Mon., August 1
St. Alphonsus Liguori, Bishop and Doctor of the Church
Jeremiah 28:1-17; Matthew 14:13-21
They all ate and were satisfied, and they picked up the fragments left over —twelve wicker baskets full. – Mt 14:20
Jesus provides food for the crowd. What food might Jesus be offering me this day?
Lord, I know you are always offering me help in this life. But there are times I am blind to your offer of help. Help me to become more aware of what you are offering me that will feed my soul. Open my eyes to your generous gifts.
Tues., August 2
Jeremiah 30:1-2, 12-15, 18-22; Matthew 14:22-36 or Matthew 15:1-2, 10-14
At once [Jesus] spoke to them, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” – Mt 14:27
What fears interfere with my relationship with Jesus?
Lord, human nature leads me to fear so many things. Help me to not be so fearful. Grant me the courage to have total trust in you and to believe that through you I have nothing to fear.
Wed., August 3
Jeremiah 31: 1-7; Matthew 15:21-28
Then Jesus said to her in reply, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed from that hour. – Mt 15:28
The woman’s persistence led to her daughter’s cure. Am I persistent in my prayer life?
Lord, I try to pray regularly but sometimes life gets in the way. Help me to become a more persistent prayer warrior. Show me all the opportunities for prayer that I have missed in my life and help me to never miss any again.
Thurs., August 4
St. John Vianney, Priest
Jeremiah 31:31-34; Matthew 16:13-23
He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” – Mt 16:15
Jesus asked his disciples to tell him who they think he is. How would I answer the same question in my life?
Lord, I know all the catechism answers to your question, but I also know that you are looking for a more personal answer. Help me to better understand who you are in my life. Grant me the wisdom to know exactly who you are and the insight to see your actions within my life.
Fri., August 5
Nahum 2:1, 3; 3:1-3, 6-7; Matthew 16:24-28
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” – Mt 16:24
What are the crosses that make it most difficult for me to follow Jesus?
Lord, I have many crosses that I must carry. Help me to understand which one will bring me closer to you. Grant me the strength to pick up these crosses and follow you. With your help no burden is too heavy.
Catholic Prayer Life 
Leave a Reply