Lenten course: Let Holy Week be a fresh start!

 Let Holy Week be a Fresh Start to your life!

A Lenten course based on Pray Then Listen, a heart-to-heart with God

Hello and welcome!

We are now in the final week before the celebration of Easter. I hope that you have been enjoying this, deliberately, very simple Lenten course - either as part of your chosen Lenten observations, or the central part of that. Admittedly, Holy Week, leading to the remembrance of Christ's sufferings, is such a sad and sombre experience. Yet, it is crucial that we remember the sequence of events and the sacrifice on Calvary. That is what our Lenten journey has been about. 

It is also my hope that, through a taster of my prayer guide, Pray Then Listen, A heart-to-heart with God, you have moved nearer in relationship with Him. And that you have either begun to listen to His voice or are doing that more than formerly. If this is the case you may well be wanting to read the whole book, or to buy a copy for a loved one to help them in their journey. To do this click on this link:  Check out Pray Then Listen

Holy Week – Make a fresh start to your life!

In Pray Then Listen this comes in the section “The Two-Way Street of Prayer”

You may find the Fresh Start angle a little surprising in Holy Week. I have introduced it, though, for two reasons. Firstly, as you are a human being, I am not presuming that your Lenten journey has been perfectly carried out. You cannot change the past, though, but please don't let your faltering come between you and Holy Week. For that reason I want to encourage you to choose again! Secondly, I suggest that Holy Week is the perfect opportunity to ask God to help you start afresh in your spiritual journey towards Heaven.

Consider this: Christ died for us; died for you! And what a horrific death it was. But He did so willingly, and beforehand Jesus told His apostles, "I have longed to eat this Passover meal with you before I suffer," (Luke 22:15) so at that point He was eager to go through with His Passion. That was because, by doing this He opened a gateway through which the faithful could, by approaching on the specific narrow pathway, enter Heaven. 

"... small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." Matthew 7:14 

Use the following prayer to renew your commitment to Christ.

Prayer for a fresh start

Dear Lord Jesus,

I stand at the foot of Your cross to bring before You all my sins.

[Pause for a few moments to reflect on what you have done or failed to do, so that you can tell Him specific things you regret.]

I am sorry for each and every one of them.

I ask now for Your forgiveness.

I also ask that, when I have Your forgiveness, You will help me to forgive myself, and in doing so set me free for a fresh start to my life.

I ask this through the same Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Listen for a few moments for anything that Christ may want to say to you now. As you go about your day and the rest of Holy Week keep open to His communications. 

God may answer you like this:

God may remind you of certain things or events where you fell short of showing His love to others. That is your cue to ask Him what, if anything, He wants  you to do about it. He may, for instance, prompt you to make an apology to someone, or make amends in some way. 

After actively listening and watching for God's communications during Lent I hope that you are becoming familiar, or more familiar, with the variety of methods He may use. I would be so happy if you would take a moment to share those with us. Also, if you have any questions about anything we have covered in this Lenten course please do get in touch. Please post communications in the Comments box below. And / or visit my website for more info or to contact me 

God bless,

Teresa 

 To check out Pray Then Listen in the UK

NEWS NEWS NEWS!

2nd May 23 

Update: I want to share some good news with you:

My debut novel, Angel at the Paradise Hotel,  Christian fiction - Holidays-romance-suspense - recently launched which is set in Corfu and features characters from Wales, America and Ireland - I think you will love it! Find all the details here.   Also: Check it out In UK  In US  In Singapore

               

Read the Backstory here

Also, for more info about me please visit my website.  

Blessings, Teresa x

 

Listening for God's voice - Lenten Course Week Five

  How do you know the voice is from God?

Listening for God’s Voice

A Lenten course based on Pray Then Listen, a heart-to-heart with God

Hello and welcome!

How are you getting along with your chosen Lenten path? I don't know about you but on one hand I can hardly believe that we are barreling towards Holy Week. But on the other, it seems like an age since I adopted my new Lenten practices as my small efforts to prepare to celebrate Easter. God is helping me through though, and I hope you are letting Him help you too. I find that carrying these things out can often lead me into keeping them in my life. For instance, joining the Divine Mercy prayer group has been so enriching that I plan to continue with it. How about you? Do you think you will stick to any of your Lenten observances permanently?  

This week I continue dipping into my prayer guide, Pray Then Listen, A heart-to-heart with God, to share more of my methods and experiences. As before I asked God what He wanted me to write about this week. I have used some direct  quotes (not highlighted), the other text is new.

Check out Pray Then Listen

Week Five – How do you know that the guidance is from God? 

In Pray Then Listen this comes in the section “The Two-Way Street of Prayer”

We have been together for four weeks and I've been sharing how God speaks to me to encourage you towards a more lively, deep, interesting and loving relationship with our Heavenly Father. But. As Blair Crawford, presenter of the wonderful radio programme, "Community Now!", asked me recently during the recording of a radio interview for Hope FM, "How do you know that the guidance is from God?" 

Good question! Here is my answer, starting with a Bible quote. 

Beloved, let us love one another; for love is of God, and he who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God; for God is love."  

1 John 4:7-9

There we have it! God is Love and His ways are loving. So when you are inspired from a spirit of love this is always from God through His Holy Spirit - whether you have specifically prayed for guidance or not.   

Prayer for God to make His guidance clear 

Dear Heavenly Father, you know that this Lent I am trying to let you lead me more and more in my life, so when I ask for Your guidance Lord will you please help me to recognize it. I ask this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

As the week goes on say the above prayer often and listen expectantly, and watchfully, for God's guidance. As you are discovering He can impart this in many different ways. Try thinking of this as an exciting challenge! 

God may answer you like this:

When you are in trouble and pray and all of a sudden you feel calm and comforted - though nothing has changed: that comfort is from God. St Paul in his letter to the Philippians mentions this, "The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding..." (4:7) This has happened to me in the midst of some of my toughest tests, and that period of respite, no matter how short it was, helped me to carry on. Praise the Lord! 

If you have something similar to share or any questions this course is bringing up in your spirit please do let me know by using the Comments box below. And / or visit my website for more info or to contact me 

God bless,

Teresa 

 To check out Pray Then Listen in the UK

NEWS NEWS NEWS!

2nd May 23 

Update: I want to share some good news with you:

My debut novel, Angel at the Paradise Hotel,  Christian fiction - Holidays-romance-suspense - recently launched which is set in Corfu and features characters from Wales, America and Ireland - I think you will love it! Find all the details and Backstory here.       

Look inside in UK   Look inside in US   Look inside in Singapore

Also, for more info about me please visit my website.  

Blessings, Teresa x

Lenten Course Week Four - Bring God into your daily tasks!

  Bring God into your daily tasks!

A Lenten course based on Pray Then Listen, a heart-to-heart with God

Hello and welcome!

I don't know about you but, as the weeks of Lent go on, I'm finding following my plan of action quite difficult, but I suppose that's the point isn't it. Through my, admittedly little, sacrifices I am trying to show my love of Christ and my solidarity with His Passion. Having joined the Divine Mercy prayer group again and heard of other people's much greater sacrifices than mine, cheerfully undertaken, I do feel a bit of a wimp. If you do too, let's just keep going for the best of reasons mentioned above! And let's keep asking God for His help as we keep listening expectantly for His voice

As before, this week I will continue dipping into my prayer guide, Pray Then Listen, A heart-to-heart with God, to share more of my methods and experiences. As always I will be asking God what He wants me to write about. Though the topics will be those covered in the book, and I will use some direct quotes (not highlighted), the other text will be new.

Check out Pray Then Listen

Week Four – Bring God into your daily tasks!

In Pray Then Listen this comes in the section “Christianity as a Lifestyle”

No matter what your age and situation, your day will doubtless be filled with tasks. Irrespective of your personal role in life, the most important thing for the practice of your Christian Faith, is to do everything with Love. In this way, as you work, God's spirit can work in you, and through you.

Unless the LORD builds the house, 

Those who build it labour in vain. 

Psalm 127:1

I know many devout Christians who tell me things like, 'When I'm in the office, I can hardly wait for lunch break when I can spend some quiet time with our Lord'. And while, on one hand, that is wonderful, on the other I wonder why they are waiting to speak to Him. I advise them to stop compartmentalizing and invite God into their work. Try the prayer below, or one of your own, to do that too - no matter whether your tasks are at home or out in the world.  

Prayer for guidance with work 

Dear Lord, please come and partner with me in my tasks, and help me to work with love. Also, will You please guide me so that I do what You want me to. I ask this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

As the week goes on say the above prayer often and listen expectantly, and watchfully, for God's guidance. If this 'working with God' is new to you prepare to be astounded at how different and lighter all your tasks feel with His input. 

God may answer you like this:

In any week there could be a dilemma to mull over. I find that I can usually come up with a few solutions. When, though, I ask God which of them He favours, He often tells me of something I had not even considered, and which is the perfect answer. This never ceases to amaze me! When that happens I can hardly wait to get on my knees to thank Him! 

I would love to hear some of your insights and observations or any questions this course is bringing up in your spirit so please post them in the Comments box below. And / or visit my website for more info or to contact me 

God bless,

Teresa 

 To check out Pray Then Listen in the UK

NEWS NEWS NEWS!

2nd May 23 

Update: I want to share some good news with you:

My debut novel, Angel at the Paradise Hotel,  Christian fiction - Holidays-romance-suspense - recently launched which is set in Corfu and features characters from Wales, America and Ireland - I think you will love it! Find all the details and Backstory here.       

Look inside in UK   Look inside in US  Look inside in Singapore

I wrote 9 Days to Heaven, How to make everlasting meaning of your life as my personal evangelization effort.  

Check out 9 Days to Heaven In UK / In US / In Singapore / In Australia / 

Available as a Kindle version or paperback!

Here is the link for the YouTube book trailer:  9 Days to Heaven 

Also, for more info about me please visit my website.  

Blessings, Teresa x

Lenten course Week Three - Be thankful for each new day!

 Be thankful for each new day!

Listening for God’s Voice

A Lenten course based on Pray Then Listen, a heart-to-heart with God

Hello and welcome!

I hope you continuing to listen for God’s voice in your daily Lenten challenges! I am confident that, even if you have never had such experiences before, you are growing in Faith through them. If you are already familiar with this kind of exchange, I hope that by making this an integral part of your Lenten observations, it is helping you to deepen your spiritualty. 

This week I will continue dipping into my prayer guide, Pray Then Listen, A heart-to-heart with God, to share more of my methods and experiences. As always I will be asking God what He wants me to write about. Though the topics will be those covered in the book, and I will use some direct quotes (not highlighted), the other text will be new.

Check out Pray Then Listen

Week Three – Be thankful for each new day!

In Pray Then Listen this comes in the section “Give Your Day a Good Beginning and End”

In my spiritual development workshops, when encouraging people to move into a deeper relationship with Christ, some people make the radical - for them - decision to pray in the morning. Something which many never even think of.

This is the day which the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalm 118:24

Now, before you dismiss this saying, “Teresa, I have not got time for prayers in the morning. I’m just too busy!” please know that, for me, this is more about making a choice to focus on Christ than spending extra time in prayer. Try this:

Be grateful, first of all, for waking up. Begin by opening your eyes and then rubbing your fingertips together. Follow with this prayer.

Prayer of Thankfulness

Hello Lord, thank You for the gift of a new day. Thank You too that I can see and hear and for my other senses. Please help me to use this day wisely. I ask this in Jesus’ Amen.

As the week goes on say the above prayer often and take note of how it helps you centre your whole day on Christ, reinforcing your awareness of His will in everything you undertake. Here is an example of me responding to God's will.

God may answer you like this:

God may give you a fresh insight into the familiar. This is a shining example of how to recognize that you are indeed hearing God’s voice. For instance, reading over the manuscript of Pray Then Listen I asked Jesus for His opinion on the section “Give Your Day a Good Beginning and End” as I wasn’t sure it was necessary. He spoke into my heart and told me that, on the contrary, it was the most important section of the book! That floored me! I’d been doing this for years but had not understood that it was the foundation of my close relationship with Him. 

If you have any questions or want to share your own insights from God or any observations please post them in the Comments box below. And / or visit my website for more info or to contact me 

God bless,

Teresa 

 To check out Pray Then Listen in the UK

Please note that the book is available everywhere in Paperback and E-book formats.

NEWS NEWS NEWS!

2nd May 23 

Update: I want to share some good news with you:

My debut novel, Angel at the Paradise Hotel,  Christian fiction - Holidays-romance-suspense - recently launched which is set in Corfu and features characters from Wales, America and Ireland - I think you will love it! Find all the details and Backstory here.       

Look inside in UK   Look inside in US   Look inside in Singapore

Also, for more info about me please visit my website.  

Blessings, Teresa x

Lenten course Week Two - Love thy neighbour!

 Love thy neighbour 

Listening for God’s Voice

A Lenten course based on Pray Then Listen, a heart-to-heart with God

Hello and welcome!

I hope you are enjoying listening for God’s voice in your daily life! Throughout the coming weeks I will continue to dip into my prayer guide Pray Then Listen to share more of my methods and experiences. As I always do I will be asking God what He wants me to write about. Though the topics will be those covered in the book, and I will use some direct quotes (not highlighted), the other text will be new.

I wonder how you are getting on in your efforts to make Lent meaningful. In your spiritual preparation for Easter you may be doing something extra for God, or perhaps you are carrying out some form of denial.  No matter what you have chosen I’m sure that more than once you’ve wished it wasn’t Lent! I laugh as I write that; it’s human, and that is our sacrifice for Christ.

I do hope, though, you have been asking Jesus for His help and guidance to keep on going with that sacrifice. If you have, you will already be nearer in relationship to Him.

As I told you last week I have been asking God for guidance and listening to His replies and watching for His guidance for many years.

Check out Pray Then Listen

An example of me listening to God

Last Saturday, 4^th March I had a dilemma. I had thought to attend my first meeting of our parish Divine Mercy prayer group. But something was holding me back, including some social options for that afternoon. Feeling confused I asked God to show me what He wanted me to do. Then I sat down to read a booklet on Lent. That day’s reading opened with words about divine mercy. I chuckled. God’s guidance was crystal clear! I joined in with the group and had a wonderful time with prayer, singing and fellowship!

Week Two - Love thy neighbour 

In Pray Then Listen this comes in the section “Christianity as a Lifestyle”

Trying to be loving to everyone we meet can be difficult. Yet, in actively following Christ, we are not supposed to pick and choose.

You shall love your neighbour as yourself

Mark 12:31

As Christians we are therefore encouraged to be as loving and considerate as possible. It is good to remember that you are an ambassador for Christ, and to try to let that shine through as often as humanly possible.

That is sometimes very difficult to carry out, I know. But you could ask God, specifically during this week, to show you how you can do this even more than usual. Try the following prayer or one of your own to focus on this aim.

Prayer to become more loving to everyone 

Dear Heavenly Father, You have made it clear that You expect me to be loving to all. Please show me how to do that even more than usual this week. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen. 

As you go on with your week say the above prayer often and watch out for God’s help and guidance. I have discovered that God responds in many different ways. You have seen one way in the example above. 

God may answer you like this:

Often God speaks an answer into my heart. His words can arrive almost as a whisper, and are easy to miss. So start to listen expectantly and with great attention for His answers this week.

If you have any questions or observations please visit my website for more info or to contact me

God bless,

Teresa 

NEWS NEWS NEWS!

2nd May 23 

Update: I want to share some good news with you:

My debut novel, Angel at the Paradise Hotel,  Christian fiction - Holidays-romance-suspense - recently launched which is set in Corfu and features characters from Wales, America and Ireland - I think you will love it! Find all the details and Backstory here.       

Look inside in UK   Look inside in US  Look inside in Singapore

ANOTHER OF MY BOOKS

 

I wrote 9 Days to Heaven, How to make everlasting meaning of your life as my personal evangelization effort.  

Check out 9 Days to Heaven In UK / In US / In Singapore / In Australia / 

Available as a Kindle version or paperback!

Also, For articles, plus more info about me and my work please visit my website.  (www.teresaodriscoll.co.uk)

Blessings, 

Teresa x

 

Keep-Fit with God!

Hello dear friend,

I hope you are having a good day! Thanks for stopping by. Today I'm wondering: What do you think about when you are doing mundane things? These could be anything that don't require your full attention. 

Today, I went for a quick, 30 minutes, fitness swim at my local pool. When I lived in Athens, with a gorgeous sandy beach at the end of my road, this was a regular pastime. I miss it! But now I've started visiting the pool I feel more balanced.

I have a routine: Once I've got into a swimming rhythm I begin to talk to God. I may say formal prayers, or chat to Him in my own words from my heart; whatever feels best at the time. If I have a problem I'll ask Him what He wants me to do about it. 

You could try out the following 3 Steps when you are, say, doing a part of your fitness routine that doesn't need your full focus. 

Step 1. Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of health and strength that is enabling me to exercise today. While I do this please will you help me with [Tell God your problem / concern about something]. I ask this in Jesus' name Amen.

Step 2. Carry on with your exercise routine for a while. 

Step 3. When it feels right put your whole focus back onto God, open your heart and listen for His guidance. If He has nothing immediate to tell you go on with your exercise, and then with your day, while keeping vigilant for His, often very gentle, answers. 

I find that inviting God's input into my daily life elevates everything. I hope you feel that way too. Let me know how you get on...

God bless

Teresa 

For more information on looking out for God's will check out my new prayer guide:

NEWS NEWS NEWS!

My prayer guide, Pray Then Listen launched. Please see here for all info. 

About the book

This was a book I never would have written had God not asked me to! “Write a book and show people how to speak to Me,” He told me. This, then, is my work of obedience.

I wonder if you, like me, speak to God from your heart, listen for His reply, and do what He asks? If not, I hope that by sharing experiences of Christ and Bible-based private prayers I can show how you too can have enlightening conversations with God.

Through simple meditations, confide your troubles, listen expectantly for answers and overcome fear and doubt by allowing Christ to guide you through the tests of daily life, boosting self-confidence and resilience.

What people are saying about Pray Then Listen

Teresa’s book on how to talk to God flows from her experience of prayer as a two way conversation. Mixed with everyday examples, she practically shares how to live a life seasoned with prayer. Providing foundational frameworks for prayer in the different seasons of life, this book will help us all move deeper in our relationship with God. 

Andy Frost, Director of Share Jesus International

2nd May 23 

Update: I want to share some more good news with you:

My debut novel, Angel at the Paradise Hotel,  Christian fiction - Holidays-romance-suspense - recently launched which is set in Corfu and features characters from Wales, America and Ireland - I think you will love it! Find all the details and Backstory here.       

Look inside in UK   Look inside in US  Look inside in Singapore

Also, for more info about me please visit my website.  

Blessings, Teresa x