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"For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in Heaven and on Earth derives its name." (Ephesians 3 14-15)
As children of God, God calls us into a relationship with Him. The start of a relationship is belief. Belief leads to trust and as we trust we have faith. It is because of this that we affirm our Belief at the beginning of every mass. Christ is the only one who came back to life from the dead in all of history. Isn't that enough reason to believe Him with all our heart?
Assuming we believe, how do we trust? We live in a world where we prefer facts or evidence. The Lord knew that and came down from Heaven just for us that we may believe and trust. According to psychology, the following 7 ways help to build trust in a relationship --
7 Ways According to Psychology for a worldly relationship
What did the Lord do to prove worthy...
Say what you mean, and mean what you say. ... Our Lord keeps His promises. Every promise He made, He fulfilled in His time.Be vulnerable — gradually. The Lord revealed so much about himself that He became vulnerable -- all for love.Remember the role of respect. ... The Lord respected us that He gave us free will and waits for us to choose Him over everything that he has given us.Give the benefit of the doubt. ... The disciples who were with the Lord did not understand all that Jesus was trying to tell them. As time progressed the Holy Spirit reminded them of all He said. However, to be reminded, one must first know the truth.Express your feelings functionally, especially when it's tough. ... Our Lord died for us.Take a risk together. ... The biggest risk the Lord has taken is granting us "free will". He gave us everything and states as follows as if the one in need:"And you are cursed with want, and you afflict me, even the whole nation of you. Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in my house, and try me in this, saith the Lord: if I open not unto you the flood-gates of heaven, and pour you out a blessing even to abundance. And I will rebuke for your sakes the devourer, and he shall not spoil the fruit of your land: neither shall the vine in the field be barren, saith the Lord of hosts.… (Malachi 9 -11)"Is it not a risk that the Lord has taken?Be willing to give as well as receive. The Lord has given us His Body and Blood.
What are we giving Him? The Lord asks for mustard seed Faith. What is Faith?
There are various ways to grow in Faith as children of God. But, it all begins with saying "Yes Lord" just as Mother Mary did.
Start with Prayer.Personal Prayer
Whether you’re a beginner or more advanced in prayer, these seven tips will encourage you in your practice of prayer:- Show Up
- Quiet Your Heart
- Look Inside
- Establish a Routine and Stick with It
- Be Honest, Vulnerable, Bold
- Let Go of Anxiety and Shame
- Listen for God’s Voice and Accept God’s Love
Praying As a Family
Beginnings are always important. As you and your children prepare to begin this experience of growing in faith together, gather as a family to ask for God’s blessings. Begin by choosing a place where your family can be together comfortably and free of distractions. When the family is gathered, spend a few moments together in silence. In your own words, introduce this important time together. Share from your heart your hopes for this year of growing in faith together. Then invite everyone to make the Sign of the Cross together.
All: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Leader: Let us pray that we will be open to the Holy Spirit so that we may grow together in faith. Good and gracious God, we come to you today eager to grow closer to you and your Son, Jesus. Fill us with your Holy Spirit so that our eyes may be opened and we may recognize you in all things. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Listening to God’s Word Invite your family to listen to a story about Jesus from the Gospel of Luke that follows his experience as a child. Read Luke 2:41–52.Sharing Faith
Invite your family to silently reflect on the following questions: Why do you think the boy Jesus wanted to be with the teachers in the Temple? What kinds of questions do you think he asked them? What is one thing you hope to learn about God this year? After a short time of silence, invite family members to share their reflections.
Family Litany and Blessing
Invite your family to express their desire to learn and grow in faith together by joining in A Family Prayer:
Children Adults Praise be to God who made us a family. Praise be to God for the love that we share. Praise be to God for sending us Jesus. Praise be to God for teaching us to care. Help us, Lord Jesus fill our lives with your Spirit. Help us, Lord Jesus teach us how to forgive. Help us, Lord Jesus grant us wisdom and patience. Help us, Lord Jesus in your grace may we live. Come, Holy Spirit fill our lives with your gifts. Come, Holy Spirit help us serve other's needs. Come, Holy Spirit teach us faith, hope, and love. Come, Holy Spirit guide our thoughts and our deeds. Be with us, God we ask Mary to help us. Be with us, God we look to Joseph for aid. Be with us, God may we respect one another. Be with us, God may our hope never fade. Hear us, Lord Jesus watch over our family. Hear us, Lord Jesus help our faith to grow strong. Hear us, Lord Jesus come and dwell in our hearts. Hear us, Lord Jesus to you we belong. Spirit, we praise you you invite us to know you. Spirit, we praise you may we walk in your light. Spirit, we praise you may we find you in all things. Spirit, we praise you all day and all night.
After praying A Family Prayer, continue with the following:
Leader: God of Love, thank you for the opportunity to deepen our faith and to grow together in love of you. Bless us as we begin this sacred time together, and keep us faithful to our promise to you and to one another. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Also see:
Are My Everyday Choices Important?
Family brings out the worst in you (so that God can heal it)
What Makes a Happy Family?
Transformation Is a Process
Make Small Sacrifices For a Big Change