Spirit Daily - Daily spiritual news from around the world

Are we called to be "prepared" -- or is to be prepared a lack of faith?

Many feel they are being "called" to have certain items and plans on hand in the event that our infrastructure breaks down.

That seems prudent because things can happen many ways, of course -- through the economy, through civil unrest, by way of terrorism (during 9/11 our entire system of transportation was frozen), or due to natural disaster.

There is nothing wrong with that. It is always good to have an element of preparation (if for no reason other than the natural events which plague every part of the U.S.). We just must be cautious not to wander into paranoia.

Self-sufficiency? Yes. Running for the hills?

Isn't the economy recovering? Or is it in a simple hiatus right now?

No one knows how matters will shape up. Some see the economy as starting a slow recovery -- perhaps. Others see the current uplift as a temporary result of all the bailouts and "stimulus." Some believe that we have bottomed out while others say we have addressed less than a third of the credit losses (just $1.29 trillion of $4 trillion in total global debits). The International Monetary Fund has warned of parallels to the Great Depression (when the stock market also had its rallies).

Does it matter?

Is the economy really the main player?

Or did the recent financial crisis come simply as a nudge for us to simplify (and prepare)?

At any rate, viewers weighed in with a number of comments (for your cautious discernment). We present them because we believe in opening up the vessels of intuition (where prophecy can operate).

"This morning I stopped for a moment and asked the Lord, 'What should my priorities be,'" writes Deacon Ed Grotpeter of St. Louis, who was asking not about world events but personal matters, and was surprised at the alleged answer. "I immediately received, 'Food and prayer.' (As our stock of stored food was running low, I presumed he meant to restock .) To which I replied, 'Why, Lord.' I then received, 'Because your President is about to sign into law that which will bring about the death of your country.' But what can we do, I asked? 'Only prayer will mitigate the consequences of this action.' I often hear the Lord on personal matters but never anything of this magnitude. I believe we must all heed His
warnings."

Would the Lord single out a politician?

Interesting issues. Interesting times. Cautious discernment. There is good and bad in everyone. Below, after this article, is a spiritual preparation kit.

"I have felt the promptings to have food set aside for some time now," writes Mary L. Nelson of Bridgeport, Connecticut. "Certainly economic and world events would make this a prudent thing to do for anyone who takes some time to realize our society's vulnerability if there is any disruption. I have been trying in gentle ways to suggest to friends and family that this is prudent. I think of how Joseph was given advance warning of the seven years of want in Egypt. As for the fire from the sky, last summer my sister in Tennessee, who is a Christian, called to tell me of a vivid dream she had of fire/boulders raining down from the sky and she knew in the dream that everything after that incident would never be the same again.

"I am not particularly afraid by all this," adds Mary, "but rather have a sense of resolution which could also be a sign that the promptings are from God. I hope you will find a way in your articles to write about the feedback you are undoubtedly getting on this issue in such a way that it will help other people to discern this for themselves in prayer and prepare as they are led by God."

"I am surprised at the frenzy of people who are stocking up on gold and silver, and even ammunition, as if that was going to protect them against the evil that is rising," says a man with a contrary if equally apocalyptic view. "When the proclamation for the mandatory chip or 'mark' on all humans and animals goes forth, gold and silver will most likely be completely outlawed by then. Our Blessed Mother has never counseled anyone to stock up on gold or silver, since Jesus will be our security in this time. Bullets will be of no use either unless of course it is to attract that element to us in order to accelerate the destruction of the faithful. No one who follows after these doctrines will be led to refuge by an angel, or even allowed in a true refuge, for the Rosary is to be our weapon, and survival will depend upon whether or not each individual person will commit to living in a religious community. All purchasing or trade will be strictly by the barter system, since only valid refuges set up and protected by the Angel of the Lord shall be free from the Mark of the Beast. In many messages to many different messengers both the Blessed Virgin and the Lord have repeatedly stated that the new era will be populated only by religious agrarian communities, whether lay or consecrated. There will be no 'loners' or survivalists in the New Era of Peace, and therefore there will be none in the refuge communities either, since they will be and are of a completely wrong spirit. Those whom the Lord will lead to refuge and community will be humble, broken, stripped of everything, and completely trusting on the Lord. No guns! No gold! Only humility, littleness, and submission!"

"I do believe national disasters are imminent and was wondering if you could do your Spirit Daily 'family' a favor," writes Lorraine Benton. "Can you direct us as to what supplies we should have on hand in the event of disaster(s)? I know you probably have this list in your archives -- may you share it with us again? I see that the Protestant prophet in one of your current articles says to have 30 days of food on hand."

The supplies recommended in the event of a hurricane or ice storm or terrorism seem like a good starting point.

Is it time to go back to the soil? Many are those who are doing that -- in and out of religion.

Times will unfold, and the Lord will guide all those who take time for prayer and to pray for others.

"While two friends were praying and discerning, it became clear that they were to invite others to join them in preparing a 'Spiritual Emergency Kit' for times of illness, storms, etcetera – similar to a first-aid kit," writes yet one more, again from Missouri. "In most times of an emergency, we’re unprepared and sometimes, we even forget to pray. So, to be 'ready,' the following is a list of items that can be placed in a large Ziploc bag for use in our homes and cars. A priest has reviewed the following:

"Please pray and discern how you are being led to protect your family and your home.

"Always be encouraged to be led by Jesus and His Holy Spirit in the present moment to do the Father’s Will. Ask Our Blessed Mother and Saint Joseph to continue to intercede for you and all of your needs. Divine Mercy Jesus, we trust in You! May we always have hearts of gratitude to Our Triune God for His Guidance, Protection and Divine Providence.

"1. Frequently receive the Sacraments, spend quiet time with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and try to pray the Rosary and Chaplet of Divine Mercy daily as a family. The prayers of a family and those of a husband and wife are especially pleasing to God. You are encouraged to fast Wednesdays and Fridays on bread, fruit and fluids. Read daily from the Holy Scriptures.

"2. Every day and frequently throughout the day, re-consecrate yourself to Mary. Consecrate your family, the world and even people with whom you don’t get along. People don’t have to know that you're consecrating them. If you don't have time to say the whole Consecration Prayer, simply say, "Jesus, I 'm Yours. Mary, I'm Yours. I give You the world."

"3. Conversion of hearts is an ongoing spiritual process of coming to know Our Lord more deeply and walking intimately with Him. The daily renewal of our Baptismal promises and our personal consecration to Our Lord and our Blessed Mother help us to receive the graces necessary for our state of life. Sacramentals are important faith reminders of our citizenship in God’s Kingdom, and to show that we are consecrated to Our Lord and Our Lady and that we belong to Them.

"4. This is essential to protect the outside of your home: Get four small, plastic bags. In each bag place one St. Benedict medal, one Miraculous Medal, one scapular and one rosary. You may use torn or frayed scapulars and broken rosaries as long as they’re blessed and the rosaries are complete. Bury a bag on each of the four corners of your property line. While doing this, make the Sign of the Cross and invite the Father, Son and Holy Spirit to lead you in praying various prayers, including the Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel. Remember to invite Our Blessed Mother, St. Joseph and the Heavenly Court (Angels, Communion of Saints and Holy Souls in Purgatory) to surround your property and your family. If you live in a condo or an apartment, place the bags on the interior four corners of your residence. You may want to make extra bags of sacramentals for each family member’s vehicle. Very important: Hang a St. Benedict Crucifix over the outside of every door, including the garage door. Use epoxy cement to prevent high winds and earthquakes from knocking the Crucifixes off.

"5. Inside your home: Hang a small blessed Crucifix or cross over every door that leads outside. Do this over the inside of your garage door too. These don’t need to be St. Benedict Crucifixes. Any cross (wooden, plastic, etcetera.) will do. Also hang a Crucifix or cross over every window inside your home, including the basement windows. You could make crosses from blessed palms. You could use 'mounting putty' (the sticky stuff for hanging posters) to hang the crosses, but use the putty indoors only.

"6. Sprinkle blessed salt on the inside of all window sills and on the base of all doors that exit outside. Do this on a regular basis in case the salt gets swept or vacuumed. Sprinkle blessed salt all around the outside of your property and in your vehicles. You won’t need a lot; a few grains are very powerful. Discreetly sprinkle blessed salt on roads, highways, in your work places, doctor’s offices, schools, public places, etc. You won’t be noticed if you just drop a small pinch of salt from your pocket.

"7. Frequently make the Sign of the Cross and/or use holy water on yourself, your home, your vehicles, bicycles, computer, telephones, etc. Pray and discreetly sprinkle holy water in your work places and public places. Remember that the Sign of the Cross is a simple and powerful prayer. We are also encouraged to bless all food, drinks and medications that we consume.

"8. Display an image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in every room of your home. Other than large images or icons, you can also use laminated holy cards. Place them on the refrigerator, bathroom mirrors, basement and garage. Place a small picture of Jesus or Mary or a saint on every window to face outside.

"9. Write three times on a small, thin piece of paper: 'JESUS, JESUS, JESUS.' Slip this paper over the top of each door frame of all doors that lead outside. There is enough space for a thin piece of paper.

"My beloved Father, Thy Will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Be Thou my Father, be always my Eternal Father. Do not leave my soul. Do not leave me out of Your sight, My Father, for I am Your child, whom You have created to please You, to adore You, to honor You, living my days as You have given me the license to live it. Amen.

"Cardinal Mercier: Pray this daily! This powerful way of praying will change your life! I am going to reveal to you the secret of sanctity & happiness. Every day for 5 minutes, control your imagination and close your eyes to the things of sense and your ears to all noises of the world, in order to enter into yourself. Then, in the sanctity of your baptized soul, which is the temple of the Holy Spirit, speak to that Divine Spirit, saying to Him:

"O Holy Spirit, Beloved of my soul, I adore You. Enlighten me, guide me, strengthen me, console me. Tell me what I should do. Give me Your orders. I promise to submit myself to all that You desire of me and to accept all that You permit to happen to me. Let me only know Your Will. (If you do this, your life will flow along happily, serenely and full of consolation, even in the midst of trials. Grace will be proportioned to the trial, giving you the strength to carry it and you will arrive at the gate of Paradise, laden with merit. This submission to the Holy Spirit is the secret of sanctity.

"THE SPIRITUAL COMMUNION

"By a rescript of November 24, 1922, the Sacred Congregation of Indulgences approved the following formula for a spiritual communion. There is an indulgence of 500 days, if thrice repeated (129 The Raccolta 1944). The Cure of Ars said, 'A spiritual communion acts on the soul as blowing does on a cinder-covered fire which was about to go out. Whenever you feel your love of God growing cold, quickly make a spiritual communion.'

"O Jesus, I turn toward the holy tabernacle where You live hidden for love of me. I love you, O my God. I cannot receive You in Holy Communion. Come nevertheless and visit me with Your grace. Come spiritually into my heart. Purify it. Sanctify it. Render it like unto Your own. Amen.

"Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldst enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.

"Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, filled with infinite love, broken by my ingratitude, pierced by my sins, yet loving me still. Accept the consecration that I make to You of all that I am and all that I have. Take every faculty of my soul and body. Draw me day by day, nearer and nearer to Your Sacred Heart. And there, as I can bear the lesson, teach me Your blessed ways. Amen.

"Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, and tender Mother of all people, I consecrate myself to you and to your Immaculate Heart, and recommend to you my family, my country, and the whole human race. Please accept my consecration, dearest Mother, and use me as you wish to accomplish your designs upon the world. O Immaculate Heart of Mary, Queen of Heaven and Earth, rule over me and teach me how to allow the Heart of Jesus to rule and triumph in me and around me, as It has ruled and triumphed in you. Amen.

"O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer You my prayers, works, joys and sufferings of this day in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world. I offer them for all the intentions of Your Sacred Heart, the salvation of souls, reparation for sin, the union of all Christians.
I offer them for the intentions of our Bishops and all Apostles of Prayer, and in particular for those recommended by our Holy Father this month. Amen.

"'I put on God’s armor so as to be able to resist the devil’s tactics.' I stand my ground 'with truth buckled around my waist and integrity for a breastplate...' I carry the 'shield of faith' to 'put out the burning arrows of the evil one ...' I accept 'salvation from God to be my helmet and receive the Word of God from the Spirit to use as a sword.' (Ephesians 6:10, 11, 14, 16, 17 NAS)

"O Saint Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God, I place in you all my interests and desires. O Saint Joseph, do assist me by your powerful intercession, and obtain for me from your Divine Son all spiritual blessings, through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. So that having engaged here below your heavenly power, I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most Loving of Fathers. O Saint Joseph, I never weary contemplating you and Jesus asleep in your arms; I dare not approach while He reposes near your heart. Press Him in my name and kiss His fine Head for me, and ask Him to return the kiss when I draw my dying breath. Saint Joseph, Patron of departing souls -- pray for me. Amen.

"PRAYER TO SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL

"Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host -- by the Power of God -- cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits, who prowl through the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom God’s love commits me here, ever this day, be at my side,

(Fr. Robert DeGrandis: “Seal your family against infiltration of evil and the ‘spirit of infirmity’

"In the Name of Jesus, I seal myself, my relatives and friends, my home, my workplace, my automobile and all sources of supply in the Precious Blood of Jesus. (Repeat 3 times in honor of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.)

Soul of Christ, sanctify me. Body of Christ, save me. Blood of Christ, inebriate me. Water from the side of Christ, wash me. Passion of Christ, strengthen me. O good Jesus, hear me. Within Thy wounds hide me. Suffer me not to be separated from Thee. From the malignant enemy, defend me. In the hour of my death, call me and bid me come to Thee. That with Thy saints I may praise Thee. Forever and ever. Amen. (An indulgence of 300 days. An indulgence of seven years, if recited after Holy Communion.)

"ST PATRICK'S BREASTPLATE
( 390-461 A.D. )

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help or sought your intercession, was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly to you, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to you do I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in your mercy hear and answer me. Amen.

See at your feet, O Mother of Perpetual Help, a poor sinner who has recourse to you and confides in you. O Mother of Mercy, have pity on me! I hear you called the refuge and the hope of sinners; be my refuge and my hope. Help me, for the love of Jesus Christ; stretch forth your hand to a poor fallen creature who recommends himself/herself to you, and who devotes himself/herself to your service forever. I bless and thank Almighty God, who in His mercy had given me this confidence in you, which I hold to be a pledge of my eternal salvation. Mary, tender Mother, help me. Mother of Perpetual Help, never allow me to lose my God. Amen. Pray the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be, three times each.

(Prayer taught by the Angel of Peace during his first apparition in 1916 to the three children.)

My God, I believe, I adore, I hope and I love Thee! I beg pardon for those who do not believe, do not adore, do not hope, and do not love Thee. Amen.

(With the Blessed Sacrament suspended in the air, the Angel of Peace prostrated himself and recited this prayer during the third apparition to the Fatima children in 1916.)

Oh Most Holy Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, I adore Thee profoundly. I offer Thee the most precious Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ, present in all the tabernacles of the world,
in reparation for the outrages, sacrileges and indifferences by which He is offended. By the infinite merits of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I beg the conversion of poor sinners. Amen.

Jesus Christ +, a King of Glory has come in peace. God became Man, and the Word was made flesh. Christ + was born of a Virgin. Christ + suffered. Christ + was crucified. Christ + died. Christ + rose from the dead. Christ + ascended into Heaven. Christ + conquers. Christ + reigns. Christ + orders. May Christ + protect us from all storms and lightning. Christ + went through their midst in peace, and the Word was made flesh. Christ + is with us with Mary. Flee, you enemy spirits, because the Lion of the Generation of Juda, the Root David, has won. Holy God! Holy Powerful God! Holy Immortal God! Have mercy on us. Amen!

O Father, come and visit our home (shop, office, and so forth) and protect us from the lures of the enemy; may Your Holy Angels come to guard our peace and may Your blessing remain with us forever. In Christ Our Lord, Amen.

Lord Jesus Christ, Who said to Your apostles, “In whatever home you enter, greet it, saying, 'Peace be in this home,’” let this same peace, we pray, abide in this place. We beseech You to sanctify it by the merits of our trusting prayer! Pour Your blessings on it, and make it a place of peace. May salvation enter our abode as it entered the house of Zacchaeus, when You graced it with Your Presence. Entrust Your Angels to guard it and banish from it every evil power. Grant that all who live in it may please You with their good works, and so receive from You, when their time comes, the reward of Your heavenly home. We ask this through Christ, Our Lord, Amen.

Prayers for Priests to bless sacramentals
(Taken from old Roman Ritual prayer books, unless otherwise noted)

P: Our help is in the Name of the Lord. R: Who made heaven and earth.

EXORCISM OF SALT (necessary for Exorcism of Water)

P: O salt, creature of God, I exorcise you by the living (+) God, by the true (+) God, by the holy (+) God, by the God who ordered you to be poured into the water by Elisha the prophet, so that its life-giving powers might be restored. I exorcise you so that you may become a means of salvation for believers, that you may bring health of soul and body to all who make use of you, and that you may put to flight and drive away from the places where you are sprinkled; every apparition, villainy, turn of devilish deceit, and every unclean spirit; adjured by him who will come to judge the living and the dead and the world by fire.
R: Amen.

P: Let us pray. Almighty and everlasting God, we humbly implore You, in Your immeasurable kindness and love, to bless (+) this salt which You created and gave to the use of mankind, so that it may become a source of health for the minds and bodies of all who make use of it. May it rid whatever it touches or sprinkles of all uncleanness, and protect it from every assault of evil spirits. Through Christ our Lord.
R: Amen.

EXORCISM OF WATER

P: O water, creature of God, I exorcise you in the Name of God the Father (+) Almighty, and in the Name of Jesus (+) Christ His Son, our Lord, and in the power of the Holy (+) Spirit. I exorcise you so that you may put to flight all the power of the enemy, and be able to root out and supplant that enemy with his apostate angels, through the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will come to judge the living and the dead and the world by fire. R: Amen.

P: Let us pray. O God, for the salvation of mankind, You built Your greatest mysteries on this substance, water. In Your kindness, hear our prayers and pour down the power of Your blessing (+) into this element, made ready for many kinds of purifications. May this, your creature, become an agent of divine grace in the service of Your mysteries, to drive away evil spirits and dispel sickness, so that everything in the homes and other buildings of the faithful that is sprinkled with this water, may be rid of all uncleanness and freed from every harm. Let no breath of infection and no disease-bearing air remain in these places. May the wiles of the lurking enemy prove of no avail. Let whatever might menace the safety and peace of those who live here be put to flight by the sprinkling of this water, so that the health obtained by calling upon Your Holy Name, may be made secure against all attack. Through Christ our Lord. R: Amen.

P: May a mixture of salt and water now be made, in the Name of the Father, and of the (+) Son, and of the Holy Spirit.      R: Amen.
P: The Lord be with you.      R: And with your spirit.

P: Let us pray. O God, Creator unconquerable, invincible King, Victor ever-glorious, You hold in check the forces bent on dominating us. You overcome the cruelty of the raging enemy, and in Your power You beat down the wicked foe. Humbly and fearfully do we pray to You, O Lord, and we ask You to look with favor on this salt and water which You created. Shine on it with the light of Your kindness. Sanctify it by the dew of Your love, so that, through the invocation of Your Holy Name, wherever this water and salt is sprinkled, it may turn aside every attack of the unclean spirit, and dispel the terrors of the poisonous serpent. And wherever we may be, make the Holy Spirit present to us, who now implore Your mercy. Through Christ our Lord.      R: Amen.

EXORCISM BLESSING FOR OIL (Use regular, 100% pure olive oil)

P: Our help is in the Name of the Lord. R: Who made heaven and earth.

P: O oil, creature of God, I exorcise you by God the Father (+) almighty, who made heaven and earth and sea, and all that they contain. Let the adversary's power, the devil's legions, and all of Satan's attacks and machinations be dispelled and driven far from this creature, oil. Let it bring health in body and mind to all who use it, in the name of God (+) the Father almighty, and of our Lord Jesus (+) Christ, His Son, and of the Holy (+) Spirit, as well as in the love of the same Jesus Christ our Lord, who is coming to judge both the living and the dead and the world by fire. R: Amen.

P: O Lord hear my prayer. R: And let my cry come unto thee.
P: May the Lord be with you. R: And with your spirit.

P: Let us pray. Lord God almighty, before whom the hosts of angels stand in awe, and whose heavenly service we acknowledge; may it please You to regard favorably and to bless (+) and hallow (+) this creature, oil, which by Your power has been pressed from the juice of olives. You have ordained it for anointing the sick, so that, when they are made well, they may give thanks to You, the living and true God. Grant we pray, that those who will use this oil, which we are blessing (+) in Your Name, may be protected from every attack of the unclean spirit, and be delivered from all suffering, all infirmity, and all wiles of the enemy. Let it be a means of averting any kind of adversity from man, redeemed by the Precious Blood of Your Son, so that he may never again suffer the sting of the ancient serpent. Through Christ our Lord. R: Amen. (Priest sprinkles the oil with holy water)

P: Our help is in the Name of the Lord. Who made heaven and earth. The Lord be with you.

P: Let us pray. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, bless these candles at our lowly request. Endow them, Lord, by the power of the holy + cross, with a blessing from on high, You who gave them to mankind in order to dispel darkness. Let the blessing that they receive from the sign of the holy + cross be so effectual that, wherever they are lighted or placed, the princes of darkness may depart in trembling from all these places, and flee in fear, along with all their legions, and never more dare to disturb or molest those who serve You."

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"DAILY RECOMMENDED PRAYERS

"THE SPIRITUAL COMMUNION

"PRAYER TO SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL

"ST PATRICK'S BREASTPLATE ( 390-461 A.D. )

"ST PATRICK'S BREASTPLATE
( 390-461 A.D. )