30+ min ago (431+ words) Join with fellow FREEPERS to pray for AMERICA: For those in Authority in Government, Family, Military, Business, Agri-Business; End to Sex Slavery; Healthcare, Education, Churches, and the Media. This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. (1 John 5:14) I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone: for kings and all those in authority that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. ~ 1 Timothy 2:1-2 Religion Forum Threads labeled [Prayer] are closed to debate of any kind. This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 1 JOHN 5:14 1 Corinthians 10:31: So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God....

55+ min ago (175+ words) Who besides St. Francis of Assisi and St. Padre Pio of Pietrelcina have received the stigmata, the marks of Christ's five wounds? Have any women received the stigmata? The Catholic Church does not authenticate reports of women or men who have received one or more of the wounds in Christ's hands, feet and side, either permanently or temporarily. Some other people have reportedly received wounds from his scourging or wearing a crown of thorns. Do you have a question for Father Pat McCloskey, OFM? The author of our popular "Ask a Franciscan" feature is ready to answer your toughest questions! In order to provide you the content requested, we need to store and process your personal data. If you consent to us storing your personal data for this purpose, please tick the checkbox below. Franciscan Media strives to inspire a…...

1+ hour, 37+ min ago (272+ words) Cardinal Blase Cupich Chicago Tribune The Washington Monument stands majestically against the evening sky and is captured in the Reflecting pool, a view seen looking from the Lincoln Memorial. Two stories anchor our oldest holiday. Both took place in times of division and deprivation. And both offer a hopeful note about who we can be when we try. The peaks and valleys of American history are commonly defined by our wealth and our power. But as these stories remind us, the true character of America is found in our capacity as a pilgrim people to find reasons for hope and gratitude and share those blessings with others. So, what might those moments suggest for today's era of disunity and discord? In the face of all this, the overwhelming temptation can be to retreat to our separate corners, to give thanks…...

1+ hour, 58+ min ago (313+ words) You still seek a god in unlimited remoteness. " " Behold, I tell you: Before your God is "born" in you, as you are in him, you will never find him! Before your God has been "born" unto you, your deepest cry for God will make all the endless spaces tremble in vain" You have been told that the man of the earth is a "god" in disguise and must only come to recognize himself in order to find himself as "God" for all eternity. Those who spoke these words to you were truly far removed from God, further than they knew! You are not God; however, your God can manifest himself in you alone on this earth, and then you are united with your God in the same way as words and meaning are united in a song! " " Then nothing will…...

4+ hour, 22+ min ago (268+ words) I worked in DC near the White House and am praying God will protect all the law enforcers that are there and heal the wounded men who were shot by the man from Afghanistan. Please join me in prayer. Starting today August 7th, 2024, in order to post in the Married Couples, Courting Couples, or Singles forums, you will not be allowed to post if you have your Marital status designated as private. Announcements will be made in the respective forums as well but please note that if yours is currently listed as Private, you will need to submit a ticket in the Support Area to have yours changed. - /account/dismiss-notice?notice_id=118 CF has always been a site that welcomes people from different backgrounds and beliefs to participate in discussion and even debate. That is the nature of its ministry. In view of…...

5+ hour, 19+ min ago (125+ words) Welcome to the PRAYER REQUESTS thread. This daily thread is a listing of prayer requests that have been posted by Freepers to the main forum who wish to have continued prayer. Hopefully this thread will remind us to continually pray for our fellow Freepers" cares and needs. GOD hears and answers our prayers. To keep this thread organized, please read the directions below. 1) To add a prayer request on this thread and receive prayer via Freepmail. 1) To add a prayer request as a VANITY THREAD for accumulated public posts: UPDATES are appreciated so intercessors know how to pray for your prayer request. To be added or dropped from the Free Republic PRAYER REQUESTS ping list, post or FReepmail to stars & stripes forever...

5+ hour, 40+ min ago (262+ words) Please pray that my son Jakeb didn't get food poisoning and he feels better fast. Oh please Dear God don't let him be sick!!! Oh please Dear God! I ask in the name of Jesus!! Amen God bless you. Carmen Starting today August 7th, 2024, in order to post in the Married Couples, Courting Couples, or Singles forums, you will not be allowed to post if you have your Marital status designated as private. Announcements will be made in the respective forums as well but please note that if yours is currently listed as Private, you will need to submit a ticket in the Support Area to have yours changed. - /account/dismiss-notice?notice_id=118 CF has always been a site that welcomes people from different backgrounds and beliefs to participate in discussion and even debate. That is the nature of its ministry. In view…...

5+ hour, 55+ min ago (465+ words) New research from Barna, in partnership with Awana, reveals a striking disconnect between parents and church leaders when it comes to discipling children. While 95% of children's ministry leaders believe that discipleship begins at home, parents are much more divided, Barna found. Fifty-one percent of parents feel the church should take the lead, whereas 49% see it as their own responsibility. One of the most revealing findings is that many parents feel under-qualified to lead their kids spiritually. In fact, 86% of parents said their children learn spiritual lessons at church that they themselves don't feel capable of teaching. "This tug-of-war reveals a deeper challenge: if children's ministry is going to be healthy, pastors must help both parents and their ministry leaders find common ground," Barna said. "Child discipleship cannot be outsourced entirely to one or the other. Both need clarity about their…...

7+ hour, 48+ min ago (322+ words) The Deputy Director in charge of Conflict Management at the National Peace Council, Frank Wilson Bodza, has clarified that while mission schools may provide spaces for students of various faiths to worship, students are still required to adhere to the institutions" dress codes. His comments follow a Supreme Court directive to Wesley Girls" Senior High School to respond to a lawsuit filed by private legal practitioner Shafic Osman, who alleges that Muslim students are restricted from practising certain aspects of their religion. Speaking on Citi Eyewitness News on Wednesday, November 26, Mr. Bodza referred to an existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed after the Peace Council engaged heads of mission schools across different religious denominations to address such issues. He stated that the MoU clearly indicates that students are not allowed to construct their own religious structures on campus. "Mission-base schools…...

8+ hour, 55+ min ago (390+ words) Save 50% through 12/1. Join Now The validity of Christianity is not based on our experiences; it's based on him and his Word. Rubble was everywhere. Over a decade of life in a local church was lost in a conflict. Deep roots severed. Old friendships went up in flames. The explosion sent shock waves through home after home. Shrapnel left me with a limp. And that's not the worst of it. People see my nearly smooth scars now and ask, "Why didn't you deconstruct? What kept you from leaving Christianity? And why, after everything you've been through, do you still serve the church?" Serious questions deserve sincere consideration. The answer is as clear and serious as the noonday sun: because Jesus is real. The incarnate Son of God, Jesus Christ, is our foundation. Christmas is no myth. It's not a cute story....