Part 1 of 7
Come Close to Me
Remain With Me
My child, you do not need to impress Me.
You do not need beautiful prayers, perfect thoughts, or a heart free from distraction before you come near. You have already given Me something precious simply by being here.
Come as you are.
Bring Me the person you are today—not the person you wish you were, not the person others expect you to be, and not the person you hope someday to become.
I know you completely.
I know the thoughts you have never spoken aloud. I know the questions that remain unanswered, the wounds you hide, the hopes you are almost afraid to hope for, and the places within you where you still struggle.
None of these things cause Me to turn away.
Look at Me.
You are not standing before a distant God. You are resting before the One who loved you enough to enter this world, carry the Cross, and give His life for you.
Speak to Me simply.
Tell Me what has been occupying your thoughts today.
Tell Me what you are carrying.
Tell Me what you are afraid to admit even to yourself.
And if you have no words, remain with Me in silence.
Your presence can become a prayer.
Pause With Jesus
What have you been carrying into this chapel?
What would you say to Jesus if you knew you could speak without fear of judgment?
Remain silent for a moment and allow yourself simply to be loved.
Prayer
Jesus, I come as I am. Let my presence become a prayer, and teach me to receive Your love.
Sacred Scripture
Read these passages slowly in the approved public-domain Douay-Rheims translation.
Sacred Scripture
Douay-Rheims · Challoner revision · 1899 American Edition
Matthew 11:28–30
28Come to me, all you that labour, and are burdened, and I will refresh you.
29Take up my yoke upon you, and learn of me, because I am meek, and humble of heart: and you shall find rest to your souls.
30For my yoke is sweet and my burden light.
Source: eBible.org ↗ (opens in a new tab)Sacred Scripture
Douay-Rheims · Challoner revision · 1899 American Edition
John 15:9
9As the Father hath loved me, I also have loved you.
Source: eBible.org ↗ (opens in a new tab)Sacred Scripture
Douay-Rheims · Challoner revision · 1899 American Edition
Matthew 6:6–8
6But thou when thou shalt pray, enter into thy chamber, and having shut the door, pray to thy Father in secret: and thy Father who seeth in secret will repay thee.
7And when you are praying, speak not much, as the heathens. For they think that in their much speaking they may be heard.
8Be not you therefore like to them, for your Father knoweth what is needful for you, before you ask him.
Source: eBible.org ↗ (opens in a new tab)