S5 E12 Where There is Despair…Hope (for the Holidays)

Shownotes

In this week’s episode, Andrea and Jennifer reflect on the impact grief can have on the holidays and share some tips inspired by St. Francis of Assisi’s Prayer for Peace.

Tips 

1. Let go of expectations 

2. Be present for what is vs. what isn't

3. Be patient with yourself

4. Do something for someone else

5. Let go of fear 

6. Forgive

7. Give thanks 

8. Be steadfast and courageous

9. Have hope 

10. Be joyful 

11. Pray 

St. Francis of Assisi’s Prayer for Peace

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:

where there is hatred, let me sow love;

where there is injury, pardon;

where there is doubt, faith;

where there is despair, hope;

where there is darkness, light;

where there is sadness, joy.

O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek

to be consoled as to console,

to be understood as to understand,

to be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive,

it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,

and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Scripture

• Psalm 55:22 

• John 15:4 

• Revelations 21:3 

• 1 Corinthians 13:4

• Proverbs 28:13 

• 1 Thessalonians 5:18 

• 1 Corinthians 15:58

• Isaiah 40:31 

• Revelations 21:4 

• Nehemiah 8:10 

Links

• Prayer to St. Francis of Assisi (Prayer for Peace)

• Quote from C.S. Lewis about fear

• Footprints prayer

• St. Thérèse of Lisieux Relics Tour

• Jennifer's blog post about her Mourning Glory

Prayer for all who are missing loved ones this holiday season and even in the normal every moments

Journaling Questions

1. Which part of the St. Francis of Assisi Prayer for Peace resonated with you most? Is there a particular line of the prayer you find yourself pondering more than others? Ponder it.

2. Andrea and Jennifer both spoke of the need to let go of expectations. What are some expectations you have been holding on to and why?

3. Have you ever found yourself “running past a verse,” as Andrea shared? Maybe not even a verse but simply going through the motions of rote prayer instead of taking the time to actually reflect on what God might be trying to communicate with you? Take some time to discern why you may feel compelled to do that.

4. Andrea shared a quote from C.S. Lewis about the connection between grief and fear. What are some of the fears you associate most with your grief? How can you turn those fears over to the Lord and surrender them to Him?

5. When was the last time you went to confession? What might be holding you back from going? 

6. Is there an area of your life where you see hope or where you feel like there is still hope? Take some time to explore that. 

7. What is your mourning glory?