come to you, to share my burdens, and to listen to your voice.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"align":"center","className":""} --> <p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Help me trust in you so that you can hallow my life.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"align":"center","className":""} --> <p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Amen.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator {"opacity":"css"} --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-css-opacity"/> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:buttons {"layout":{"type":"flex","justifyContent":"center","orientation":"horizontal"}} --> <div class="wp-block-buttons"><!-- wp:button {"backgroundColor":"hallow-purple","textColor":"pale-purple","className":"is-style-fill"} --> <div class="wp-block-button is-style-fill"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-pale-purple-color has-hallow-purple-background-color has-text-color has-background wp-element-button" href="https://hallow.onelink.me/Q25Y/mentalhealthblog" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pray with Hallow</a></div> <!-- /wp:button --></div> <!-- /wp:buttons --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em><strong>Note: While prayer is an important part of strong mental health, it is not a standalone solution to severe mental illness such as depression, addiction, severe anxiety, etc. If you are experiencing any of these, we urge you to reach out to a mental health professional in your area.</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:shortcode --> [et_bloom_inline optin_id="optin_1"] <!-- /wp:shortcode --> [post_title] => Mental Health Awareness Month 2024 [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => mental-health-awareness-month [to_ping] => [pinged] => https://hallow.com/2021/05/12/drawing-comfort-from-scripture-mental-health-awareness-month-2021/ [post_modified] => 2024-04-19 16:01:34 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-04-19 16:01:34 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://hallow.com/?p=6571 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw )

WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 6385 [post_author] => 3 [post_date] => 2021-04-15 12:43:52 [post_date_gmt] => 2021-04-15 12:43:52 [post_content] => <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">My story is not all that uncommon. I was raised Catholic, but fell away from my faith. I would’ve probably called myself agnostic or atheist for most of my adult life. When I began my career, I became fascinated with meditation. It was the early days of Headspace, but I began using it regularly along with the other popular meditation app Calm, and though I liked them, always felt like something was missing - like I was being pulled towards something deeper.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">I began to ask around and, to my surprise, began to discover the deep, meditative, and contemplative tradition within the Catholic Church - traditions that are hundreds, if not thousands of years old. Techniques like Lectio Divina, the Ignatian Examen, Carmelite Spirituality, Gregorian Chant, and Liturgy of the Hours. Methods through which you meditate on, instead of just the breath, words from Scripture, God’s presence in your life, or spiritual images or scenes.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">I sat down one day, googled how to do Lectio Divina, opened up Scripture to a random page, and ended up meditating on the word “Hallow” in the Our Father. It changed my life. It brought me to tears, to the deepest sense of peace and meaning I’d ever experienced, and passionately back to my Catholic faith and to the Church.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">This is the idea behind Hallow: to find a way to share the beauty, peace, and power of the Church’s spirituality with the world. We believe that this spirituality has the potential to radically change our lives. To lead us to real peace, purpose, love, and to a real relationship with God. And we believe that if we’re able to combine this beautiful spirituality with the world-class technology &amp; design it deserves, it might not just bring peace to our lives, but to the world.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">And what more important time than now? We are in a broken world. One of disease, division, anger, hate, stress, anxiety, death and suffering. After a long year we are tired and weary. We’re searching, now more than ever, for peace and for hope.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">We don’t claim to have all of the answers, just that we’ve got a pretty good idea on where to start:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote {"className":""} --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><p><em><em>“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”</em></em></p><cite>Matthew 11:28</cite></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">In December of 2018, by the grace of God, we launched Hallow: a Catholic prayer and meditation app. The app has over 1,000+ meditations with everything from meditations on the Daily Gospel or Rosary, to Bible Stories by folks like Jonathan Roumie to help calm your mind at night, to beautiful relaxing hymns and chant, to Bible Studies like Fr. Mike Schmitz’s <em>Bible in a Year</em>. You simply open up the app, pick your guide, choose your length (anything from 1 minute to an hour), press play, and close your eyes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Over the last two years, but especially during COVID, we’ve seen extraordinary growth. Before the pandemic, a little over a year after our launch, we had around 500,000 prayers completed through the app, but over the last year that number has grown to almost 10 million. The pandemic has been such a difficult time for so many, and what we’re seeing is a ton of folks really searching for a sense of peace amidst all of the pain, and we’ve been humbled that the app has been able to help them find it in God:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote {"className":""} --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><p><em><em><em>“This app has been an answer for my weary soul. Tears pour as I try to impress on you how deeply I am impacted by the guidance into simply being with God. This is where my soul is finding peace for the very first time.”</em></em></em></p></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:quote {"className":""} --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><p><em><em><em><em>"I hate quoting an old, overused cliche, but I’ve been very lost. And I think for the first time in a while I may be found."</em></em></em></em></p></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:quote {"className":""} --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><p><em><em><em><em>"Hallow has been a miracle in my life and has made returning to the faith so much easier"</em></em></em></em></p></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">We’ve also focused intently on how to build community into the Hallow experience. It’s incredibly important to journey through our faith lives together, so we’ve created things in the app like community prayer challenges that we all journey through each month together, and private Hallow family groups that you can create with your friends, parish, or Bible study to share intentions, reflections, and prayers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">The Hallow community is growing incredibly quickly and everyday we get a ton of requests from our Hallow community members for more beautiful prayer and meditation content, more ways to connect as a community, more partnerships with amazing Catholic creators, and for more language and guide options.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Today, we’re excited to share that we’ve partnered with Katherine Boyle, an incredible, mission-driven investor at General Catalyst, to lead a new round of funding for Hallow of just over $12M. With this new Series A funding, we’re thrilled to be able to invest in more Hallow content, to continue to build out a world-class, mission-driven team (<a href="https://jobs.lever.co/hallow">we’re hiring!!</a>), and to invest in reaching out to a broader audience of folks, not just those who go to Mass every week, but to everyone who’s searching for God - especially those who have fallen away from their faith.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Every decision we’ve made, from our <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/why-we-made-hallow-a-public-benefit-corp/">public-benefit corp structure</a> to this new round of financing, has been the result of deep prayer and consultation with our spiritual advisors, to ultimately land on whatever choice we thought would most aid our mission of helping the world to grow closer to God.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">In building Hallow, our goal is to act as a tool for the Church’s mission. We’ll continue to rely heavily on our key partnerships with the Church, and especially on our growing group of advisors, led by Bishop Kevin Rhoades, to make sure that Hallow always stays 100% authentically Catholic and aligned with the Church.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">We believe there are a lot more people out there just like me: searching for a connection to something bigger, for a deeper sense of peace, or for a closer relationship with God. If we can help just one of them to start a conversation with God - to discover His love and His peace - it will have all been worth it.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class=""><strong>Some More Quotes from the Hallow Community</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:quote {"className":""} --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><p><em><em><em><em><em>“I’ve felt closer to God than I ever have before”</em></em></em></em></em></p></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:quote {"className":""} --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><p><em><em><em><em><em>“Life chang­ing. Truly awesome.”</em></em></em></em></em></p></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:quote {"className":""} --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><p><em><em><em><em><em>“This prayer app has been a godsend during my current Covid health challenges.”</em></em></em></em></em></p></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:quote {"className":""} --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><p><em><em><em><em><em>“This app shares a fresh, new way to pray. It feels like a new friend to take my hand and pray with me. During this covid19 lockdown, it was just the thing I needed. It feels like a gift from God.”</em></em></em></em></em></p></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:quote {"className":""} --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><p><em><em><em><em><em>“Hallow right now is bringing me back to my faith and I will see where it goes. I abandoned my Catholic upbringing because I struggle with religion being the root of so much division and war in our world. I have been meditating for the last five years and have a daily practice. I’ve just recently introduced Hallow into that daily practice and am taking great comfort in welcoming God back into my life. The last five years my meditation practice has brought great peace and purpose to my life but what I didn’t realize until I started meditating with Hallow is there was also a loneliness that I never notice or named until I started Hallow”</em></em></em></em></em></p></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:quote {"className":""} --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><p><em><em><em><em><em>“I just wanted to thank you for bringing Hallow to my attention. I have been distant from God for many years, and even not believing in him for some of those years. I have been struggling to find my way back to him. Having used Hallow for the past three days has really helped. The first day was a little awkward and hard to sit through, but even with only three days in, I can notice it becoming easier and it is definitely helping me makke time to spend with God and it’s getting me back into a regular prayer routine. Prayer has seemed to be the hardest thing for me to get back into on my journey back to God. It’s good to see technology being used for good. Thank you again brother 🙏.”</em></em></em></em></em></p></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:quote {"className":""} --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><p><em><em><em><em><em>“Hi Hallow team, I subscribed to the app a few months ago and love being led in prayer. My best friend’s brother was recently fighting leukemia for the second time. Their family is Catholic, but not practicing, so they called me to help them with contacting priests for anointing and what not. I gave my best friend the rosary I had on me and sent them the Hallow app to download to help lead them. They prayed frequently, especially in these last couple weeks. My best friend told me that she got to pray a rosary with her brother right before he passed away. I’m telling you this because not only has this app been amazing for my own prayer life, but it has had a profound impact on my friend, her brother, and their family. Thank you so much for what you do, this app has been so amazing since I first tried it.”&nbsp;</em></em></em></em></em></p></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:quote {"className":""} --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><p><em><em><em><em><em>“By far the best app on my phone.”</em></em></em></em></em></p></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> [post_title] => Hallow’s New Funding [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => hallows-new-funding [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2021-04-15 12:43:55 [post_modified_gmt] => 2021-04-15 12:43:55 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://hallow.com/?p=6385 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw )