God is unfailingly near us, and ever speaking to our hearts, but the occupations of the day often keep us from remembering his presence. To grow in love for our Creator, we must occasionally call to mind his closeness, and speak to him.
Our words can be as simple as any greeting we’d make to a parent, child, spouse, or sibling in the same room as us.
“Jesus, I trust in you,” is one example. Or simply, “Abba.”
“Jesus, be Jesus in my life” can be a beautiful prayer.
Sometimes it’s good to have one of these arrow prayers on repeat in our minds.
Here are three quick prayers of just three words that can turn our day around when things get busy, stressful, or difficult.
1My Jesus, mercy.
John Paul II considered divine mercy as the limit God puts on evil. Thus, when things are going wrong in our hearts or in our surroundings, call on his mercy. Imagine him reining in suffering and evil, perhaps with the image of an angry dog held firmly on a leash, or with the image of Moses holding the Red Sea at bay for the Israelites to pass through.
2I trust you. (Or, I thank you)
Expressing our trust in Jesus is at the heart of the Divine Mercy image revealed by Our Lord to St. Faustina. As well, it is good to remember that gratitude plugs us into reality, which can save us from the anxiety raging in our minds and hearts. There truly is so much to be thankful for. When we express thanks, we are simply acknowledging that fact.
3Jesus, Mary, Joseph.
Thinking of the Holy Family can make us feel overwhelmed. We are so far from having the kind of home life they had! But, this reaction omits a key fact. The Holy Family is not only an example of how we should live, but importantly, it is the source of the grace we need in order to live as they did. Jesus, at the heart of this family, is ready to give us all the help we need. Say their names as a prayer to Jesus for his help in our family life.
And today we celebrate...