The Power of Prayer

SKYLARK'S ARTICLE OF THE WEEK - THE POWER OF PRAYER

By now, we all know someone who lives in the south. These past two weeks have wreaked havoc on our southern neighbors. A lot of people relocate down there for warmer temperatures and a more laid-back lifestyle, but this part of our country is vulnerable to the wrath of hurricanes. 

On September 26, Hurricane Helene ravaged parts of Florida and as well as Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and Tennesse. A friend of mine who lives in Georgia said it looked like a Tsunami blew through. 

The toll on human life is vast, and it will take a very long time to account for people who are still missing. The sorrow for the friends and families of those who perished is deep. Some survivors may never completely recover. And it will take years to bring back what was once home to so many. Let us pray.

I have always believed in the power of prayer. I have turned to faith many times in my life, and it has helped when I needed it most. Prayer has the power to heal. It can change our focus and bring us closer to God. It can usher in God's presence and calm us. And it can bring about change that aligns our desires with God's will. Let us pray.

When a crisis hits our homeland, we are all affected. We are compassionate beings. We want help each other and bring each other comfort in times of profound suffering. When we can't be there in person, prayer can be a guiding force that has everlasting power. Let us pray.

The Lord's prayer is powerful. According to the tradition, it was taught by Jesus to his disciples. It appears in two forms in the New Testament: the shorter version in the Gospel According to Luke (11:2–4) and the longer version, part of the Sermon on the Mount, in the Gospel According to Matthew (6:9–13). In both contexts it is offered as a model of how to pray. The Matthean version is used in liturgy and is commonly recited or sung before the Eucharist in many churches. The Lord’s Prayer is also used in forms of prayer such as the Roman Catholic recitation of the rosary and the daily office, or divine office, of the Anglican church. Let us pray.

In 2019, Pope Francis approved a change to the language of the sixth petition, from “lead us not into temptation” to “do not abandon us to temptation,” for the Italian translation in the Roman Missal. Similarly, the prayer in Spanish states “do not let us fall into temptation.”

The Lord’s Prayer draws upon prayers from the Jewish tradition in its structure, language, and themes. Like the Jewish Decalogue, or Ten Commandments, it begins with a focus on the character and nature of God before shifting to human needs and responsibilities. The Lord’s Prayer also contains three common elements of Jewish prayers: praise, petition, and a yearning for the coming kingdom of God. The Didachē recommended reciting the Lord’s Prayer three times a day, a practice that emulates Jewish prayers, particularly the amidah, a series of benedictions that praise God and petition for forgiveness.

As Florida braces for a direct hit from Hurricane Milton as it is set to roar into the state on Wednesday, let's take some time to pray for all of those in its path. Crews are hard at work to clear debris from Helene's hell before this next mega storm makes landfall. Tampa could see a 15-foot storm surge. Let us pray.

These storms are ferocious. If we all pray, maybe we can make a difference. The Lord's prayer is a good start, but you can pray in your own way. It's good to have something to say. Let us pray.

Peace and Love,

Skylark

At 60 and Beyond, we know the power of prayer and its ability to transcend.

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SKYLARK'S PRAYER OF THE WEEK

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SKYLARK'S INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE OF THE WEEK 

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SKYLARK'S HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK

New York's Governor Kathy Hochul’s administration announced that it is contributing to disaster relief efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene by deploying hundreds of government employees and tons of resources to battered states down the coast.

“Our dedicated state and local teams, alongside the National Guard, are mobilizing to support communities impacted by Hurricane Helene and preparing to assist Florida as Hurricane Milton approaches,” said Hochul. “Together, we are demonstrating our unwavering commitment to help those in need.” 

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SKYLARK'S PICK OF THE WEEK

My pick of the week this week is an organization rather than a destination. The American Red Cross has always been a corner stone when disaster strikes. Visit www.redcross.org to see how you can help. Thank you.

SKYLARK'S QUESTION OF THE WEEK

How do you pray? 

Please put your answer in the Reply bubble below next to the Heart. I'd love to hear from you.

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SKYLARK'S SONG OF THE WEEK - AVE MARIA by LUCIANO PAVAROTTI

LYRICS

Ave Maria, gratia plena
Maria, gratia plena
Maria, gratia plena
Ave, ave Dominus tecum
Benedicta tu in mulieribus, et benedictus
Benedictus fructus ventris tui, tui, Iesus
Ave Maria
Ave Maria, gratia plena
Maria, gratia plena
Maria, gratia plena
Ave, ave Dominus tecum
Benedicta tu in mulieribus, et benedictus
Benedictus fructus ventris tui, tui, Iesus
Ave Maria

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My Brand - Skylark Live was born out of my turning 60 and noticing a profound shift in this age. I wanted to talk about it and share what I was experiencing with the hope of helping other women as well. My brand consists of a weekly newsletter and a monthly vlog designed to motivate and inspire women over 60 to thrive in older age through knowledge and self-awareness. I’m in the process of formulating in-person presentations called The Skylark Sessions. These can be conducted in someone’s home, local library, or senior center.

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