Notes, Thoughts and Reflections

Meditation on Healing Prayer

noreply@blogger.com (Dennis S. Hankins) — Sat, 20 Feb 2016 15:45:00 +0000

Meditation on Healing Prayer

Psalm 91..He who dwells in the shelter of the most High, who abides in the shadow of the Almighty will say to the Lord, "My refuge and my fortress, My God in whom I trust."

by Dennis S. Hankins

2-19-16

As we pray, we bring our family and friends into the life and love of the shadow and refuge of the Almighty. May the strength of this place of fortress and protection bring the sick, for whom we pray, comfort and renewed hope!

We pray, Almighty God, that children with leukemia are healed. We pray for those who need help with chemotherapy today. May all find in You this day a place under the shadow of Your wings, a place of help and protection from fear and pain, and may they be renewed with every bodily and spiritual grace. Let hope be renewed and faith made fervent. Let love for Thee and gratefulness of heart and an expectation of help and blessing be renewed and reborn in every heart.

Great are You, Lord, and greatly to be praised, for You are our God and refuge, our God in whom we trust. Amen and Amen!!

Meditation on Healing Prayer

noreply@blogger.com (Dennis S. Hankins) — Sat, 20 Feb 2016 15:43:00 +0000

Meditation on Healing Prayer

Psalm 91..He who dwells in the shelter of the most High, who abides in the shadow of the Almighty will say to the Lord, "My refuge and my fortress, My God in whom I trust."

by Dennis S. Hankins

2-19-16

Great are You, Lord, and greatly to be praised, for You are our God and refuge, our God in whom we trust. Amen and Amen!!

The “Re” Words of Lent

noreply@blogger.com (Dennis S. Hankins) — Sat, 20 Feb 2016 15:30:00 +0000

Reflections on the Readings

2nd Sunday of Lent - February 21st, 2016 - Year C

Dennis S. Hankins

http://www.

The "Re" Words of Lent

In the second reading we rediscover the efficacy of the cross.

Paul reminds the Philippians that neither circumcision nor the keeping of the rigors of the law counts for anything. But what does count is a new creation through the power of the cross. The preaching of the cross is the power of God unto those being saved. (1st Cor. 1:18).

We also seek renewal of our faith in Lent through prayer, fasting, confession, spiritual reading, and reading of scripture.

Lent is a time of resetting our priorities, to seek first the kingdom of God, and to re-invite Jesus into our hearts. The life we now live, we live by faith in the Son of God who loved us and gave himself for us so that we may have life!

Spiritual warfare is also a part of Lent. For this we put on the full armor of God which Paul describes as the helmet of salvation for purity of mind. We put on the breastplate of righteousness for purity of heart. We put on gospel shoes to be be witnesses of Christ. We carry the shield of faith to quench the fiery darts of Satan. And also we take the sword of the Spirit which is the mighty word of God, and we pray in the Spirit. Thus we are fully equipped to resist the devil. (Ephesians 6:10-21)

Let us be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might, and the devil will flee when we resist him in prayer, word, and witness.

Let us also ask for a personal revival this lent— for a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit in a new and refreshing fervent love for God and neighbor. For our citizenship is in heaven, and Jesus who transforms us interiorly will one day transform our lowly bodies like unto His glorified body. (Galations 6:14)We may be the only evidence that some will ever witness that there is a God to know and a heaven to gain; so it behooves us to be a good witness of the God we love and serve.

Let us reaffirm our confession—- Jesus is Lord of my life. Jesus himself is my life, my hope, and love of my heart. Lord, renew me in thy divine mercy this holy Lent as I meditate upon thy gracious and merciful and sacred heart. Help me to always hear your voice, Jesus, and to faithfully follow you wherever you lead—for from the majestic glory the Father declared "This is my beloved Son, listen to Him." Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening; for You alone have the words of eternal life, and from you we receive true food, which is your body and true drink, which is your blood. You fill us with your life and love. How can we praise you enough, precious Jesus!

May we never be ashamed of you before men. May we count it all joy to suffer for your name. We claim your promise that you will never leave us nor forsake us. Jesus, we trust in you. Amen!

Dennis Hankins is a parishioner at Sacred Heart of Jesus Cathedral, of the Diocese of Knoxville, TN. Prior to uniting with the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil 2006, Dennis served as a priest in the Charismatic Episcopal Church. E-mail Dennis at: dennishankins@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter: @dshankins or visit him at: www.dennishankins.com

Meditation on Healing prayer. 02-13-2016

noreply@blogger.com (Dennis S. Hankins) — Sat, 13 Feb 2016 15:02:00 +0000

II Cor. 4:7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels.

Meditation on Healing prayer.

by Dennis S. Hankins

02/10/2016.

Christ is in us and we pray through him who is the treasure of our hearts. We make our prayers though Him, for in Him we find all healing and hope.

We do not pray in a weak or some unknown name. We cover our families and friends, the sick and suffering with the name of Jesus.—the living and glorified treasure of Christ.

So we pray in the love of Christ for all with illness of heart, mind, and body that many now are enduring that they will now know the healing love of Christ.

We also pray that all will have hope in Christ today,

especially the children who are in the hospital today. There is nothing too hard for you, Lord. For the treasure of your presence in us, dear Jesus, is not small, nor limited, and cannot be depleted. Therefore, stats do'n't matter to you.

For in our praying for one another, we have contact with the power of an endless life. Powerful and living Jesus, bring healing to us all!

Our prayers are not without effect in that we are praying in the precious name of Christ who inspires hope, faith, and love in us.

We praise you O' Christ.

We bow in worship in humble and confident faith before your throne, and in this place of grace we claim the promises of Christ for our needs. We trust in you, Jesus. May there be many miracles among us today for it's in the mighty name of Jesus we have prayed. Amen & Amen!

A 40 Day Lenten Spiritual Retreat

noreply@blogger.com (Dennis S. Hankins) — Tue, 09 Feb 2016 22:02:00 +0000

Reflections on the Readings

1st Sunday of Lent February 14, 2016 - Year C

The 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Dennis S. Hankins

http://www.

A 40 Day Lenten Spiritual Retreat

In Lent we renew our confession of faith in the Lordship of Jesus—Jesus is Lord.

He is Lord over our past, over our future, as He is Lord over this holy Lent. For Lent is all about Jesus and inviting him to have his way with us! Lent is a 40 day spiritual renewal retreat in our love of God and neighbor.

Let us pray often these 40 days to grow in love, and grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Reading scripture like the gospel of John is helpful, too.

If it is slow dredging, press on toward the goal of the high call- ing of God in Jesus Christ. ( Phil 3:14-15) Satan will work overtime suggesting doubt and other accusations. For he is like a roaring lion (1stPeter 5:8) seeking whom he may devour, for the devil only seeks to kill, to steal, and to destroy. (John 10:10) He comes with cruel hate for creation and redemption! But resist the devil and he will flee from you when you invoke Jesus' name. Let us lay aside every weight and embrace confession to receive mercy and forgiveness for your sins. For Jesus has filled us with the Holy Spirit and power, and we are a new creation—the old is passing away, and Jesus is making everything new! Jesus continues to make of us a new creation in the sacrament of reconciliation.

What shall we give up this Lent? Let us give up anger, strife, and unforgiveness. Let us pray to be rich in mercy, love, and fervent faith and hope. Let's pray for revival for ourselves in the deeper things of God's love and grace. For this Lent, let us pray to have more of Christ and his Spirit. May our cup run over, and our hearts welcome Jesus to be first in our hearts. For we are to seek first the Kingdom of God and a right relationship with Him. Don't forget the kingdom of God is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. May the Lord remove shallowness and coldness of heart and help us to have a heart that is filled with the warmth of Christ and a love for scripture and prayer, and with brotherly affection for one another.

How exciting it is to grow in Christ, to make time to read scripture and praying for one another for any in need of miracles and the healing love of Jesus.

May we have a fresh encounter with Jesus and be united more deeply in his life and love. May God give us hunger and thirst for the deeper things of God, for more faith, hope, and love, for bearing one another's burdens, and thus fulfill the law of Christ's love, praying for one another that we may be healed. Let us remember the hungry, naked, and homeless. Let us be faithful to share the friendship of Christ with those who need it most. For Christ fills us with the power of his indestructible life and love. The mystery of Christ's life and endless love dwells in us, and he dwells in us as Christ the healer, redeemer, and forgiver. May you have a full and spiritual Lent, and I pray that this Lent brings to us all newness of love for God and neighbor and a revival of heart, soul, and mind.

Let us present ourselves before the Lord as a living sacrifice and invite the Holy Spirit to lead us, to guide us, to glorify Jesus in us. Then shall we return from our Lenten retreat refreshed in body and soul, fearless to be a witness for Jesus.

God of mercy grant us a revival of spiritual renewal in the Holy Spirit. Fill us with new life and grace and mercy and love.

Amen & Amen!!

Meditation on Healing prayer02-08-2016

noreply@blogger.com (Dennis S. Hankins) — Mon, 08 Feb 2016 19:12:00 +0000

Meditation on Healing prayer02-05-2016

by Dennis S.Hankins

Gallatins 2:20

The life that we now live in the flesh, we live by faith in the Son of God who loved us and gave himself for us!

Our prayers our filled with hope and charity, for Christ dwells in us.

We pray in the name of Jesus, whose name is above every name, and at whose name one day every knee shall bow.

We pray in the name of Jesus, the Word made flesh, who upholds everything by the word of his power.

We pray in Christ's name. For Jesus is among us, risen and glorified.

We live by faith in the Son of God. We pray without ceasing for one another in the precious name of Jesus, for Christ is among us that we my be healed. He is risen and glorified and his love overshadows us with healing in his wings. I beg in your name, Jesus, to touch with your powerful mercy and grace those who endure chemo therapy today. Bring healing and help to all. Heal the sick, and lift up the discouraged. Comfort any who mourn.

We pray in the mighty name of Jesus for those struggling with the darkness of mental anguish and stress.

We make our prayers in the name of Jesus, the Lord. For there is no other name under heaven whereby we are saved, healed, loved, and forgiven.

Praised be the name of Jesus Christ, now and forevermore! Amen.

Healing prayer meditation By Dennis S. Hankins

noreply@blogger.com (Dennis S. Hankins) — Mon, 08 Feb 2016 19:03:00 +0000

Healing prayer meditation By Dennis S. Hankins

Matthew 5:43—You have heard it said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy, but I say to you love your enemy and pray for those who persecute you.

We pray today for broken hearts and marriages.

We pray for those who are suffering for their faith. We pray that a spirit of faith in Jesus break out among ISIS!

May a St. Paul arise among the terrorists to preach to them Jesus , the Light of the world, dispelling the blindness of heart mind. May they confess that Jesus is the Way, the Truth And the Life.

Let us pray for a heart that is generous to love and quick to forgive one another, as the Father has so completely and generously loved and forgiven us! Love cannot do less; For love bears all things, endures all things, is patient and kind and keeps no list of injury. This is the treasure in Christ that he gives us to share with one another, for the love that is from above covers a multitude of sins. Let us love one another with the affection that the Holy Spirit gives us. We pray that husbands love their wives sacrificially like Christ loves his church.

May coldness of heart melt under the power of the Holy Spirit.

Dear Jesus let not a micro-cell of cancerous judgment or unforgiveness toward my family or friends take root in my heart. pull it out by the root dear Jesus so like my Father in heaven I will be rich in mercy for all.

Dear Jesus you are making all things new.let this newness and wholeness begin in me. Christ is here among us today to heal us, to forgive us, to restore us, to make us whole praised be Jesus Christ whom we trust and love, And worship. Amen & Amen!!

Healing prayer meditation. by Dennis S. Hankins

noreply@blogger.com (Dennis S. Hankins) — Fri, 05 Feb 2016 19:05:00 +0000

Matthew 11:28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden… and you will find rest for your souls.

Healing prayer meditation.

by Dennis S. Hankins

Jesus invites us to come to him for He delights to restore and to refresh our souls.

We pray today for an increase in us of the sprit of life in Christ in us. We want more of the life of Jesus in us!

We pray that our faith will increase.

We pray for an increase in hope. We pray for a fervent charity and for an increase in brotherly affection.

We pray to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ.

We pray for those fighting cancer,and AIDS. We pray for those thinking of suicide. May the Gd of peace And comfort help them in their distress.

We pray for an increase in the rich and merciful love of Christ among us.

We pray for an increase of signs, wonders and miracles among us. Let us claim these things in the mighty name of Jesus who delights to bless us with rest for our soul!

Amen and Amen!

Meditation on healing prayer by Dennis S. Hankins

noreply@blogger.com (Dennis S. Hankins) — Fri, 05 Feb 2016 19:03:00 +0000

1st Peter 5:7-9 Cast all your anxieties on him for he cares about you.

A Meditation on healing prayer by Dennis S. Hankins.

Since my brain cancer diagnosis, hundreds if not thousands of prayer warriors are praying for me and my family.and that the medicine will be exceedingly effective. These many and effective prayers fill us with hope! helping to lift my heart and mind to the Lord, encouraging me to keep up the good fight. That's what these meditations on healing prayer are meant to do for all who receive them. it came into heart to write these since my diagnosis. I hope they will inspire great faith, great hope and great love, as we pray for another that we may be healed.

We do not bow before a reluctant God, for every fear, every anxiety every crippling thought, about the future we can cast upon the Lord because he cares about every burden we bring to him. He cares about every thing that troubles our hearts. Every mother who has cared for a sick child at midnight knows this is true as she whispers the name of Jesus over her little daughter's feverish brow.

Today let us fervently pray for one another that we may be healed, for Jesus cares about us, about every hurt, about every tear, about every diagnosis. Dearest merciful lord pour out upon all special bodily and spiritual grace such as we need today. Before your sacred heart we bow to bask in your mercy! Thank you that you care for us. We trust in you Jesus, Amen!

Healing prayer meditation By Dennis S. Hankins

noreply@blogger.com (Dennis S. Hankins) — Fri, 05 Feb 2016 19:01:00 +0000

Healing prayer meditation By Dennis S. Hankins

Matthew 17:20—Jesus said, "If you have faith as a grain of mustard seed… nothing shall be impossible to you."

Prayer is where we meet with God, with whom all things are possible, for faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.(Hebrews 11:1) All prayers are filled with petitions for something not yet done or in existence, therefore we pray with faith and hope!

We are inspired to pray, and that without ceasing, crying out night and day because we have tasted the heavenly gift. We have become partakers of the Holy Spirit.

We have tasted the goodness of the word of God, and of the powers of the age to come. (Hebrews 6:5-6) Let fervent prayers ascend with confidence to the throne of grace where faith as small as a mustard seed meets Jesus, who fills every petition with his merciful grace according to his riches in glory!

As we pray, let us drink deeply of his goodness and divine nature, so that as we pray we will pray with faith and hope and fervent love for cancers and maladies of all types to be healed, that tears will be wiped away, that those who mourn and sorrow will have peace, and that lonely hearts and lives be given the companionship they need.

My dear brothers and sisters, Jesus will never leave you nor forsake you, and he's as close as the mention of his name. And I pray that in body and soul you will be filled with the mercy that flows from the Sacred heart of Jesus, whose love never ends, who is always touched with the feelings and pains of our infirmities. For faith as small as a mustard seed touches his heart. In Jesus' name, in whom we love and trust. Amen & Amen!

Meditation on Healing Prayer by Dennis S. Hankins

noreply@blogger.com (Dennis S. Hankins) — Wed, 03 Feb 2016 19:35:00 +0000

Meditation on Healing Prayer

by Dennis S. Hankins

1st Thessalonians 5:16-18: Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

I rejoiced today for I heard the winter cardinal sIng the promise of a new spring and hope!

As we rejoice, I pray that all will have a good measure of joy, and that we may bring to our families and friends happiness and joy to help them carry their burdens.

I rejoice in you, Jesus, for by your wounds we are healed.

I rejoice in you today and praise your holy name. I rejoice today in your infinite goodness. I rejoice in your merciful love.

Bless the Lord ' O my soul. I rejoice in your mercy that flows from your Sacred heart. I rejoice in the kindness of family and friends. I rejoice with thanksgiving for the prayers of all. I rejoice in the grace of God.

In my heart I give you praise and honor and glory, and with my mouth I confess with rejoicing that you are Lord! Let us rejoice and be glad for he who is mighty has done great things for us, and holy is his name.

May Christ, the healer, heal you and speak peace to your struggles and storm. Love to you and grace in Jesus' name.

In my heart of hearts I rejoice in the Holy Spirit and glorify your name. I rejoice in my heart, for you have given comfort and peace and assurance, and you hold us in the palm of your hand. Let us lift our hands and rejoice! Again, I say rejoice. For Jesus is in you to bless you in your body and soul. Amen & Amen.

We praise your holy name!

May the Holy Spirit ever give us joy. I invite the joy of the Lord to ever fill my heart.

Holy is your name, and without ceasing we ask you to heal us, to bring miracles to those fighting cancer and have struggles in body and soul. Grant them peace. Gracious and merciful Jesus, Prince of Peace, be with all

in your merciful kindness.

My dear brothers and sisters, may Christ, the healer, heal

you, and bless you with his peace in the midst of your struggles and storm, in Jesus' name. Amen.

I entrust myself to the Maternal care of the blessed Virgin Mary, for she prays for us, too!

Fishers of Men The 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time

noreply@blogger.com (Dennis S. Hankins) — Wed, 03 Feb 2016 19:32:00 +0000

Reflections on the Readings

5th Sunday in ordinary time February 7, 2016 - Year C

The 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Dennis S. Hankins

http://www.

Fishers of Men

Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid, from now on you will catch men. (Matthew 4:19)

Jesus used the catch of a great number of fish to help Simon and and his partners to understand the deeper life of the kingdom mission that he was calling them to embrace. This mission is the calling of every baptized Christian.

Our mission is to invite the children of the first Adam into

the kingdom of life and love. Risen from the dead, Jesus has entered into his glory and stands at the entrance of the kingdom as the Door to welcome us and those we invite into his kingdom.

The kingdom is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit, ( Romans 14:17)

We are ambassadors of Christ, filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit, telling others about Jesus and his Kingdom. To those perishing in the darkness of Satan's lies, we invite them into the kingdom of light where darkness has no power.

We pray in the kingdom with words filled with hope: Thy will be done on earth as it in heaven. Our priority is to seek first the kingdom and a right relationship with God. All are welcome here—the lost and the least.

In the Kingdom we know each other as brothers and sisters in Christ, for whom Christ died while we were yet sinners. Our mission is filled with hope for ourselves and our neighbor. In the kingdom our faith lays hold of the promise of new life in Christ.

Other characteristics of kingdom life that we should also note include: community life—with many members united in faith and love, where manifestations of the Spirit are grace gifts we share for the common good.

In the kingdom we are protected from the devil who goes about like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. Here we bear one another's burdens.—fulfilling the law of Christ's love.

In the kingdom we receive sound teaching about God, ourselves, and love that covers as multitude of sins.

Let us embrace the kingdom, seeking it first, knowing God shall supply us with all we need and will cover us with his merciful love!

With joy and thanksgiving, share what you have received, to make Christ known. Why? Because God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, so that anyone who believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Let us make known the riches of Christ, for the world still needs to hear from you and me that there is a new and living way through Jesus, the way, the truth, and the life—of his kingdom there is no end.

The witness of the early church had as it's foundation in the things Jesus said and did. They were eyewitnesses of His resurrection. And their conviction and creed was Jesus is Lord—over their past, their future, over death, and sickness—declaring Jesus to be the Son of God with power—the same yesterday, today and forever.

Consider writing out your testimony of what Christ means in your life, and share it with family and friends. Someone may come to love Jesus as you do!

The gates of hell shall not prevail against Christ's church—So Let us therefore be fearless to speak, to pray, and to worship in his name. For there is no other name whereby we can be saved. ( Acts 4: 12).

Let's be open to the Holy Spirit, who is given to us to fill our witness of Christ with his powerful love! For from now on you will be fishers of men. Amen & Amen!!