The Anointing of the Sick

Scripture - James 5:13-16

Is any one of you suffering? He should pray. Is anyone in good spirits? Let him sing songs of praise. Is any one of you sick? He should call the presbyters of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

For inspirational news of God's healing grace touching people's lives including a variety of devotional prayers for daily use, please visit the following link: Christian-Miracles.com

The stained glass windows were photographed in various Catholic churches throughout the state of New Jersey.

Photograph Copyright 2010 Loci B. Lenar

Julie Papievis: To Heaven and Back

Julie Papievis: To Heaven and Back - CBN

The inspiring story of Julie Papievis and her miraculous recovery from a car accident that caused a serious brain stem injury is a wonderful reflection of God working through the power of prayer.  The initial brain scan showed no brain activity while she was hospitalized.  Her family and church joined together and prayed for a miracle.

The treating neurosurgen, Dr. John Shea, did not expect her to wake up and gave her only a 4% chance of surviving the injuries.

Julie was in a coma for 6 weeks; however, before awakening, she was given a glimpse of heaven.  Dr. Shea said it was a miraculous event that she survived and recovered from the brain stem injury.

To hear Julie's story, please view the inspirational video produced by the Christian Broadcasting Network.

What does scripture say about prayer?  Jesus said in Mark 11:24, "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours."

Please don't underestimate the power of prayer, especially when circumstances appear to be hopeless.   Jesus said in Matthew 18:19-20, "Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."

God is a performer of miracles, "So let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help."
-Hebrews 4:16

Christian-Miracles.com

Solemnity of All Saints

Signs, Wonders, and Miracles - Images of Faith

The Solemnity of All Saints is celebrated by the Roman Catholic Church on November 1st in honor of all saints. It's a day of reflection on those who have been a witness to the faith and lived a life of Christian Holiness. 

Regarding saints and their intercessory help, Revelation 8:3-4 says, Another angel, who had a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense to offer, with the prayers of all the saints, on the golden altar before the throne. The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of the saints, went up before God from the angel's hand.

For additional information, please visit All About The Solemnity of All Saints.

Please visit Christian-Miracles.com for a selection of daily Devotional Prayers.

The stained glass window detail was photographed inside St. Virgil Church, Morris Plains, NJ, USA.

Photograph Copyright 2009 Loci B. Lenar
Christian-Miracles.com

Prayer to Our Lady of Surprises

Miracle at Cana

Intercessory Prayer to Our Lady of Surprises

O, Mary my mother and Our Lady of surprises,

what a happy joy you caused the wedding guests,

when you asked your Divine Son

to work the miracle of water into Wine.

What a happy surprise for them,

since they thought the wine had run dry,

I too Mary, love surprises, and as your child,

may I ask you to favour me with one today.

I ask this only because you are

my ever caring Mother.

 Amen.

The above prayer is published on Spirit Daily in the following article: When Things Don't Go Well, Try Letting Go - And Invoking Our Lady of Surprises

In the gospels, we read about Jesus transforming drinking water in wine; one of his first miracles, resulting from a request made by our Blessed Mother.

With those words in mind, John 2:1-11 says, On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus also was invited to the wedding with his disciples. When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, "They have no wine." And Jesus said to her, "Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come." His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you."

Now there were six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, "Fill the jars with water." And they filled them up to the brim. And he said to them, "Now draw some out and take it to the master of the feast." So they took it. When the master of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom and said to him, "Everyone serves the good wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then the poor wine. But you have kept the good wine until now." This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him.

The stained glass window detail was photographed inside Our Lady of the Lake Church. The Catholic church is located in Sparta, NJ, USA.

Photograph Copyright 2009 Loci B. Lenar
Christian-Miracles.com