Blog
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[ID] => 7606
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[post_date] => 2021-06-30 12:32:08
[post_date_gmt] => 2021-06-30 12:32:08
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<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>
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<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>
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<h2 class="">What are the Gospels?</h2>
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<h3 class="">General origin</h3>
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<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>
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<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>
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<h3 class="">Guided by the Holy Spirit </h3>
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<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>
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<p class="">I have said these things to you while I am still with you.<sup> </sup>But the Advocate, 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>
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<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>
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<h3 class="">Synoptic Gospels</h3>
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<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>
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<h4 class="">The Gospel of Matthew</h4>
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<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, the son of David, the son of Abraham” (Matthew 1:1). An angel represents Matthew when he is depicted in art. </p>
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<h4 class="">The Gospel of Mark</h4>
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<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.<sup> </sup>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>
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<h4 class="">The Gospel of Luke</h4>
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<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>
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<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>
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<h2 class="">The fourth Gospel: John</h2>
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<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. He was in the beginning with God. 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>
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<h3 class="">Have you ever wanted to hear Jesus read you the Bible?</h3>
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<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>
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<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>
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<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>
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<h2 class="">Why do we read the Gospels?</h2>
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<h3 class="">The Life of Christ</h3>
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<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>
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<h2 class="">When do we pray with the Gospels?</h2>
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<h3 class="">In Mass </h3>
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<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>
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<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>
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<h3 class="">Daily conversation with God</h3>
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<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>
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<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>
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<h2 class="">How to Pray: The Gospels</h2>
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<h3 class="">First, choose a passage </h3>
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<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>
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<li>Jesus and the Leper (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+1%3A40-45&version=NRSV" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mark 1:40-45</a>)</li>
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<li>The Boy Jesus in the Temple (<a href="http://biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+2%3A41–52&version=NRSV" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Luke 2:41-52</a>)</li>
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<li>Jesus Feed the Five Thousand (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+14%3A13-21&version=NRSV" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Matthew 14:13-21</a>)</li>
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<li>A Man Born Blind Receives Sight (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+9&version=NRSV" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">John 9</a>)</li>
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<li>The Parable of the Good Samaritan (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+10%3A25-37&version=NRSV" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Luke 10:25-37</a>)</li>
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<li>Jesus and the Woman at the Well (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+4&version=NRSV" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">John 4</a>)</li>
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<li>The Beatitudes (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5%3A3-12&version=NRSV" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Matthew 5:13-21</a>)</li>
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<li>The Wedding at Cana (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+2%3A1-11&version=NRSV" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">John 2:1-11</a>)</li>
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<li>Jesus Walks on the Water (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+14%3A22-33&version=NRSV" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Matthew 14:22-33</a>)</li>
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<h3 class="">Second, picture yourself in the moment.</h3>
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<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>
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<li>What does the scene look like?</li>
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<li>Who are you in the scene?</li>
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<li>Are you in nature — besides the water or atop a mountain?</li>
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<li>Are you searching for something? </li>
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<h3 class="">Third, acknowledge what stands out to you.</h3>
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<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>
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<h3 class="">Lastly, rest with Christ. </h3>
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<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>
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<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>
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<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>
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<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>
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[post_title] => How to Pray With the Gospels
[post_excerpt] => Draw closer to Jesus as you meditate on the Gospels.
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[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
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How to Pray With the Gospels
Draw closer to Jesus as you meditate on the Gospels.
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[post_date] => 2021-05-31 16:18:17
[post_date_gmt] => 2021-05-31 16:18:17
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<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>
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<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>
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<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>
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<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>
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<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>
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<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. </p>
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<p class="">In the creation story in Genesis, God creates both Adam and Eve because humans are inherently social beings.</p>
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<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>
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<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>
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<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>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><a href="https://hallow.app/community">Community Challenges</a></strong></h3>
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<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>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><a href="https://hallow.app/groups">Family Groups</a></strong></h3>
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<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>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><a href="https://hallow.app/prayers/7000">Family Prayers</a></strong></h3>
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<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>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><strong><a href="mailto:community@hallow.app">Hallow Partnerships</a></strong></strong></h3>
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<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>
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<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. </p>
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<p class="">We hope you’ll pray with us!</p>
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<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>
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<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>
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[post_title] => Community and Family Prayers for Mental Health Awareness Month
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https://hallow.com/2021/05/12/drawing-comfort-from-scripture-mental-health-awareness-month-2021/
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[post_date] => 2021-05-27 22:13:53
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<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>
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<p class="">(See our other posts on <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/mental-health-drawing-comfort-from-scripture/">Mental Health & Lectio Divina</a> and <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/mental-health-praying-with-saints/">Mental Health & Praying with Saints</a>.)</p>
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<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>
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<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>
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<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>
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<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. </p>
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<p class="">You can find the Examen in the "Dailies" section on Hallow. </p>
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<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>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-steps-to-the-examen">Steps to the Examen</h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-prayer">Prayer</h3>
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<p class="">Entering into prayer, we invite God into our daily lives. </p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-thanksgiving">Thanksgiving </h3>
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<p class="">In starting each Examen with thanksgiving, we remind ourselves that God desires the best for us. </p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reviewing">Reviewing</h3>
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<p class="">In reviewing our day, we practice reflection and notice the Spirit’s presence where we otherwise may have missed it. </p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-responding">Responding </h3>
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<p class="">By responding to God, we grow closer to God in a deeply personal way. </p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-forward">Looking Forward</h3>
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<p class="">Looking forward, we remind ourselves that tomorrow is a new day, and God is with us, always.</p>
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<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>
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<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>
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<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>
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<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>
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[post_title] => Mental Health and the Examen
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https://hallow.com/2021/05/12/drawing-comfort-from-scripture-mental-health-awareness-month-2021/
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[ID] => 6833
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[post_date] => 2021-05-26 14:27:13
[post_date_gmt] => 2021-05-26 14:27:13
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<p class="has-text-align-right has-normal-font-size"><em><strong>“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him.” </strong></em></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-right has-normal-font-size"><em><strong>Psalm 37:7 </strong></em></p>
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<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. </p>
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<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>
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<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>
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<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>
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<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. </p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-normal-font-size" id="h-2-meditation-is-a-dialogue"><strong>2. Meditation is a dialogue</strong></h2>
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<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.” </p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-normal-font-size" id="h-3-meditation-is-a-journey-nbsp"><strong>3. Meditation is a journey </strong></h2>
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<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>
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<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. </p>
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<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>
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<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>
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[post_title] => 3 Takeaways from Pope Francis on Christian Meditation
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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/
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[ID] => 6735
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[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>
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<p class="">(See our other posts on <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/mental-health-drawing-comfort-from-scripture/">Mental Health & Lectio Divina</a> and Mental Health & the Examen.)</p>
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<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>
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<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>
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<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>
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<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>
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<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>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-saints-mental-health">Saints: Mental Health</h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-saint-dymphna">Saint Dymphna</h3>
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<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>
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<p class=""><em>Saint Dymphna, pray for us!</em></p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-saint-oscar-romero">Saint Oscar Romero</h3>
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<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>
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<p class=""><em>Saint Oscar Romero, pray for us!</em></p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-saint-francis-de-sales">Saint Francis de Sales</h3>
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<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>
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<p class=""><em>Saint Francis de Sales, pray for us! </em></p>
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<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. </p>
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<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. </p>
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<p class="">We invite you to join us in praying with these incredible men and women who inspire us to lead more saintly lives. </p>
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<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>
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<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>
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<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Let nothing disturb you, </em></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
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<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Let nothing frighten you, </em></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>All things are passing away: </em></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>God never changes. </em></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Patience obtains all things</em></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
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<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Whoever has God lacks nothing; </em></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
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<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>God alone suffices.</em></p>
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<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>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-resources">More Resources</h2>
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<!-- 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 -->
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<li><a href="https://hallow.com/scripture/bible-verses-for-loneliness/">Bible Verses for Loneliness </a></li>
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<li><a href="https://hallow.com/scripture/bible-verses-for-mental-health/">Bible Verses for Mental Health</a></li>
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<!-- /wp:list -->
[post_title] => Mental Health and Praying with Saints
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https://hallow.com/2021/05/12/drawing-comfort-from-scripture-mental-health-awareness-month-2021/
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[post_date] => 2021-05-12 18:35:55
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<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 -->
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<p class="">(See our other posts on <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/mental-health-praying-with-saints/">Mental Health & Saints</a> and <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/mental-health-the-examen/">Mental Health & the Examen</a>.)</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
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<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. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
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<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>
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<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. </p>
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<p class="">Lectio Divina can be done with any scripture passage. Here are a few of our suggestions: </p>
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<!-- 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. </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>
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<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 -->
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<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 -->
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<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>
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<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>
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<hr class="wp-block-separator has-css-opacity"/>
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<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 -->
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[post_title] => Mental Health and Drawing Comfort from Scripture
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https://hallow.com/2021/07/16/prayers-for-anxiety/
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[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>
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<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 -->
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<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. </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>
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<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 -->
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<hr class="wp-block-separator has-css-opacity"/>
<!-- /wp:separator -->
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<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>
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[post_title] => Mental Health Awareness Month 2024
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https://hallow.com/2021/05/12/drawing-comfort-from-scripture-mental-health-awareness-month-2021/
[post_modified] => 2024-04-19 16:01:34
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[ID] => 6385
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[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. </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. </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 & design it deserves, it might not just bring peace to our lives, but to the world. </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. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
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<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>
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<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>
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<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.” </em></em></em></em></em></p></blockquote>
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<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>
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<p class="">Just as we pray with friends, we can also pray with the Saints; they desire to help us draw closer to God.</p>
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<p class=""><em>“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a </em><strong><em>cloud of witnesses</em></strong><em>, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us…”</em> </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph --><cite>Hebrews 12:1</cite></blockquote>
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<p class="">When you recite the <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-divine-mercy-chaplet/"><em>Hail Mary</em></a> or the <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray/-divine-mercy-chaplet/"><em>Divine Mercy Chaplet</em></a>, did you know you’re praying with the Saints? Mary, Queen of All Saints, and St. Faustina, to be exact. When we call on the venerated to support us in our prayer or recite their words to grow closer to God, we take part in the communion of the faithful in Heaven; our earthly realm moves beyond itself to experience that of the holy realm above. </p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-makes-someone-a-saint-nbsp"><strong>What makes someone a saint? </strong></h2>
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<p class="">As Christians, we believe it is our calling to become saints. The <a href="https://www.usccb.org/offices/public-affairs/saints" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">USCCB</a> explains that saints are people in heaven who lived virtuous, heroic, and selfless lives or suffered martyrdom for the sake of our faith. </p>
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<p class="">Officially, a capital-S “Saint” is someone who the Church has deemed worthy of imitation and honor for their <a href="https://www.usccb.org/offices/public-affairs/saints" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>heroically virtuous life</em>.</a> But this isn’t a simple process. It takes years and the testimony of many people to declare a person’s sainthood; you can read about the process <a href="https://www.usccb.org/offices/public-affairs/saints" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>. If you aren't familiar with many Saints, here are a few of our favorites at Hallow — they continue teaching us how to pray!</p>
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<p class="">Most important to understand, however, is that Saints lived their earthly lives out of utmost love for their communities — some in service, some in prayer, and some in martyrdom. This love for their communities doesn’t stop at the end of their earthly lives. Rather, it is eternal. </p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-should-we-pray-with-the-saints"><strong>Why should we pray with the Saints?</strong></h2>
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<p class="">Saints were people like us who truly <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/the-hallow-story/">hallowed</a> (made holy) their lives. </p>
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<p class="">The saints have always been the source and origin of renewal in the most difficult moments in the Church’s history.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph --><cite>Saint (Pope) John Paul II</cite></blockquote>
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<p class="">Just as we don’t take on a big job without training or start a game without reading the instructions, the Saints serve as our guides in praising God, sharing our thankfulness, and easing our worries with their intercession. The word <a href="https://www.etymonline.com/word/intercession" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">“intercession</a>” stems from the Latin verb <em>intercedere</em> meaning “intervene, come between, be between.” <strong>We aren’t praying <em>to</em> the Saints but <em>with </em>them. </strong>And they’re always available — even at 4 a.m. when you can’t sleep. </p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-which-saints-should-i-get-to-know">Which Saints should I get to know?</h2>
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<p class="">If you aren't familiar with many Saints, here are a few of our favorites at Hallow — they were true "prayer warriors" and continue teaching us <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray/">how to pray</a>. You can find prayers from each of these Saints in Hallow in Minutes ("Minute Saints") and Challenges ("Saints"). </p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-st-teresa-of-avila">St. Teresa of Avila</h3>
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<p class=""><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/st-teresa-of-avila-prayers-quotes-feast-day/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">St. Teresa of Ávila</a> is actually Hallow's patron saint. We admire her courageousness to let her spiritual contemplation drive her sense of being in the world — teaching us that each of our souls has an "interior castle" to draw into as we grow closer to God. She is a wonderful Saint to lean on if you're looking to grow closer to God through <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray/-christian-meditation/">Christian meditation</a>. She's also one of the four female Doctors of the Church!</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-st-ignatius-of-loyola">St. Ignatius of Loyola</h3>
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<p class="">We credit St. Ignatius with the origin of the <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-the-examen/">Daily Examen</a>. He was a deeply contemplative person and founded the Jesuit Order, also known as the Society of Jesus. St. Ignatius inspires us to see the beauty of God in all areas of life — both tangible and intangible. At Hallow, we strive for this daily practice of discernment.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-st-catherine-of-siena">St. Catherine of Siena</h3>
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<p class="">Another Doctor of the Church, <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/st-catherine-of-siena-feast-prayers-quotes-feast-day/">St. Catherine of Siena</a> defended her faith beginning in her early life. She vowed her life to Christ and sought peace through her writing and participation in public affairs. She is considered one of the patron saints of Italy and likely wrote around 400 letters in her lifetime. We are inspired by her balanced life of contemplation and action. </p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-st-francis-of-assisi">St. Francis of Assisi</h3>
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<p class="">St. Francis, the other patron saint of Italy, devoted his life to poverty and promoting the beauty of creation. He founded the Franciscan Order, which values the simplicity of life in prayer and poverty. We recommend getting to know St. Francis if you love spending time outside in God's creation, or if you're looking for ways to simplify your life. We love his prayer to God for our vocation to sow peace and love in this life: "Make me an Instrument."</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button" href="https://hallow.app.link/blogdownload">Pray with the Saints</a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-can-i-pray-with-the-saints">When can I pray with the saints?</h2>
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<p class="">The great cloud of witnesses is always available to you. You can call on the Saints whenever you need support in something you're struggling with, or anytime you are looking for a friend in prayer. The Saints didn't live perfect lives, but they did learn how to lean on God, sow peace, and love others during their time on earth. Think of them as your friends or mentors in prayer. </p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-pray-with-saints"><strong>How to pray: with saints</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large"><img src="https://hallow.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/how-to-pray-with-saints-wordpress-1-1024x536.png" alt="" class="wp-image-8497"/></figure>
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<p class="">Below, we share 4 steps to start praying with the saints. </p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-identify-a-saint-that-inspires-you">1. <strong>Identify a Saint that inspires you. </strong></h3>
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<p class="">Choose a Saint to pray with that you’re drawn to for their life or their words. When we need protection, we call on the Holy Mother, Mary, to blanket us in the peace of God’s love. When we lose something, we call on <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/saint-anthony-novena/">St. Anthony</a> (the patron saint of lost things) to find it. Saints become patrons through an affiliation with a place, event, occupation, or miracles that happen after their passing. There are many topics of which Saints are patrons — from pencil makers (St. Thomas Aquinas) to writers (St. Frances de Sales) to cyclists (La Madonna del Ghisallo).</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-draw-meaning-from-their-life-or-words">2. Draw meaning from their life or words.</h3>
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<p class="">Once you have a Saint you identify with, find a prayer they wrote during their lifetimes, or read about a holy event in their lives, and <strong>meditate on the words of the prayer or image of the event.</strong> Similar to the practice of <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-lectio-divina/">Lectio Divina</a>, see what sticks out to you during this time or season in your life. Slow down and rest with the Saint you've chosen to pray with.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-speak-and-pray-openly-with-them">3. Speak and pray openly with them.</h3>
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<p class="">Lastly, <strong>talk to the Saint as you would a friend. </strong>They know what it’s like to be human: to struggle, to laugh, to love, to sin, and to seek forgiveness. We can turn to them as our friends journeying in faith with us. Share with them what’s on your mind, the prayers you’re needing, and any wisdom or comfort you need at the moment.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-let-them-lead-you-to-holiness">4. Let them lead you to holiness.</h3>
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<p class="">As you being to pray more often with the Saints, let their model of holiness on earth transform you. You don't need to take on the type of life they lived or make the same vows of poverty or chastity. However, you can replicate their prayer practices if they guide you to live a life of peace, love, and service to God and others. </p>
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<p class="">We now have a <strong>Daily Saint on the App,</strong> and we couldn’t be more excited for you to journey through the Communion of Saints with us! Each day, we include background on a Saint, and then we pray with a prayer, quotation, poem, or hymn written by him or her. It’s a great way for you to learn about the Saints and get to know some among the “great cloud of witnesses” that came before us. </p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button" href="https://hallow.app.link/blogdownload">Pray with the Daily Saint on Hallow</a></div>
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<p class="">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. </p>
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[post_title] => How to Pray With Saints
[post_excerpt] => Journey with the Saints who lead us to lives of service, prayer, and love.
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https://hallow.com/2018/10/10/the-hallow-story/
https://hallow.com/2019/09/13/how-to-pray-the-examen/
https://hallow.com/2019/09/23/how-to-pray-the-rosary/
https://hallow.com/2020/03/08/how-to-pray-divine-mercy-chaplet/
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How to Pray With Saints
Journey with the Saints who lead us to lives of service, prayer, and love.
WP_Post Object
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[post_date] => 2021-03-24 19:12:01
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<h2 class="">Ways to feel more connected to God and each other</h2>
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<p class="">It is hard to believe we are coming to the end of <a href="https://hallow.com/lent/">Lent</a>. While last year’s Holy Week was incredibly difficult for many, this year’s Holy Week brings a profound sense of hope and renewed strength in the death and resurrection of our Lord. We are consoled by His promise to bring forth new life in each of us. </p>
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<p class="">For the past 40 days at Hallow, we have meditated on the virtues of St. Joseph. We have sought to grow in holiness through our prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Now, as we transition into the holiest week of the year, we invite you to join us in further contemplation and prayer. </p>
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<p class="">Whether you are staying home or hope to spend time in your parish, here are a few ways to connect with God and each other in special ways this Holy Week. </p>
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<p class="">It has been a gift to pray with you this Lent, and we hope you will continue to journey with us through the joyous liturgical season of Easter!</p>
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<p class=""><strong>Palm Sunday</strong></p>
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<p class=""><em>“Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord. Peace in heaven and glory in the highest.”</em></p>
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<p class="">On Palm Sunday, we meditate on Jesus’s entrance into Jerusalem. Last Palm Sunday, few people had access to palms. This Palm Sunday, if you are able to attend mass, you will receive your palms. If, however, you are not attending in-person masses, some parishes are offering to distribute palms for pickup, or you can <a href="https://www.catholicicing.com/printable-palms-for-palm-sunday-free/">make your own</a>. </p>
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<ul class=""><li>In the Hallow app, we encourage you to listen to the Daily Gospel Lectio Divina where we’ll pray with the Gospel passage read before mass during the procession of the psalms. </li><li>You can also make your own Palm Sunday procession. Load up the car and visit family and friends that you haven’t seen lately. Even while staying socially distanced, a simple wave and smile from the car can make someone’s day.</li></ul>
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<p class=""><strong>Holy Thursday</strong></p>
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<p class=""><em>“Unless I wash you, you will have no inheritance with me.”</em></p>
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<p class="">Holy Thursday is the start of the Triduum, which includes Good Friday and Holy Saturday. </p>
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<p class="">The mass on Thursday is the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, celebrating the last meal Jesus had with his disciples and the establishment of the Eucharist. It also commemorates the institution of the priesthood. </p>
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<p class="">There is a lot that happens at this mass: washing feet, the final distribution of the Eucharist until the Easter Vigil, and Adoration. </p>
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<p class="">If you are able to attend in-person mass for Holy Thursday, we definitely encourage you to, but if you are unable, here are some ways you can celebrate this holy day at home. </p>
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<ul class=""><li>We recommend downloading the <a href="https://holyweek.catholicfamilycrate.com/">Catholic Family Crate Holy Week at Home Resources</a> where you can find engaging activities for the whole family like washing each other’s feet, praying for priests, and sharing family prayer petitions. </li><li>A really engaging idea for families is to host a Last Supper Dinner on Thursday night. <a href="https://www.showerofrosesblog.com/2012/04/our-4th-annual-lenten-tea-on-holy.html?m=1">Here</a> is one that is very kid-friendly, and <a href="https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/activities/view.cfm?id=1038">here</a> is one that is a bit simpler. Our family did the Lenten tea last Lent and it was incredibly fun to put together and really engaging for our toddler!</li></ul>
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<ul class=""><li>In the Hallow App we’ll have several options for prayer during the Triduum, which you can find on the Home tab. On Holy Thursday, you can:<ul><li>Meditate with “Stay with Me,” a beautiful song by Taize in the #Pray40 Challenge</li><li>Make a Holy Hour (a tradition that began with Jesus’ prayer at Gethsemane)</li><li>Spend time in Lectio Divina and offer a prayer for Spiritual Communion</li></ul></li></ul>
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<p class=""><strong>Good Friday</strong></p>
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<p class=""><em>“But he was pierced for our offenses, crushed for our sins; upon him was the chastisement that makes us whole, by his stripes we were healed.”</em></p>
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<p class="">Good Friday, the day our Lord bore the weight of the sins of the world for all time, is a solemn day where traditionally masses are not celebrated and the Eucharist is not distributed. </p>
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<p class="">We are encouraged to fast, pray, and venerate the cross where Christ gave up His last breath to offer us eternal life. Some churches will open for Stations of the Cross or a service, but if you are unable to be present in church, here are a few things we recommend:</p>
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<ul class=""><li>Print <a href="https://www.catholicicing.com/printable-stations-of-cross-for/">Stations of the Cross coloring pages</a> and listen to a meditation on the Stations while you color. </li><li>Participate in a technology blackout beginning at 12 pm and going until Saturday. </li><li>Pray a Divine Mercy Chaplet and venerate your cross at 3 pm, the hour of the Lord’s death. </li><li>Join our Stations of the Cross live meditation. </li><li>In the Hallow App, you can pray with:<ul><li>An instrumental version of “O Sacred Head Surrounded” composed by Sean Beeson</li><li>A Holy Hour with a meditation on the Stations of the Cross</li><li>Lectio Divina on the Good Friday readings </li><li>This year, we will begin the <strong>Divine Mercy Novena on Good Friday</strong> leading up to Divine Mercy Sunday. This beautiful novena is being led in the app by Jonathan Roumie. </li></ul></li></ul>
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<p class=""><strong>Holy Saturday </strong></p>
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<p class="">Holy Saturday is a day of waiting and silence, the only day of the entire year in which mass is not celebrated.</p>
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<ul class=""><li>While you await the resurrection, engage your family with crafts like painting eggs, <a href="https://www.catholicicing.com/diy-paschal-candle-for-home/">making a pascal candle</a>, or baking. The <a href="https://holyweek.catholicfamilycrate.com/">Holy Week at Home</a> guide from Catholic Family Crate has a great recipe for resurrection cookies. </li><li>In the Hallow App you can enter into the waiting of this day with:<ul><li>Music from Harpa Dei</li><li>A Holy Hour based on the Psalms</li><li>A silent meditation </li></ul></li></ul>
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<p class=""><strong>Easter Vigil</strong> </p>
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<p class=""><em>“Your right hand, O LORD, magnificent in power, your right hand, O LORD, has shattered the enemy.”</em></p>
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<p class="">The Easter Vigil is one of the greatest liturgies of the entire year. The Pascal Candle is lit and passed around the church, signifying Christ, the Light of the World. The Liturgy of the Word has at least 3 Old Testament Readings that cause us to meditate on God’s faithfulness to His people throughout time. Then, new members are brought into the Church through Baptism and we are encouraged to renew our Baptismal promises. Finally, we are called to partake in the Eucharist for the first time since Holy Thursday. </p>
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<ul class=""><li>In Hallow, the Easter Vigil meditations are intended to be done after sundown and include the Easter Proclamation and the Litany of the Saints, both of which are prayed during Easter Vigil.</li></ul>
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<p class=""><strong>Easter Sunday</strong></p>
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<p class=""><em>“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.”</em></p>
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<p class="">The day that we have been anticipating the last 40 days has finally come, Easter Sunday, the day that Christ conquered death with His resurrection. Easter represents the fulfillment of God’s promises to all mankind; it is a day of feasting and rejoicing. </p>
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<p class="">We encourage you to celebrate Easter in whatever way you feel most comfortable. As churches begin to open, you might be able to attend an in-person service for Easter. If not, spend the day doing a fun activity with your family. </p>
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<ul class=""><li>Make a special meal, such as a delicious <a href="https://www.delish.com/holiday-recipes/easter/g1399/brunch-casseroles-recipes/">Easter Brunch</a> on Sunday. If you’re not into brunch, many enjoy an Easter dinner of ham or lamb to represent the Paschal Lamb. Tell your children the story of the resurrection and its significance to their lives. </li><li>Enjoy the good things that you have forgone in fasting from for the last 40 days. No matter what you do, make it a celebration because freedom from the slavery of sin is something to celebrate!</li><li>In the Hallow App, meditate with a Lectio Divina or joyfully pray with music from The Vigil Project. </li></ul>
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<p class="">We pray that your Holy Week is immensely blessed with moments of connection to God and to each other. This week, we hope you remember how much you are loved by your Heavenly Father and share that love with others.</p>
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<p class="">May God bless you and your family this Holy Week!</p>
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<p class="">Be sure to download your <a href="https://holyweek.catholicfamilycrate.com/">Holy Week at Home Success Kit</a> from Catholic Family Crate!</p>
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[post_date] => 2021-02-16 14:56:13
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<p class="">There is something so powerful and intimate about praying the Lord's Prayer in Aramaic, the language Jesus taught in. </p>
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<h2 class="">What is the Lord's Prayer (in Aramaic)?</h2>
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<h3 class="">The Lord's Prayer </h3>
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<p class="">The Lord's Prayer, otherwise known as the <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray/-our-father/">Our Father</a>, is prayed every day all around the world by Christians — in a multitude of languages. Spoken aloud in mass and other services, this prayer is also something we recite in the morning in solitude, or with our families before coming together for a meal at night. </p>
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<h3 class="">Jesus' language: Aramaic</h3>
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<p class="">While Jesus likely spoke a few languages, including Hebrew and Greek, he spoke with his disciples and delivered his sermons in <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/Aramaic-language">Aramaic</a>. Scholars have come to a <a href="https://zondervanacademic.com/blog/what-language-did-jesus-speak">consensus</a> that this ancient dialect was the primary language of Jews living in Palestine during the first century. </p>
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<p class="">Looking at the two <a href="http://aramaicnt.org/articles/the-lords-prayer-in-galilean-aramaic/">appearances</a> of the Lord's Prayer in the New Testament (Luke's and Matthew's Gospels), scholars have found that the translations lead us back to Aramaic. In the first century, this prayer was delivered by Christ for everyone — not just people who were educated in Greek or Hebrew. The Lord's Prayer is for everyone — anytime, anywhere. </p>
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<h2 class="">Why pray the Lord's Prayer in Aramaic? </h2>
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<p class="">Praying the Lord's Prayer in its original language offers a special opportunity to remove ourselves from the modern world. Through prayer, we can better appreciate the beauty of Christ's words from the first century. </p>
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<p class="">Often, when we read or listen to a prayer we aren't as familiar with, it helps us meditate on it in a new way. By praying the Lord's Prayer in its original language, we might find a new way of connecting with Christ in our daily <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray/-christian-meditation/">meditations</a>. </p>
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<h2 class="">When should you pray the Lord's Prayer in Aramaic?</h2>
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<p class="">Just like praying the Lord's Prayer in English, Spanish, or another language spoken today, the Lord's Prayer in Aramaic can be prayed in any moment of the day or night. While it might feel strange at first, this ancient language will become more familiar as you listen to it on Hallow with guest Jonathan Roumie, the actor who plays Jesus in The Chosen, as your guide. </p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link" href="https://hallow.app.link/OurFatherAramaic">Pray the Lord's Prayer with Jonathan Roumie</a></div>
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<h2 class="">How to Pray: the Lord's Prayer in Aramaic</h2>
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<p class="">The first time you pray this ancient version of a prayer you might have memorized in English, focus on the sound of the words. Leave the busyness of your day and focus on being present with Christ, as you learn a few phrases in the language he spoke throughout his days on earth.</p>
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<p class=""><em>Below, you'll find the Lord's Prayer in first century Aramaic translated by Rev. William Fulco, SJ.</em></p>
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<h3 class="">Abun di bashmayya nethqadash shmak.</h3>
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<p class=""><em>Father in Heaven, hallowed be your name.</em></p>
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<h3 class="">Tethey malkuthak.</h3>
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<p class=""><em>Thy / Your kingdom come.</em></p>
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<h3 class="">Newe tzevyanak aykan di bashmayya af ba’ara.</h3>
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<p class=""><em>Your will be done on earth as in heaven.</em></p>
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<h3 class="">Lakhman di sunkanan yamana hav lan yoma dheyn.</h3>
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<p class=""><em>Give us (this day) our daily bread.</em></p>
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<h3 class="">Wa-shbuk lan khavine aykana, d’af hanan shbukan l’khayvine.</h3>
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<p class=""><em>And forgive us our trespasses/ debts, as we forgive our debtors.</em></p>
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<h3 class="">Ulo ellan lanisyana l’heyn atzeyl lan min beesha.</h3>
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<p class=""><em>And lead us not into temptation but deliver us /protect us from the evil one.</em></p>
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<h3 class="">Amin.</h3>
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<p class=""><em>Amen.</em></p>
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<p class="">We hope you enjoy praying the Lord's Prayer in Aramaic. You can find the prayer in the Guests section on Hallow. You can also pray the Lord's Prayer in Latin in the same tab. </p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link" href="https://hallow.app.link/OurFatherAramaic">Pray the Lord's Prayer in the language Jesus taught it</a></div>
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<h2 class="">How To Pray: More Prayers</h2>
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<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/">How to Pray the Seven Sorrows Rosary</a></li><li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray/-our-father/">How to Pray the Lord's Prayer</a></li><li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-the-hail-mary/">How to Pray the Hail Mary</a></li><li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-st-therese-novena/">How to Pray the St. Thérèse Novena</a></li><li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-mary-undoer-of-knots-novena/">How to Pray the Mary, Undoer of Knots Novena</a></li><li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray/-divine-mercy-chaplet/">How to Pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet Novena</a></li></ul>
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[post_title] => How to Pray the Lord's Prayer in Aramaic
[post_excerpt] => Pray the Lord's Prayer in the language Jesus taught it.
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https://hallow.com/2019/09/07/how-to-pray-christian-meditation/
https://hallow.com/2019/09/23/how-to-pray-the-rosary/
https://hallow.com/2022/01/19/how-to-pray-the-hail-mary/
https://hallow.com/2021/02/10/7-sorrows/
https://hallow.com/2020/03/08/how-to-pray-divine-mercy-chaplet/
https://hallow.com/2021/09/19/how-to-pray-st-therese-novena/
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How to Pray the Lord’s Prayer in Aramaic
Pray the Lord's Prayer in the language Jesus taught it.