Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Daily Meds

Why are we so insistent on taking our daily meds? What keeps us loading that weekly pill box with all our daily doses? Easy answers right? They make us feel better. They keep us going. Give us energy.  Maybe even keep us alive. Many of us organize them at the beginning of each week so they are at our fingertips every morning and so we do not miss taking one or the other. Wait...now this is what happens when I shorten words. I was not writing this about daily medication. I was writing about daily meditation. But actually, this is perfect. Let's check on some of those questions.

Why should we be so insistent on taking time for daily meditation? What keeps us opening that book filled with daily reflections? Easy questions right? It makes us feel better. Daily prayer and meditation keep us going. Give us energy. Maybe even keeps us alive in the Spirit by strengthening the love in our hearts. Many of us organize them at the beginning of the week so they are at our fingertips every morning, so we do not miss. Let's be real. Once you put yourself on daily meds and form a habit reading them, they are difficult to go without. So, here are some suggestions for 2017. Let's get started if you haven't already.


I Will Praise Your Name Forever - 2017 Journal With Scripture Meditations
This journal lists the readings for each day and allows space for us to write our personal thoughts and prayers.Updated every year, it is a wonderful way to read and meditate on the Word of God.






Saints Calendar and 16 Month Planner - 2017
If you want to spend a year with the saints, this calendar is loaded with lists of Saints and feast days. Each week highlights a special Saint and the patronage of many other Saints are listed within.




Blessed Among Us - Day by Day with Saintly Witnesses
"Two stories per day for a full calendar year, Ellsberg sketches figures from biblical times to the present age and from all corners of the world." Learn more about the spiritual lives of holy people who have not quite made it to Sainthood but who genuinely have touched the lives of millions. This rather large volume is worth it's weight and is one of my choices for daily reading this year thanks to a nice Christmas gift from my daughter.





A Year of Daily Offerings
Read daily from the National Director of the Apostleship of Prayer, Fr. James Kubicki. Based on Ignatian spirituality, we are offered the chance to get closer to God through prayer and shown a way to live our "Eucharistic offering".








Graceful Living: Meditations to Help you Grow Closer to God Day by Day
Johnnette Benkovic "brings a sample of the truth of the Catholic faith to each day as well as practical questions to stimulate prayer and reflection".









The Catholic Mom's Prayer Companion: A Book of Daily Reflections
"In this new book, authors Lisa Hendey and Sarah Reinhard bring together more than eighty moms, dads, and trusted spiritual companions to provide fresh, uplifting meditations for every day of the year. Created for moms by moms."





Pope Francis Family Devotional: 365 Reflections to Share with Your Kids
"Now with the Pope Francis Family Devotional, you can take a few short minutes every day to grow in faith together as a family. You’ll be inspired by a quote from the Holy Father, and a simple reflection to spark discussion. Use at dinner time to guide prayer and conversation. Or at breakfast or bedtime as the perfect start or close to each day’s activities."


  Through the Year with Pope Francis

"Now you can start - or finish - every day encouraged by the same engaging spirit alive in these 365 short meditations written by Pope Francis.
Let his words inspire and challenge you, push you deeper into Scripture, raise your prayer to new heights, or simply fill you with gratitude for God's personal love for you.
Join Pope Francis and let the flame of faith catch fire within you, as it slowly catches fire across the world."





Jesus at My Side: 365 Reflections on His Words
Ever think about just reading His words? This year take time with me and reflect every day on the words of Jesus in Scripture. What do His words say to you today, in your daily life, at work, with family, in your community? His words are current. His words are pertinent. His words are for us today. Read His words. Listen to Him in your heart and reflect on what He is telling you in your personal daily encounter with Him.




Please share your favorite Daily Meds. We love new ideas!