Dear Eastside Catholics Family and Friends,
A grateful life begins with prayer.
Last weekend, we began our Living Gratefully journey by pausing to recognize the gifts God has already given us and the ways He is at work through our parish family.
This week, we take the next step: Begin with Prayer.
Prayer helps us see those gifts more clearly. It moves our attention from everything we need to accomplish to the God who is already present. It gives us space to bring Him our joys, our worries, our work, our relationships, and our needs—and to receive each day with gratitude.
St. Paul reminds us:
“By prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God.” — Philippians 4:6
This weekend, everyone is invited to take home a Living Gratefully prayer card designed to help establish a simple rhythm of daily prayer.
Begin your morning by offering your day to God.
Before checking your phone, reviewing your schedule, or thinking about everything that needs to be done, take a moment to offer God your prayers, work, joys, difficulties, and encounters.
End your day by noticing God’s presence.
Pause for a few quiet moments and ask: What grace did I receive today? Where did I encounter God? When did I respond with love? Where do I need His mercy and help?
The practice does not need to be complicated. Give God the first moments of your morning and a few quiet moments at night. Over time, prayer can change not only what we see, but how we receive and respond to everything God has given us.
A grateful life begins with prayer.
Last weekend, we began our Living Gratefully journey by pausing to recognize the gifts God has already given us and the ways He is at work through our parish family.
This week, we take the next step: Begin with Prayer.
Prayer helps us see those gifts more clearly. It moves our attention from everything we need to accomplish to the God who is already present. It gives us space to bring Him our joys, our worries, our work, our relationships, and our needs—and to receive each day with gratitude.
St. Paul reminds us:
“By prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God.” — Philippians 4:6
This weekend, everyone is invited to take home a Living Gratefully prayer card designed to help establish a simple rhythm of daily prayer.
Begin your morning by offering your day to God.
Before checking your phone, reviewing your schedule, or thinking about everything that needs to be done, take a moment to offer God your prayers, work, joys, difficulties, and encounters.
End your day by noticing God’s presence.
Pause for a few quiet moments and ask: What grace did I receive today? Where did I encounter God? When did I respond with love? Where do I need His mercy and help?
The practice does not need to be complicated. Give God the first moments of your morning and a few quiet moments at night. Over time, prayer can change not only what we see, but how we receive and respond to everything God has given us.