Blog
WP_Post Object
(
[ID] => 3134
[post_author] => 13
[post_date] => 2020-07-01 15:46:25
[post_date_gmt] => 2020-07-01 15:46:25
[post_content] => <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">One of our favorite saints on the Hallow team is <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/st-teresa-of-avila-prayers-quotes-feast-day/">St. Teresa of Ávila</a>. She said prayer is “nothing else than an intimate sharing between friends; it means taking time frequently to be alone with Him who we know loves us.”</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">At Hallow, this vision of prayer inspires us. But we also know that building a friendship with God - like all friendships - can be scary. It takes trust, accountability, forgiveness, humor, and patience. On top of that, talking about your relationship with Christ <em>with others</em> can be even more daunting. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class=""><strong>Table of Contents</strong></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:list {"className":""} -->
<ul class=""><li><a href="#discussion-tips">Tips to help you talk to your family & friends about prayer</a></li><li><a href="#hallow-community-groups">Community Prayer Groups on Hallow</a></li><li><a href="#Related-Guides">Related Guides</a></li></ul>
<!-- /wp:list -->
<!-- wp:heading {"className":""} -->
<h2 class="" id="discussion-tips">Tips to help you talk to family and friends about prayer </h2>
<!-- /wp:heading -->
<!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} -->
<h3 class=""><strong>Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your conversations. </strong></h3>
<!-- /wp:heading -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">Jesus encourages his disciples that when they are put on trial, the Holy Spirit will speak through them (Luke 12). God sent the Holy Spirit to be our Advocate and friend. Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus formed the Church, gave us the witness of the Saints, and finally - the witness of each other, to show that a friendship with God was not only possible but worth pursuing. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">The Holy Spirit wants us to ask for help and to let Him work through us. Before and during any conversation, you can simply ask, <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/prayers-to-the-holy-spirit/">“Come, Holy Spirit”</a> and have faith that you are not alone.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} -->
<h3 class=""><strong>Ask others what they are struggling with </strong>in this season of life. </h3>
<!-- /wp:heading -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">We all have a hard time discussing the tough stuff, including prayer; it’s easier to discuss the weather than to discuss life’s anxieties. But most people are open to talking about themselves; they just need to be asked. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">Some ideas for questions to guide these conversations: </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:list {"className":""} -->
<ul class=""><li><em>How are you actually doing? </em></li><li><em>What is challenging about life right now? </em></li><li><em>How do you deal with stress? </em></li><li><em>How is your heart? </em></li><li><em>How is your relationship with God? </em></li></ul>
<!-- /wp:list -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">The most important part is to <em>listen</em> - try not to jump in with too much advice or your own experience; let them take center stage. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">Being a good friend to God means taking time to listen to what he has to say to us. The same goes for our friends and family on earth. Accompanying people through the struggles in their lives shows that you love them and makes talking about prayer much more authentic.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:image {"align":"center","className":""} -->
<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/WUBcWbAYGviNVUZSw9hRyJYW_q2LIaG__iUw_C1ZCpYbqC6HCVPZ-OQlCq1DYRPv1GL-fZJSXhqxqih2cUKrl39EgRHeywO5rahQ6HeNvWH82QPqEactPypOPUG0bVmK-abJ732V" alt=""/><figcaption>(Image: Robert Zünd, Gang nach Emmaus [Public domain])</figcaption></figure>
<!-- /wp:image -->
<!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} -->
<h3 class=""><strong>Be willing to share your own struggles, especially with prayer. </strong></h3>
<!-- /wp:heading -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">Of course, share the joys of your faith and prayer life, but also be open to sharing the parts you wrestle with. Maybe you are great at a daily discipline of prayer but find it hard to keep your mind quiet. Perhaps you are in a season where you don’t feel God’s presence with you. Maybe you are overwhelmed and can barely make time to pray. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">Often what holds people back from a relationship with God is their fear that they won’t be “good” at prayer or that God wants perfect people. Share about God’s love and forgiveness in your own life, and gently remind them that God loves them beyond what they can imagine and that prayer can begin with something as simple as one minute a day. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">Other reasons friends and family may have trouble with prayer are genuine doubt about questions of faith and dealing with ways the Church has hurt them or someone they know. This is where listening comes in again. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">You don’t need to be an expert in explaining every theological concept or answer for wrongs the Church has done, but offering friends and family a space to voice frustrations and sharing any doubts you have had can go a long way. Talking about prayer can be a great first step to healing past hurts and growing closer to God.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} -->
<h3 class=""><strong>Offer to pray with them. </strong></h3>
<!-- /wp:heading -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">Beginning a prayer habit is hard! “Where do I start? What type of prayer? How does it all work?” </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">When these questions arise with friends and family, offer to pray with them. Make it simple and related to the struggles they are facing. You can choose a challenge from Hallow, a praylist, or one of our Family Prayers for the morning, dinnertime, or evening.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">A great way to keep the conversation around prayer is to start a Hallow Family in the app. We’ve already seen the introduction of Hallow Families have a significant impact on peoples’ prayer lives: after joining a Family, users complete 65% more prayers per week compared to those who aren’t in a prayer family. People who download Hallow for the first time through a Family invitation are 2x more likely to complete their first prayer in the app than those who don’t receive a group invitation. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">Being in a community makes a difference in how it helps people feel included and motivated and keeps the conversation of faith open. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">We hope to help folks with this through our Community Prayer Groups on the app. Read below to learn about how you can pray with your friends and family on Hallow:</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:heading {"className":""} -->
<h2 class="" id="hallow-community-groups">Community Prayer Groups on Hallow</h2>
<!-- /wp:heading -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">We know how important it is to share our faith with others, discuss reflections, request a prayer intention, and hold each other accountable to our individual prayer goals, so we included these new functionalities in revamping Hallow Prayer Groups.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class=""><em>As a reminder, you can access your Groups right from the Home Screen by tapping the 3-circle button in the top right of the screen. From here, you can choose to either join a group with a code or <a href="https://hallow.com/groups/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">create a new one.</a></em></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:heading {"level":4,"className":""} -->
<h4 class="">Prayer Group Update 1: Chat</h4>
<!-- /wp:heading -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">We’ve repeatedly heard from our Prayer Group users that they’d like a way to post discussion questions, observations, and general messages within the Group without having to add an intention or reflection. Like any messaging app, you can now type a note to your friends and family to discuss any faith-based topics that come to mind. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:heading {"level":4,"className":""} -->
<h4 class="">Prayer Group Update 2: <strong>Replies & Reactions</strong></h4>
<!-- /wp:heading -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">Whether someone posted a meaningful reflection on a prayer, requested a specific intention, or checked in to let you know their mood, it is natural to want to respond to them directly without creating your own post. You can now reply to any post directly within your Prayer Group - you can write a personal message for your friend, or for a quicker response, you can select 1 of 5 emojis to let them know you’re thinking of them. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:heading {"level":4,"className":""} -->
<h4 class="">Prayer Group Update 3: <strong>Profile Images</strong></h4>
<!-- /wp:heading -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">For years now, our little halo-bearing mascot, whom we call Harold the Herald, has been the face of Hallow. He’s featured on the app icon and our website and has starred in many of our illustrations. In the hopes of allowing you to bring some of your personality to your Group, we’ve given Harold over 20 new outfits for you to choose from, in addition to several other fun icons and art. Ours is the Holy Ghost Herald! Let us know your favorite!</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:heading {"level":4,"className":""} -->
<h4 class="">Prayer Group Update 4: In-App Notifications</h4>
<!-- /wp:heading -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">We heard from folks in the past that it can be challenging to see when there is activity within one of your Prayer Groups. At the same time, we wanted to make sure these notifications wouldn’t be too loud or distracting or take away from our focus on peace within the app. As a happy medium, we added a place to store notifications next to your Groups. The notifications will summarize activity across all of your groups, and a small red dot will appear on the button if you have any unread messages. To make it even easier to respond, tapping on a notification will take you straight to the post within the Group where it was posted.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:heading {"className":""} -->
<h2 class="" id="Related-Guides">Related Guides </h2>
<!-- /wp:heading -->
<!-- wp:list {"className":""} -->
<ul class=""><li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/hallow-introduces-daily-gospel-widget/">Hallow’s Daily Gospel Widget</a></li><li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/eucharist-holy-communion-adoration-prayer/">The Eucharist: Catholic Guide to Adoration</a></li><li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/prayers-for-hope/">Prayers for Hope</a></li><li><a href="Confession: The Sacrament of Penance">Confession: The Sacrament of Penance</a></li></ul>
<!-- /wp:list -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">We are not meant to walk this journey of life alone, and while building a community of faith is hard work, it is also holy work. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">We hope these tips help as a jumping-off point, and we will be back with more ideas for how to share your faith with others. Know that we are here to talk through anything with you and hold you all in prayer.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:buttons {"layout":{"type":"flex","justifyContent":"center"}} -->
<div class="wp-block-buttons"><!-- wp:button -->
<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link" href="https://hallow.app.link/7e4FOaWGAub">Download Hallow</a></div>
<!-- /wp:button --></div>
<!-- /wp:buttons -->
[post_title] => How to Talk to Your Family and Friends About Prayer
[post_excerpt] => Tips and encouragement as you share your faith with family and friends.
[post_status] => publish
[comment_status] => closed
[ping_status] => closed
[post_password] =>
[post_name] => how-to-talk-to-your-family-and-friends-about-prayer
[to_ping] =>
[pinged] =>
[post_modified] => 2024-02-13 21:05:20
[post_modified_gmt] => 2024-02-13 21:05:20
[post_content_filtered] =>
[post_parent] => 0
[guid] => https://hallow.com/?p=3134
[menu_order] => 0
[post_type] => post
[post_mime_type] =>
[comment_count] => 0
[filter] => raw
)
How to Talk to Your Family and Friends About Prayer
Tips and encouragement as you share your faith with family and friends.
WP_Post Object
(
[ID] => 4022
[post_author] => 13
[post_date] => 2020-06-20 14:02:49
[post_date_gmt] => 2020-06-20 14:02:49
[post_content] => <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">The simple ACTS prayer model guides us in speaking with God in prayer. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:quote {"className":""} -->
<blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">I call upon you; answer me, O God.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class=""> Turn your ear to me; hear my speech.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph --><cite>Psalm 17:6</cite></blockquote>
<!-- /wp:quote -->
<!-- wp:heading {"className":""} -->
<h2 class="">What is the ACTS prayer model?</h2>
<!-- /wp:heading -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">ACTS is a simple, but powerful way to pray. The origin of this prayer model is unknown, yet it is used today frequently. We can even go back to the ancient prayers from the Bible, such as the <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray/-our-father/">Lord's Prayer</a>, and other <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-with-saints/">saint prayers</a>, and see the model in action. ACTS stands for ...</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:list {"className":""} -->
<ul class=""><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>A - Adoration</li>
<!-- /wp:list-item -->
<!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>C - Contrition</li>
<!-- /wp:list-item -->
<!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>T -Thankfulness</li>
<!-- /wp:list-item -->
<!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>S - Supplication</li>
<!-- /wp:list-item --></ul>
<!-- /wp:list -->
<!-- wp:heading {"className":""} -->
<h2 class="">Why pray with ACTS?</h2>
<!-- /wp:heading -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">The model helps us remember the steps of prayer, and act as a guide to open up our conversation with God. That's what <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray/">prayer</a> is, after all! If you're new to prayer, this method might help you feel more comfortable in both talking with God freely and also resting in silence with Him. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:heading {"className":""} -->
<h2 class="">When can I pray with ACTS?</h2>
<!-- /wp:heading -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">You can pray with ACTS anytime that suits you! While there's never a need to rush through prayer, this 4-step prayer method is a great way to spend a couple of minutes with God, whenever you can. In Hallow, you can follow the ACTS acronym in a minute reflection. If minute meditations are a way you like to pray, you can also learn the <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray/-pirate-prayer/">Pirate Prayer</a> method, as well as the <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray/-the-examen/">Examen</a>. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:buttons {"layout":{"type":"flex","justifyContent":"center","orientation":"horizontal"}} -->
<div class="wp-block-buttons"><!-- wp:button -->
<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button" href="https://hallow.app.link/blogdownload">Pray with ACTS on Hallow</a></div>
<!-- /wp:button --></div>
<!-- /wp:buttons -->
<!-- wp:heading {"className":""} -->
<h2 class="">How to Pray the ACTS Prayer Model</h2>
<!-- /wp:heading -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">Begin with the Sign of the Cross. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} -->
<h3 class=""><strong>A - Adoration</strong></h3>
<!-- /wp:heading -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">Begin your prayer in adoration and praise of God. Let yourself be filled with wonder at who God is and how He desires to be with you, always. If you want inspiration, you can pray with a Psalm of praise such as <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+100&version=NABRE" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Psalm 100</a>, or <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+67&version=NABRE" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Psalm 67</a>. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} -->
<h3 class=""><strong>C - Contrition</strong></h3>
<!-- /wp:heading -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">Next, ask the <a href="site:hallow.com holy spirit">Holy Spirit</a> to reveal to you your sinfulness and need for God’s mercy and grace. Name to God particular sins you need forgiveness for at this moment. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} -->
<h3 class=""><strong>T - Thankfulness</strong></h3>
<!-- /wp:heading -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">Spend some time now thanking God for the gifts in your life. Try to notice the gifts you often take for granted. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} -->
<h3 class=""><strong>S - Supplication</strong></h3>
<!-- /wp:heading -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">Lastly, lift up your cares and concerns to God. Pray for the people in your life, for those who are suffering, for the needs of all people throughout the world. Ask God to show you who to pray for today. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} -->
<h3 class="">Close in prayer</h3>
<!-- /wp:heading -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">End your prayer with time in silence with God and an <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray/-our-father/">Our Father</a>. Lastly, make the Sign of the Cross.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:separator {"opacity":"css","className":"is-style-wide"} -->
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-css-opacity is-style-wide"/>
<!-- /wp:separator -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">You can pray ACTS on Hallow! For a short version, check out the Minute Reflection. If you’d like a longer version, you can find it in the Sleep tab > Meditations. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:buttons {"layout":{"type":"flex","justifyContent":"center","orientation":"horizontal"}} -->
<div class="wp-block-buttons"><!-- wp:button -->
<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button" href="https://hallow.app.link/blogdownload">Pray ACTS on Hallow</a></div>
<!-- /wp:button --></div>
<!-- /wp:buttons -->
[post_title] => How to Pray With the ACTS Prayer Model (Adoration, Contrition, Thankfulness, Supplication)
[post_excerpt] => Remind yourself the steps of prayer to guide your conversation with God.
[post_status] => publish
[comment_status] => open
[ping_status] => open
[post_password] =>
[post_name] => how-to-pray-acts
[to_ping] =>
[pinged] => https://hallow.com/2020/02/12/how-to-pray-our-father/
https://hallow.com/2021/04/06/how-to-pray-with-saints/
https://hallow.com/2021/07/02/how-to-pray/
https://hallow.com/2020/01/10/how-to-pray-pirate-prayer/
[post_modified] => 2023-01-12 20:54:27
[post_modified_gmt] => 2023-01-12 20:54:27
[post_content_filtered] =>
[post_parent] => 0
[guid] => https://hallow.com/?p=4022
[menu_order] => 0
[post_type] => post
[post_mime_type] =>
[comment_count] => 0
[filter] => raw
)
How to Pray With the ACTS Prayer Model (Adoration, Contrition, Thankfulness, Supplication)
Remind yourself the steps of prayer to guide your conversation with God.
WP_Post Object
(
[ID] => 2987
[post_author] => 7
[post_date] => 2020-06-05 05:23:06
[post_date_gmt] => 2020-06-05 05:23:06
[post_content] => <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">Today, Hallow, a Catholic prayer and meditation app, announced that it will be providing free Hallow Plus subscriptions to all recently unemployed workers to help support them during the economic upheaval caused by the global pandemic. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">“This is an incredibly stressful and anxious time for so many in our country and across the world, especially for the millions of people suddenly laid off from their jobs. Our hearts go out to all of those who are suffering, worried, and afraid. We pray that you might be able to find peace and hope, even amidst this storm, in God’s love.” said Alex Jones, co-founder and CEO of Hallow. “We’re humbled to do what we can to be a small part in helping folks find His stillness & peace through prayer.”</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">Starting today, through at least the end of June, any new subscriber who has recently lost their job can get a free Hallow Plus subscription by emailing jobsupport@hallow.app. All subscribers will receive a year of free access to over 500 contemplative sessions focused on finding peace by building a deeper relationship with God. Hallow will continue to work to find partner charities to support the many who are economically displaced as a result of the rising unemployment crisis globally.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">“Across the country businesses are being forced to significantly reduce or completely shut down their operations for an unknown period of time because of the highly uncertain future of the global economy. Now, more than ever, it’s absolutely critical for us to support those in our communities that are most vulnerable to the impact of unexpected financial stress,” said Alessandro DiSanto, co-founder and Head of Growth at Hallow. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">Over <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-unemployment-claims-likely-continued-at-record-levels-11587029401">20 million Americans</a> have filed for unemployment benefits, pushing the national unemployment rate above 14% for the first time <a href="https://data.bls.gov/timeseries/LNS14000000">since World War II</a>. Sudden job loss can result in <a href="https://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/job-loss-and-unemployment-stress.htm">feelings of grief</a> and lead to the creation of self-destructive physical and psychological habits. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">Archbishop José Gomez of Los Angeles, President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, <a href="https://dioceseofvenice.org/offices/daily-resources/prayers/coronavirus-prayer-from-usccb/">assures us</a> however, that “God does not abandon us, he goes with us even now in this time of trial and testing. In this moment, it is important for us to anchor our hearts in the hope that we have in Jesus Christ. Now is the time to intensify our prayers and sacrifices for the love of God and the love of our neighbor. Let us draw closer to one another in our love for him, and rediscover the things that truly matter in our lives.”</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">In effort to specifically help those facing sacramental and social isolation Hallow has launched new in-app content and functionality, including a meditation on the prayer for Spiritual Communion; a 15+ session <em>Stuck at Home</em> “praylist” featuring meditations on the power of prayer and finding peace in trusting God; and the ability to create in-app prayer groups to share intentions, prayers, and reflections with friends, family, and loved ones. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class=""><strong>About Hallow</strong></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class=""><a href="https://hallow.com">Hallow</a> is a faith-based mediation app that helps its users deepen their relationship with God through audio-guided contemplative prayer sessions. Launched in December of 2018, the app has already been used to pray over 1 million times in over 50 countries. It is currently the #1 Catholic app in the US App Store and has an average 4.9 / 5.0 star rating. Hallow is being used by Catholic schools, parishes, employers, families, priests, and Bishops across the world. For more information please visit us at <a href="https://hallow.com">https://hallow.com</a> or follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HallowApp">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/hallowapp">Twitter </a>and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/hallowapp/">Instagram</a>.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class=""><br>You can download the app directly <a href="https://hallow.onelink.me/Q25Y/64a6e7eb">here</a>.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
[post_title] => Hallow Press Release for the Recently Unemployed
[post_excerpt] => Catholic prayer and meditation app announces free subscriptions for the unemployed amidst national unemployment crisis.
[post_status] => publish
[comment_status] => open
[ping_status] => open
[post_password] =>
[post_name] => hallow-press-release-for-the-recently-unemployed
[to_ping] =>
[pinged] =>
[post_modified] => 2020-11-28 02:21:06
[post_modified_gmt] => 2020-11-28 02:21:06
[post_content_filtered] =>
[post_parent] => 0
[guid] => https://hallow.com/?p=2987
[menu_order] => 0
[post_type] => post
[post_mime_type] =>
[comment_count] => 0
[filter] => raw
)
Hallow Press Release for the Recently Unemployed
Catholic prayer and meditation app announces free subscriptions for the unemployed amidst national unemployment crisis.
WP_Post Object
(
[ID] => 2934
[post_author] => 7
[post_date] => 2020-05-25 18:11:52
[post_date_gmt] => 2020-05-25 18:11:52
[post_content] => <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">In celebration of Memorial Day, Hallow, a Catholic prayer and meditation app, has announced that it will be providing free Hallow Plus subscriptions to all current and past members of the US military. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">“Every day, the men and women of the armed forces, willingly allow themselves to be separated from their families and put in harm’s way to help protect the rest of the country and world. They demonstrate the type of self-sacrificial love that Christ demonstrated on the cross, every day of their lives. Especially since they are often separated from the Sacraments for extended periods of time, we here at Hallow want to do everything that we can to help them find peace & hope in God’s love,” said Alex Jones, co-founder and CEO of Hallow. “Jesus laid down his life for us, and we want all those in the military that are risking the same to know that we’re behind them and<s> </s>praying for them<s>.</s>”</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">Starting today, any newly subscribing US active duty military members and veterans can get a free Hallow Plus subscription by registering at <a href="https://hallow.com/military/">hallow.com/military</a>. All subscribers will receive a year of free access to over 500 contemplative sessions focused on finding peace by building a deeper relationship with God. No credit card required.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">“Many veterans are facing significant mental health challenges due to social distancing and disruptions to daily routines,” said Alessandro DiSanto, co-founder and Head of Growth at Hallow. “We want veterans to know that they are not alone and God is still there from them with outstretched arms.” <em>Come to me all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest</em> (Matt. 11:28).</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">In detailing the effects of the global pandemic on military operations, Retired US Marine Corps Colonel Mark Cancian recently <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/markcancian/2020/03/11/will-covid-19-devastate-military-readiness/#635ca9b11e10">observed</a>, “The military’s problem is that the nature of its work requires that a lot of people work together, often in tight spaces, under physical stress, and without a lot of personal distance. Historically, militaries have suffered far more from disease than from combat casualties.” Additionally, the Military Times has <a href="https://www.militarytimes.com/news/2020/04/13/veterans-remote-mental-health-appointments-skyrocket-amid-coronavirus-outbreak/">reported</a> that, “Remote mental health care use among Veterans Affairs patients jumped dramatically last month as normal medical care appointments were disrupted and veterans forced into self-isolation.”</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">More broadly, active duty military members often deal with extended periods of separation from the sacraments due to an <a href="https://www.milarch.org/prospective-catholic-u-s-navy-chaplain-ordained-priest-archdiocese-battles-military-priest-shortage/">increasing shortage of military chaplains</a>. According to the Archdiocese for Military Services, USA, "Since 9/11, the number of active-duty chaplains has fallen from more than 400 to 207. While Catholics make up about 25% of the U.S. Military, Catholic priests currently account for only 8% of military chaplains."</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">In effort to specifically help those facing sacramental and social isolation Hallow has launched new in-app content and functionality, including a meditation on the prayer for Spiritual Communion and the ability to create in-app prayer groups to share intentions, prayers, and reflections with friends, family, and loved ones. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class=""><strong>About Hallow</strong></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class=""><a href="https://hallow.app">Hallow</a> is a faith-based mediation app that helps its users deepen their relationship with God through audio-guided contemplative prayer sessions. Launched in December of 2018, the app has already been used to pray over 1 million times in over 50 countries. It is currently the #1 Catholic app in the US App Store and has an average 4.9 / 5.0 star rating. Hallow is being used by Catholic schools, parishes, employers, families, priests, and Bishops across the world. For more information please visit us at <a href="https://hallow.com">https://hallow.com</a> or follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HallowPrayer">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/hallowapp">Twitter </a>and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/hallowprayerapp/">Instagram</a>.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">You can download the app directly <a href="https://hallow.onelink.me/Q25Y/ba62a2b3">here</a>.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
[post_title] => Hallow Press Release for Active Duty Military and Veterans
[post_excerpt] => In gratitude to all current and past members of the US military
[post_status] => publish
[comment_status] => open
[ping_status] => open
[post_password] =>
[post_name] => hallow-press-release-for-active-duty-military-and-veterans
[to_ping] =>
[pinged] =>
https://www.milarch.org/prospective-catholic-u-s-navy-chaplain-ordained-priest-archdiocese-battles-military-priest-shortage/
[post_modified] => 2020-10-05 13:30:48
[post_modified_gmt] => 2020-10-05 13:30:48
[post_content_filtered] =>
[post_parent] => 0
[guid] => https://hallow.com/?p=2934
[menu_order] => 0
[post_type] => post
[post_mime_type] =>
[comment_count] => 0
[filter] => raw
)
Hallow Press Release for Active Duty Military and Veterans
In gratitude to all current and past members of the US military
WP_Post Object
(
[ID] => 2910
[post_author] => 15
[post_date] => 2020-05-21 15:57:42
[post_date_gmt] => 2020-05-21 15:57:42
[post_content] => <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class=""><strong>Read time: ~4.2 minutes</strong></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">I grew up as an only child, so I was always the first person awake in my house on Christmas morning. However, on that wonderful holiday morning in 2017, I didn’t wake up with uncontrollable excitement like I had when I was a boy. Instead, I was woken up by the blast of a suicide bomber that attacked our outpost in Kabul, Afghanistan. The impact of him driving his vehicle-borne improvised explosive device into one of our perimeter defense positions shook our entire compound. And with that, I was reminded that this Christmas would be much different than all the others before it.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">Life often hits us with the unexpected. Some people say the only consistent thing in life is inconsistency. Despite knowing that, we still allow ourselves to build homes within our comfort zones, hoping that we won’t ever be forced to adapt or change. The thing that gives a warrior great confidence in battle is all the training that he or she must undergo before being deemed ready to fight. We practice dealing with unforeseen scenarios that force us to respond in ways that sometimes mean life or death. We vigorously push ourselves because we know that we will never rise to the occasion, but rather we will fall to the level of our training.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">Prayer and the sacraments are the first training grounds of the soul. We all find ourselves in the midst of the battle between good and evil daily. You may be like me, resting in your bed on a holiday in hopes that today will be an easy day, and then BOOM! your world is thrust into chaos. In the moments we find ourselves surprised, afraid, and unsure how to act, the only thing we know to do is rely on our instincts. These instincts must be formed far before they are truly needed in battle.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">This is why God invites us to spend time with Him in prayer and in His Word on a daily basis. This is why He comes to fill us with grace through the sacraments. This is why He provides us with weapons like the rosary. It’s because God knows that, whether we want it to or not, life is going to hit us hard someday. And when it does, whether it’s losing a loved one, losing your job, depression, anxiety, a temptation to sin, you name it, we are either going to be trained to put on the full armor of God and fight, or we will cower and give ourselves up to the Enemy.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">The choice is yours. Are you going to commit to putting yourself through a prayer boot camp? Maybe you’re in a place in life where you need more of a spiritual Ranger School to be challenged to develop as a leader. No matter what stage of the journey you find yourself in, you know deep in your heart that you are called to fight. You were made for a battle like this, in times such as these. Therefore, make time each day to prepare for battle, because you never know when you’ll wake up to suddenly find yourself in the biggest fight of your life.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">---</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">In support of the many service men and women that have served and are still serving our country, Hallow provides one-year subscription to all active duty military and veterans. You can learn more <a href="https://hallow.com/military/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
[post_title] => Training Ground for the Soul
[post_excerpt] => Spiritual bootcamp: how prayer prepares us for the unexpected
[post_status] => publish
[comment_status] => open
[ping_status] => open
[post_password] =>
[post_name] => training-ground-for-the-soul
[to_ping] =>
[pinged] =>
[post_modified] => 2024-09-18 15:25:36
[post_modified_gmt] => 2024-09-18 15:25:36
[post_content_filtered] =>
[post_parent] => 0
[guid] => https://hallow.com/?p=2910
[menu_order] => 0
[post_type] => post
[post_mime_type] =>
[comment_count] => 0
[filter] => raw
)
Training Ground for the Soul
Spiritual bootcamp: how prayer prepares us for the unexpected
WP_Post Object
(
[ID] => 4028
[post_author] => 4
[post_date] => 2020-05-20 14:21:54
[post_date_gmt] => 2020-05-20 14:21:54
[post_content] => <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class=""><strong>Table of Contents</strong></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:list {"className":""} -->
<ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li><a href="#approaching-prayer-for-kids">How to Approach Prayer for Kids</a></li>
<!-- /wp:list-item -->
<!-- wp:list-item -->
<li><a href="#morning-prayer-for-kids">Morning Prayer for Kids</a></li>
<!-- /wp:list-item -->
<!-- wp:list-item -->
<li><a href="#nighttime-prayer-for-children">Nighttime Prayer for Children</a><!-- wp:list {"className":""} -->
<ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li><a href="#childrens-bedtime-prayers">Children's Bedtime Prayers</a></li>
<!-- /wp:list-item --></ul>
<!-- /wp:list --></li>
<!-- /wp:list-item -->
<!-- wp:list-item -->
<li><a href="#simple-childrens-prayers">Simple Children's Prayers - Anytime and Meals</a></li>
<!-- /wp:list-item -->
<!-- wp:list-item -->
<li><a href="#hallow-kids">Hallow Kids</a></li>
<!-- /wp:list-item --></ul>
<!-- /wp:list -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">Figuring out how to pray with kids can sometimes be difficult. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">However, instilling the habit of prayer into children at a young age can have a lifelong impact. The <a href="https://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/who-we-teach/children">USCCB reminds us</a> that “Parents are also the most effective catechists of prayer for their young children.”</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p id="approaching-prayer-for-kids" class="">Hallow can help. We’re sharing a few tips and resources–like Hallow Kids–to make this family time more manageable.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:heading {"className":""} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Prayer for Kids: How to Approach It</strong></h2>
<!-- /wp:heading -->
<!-- wp:image {"id":10876,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none","className":""} -->
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://hallow.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/How-to-Pray-1500-x-900-1-1024x614.png" alt="What to consider when praying with kids: Hallow" class="wp-image-10876"/></figure>
<!-- /wp:image -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">Praying as a family is a hard habit to build in normal circumstances, let alone a global pandemic. Many of us have been home with more family time than usual. While this presents many challenges, it also brings with it the opportunity to pray together as we navigate this time. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">We reached out to a number of families of all sizes and ages and asked for their wisdom in <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray/">how to pray</a> together, with kids. Overwhelmingly they emphasized the importance of:</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} -->
<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Praying Consistently</strong></h3>
<!-- /wp:heading -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">It’s helpful to be consistent in both how <em>and</em> when you pray, so kids know what to expect every day.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} -->
<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Introducing Creative Prayers</strong></h3>
<!-- /wp:heading -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">Focus on saying prayers that ignite children’s imaginations and show them how to be quiet with God. This could be sharing gratitudes in a fun way, drawing a picture for God, or any other ways that work for your kids.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} -->
<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Making Prayers for Kids Approachable</strong></h3>
<!-- /wp:heading -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">Praying within a manageable time frame of prayer is important to keep kids engaged. For younger children, this is likely less than 5 minutes. For older children, 10-15 minutes of prayer might work. As you know that you might have to work to build up the length of time kiddos can stay engaged, we recommend starting with 1 minute of prayer and gradually adding more time.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} -->
<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Being Open With Your Faith</strong></h3>
<!-- /wp:heading -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">It’s crucial to be open about your faith — both the peace it brings you and the struggles you have. They might ask you some questions, so be patient and do your best.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">The home is the first place kids experience the love of God, and there is no better way for them to witness God’s love than through your example. The best way for children to get to know their heavenly Father and Holy Mother can be through the love and forgiveness of their parental figures on earth. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">Even if you aim to be consistent, approachable, creative and open in the prayer life that you share with your children, the logistics of it can still be challenging.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">Anchoring your prayer around the existing structure of the day–and the natural opportunities for prayer that it provides–can be one way to build prayer with your children into busy schedules.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p id="morning-prayer-for-kids" class="">Here are ideas for different ways of praying throughout your day, but know that this is not supposed to be overwhelming; life is hard enough right now, without adding more to your plate. So, <strong>choose just one time of day and one type of prayer</strong>, and see what works best for your family.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:heading {"className":""} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Morning Prayer for Kids</strong></h2>
<!-- /wp:heading -->
<!-- wp:image {"id":10877,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"custom","className":""} -->
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://hallow.app.link/blogdownload"><img src="https://hallow.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/How-to-Pray-1500-x-900-2-1024x614.png" alt="Morning prayer with children | Hallow" class="wp-image-10877"/></a></figure>
<!-- /wp:image -->
<!-- wp:list {"className":""} -->
<ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Start your day with the Hallow’s Family Prayer Morning session, which includes a song, psalm, and time for you to talk about the day ahead.</li>
<!-- /wp:list-item -->
<!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Pray together a simple “Come, Holy Spirit.” </li>
<!-- /wp:list-item --></ul>
<!-- /wp:list -->
<!-- wp:list {"className":""} -->
<ul id="nighttime-prayer-for-children" class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Begin your meal time with grace and share how your day is going so far.</li>
<!-- /wp:list-item -->
<!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>If you have quiet time after lunch, encourage your kids to spend some time with Jesus. Give them religious <a href="https://www.christianbook.com/found-psalm-23-sally-lloyd-jones/9780310757504/pd/757504?en=google&event=SHOP&kw=childrens-books-0-20%7C757504&p=1179710&dv=c&gclid=EAIaIQobChMItquiu6Wi6wIVEdvACh2RSgjOEAQYAiABEgJdOPD_BwE">books</a>, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/AlmondRodToys">saint blocks</a> to play with, or have them journal if they are older. </li>
<!-- /wp:list-item --></ul>
<!-- /wp:list -->
<!-- wp:heading {"className":""} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Nighttime Prayer for Children</strong></h2>
<!-- /wp:heading -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">The evening can be a great opportunity to weave in prayer with your children, starting with dinner.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:list {"className":""} -->
<ul id="childrens-bedtime-prayers" class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Try Hallow’s Family Prayer Dinner session: includes grace and fun discussion questions to talk about together. </li>
<!-- /wp:list-item -->
<!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Make your own Litany of Saints: have each member of your family choose their favorite saints, write them down, and pray together “St. (fill in name), pray for us.” </li>
<!-- /wp:list-item --></ul>
<!-- /wp:list -->
<!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} -->
<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Children’s Bedtime Prayers</strong></h3>
<!-- /wp:heading -->
<!-- wp:list {"className":""} -->
<ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Pray this simple prayer: <em>Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep; Thy angels watch me through the night, and keep me safe till morning’s light. Amen. </em></li>
<!-- /wp:list-item -->
<!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Consider this short prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours: <em>Lord, give our bodies restful sleep and let the work we have done today bear fruit in eternal life. We ask this through Christ our Lord. — Amen.</em></li>
<!-- /wp:list-item -->
<!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Read Bible Bedtime Stories with Hallow Kids.</li>
<!-- /wp:list-item -->
<!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Choose a Hallow challenge to work through such as <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-with-saints/">Saints</a> (really popular with kids!) or <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray/-our-father/">Our Father</a>. </li>
<!-- /wp:list-item -->
<!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Choose a passage from the Bible to pray with imaginative prayer. The Nativity (Luke 2), Jesus walking on water (Matthew 14:22), and Jesus healing the paralytic (Mark 2) are all great ones to try. Read the passage a few times, ask kids to imagine themselves in the story, and talk about what it would have been like to be there.</li>
<!-- /wp:list-item -->
<!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Try Hallow’s Family Prayer Evening session, which includes Scripture, time to share intentions, and closes with the Salve Regina.</li>
<!-- /wp:list-item -->
<!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Check out Hallow’s sleep section! There are Sleep Bible Stories, Saint prayers, the Hail Mary quietly prayed on repeat, and other meditations. Start with the shortest lengths and pray together with your kids as you tuck them in.</li>
<!-- /wp:list-item --></ul>
<!-- /wp:list -->
<!-- wp:image {"id":10878,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"custom","className":""} -->
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://hallow.app.link/blogdownload"><img src="https://hallow.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/How-to-Pray-1500-x-900-3-1024x614.png" alt="" class="wp-image-10878"/></a></figure>
<!-- /wp:image -->
<!-- wp:heading {"className":""} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="simple-childrens-prayers">Simple Children’s Prayers</h2>
<!-- /wp:heading -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">If you’re looking for an “anytime” children’s prayer, we’ve got you covered. Consider the following simple children’s prayers that children can embrace regardless of the time of day.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">This prayer <a href="https://www.usccb.org/sites/default/files/2020-08/childrens-prayer-image.pdf">from the USCCB</a> helps teach children the beauty of God’s creation:</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:quote {"className":""} -->
<blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class=""><em>Loving Father,</em></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class=""><em>Thank you for the many beautiful colors</em></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class=""><em>and languages of the world</em></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class=""><em>and for making all your children unique.</em></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class=""><em>Thank you for creating me in your image.</em></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class=""><em>Thank you for loving me and making me wonderful.</em></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class=""><em>Help me to love like you.</em></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class=""><em>Help me to share your love</em></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class=""><em>with all the children you have made,</em></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class=""><em>for they are unique and wonderful.</em></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class=""><em>Amen.</em></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph --><cite>~ USCCB</cite></blockquote>
<!-- /wp:quote -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">This short <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/thanksgiving-prayer/">prayer of thanksgiving</a> is easy for kids to remember and can work for any meal:</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:quote {"className":""} -->
<blockquote class="wp-block-quote" id="hallow-kids"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class=""><em>Thank you, God, for this delicious food, Thank you, God, for all that’s good! Amen.</em></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote>
<!-- /wp:quote -->
<!-- wp:heading {"className":""} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Hallow Kids–Your One-Stop Resource for Catholic Children’s Prayers</h2>
<!-- /wp:heading -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">Hallow is excited now to offer Hallow Kids–prayers and sessions designed specifically for children.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">Highlighting our Hallow Kids prayers are our Bible Bedtime stories featuring, prominent Catholic actor Mario Lopez and Catholic comedian Jennifer Fulwiler.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">We hope that you and your children are able to feel peace, deepen your relationship with God, and sleep soundly every night.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">If you're looking for how to pray for your kids, check out our guide on <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/prayers-for-children-how-to-pray-for-your-child/">how to pray for your child (prayers for your children.)</a></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} -->
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Related Prayers</h3>
<!-- /wp:heading -->
<!-- wp:list {"className":""} -->
<ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-the-rosary/">How to Pray the Rosary</a></li>
<!-- /wp:list-item -->
<!-- wp:list-item -->
<li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/7-sorrows/">How to Pray the Seven Sorrows Rosary</a></li>
<!-- /wp:list-item -->
<!-- wp:list-item -->
<li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-our-father/">How to Pray the Lord's Prayer</a></li>
<!-- /wp:list-item -->
<!-- wp:list-item -->
<li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-st-therese-novena/">How to Pray the St. Thérèse Novena</a></li>
<!-- /wp:list-item -->
<!-- wp:list-item -->
<li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-mary-undoer-of-knots-novena/">How to Pray the Mary, Undoer of Knots Novena</a></li>
<!-- /wp:list-item -->
<!-- wp:list-item -->
<li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-divine-mercy-chaplet/">How to Pray the Divine Mercy Novena</a></li>
<!-- /wp:list-item -->
<!-- wp:list-item -->
<li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/holy-week-for-kids/">Holy Week for Kids</a></li>
<!-- /wp:list-item -->
<!-- wp:list-item -->
<li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/prayers-before-an-exam/">Prayers Before an Exam</a></li>
<!-- /wp:list-item --></ul>
<!-- /wp:list -->
<!-- wp:buttons {"layout":{"type":"flex","justifyContent":"center","orientation":"horizontal"}} -->
<div class="wp-block-buttons"><!-- wp:button -->
<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button" href="https://hallow.app.link/blogdownload">Download the Hallow app</a></div>
<!-- /wp:button --></div>
<!-- /wp:buttons -->
[post_title] => How to Pray With Kids - A Guide to Catholic Children’s Prayers
[post_excerpt] => Learn how to pray together as a family.
[post_status] => publish
[comment_status] => open
[ping_status] => open
[post_password] =>
[post_name] => how-to-pray-with-kids
[to_ping] =>
[pinged] => https://hallow.com/2020/03/08/how-to-pray-divine-mercy-chaplet/
https://hallow.com/2021/09/19/how-to-pray-st-therese-novena/
https://hallow.com/2021/07/02/how-to-pray/
https://hallow.com/2021/11/24/thanksgiving-prayer/
[post_modified] => 2025-01-08 16:49:38
[post_modified_gmt] => 2025-01-08 16:49:38
[post_content_filtered] =>
[post_parent] => 0
[guid] => https://hallow.com/?p=4028
[menu_order] => 0
[post_type] => post
[post_mime_type] =>
[comment_count] => 0
[filter] => raw
)
How to Pray With Kids – A Guide to Catholic Children’s Prayers
Learn how to pray together as a family.
WP_Post Object
(
[ID] => 4016
[post_author] => 4
[post_date] => 2020-05-01 13:58:32
[post_date_gmt] => 2020-05-01 13:58:32
[post_content] => <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">A novena is a method of prayer in which we pray for the same petition or devotion for nine consecutive days. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:quote {"className":""} -->
<blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">All these devoted themselves with one accord to prayer, together with some women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph --><cite>Acts 1:14</cite></blockquote>
<!-- /wp:quote -->
<!-- wp:heading {"className":""} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-a-novena">What is a novena? </h2>
<!-- /wp:heading -->
<!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} -->
<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-origin">Origin</h3>
<!-- /wp:heading -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">This Catholic prayer practice likely originated from the "first novena" shared in the Acts of the Apostles. Before <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/feast-of-the-ascension-of-the-lord/">Jesus ascended</a> into Heaven, the disciples gathered together to ask him about the restoration of Israel. Jesus said to them, "It is not for you to know the times or seasons that the Father has established by his own authority.<sup> </sup>But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1: 7-8). </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">So the disciples and Mary waited together, praying for the <a href="https://hallow.com/2022/09/14/prayer-to-the-holy-spirit-and-other-holy-spirit-prayers/">Holy Spirit</a> to guide them. Finally, <strong>nine days later</strong>, the Holy Spirit came down on them. "When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together" (Acts 2:1). When the disciples prayed together for nine days for the coming of the Holy Spirit, they modeled the novena prayer method that is so popular today. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} -->
<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-authorship">Authorship</h3>
<!-- /wp:heading -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">Many saints and other holy people have had novenas revealed to them by Christ or the Virgin Mary. For example, Christ revealed the <a href="https://hallow.com/2022/09/21/how-to-pray-the-surrender-novena/">Surrender Novena</a> to Father Dolindo Ruotolo (1882 - 1970), now a candidate for <a href="https://www.usccb.org/offices/public-affairs/saints" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">beatification</a>, to guide us in growing our <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-the-litany-of-trust/">trust</a> in God — to surrender to Him. Mary revealed the <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-54-day-novena/">54 Day Novena</a> to a young girl suffering from an illness thought to be incurable; this 54-day prayer is actually comprised of 6 novenas. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">Other novenas have been prayed for centuries with no author attributed to them, such as the <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/holy-spirit-novena-pentecost-novena/">Holy Spirit Novena</a>. This Novena is traditionally prayed for the nine days before Pentecost, praying for the descent of the gifts of the Holy Spirit: holy fear, piety, fortitude, knowledge, understanding, counsel, wisdom, and the Fruits of the Spirit. You can pray the Holy Spirit Novena with <a href="https://www.chika.church" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chika Anyanwu</a>. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:image {"id":8075,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"custom","className":""} -->
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://hallow.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Copy-of-Night-Pray-Blog-2-1024x536.png" alt="" class="wp-image-8075"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">You can find the Holy Spirit Novena in the Challenges tab on Hallow.</figcaption></figure>
<!-- /wp:image -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">There is a wide variety of novenas to pray: <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-with-saints/">with saints</a>, to grow closer to God, or for a particular intention on your heart. So whether you're looking to grow your trust in God or get to know a saint better, we promise you'll find one that works for you!</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:buttons {"layout":{"type":"flex","justifyContent":"center","orientation":"horizontal"}} -->
<div class="wp-block-buttons"><!-- wp:button -->
<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button" href="https://hallow.app.link/PrayNovena">Pray the Holy Spirit Novena</a></div>
<!-- /wp:button --></div>
<!-- /wp:buttons -->
<!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} -->
<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-types-of-novenas"><strong>Types of novenas</strong></h3>
<!-- /wp:heading -->
<!-- wp:heading {"level":4,"className":""} -->
<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-anticipation">Anticipation</h4>
<!-- /wp:heading -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">We pray novenas in anticipation before or after a funeral, praying for the soul of the person who has passed away and asking God to be close to those who mourn them. This could be a saint's novena that they were close to or a novena to Christ, such as the <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-the-sacred-heart-novena/">Sacred Heart Novena</a>. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:heading {"level":4,"className":""} -->
<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preparation">Preparation</h4>
<!-- /wp:heading -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">We hope to prepare ourselves for the nine days leading up to a sacrament or another important day with these novenas. For example, some couples might pray a novena before their wedding day, or you might pray the <a href="https://www.praymorenovenas.com/st-andrew-christmas-novena" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">St. Andrew </a><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-the-st-andrew-christmas-novena/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Christmas </a><a href="https://www.praymorenovenas.com/st-andrew-christmas-novena" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Novena</a> leading up to the Birth of Jesus. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:heading {"level":4,"className":""} -->
<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-petition">Petition</h4>
<!-- /wp:heading -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">Novenas in petition ask God to answer a prayer or ask a specific saint for their intercession. First, identify your petition or intention for prayer. Then, select a saint associated with the subject matter. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">For example, you might pray the <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-st-joseph-worker-novena">St. Joseph the Worker Novena</a> if you're praying about employment; we offer this novena in Hallow. If you are praying for peace and joy, the <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/infant-jesus-of-prague-novena/">Infant Jesus of Prague Novena</a> helps us reflect on the Infant Jesus' words to Fr. Cyril: "“The more you honor Me, the more I will bless you."</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:heading {"level":4,"className":""} -->
<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-penance">Penance</h4>
<!-- /wp:heading -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">These novenas are prayed as an act of penitence; we pray for nine days asking God for His mercy. They are often given as a penance after the <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-go-to-confession-the-sacrament-of-penance-reconciliation/">sacrament of confession</a>. In Hallow, you can pray the <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray/-divine-mercy-chaplet/">Divine Mercy Novena</a> with Jonathan Roumie, the actor who plays Jesus in The Chosen. The <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-divine-mercy-chaplet/">St. Lucy Novena</a> is also great for those struggling with repentance and strength in their faith.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:heading {"className":""} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-pray-a-novena"><strong>Why pray a novena?</strong></h2>
<!-- /wp:heading -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">We pray for novenas for a specific intention or grace, such as for a loved one, healing, forgiveness, clarity with a big decision, etc. However, they aren't magic. We cannot assume that our prayers will be answered immediately. And, sometimes, what we pray for isn't exactly what we need. Rather, we pray novenas to grow in <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/patience/">patience</a> and place our trust in God, just as the Apostles prayed in anticipation of the Holy Spirit coming to them.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">We pray novenas to become disciples, growing in discipline and opening our hearts to God’s will. Whether our intention is answered or not, we finish the nine days in gratitude for God’s presence in our lives. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} -->
<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-do-you-pray-a-novena"><strong>When do you pray a novena?</strong></h3>
<!-- /wp:heading -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">Some novenas are prayed during specific times, such as the Divine Mercy Novena that begins on Good Friday. Traditionally, many people choose to pray novenas asking for a saint’s intercession on the nine days leading up to that saint’s feast day. If you're praying before a sacrament or event, you'll pray the novena for nine days before or after it. In truth, you really can pray a novena at any time. Novenas guide us to grow our trust in God — and that's something we need in all seasons of life. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:heading {"className":""} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-pray-a-novena"><strong>How to pray: A Novena</strong></h2>
<!-- /wp:heading -->
<!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} -->
<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-identify-your-intention">Identify your intention.</h3>
<!-- /wp:heading -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">Before you commit to praying for nine days, take some time to consider what your intention is for prayer. Are you looking to prepare yourself for an event spiritually? Or pray for a loved one that is struggling? Maybe you're simply looking for encouragement to develop a strong prayer habit. Remember: asking the Holy Spirit for guidance is never a bad idea! </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} -->
<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-choose-a-novena">Choose a novena.</h3>
<!-- /wp:heading -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">After you've taken some time to prepare yourself for prayer, select a novena that matches your intention. This might be a prayer for that specific intention, or it might be a novena to a saint who is known and loved in the subject you're struggling with or feeling gratitude for in this season of your life. Know that it doesn't have to be a "perfect" fit; by taking time each day to pray for a special intention will hopefully bring you clarity, peace and guide you to put your trust in God. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} -->
<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dedicate-nine-days"><strong>Dedicate nine days</strong>.</h3>
<!-- /wp:heading -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">Once you start a novena, dedicate time each day to being present with God and pray it with Him. Sometimes staying on track is difficult. We recommend setting aside a specific time and setting a reminder on your phone (or in Hallow) or adding it to your calendar for the nine days. You might also consider asking someone to pray the novena with you to hold each other accountable. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} -->
<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-embrace-the-novena">Embrace the novena.</h3>
<!-- /wp:heading -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">When you set out on this prayer journey, try to embrace it each day fully. Each day might look a little different for you, but try to accompany your time in prayer with other acts of faith. This might be fasting from social media or gossip, or it could be doing a kind thing for someone else each day. Let these nine days of prayer transform you in more ways than just devoting the time to pray each day. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} -->
<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-be-patient">Be patient. </h3>
<!-- /wp:heading -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">Remember, novenas aren’t magic. If you come to the end of your novena and your prayers appear to be unanswered, know that God hears your prayers and loves you. And often, our prayers are not answered in the way we hoped. Ask for God’s help in trusting in Him and in desiring that His will be done. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:separator {"opacity":"css","className":"is-style-wide"} -->
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-css-opacity is-style-wide"/>
<!-- /wp:separator -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">In Hallow, you’ll find the Surrender Novena, <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-novena-for-life/">Novena for Life</a>, <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/holy-family-novena/">Holy Family Novena</a>, the <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-54-day-novena/">54 Day Novena</a>, the St. Joseph Novena, and the <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-divine-mercy-chaplet/">Divine Mercy Novena</a>, and the Sacred Heart Novena with Jonathan Roumie, the actor who plays Jesus in The Chosen. As we continue to add more novenas to the app, we hope you'll start praying with us! </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:buttons {"layout":{"type":"flex","justifyContent":"center","orientation":"horizontal"}} -->
<div class="wp-block-buttons"><!-- wp:button -->
<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button" href="https://hallow.app.link/PrayNovena">Download Hallow to Pray a Novena</a></div>
<!-- /wp:button --></div>
<!-- /wp:buttons -->
[post_title] => How to Pray a Novena
[post_excerpt] => Learn this traditional prayer method taking place over 9 days.
[post_status] => publish
[comment_status] => open
[ping_status] => open
[post_password] =>
[post_name] => how-to-pray-novenas
[to_ping] =>
[pinged] => https://hallow.com/2020/08/23/how-to-pray-54-day-novena/
https://hallow.com/2021/04/06/how-to-pray-with-saints/
https://hallow.com/2019/10/17/patience/
https://hallow.com/2020/03/08/how-to-pray-divine-mercy-chaplet/
[post_modified] => 2024-05-22 15:26:15
[post_modified_gmt] => 2024-05-22 15:26:15
[post_content_filtered] =>
[post_parent] => 0
[guid] => https://hallow.com/?p=4016
[menu_order] => 0
[post_type] => post
[post_mime_type] =>
[comment_count] => 0
[filter] => raw
)
How to Pray a Novena
Learn this traditional prayer method taking place over 9 days.
WP_Post Object
(
[ID] => 2676
[post_author] => 8
[post_date] => 2020-04-08 17:35:52
[post_date_gmt] => 2020-04-08 17:35:52
[post_content] => <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class=""><strong>Read time: ~5.3 minutes</strong></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">God never intended for us to be socially distanced.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">He said, from the very beginning, “It is not good for man to
be alone” (Gen. 2:18).</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">Being Himself a communion of Persons, God created a world in
which <em>being-with</em> brings forth life
and makes love grow. That’s why the Garden of Eden was so idyllic, lush, and
green – God Himself dwelled there with Adam and Eve, and they lived in true harmony.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">All of Creation was meant to move more and more toward perfect
communion, but its progress became woefully disrupted by the introduction of
sin and its consequent deaths.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">As a result of the Fall, Adam and Eve experienced disintegration
within themselves, disconnect in their relationship, disharmony with the created
world, and estrangement in their friendship with God.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class=""><br>We are today experiencing the pangs of those same effects as this global pandemic affects our interpersonal communion in abrasive ways.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">The current practice of social distancing is both prudent and
loving, but we nevertheless feel the pain of separation when we learn about the
increase of deaths, when loved ones are away laboring on the frontlines, when
we stand six feet apart, when we avoid each other on sidewalks, when we
communicate remotely, and when we shelter in place alone all-day.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">God does not and did not want anything like this to be our
end. So, after the Fall, He undertook a thousands-of-years project to restore
what had been lost. The entire Old Testament tells the story of a God who will
stop at nothing to save and renew the communion He had first established.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">God worked patiently through human history before bringing everything
to culmination in Jesus Christ. Jesus became the perfect bridge between God and
man, being Himself both fully God and fully man.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">In our upcoming holy days, we see into the heart of this God-man,
who comes down from Heaven to bring us back to one another and draw us to himself.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">On Thursday, Jesus gives us the gift of his own Body and Blood,
substantiating his longing to be <em>with</em>
us and <em>in </em>us; revealing, too, his profound
desire for us to live in <em>him</em>.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">On Good Friday, he suffers the greatest agony man will ever
experience, in total separation from God as a result of death.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">Jesus’ body will be isolated on Holy Saturday, and we will
mourn, prevented from coming near him because of a large stone and protocols of
the day.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class=""><br>Then, in the morning, Jesus will rise.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">On Sunday, Jesus destroys the one thing that could keep us
from him. He opens the gates of Heaven and thereby makes possible our living <em>with</em> and <em>in </em>him for all eternity.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">There is a dissonance we feel, however, given our current
situation, since most of us will not be able to physically celebrate this
Easter triumph in our churches. Most of us will have to continue staying at home
and live-streaming from afar.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">Although we may not, for the foreseeable future, be able to
pray together in person – to lift our voices in one song of praise and receive
Jesus’ Body and Blood into our beings – we wait <em>together</em>. We prepare for the day when we will finally be allowed to
leave our homes and run, like Mary Magdalene and John, to meet Christ at the
empty tomb.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">We remember, too, that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday,
today, and forever” (Heb. 13:8).</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">This Jesus is the same God who asks, “Where are you?” and never
stops searching until we’re found (Gen. 3:9).</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">This Jesus is the same God who, well into the darkness of night,
walks on water and saves his disciples from the storm (cf. Matt. 14:22-33).</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">This Jesus is the same God who passes through locked doors
to reach his disciples and speak his peace, with no longer bloodied wounds (cf.
John 20:19-23).</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">By the victory of his Resurrection, Jesus has overcome any
form of social distancing.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">Nothing, not even death, can stop him from finding a way to
his people and bringing us into communion.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
[post_title] => Where is God in our Easter Social Distancing?
[post_excerpt] => Walk through Holy Week, and realize God is with us
[post_status] => publish
[comment_status] => open
[ping_status] => open
[post_password] =>
[post_name] => where-is-god-in-our-easter-social-distancing
[to_ping] =>
[pinged] =>
[post_modified] => 2020-10-05 13:28:51
[post_modified_gmt] => 2020-10-05 13:28:51
[post_content_filtered] =>
[post_parent] => 0
[guid] => https://hallow.com/?p=2676
[menu_order] => 0
[post_type] => post
[post_mime_type] =>
[comment_count] => 0
[filter] => raw
)
Where is God in our Easter Social Distancing?
Walk through Holy Week, and realize God is with us
WP_Post Object
(
[ID] => 2633
[post_author] => 13
[post_date] => 2020-04-06 02:58:19
[post_date_gmt] => 2020-04-06 02:58:19
[post_content] => <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class=""><strong>~5.6 min read </strong></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">As <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/holy-week-schedule/">Holy Week</a> begins, many of us are facing yet another week of not being able to attend Mass in person. <a href="https://hallow.com/lent/">Lent</a> feels extra heavy this year, and as we turn the corner into this holy week, we are struck with the sadness of no grand <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/easter-vigil/">Easter Vigil</a>, no glorious Easter morning mass, no get together with family and friends. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">We as a Hallow team wanted to offer some ideas for how you can still intentionally enter into this week, even if from home. We offer these knowing that this is a particularly stressful season of life for everyone, so this is not meant to be a guilt trip, but instead a fun list of ideas to set next week apart:</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class=""><strong>Participate in services online</strong><br></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">Though not a perfect substitute for the sights, sounds, and smells that fill our churches during Holy Week, participating in the Mass online can still help us enter into the incredible story of Christ’s love. <br></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">Not all parishes or dioceses are able to offer their Holy Week services online, so if your church is not doing so, here are some other options: <a href="http://catholictv.org">catholictv.org</a>, <a href="http://livemass.net">livemass.net</a> (for extraordinary form), and Mass with <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVdGX3N-WIJ5nUvklBTNhAw">Fr. Mike Schmitz</a> on the Ascension Presents YouTube channel. If you miss them live, you can often watch them later in the day. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class=""><strong>Spend time in prayer each day</strong><br></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">If you aren’t able to watch services online, or in addition to them, try to spend time in prayer each day. This can look different for each person, from 5 minutes to a full hour of prayer. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">Hallow will be releasing a collection of prayers for <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/palm-sunday/">Palm Sunday</a>, <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/holy-thursday/">Holy Thursday</a>, <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/good-friday-the-passion-of-christ/">Good Friday</a>, <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-stations-of-the-cross/">Stations of the Cross</a>, Holy Saturday, Easter Vigil, and <a href="https://hallow.com/easter/">Easter Sunday</a>. There will be holy hours, taizes, spiritual communion, and <em>lectio divina</em> meditations on the Gospel passages from each service.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">There is a lot to pray for these days, so no matter how your Lenten promises have gone so far, we’re here to journey with you towards Jesus’ cross and resurrection.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class=""><strong>Bring physical reminders of the Triduum into your day</strong> <br></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">The Church calls the 3 days between Holy Thursday and Easter Sunday the “Paschal Triduum”. During these days, every action Jesus took came together for the purpose of opening wide the gates of heaven through his death and resurrection.<br></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">Since the liturgies of the Triduum are so rich and memorable (Washing of the Feet, Venerating the Cross, the lighting of the Paschal Candle at the Easter Vigil, to name a few!), here are a few ways to bring those moments from the Gospel into our lived experience at home: <br></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">Wash another person’s feet (while practicing good social distancing) and have a meal together (virtually for some of us) on Holy Thursday. On Good Friday, turn off all lights and electronics from noon until three in the afternoon (or for the rest of the evening!) in honor of the darkness that covered the land as Jesus hung on the cross. On Holy Saturday, have a quiet day of reflection and take even 5 minutes to write down your thoughts about all that has taken place during Holy Week and this unique Lent we have lived through.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">We’ll also be praying a 24-hour rosary as a Hallow community, starting on Holy Saturday until Easter. We’ve asked medical professionals, Catholic speakers, and some of the Hallow team to help lead rosaries, and we would love to pray with you! We’ll be releasing a full schedule soon.<br></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class=""><strong>And on Easter… celebrate!</strong> <br></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">No matter what our individual celebrations will look like this week, by the end, Jesus Christ will be risen. Watch a Vigil service on Saturday night and then have a party at midnight (again, while practicing social distancing!) Or on Sunday morning call friends and family, make a fun meal even just for yourself, go outside and give thanks for creation. Play music and dance, wear bright colors, make yourself an Easter egg hunt. It doesn’t need to be big or creative, just something that brings you and those around you joy. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">Know that we at Hallow are praying for you as we celebrate Jesus’ coming into Jerusalem today and all that is to come throughout this Holy Week. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">We look forward to the day (very soon) when we can shout “Alleluia!” in praise of our Risen King, even in the midst of the hardships in our lives. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class=""></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class=""><br></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
[post_title] => Holy Week at Home
[post_excerpt] => Creative ways to pray while at home during Holy Week
[post_status] => publish
[comment_status] => open
[ping_status] => open
[post_password] =>
[post_name] => holy-week-at-home
[to_ping] =>
[pinged] =>
[post_modified] => 2023-04-04 01:07:02
[post_modified_gmt] => 2023-04-04 01:07:02
[post_content_filtered] =>
[post_parent] => 0
[guid] => https://hallow.com/?p=2633
[menu_order] => 0
[post_type] => post
[post_mime_type] =>
[comment_count] => 0
[filter] => raw
)
Holy Week at Home
Creative ways to pray while at home during Holy Week
WP_Post Object
(
[ID] => 2559
[post_author] => 7
[post_date] => 2020-03-26 20:57:09
[post_date_gmt] => 2020-03-26 20:57:09
[post_content] => <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">Today, Hallow, a Catholic prayer and meditation app, announced that it will be providing free Hallow Plus subscriptions for new accounts created by health- and social-care workers in the world to help support them during this extremely turbulent and stressful time of global pandemic. <br></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">“This is a stressful time; one of heavy anxiety for many of us, especially those risking their own health and the health of their families to serve & heal us. It is not a peaceful world today, but we are lucky. Our peace does not come from this world. Our peace is different. ‘<em>My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.</em>’ (John 14:27). We here at Hallow are working hard to do everything we can to help folks find peace & hope in God during this time,” said Alex Jones, co-founder and CEO of Hallow. “We want those on the front lines of this crisis to know how grateful we are for their work, that we’re behind them 100%, and that we’re praying for them with everything we have.”<br></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">Starting today, through at least the end of May, any newly subscribing health- or social-care professional in the world (not available to current paid subscribers) can get a free Hallow Plus subscription by verifying their position at <a rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" href="https://hallow.com/healthcare-idme/">https://hallow.com/healthcare-idme/</a> (or by emailing health@hallow.com if they are in a non-standard position). All subscribers will receive a year of free access to over 500 contemplative sessions focused on finding peace by building a deeper relationship with God. This health crisis is not just a US challenge and as a consequence Hallow will continue to work to find partner charities, health systems, and providers across the world to support their employees and volunteers.<br></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">“Across the country, schools are closing, businesses are going through layoffs as they are forced to shutter their operations for an unknown period of time, and many religious celebrations are being suspended. Those in the healthcare field however, are being asked to work double and triple shifts in facilities that are increasing at or above capacity,” said Alessandro DiSanto, co-founder and Head of Growth at Hallow. <br></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">Erich Kerekes, Hallow co-founder & CTO adds, “We want to do whatever we can to make sure that everyone focusing on supporting the health of others has support in maintaining their own mental and spiritual health.”<br></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">As 48% of respondents in a recent Reuters poll described this COVID-19 pandemic as an <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-mentalhealth/as-coronavirus-takes-emotional-toll-mental-health-professionals-brace-for-spike-in-demand-idUSKBN2171HJ">“imminent threat”</a>, healthcare workers are facing even higher levels of stress from <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2020/03/were-failing-doctors/608662/">having to cope</a> with the potential risk of exposing themselves and their families to the virus they are treating. In it’s recently published list of recommendations on how to deal with the Coronavirus crisis, <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/managing-stress-anxiety.html">the Center for Disease Control has recommended meditation</a> as a key element of supporting physical health.<br></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">In addition to its effort to help health- and social-care workers, Hallow has also launched new in-app content, including a meditation on the prayer for Spiritual Communion for those separated from physical mass, as well as a 15+ session <em>Stuck at Home</em> “praylist” featuring meditations on the power of prayer and finding peace in trusting God. <br></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class=""><strong>About Hallow</strong></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class=""><a href="https://hallow.com">Hallow</a> is a faith-based mediation app that helps its users deepen their relationship with God through audio-guided contemplative prayer sessions. Launched in December of 2018, the app has already been used to pray over 1 million times in over 50 countries. It is currently the #1 Catholic app in the US App Store and has an average 4.9 / 5.0 star rating. Hallow is being used by Catholic schools, parishes, employers, families, priests, and Bishops across the world. For more information please visit us at <a href="https://hallow.com">https://hallow.com</a> or follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HallowPrayer">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/hallowapp">Twitter </a>and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/hallowprayerapp/">Instagram</a>.<br></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">You can download the app directly <a href="https://hallow.onelink.me/Q25Y/a7102612">here</a>.<br></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">May peace be with you </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class=""></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
[post_title] => Hallow Press Release for Healthcare Professionals
[post_excerpt] => In gratitude for your lifesaving work
[post_status] => publish
[comment_status] => open
[ping_status] => open
[post_password] =>
[post_name] => healthcare-press-release
[to_ping] =>
[pinged] =>
[post_modified] => 2020-10-05 13:29:27
[post_modified_gmt] => 2020-10-05 13:29:27
[post_content_filtered] =>
[post_parent] => 0
[guid] => https://hallow.com/?p=2559
[menu_order] => 0
[post_type] => post
[post_mime_type] =>
[comment_count] => 0
[filter] => raw
)
Hallow Press Release for Healthcare Professionals
In gratitude for your lifesaving work
WP_Post Object
(
[ID] => 2510
[post_author] => 3
[post_date] => 2020-03-19 14:58:25
[post_date_gmt] => 2020-03-19 14:58:25
[post_content] => <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class=""><strong>~3:40 minute read</strong></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">I’m sure everyone has had enough about COVID-19 opinions and articles. Our hope with this is to focus on what we’ve done to help the Hallow Family as well as the greater communities in which we live. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">This past week we have done our best to create new content, make the content we already have more accessible by extending our free trial period from the original 7 days to 90 days and made a huge push to help people connect virtually. This is "Part 1" as the situation continues to develop we'll be sure to update with our efforts so, stay tuned!</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class=""> During times like these, we turn to the only One who can console us: </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class=""><em>"The peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid." - John 14:27</em><br><br> Our small team here at Hallow is working around the clock to try and help us through this time of crisis and difficulty. A few things to highlight: </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class=""><strong>Spiritual Communion</strong>: Many of your masses have been canceled. Though spiritual communion is not a replacement for mass, it can be a powerful means of seeking union with Christ. This session is now available on the <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://hallow.com/home" target="_blank">app</a> under the Discover tab. Due to the quick turnaround, it is initially only available with Abby as the guide.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class=""><strong>Stuck at home praylist:</strong> We just released a 15+ session stuck at home praylist to engage you in prayer during social distancing.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class=""><strong>Content on healing</strong>: We are also working on a #pray19 healing community challenge for COVID-19 to launch after #pray40.<br><strong><br>3 months free:</strong> In an effort to help people through this time, we are extending our usual 7-day free trial to 3 months for new users, so you can access all of the premium content free of charge.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class=""><strong>Parishes: </strong>Many of our parishes are struggling with closures. We are working to help them and their parishioners stay connected to their faith and find a sense of peace. Please simply e-mail community@hallow.com if you'd like to share our parish resources with your community. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class=""><strong>Friends & family:</strong> We are currently at work building out a new friends and family functionality over the next couple of weeks to enable you to stay connected to your faith communities.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class=""><strong>Social media:</strong> We are hosting live prayer sessions every day on Facebook at 8p CT (as well as 10a CT on Sunday). Follow us <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="http://facebook.com/HallowPrayer" target="_blank">here</a>. We're also sharing our "Keep Calm and Pray" image below with our social networks. Click <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://hallow.com/keepcalm/" target="_blank">here</a> to share it with yours. We are including a special session on 3/19/2020 at 3pm CT to pray the rosary per Pope Francis's request. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class="">Please know of our prayers for you and for the Hallow community. Also please keep those less fortunate in your mind and in your prayers. It is the poor, the homeless, those living paycheck to paycheck, that will experience this crisis the hardest. We can promise that you all are not alone--that we have the Hallow Family in our hearts and in our constant prayers. God bless all. <br> </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"align":"center","className":""} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Let nothing disturb you,<br> Let nothing frighten you,<br> All things are passing away:<br> God never changes.<br> Patience obtains all things<br> Whoever has God lacks nothing;<br> God alone suffices.</em> </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"align":"center","className":""} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center"><em> St. Teresa of Avila </em> <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4887358/47294b71-4cb4-4f4c-bc23-68ddd5382d54" target="_blank"></a><span class="hs-cta-wrapper" id="hs-cta-wrapper-47294b71-4cb4-4f4c-bc23-68ddd5382d54"><span class="hs-cta-node hs-cta-47294b71-4cb4-4f4c-bc23-68ddd5382d54" id="hs-cta-47294b71-4cb4-4f4c-bc23-68ddd5382d54"></span></span></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} -->
<p class=""></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
[post_title] => Hallow's Response to COVID-19: Part 1
[post_excerpt] => "Whoever has God lacks nothing; God alone suffices."
[post_status] => publish
[comment_status] => open
[ping_status] => open
[post_password] =>
[post_name] => hallows-response-to-covid-19-part-1
[to_ping] =>
[pinged] =>
[post_modified] => 2020-10-05 13:46:01
[post_modified_gmt] => 2020-10-05 13:46:01
[post_content_filtered] =>
[post_parent] => 0
[guid] => https://hallow.com/?p=2510
[menu_order] => 0
[post_type] => post
[post_mime_type] =>
[comment_count] => 0
[filter] => raw
)
Hallow’s Response to COVID-19: Part 1
"Whoever has God lacks nothing; God alone suffices."