Pause+Pray – Franciscan Media

Are You Talking to Me, Lord?

Colleen Arnold, MD — Tue, 13 May 2025 09:30:00 +0000

Reflect

We’ve all had those days where nothing goes right. We don’t hear the alarm; we can’t find the keys; we forget to take the grocery list with us to the store. As the day goes on, we sink deeper and deeper into our bad moods. But what if instead of seeing these experiences as troubles, we see them as opportunities to listen to God?

Pray

Dear God,
Are you trying to tell me something in the frustrations of my day?
Is my missed alarm a sign I need more rest?
Are the forgotten list and missing car keys your way of pointing out
That I have too many distractions in my life?
Sometimes, it feels like the whole world is off-kilter,
but maybe that’s you trying to get my attention.

Act

The next time you have a frustrating or annoying experience, reframe it to see what God might be saying through it.

Be a Bridge-Builder

Christopher Heffron — Mon, 12 May 2025 09:30:00 +0000

Reflect

As children, we’re told that monsters aren’t real. As we grow in age and wisdom, however, we know that isn’t completely true. Monsters can take many forms. We have to muster the courage to face them.

Pray

Dear God,
Violence and bigotry
are monsters dividing our country,
but I will not feed them.
Let me be
a source of light
in my circle
and in the world around me.
Let me continue the holy work
of your servant, St. Francis,
who built bridges, not walls.
He understood what many of us
have forgotten:
Grace is found
in union, not division,
and that peace is our reward.
Let it begin with me.
Amen.

Act

What can you do to ease the racial and political divide in this country? Start with this prayer and build outward: Look for ways to be a part of the solution, not the problem.

One of Jesus’ Hardest Lessons

Patricia Breen — Sun, 11 May 2025 09:30:00 +0000

Reflect

There are many words and teachings of Jesus that make people uncomfortable, the times where your insides feel stretchy and squirmy. No matter how hard it feels, Jesus never asks something of us that he first did not model to us. In St. Luke’s Gospel, Jesus says: “But to you who hear I say, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.” What does that even look like right now in 2025?

Pray

Loving Companion,
The path of following you is not an easy one.
Even the simplest of your teachings rouse the human spirit
to challenge us in the depths of souls.
Show me truly what it means to love my enemies and do good to them,
especially amid the divisive times we are living in.
I want to live and follow your teachings with greater authenticity,
even when it makes me uncomfortable. Amen.

Act

Find time for some daily silence each day over the next week. Ask the spirit of divine wisdom, living in you: What does it look like for me in my daily life to embody and live these words of Jesus? In my family, my job, with people whom I disagree, even the ones I cannot stand. What might Jesus be calling you to in a new way?

Healing Touches

Elizabeth Bookser Barkley, PhD — Sat, 10 May 2025 09:30:00 +0000

Reflect

“Butch, you’re back,” I greeted our receptionist his first weekend back after heart surgery. He smiled, sharing how lonely his physical recovery had been, acknowledging that emotional healing might take longer. Just then a man approached with his shy daughter. “She wanted to say hi to you.” Butch beamed. Let the healing begin.

Pray

Divine Healer,
The bleeding woman in the Gospel knew.
“If only I can touch the hem of his garment, I will be whole.”
Others knew too, so they traveled miles just to be near you,
for physical as well as spiritual healing.
Awaken me to those in my world who need a touch of healing.

Act

Are there people in your life—personal or professional—who are recovering from surgery or long illness? Take time to greet them with a smile, a question, a hug. Physically they might look healed, but they may need a lift to conquer lingering fears.

Finding Common Ground

Melanie Rigney — Fri, 09 May 2025 09:30:00 +0000

Reflect

Dozens of communities rejected a plea to work in Hawaii among those with Hansen’s disease, once called leprosy. Marianne Cope and her sisters said yes. In 30 years of ministry, Mother Marianne did not contract the disease, probably due to strict sanitary and hygiene procedures.

Pray

Saint Marianne Cope,
I find it difficult to spend time
with people whose appearance or beliefs
I find repugnant.
Show me how to love them
as you loved the people
who suffered from Hansen’s.

Act

Have a conversation with someone whose beliefs on a hot-button issue differ from yours. Focus on what you have in common rather than what divides you.

Visionary Leadership

Paul Lipowski — Thu, 08 May 2025 09:30:00 +0000

Reflect

Visionary leadership requires clarity of vision and a commitment to inspiring others toward a shared purpose. St. Francis led with simplicity and humility, envisioning a world where love and compassion reign. Embracing simplicity allows us to lead authentically, focusing on guiding others toward a brighter future.

Pray

Guiding Spirit,
Grant us wisdom and vision as we lead with simplicity and humility.
Inspire us to envision a world of peace and harmony,
following in the footsteps of St. Francis.
May our leadership be marked by compassion and integrity,
bringing joy and hope to those we serve.
Amen.

Act

Explore ways you can inspire others through clear communication, empathy, and a commitment to service. Actively mentor and empower others to embrace simplicity in their leadership journey, fostering a collaborative and visionary spirit inspired by St. Francis.