People ask us all the time to remember them in our prayers. Family members, friends, neighbors, co-workers, fellow parishioners. It’s really not humanly possible to call to mind each and every intention when we’re making our daily prayer time. So, what steps do you take to make sure that all of your spiritual bases are covered? Some people keep a written list. Others commend to their prayers the people who ask for them right at the moment they make the request, and leave it to the Lord to include them whenever they pray. What is your way of doing this? Share your take with Jerry and Debbie on Thursday.

One of Jerry’s prayer methods:

1. Those who pray for and support me in any way.
2. Those who have asked me to pray for them.
3. Those for whom I said I would pray.
4. Those for whom I should pray.
5. Those who need my prayers.

From listener Lois:

1.      Your thumb is the nearest to you. So begin your prayer by praying
for those closest to you. They are the easiest to remember. To pray for our
loved ones is, as C. S. Lewis once said, a “sweet duty.”

2.   The next finger is the pointing finger. Pray for those who teach,
instruct, and heal. This includes teachers, doctors, and ministers. They
need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction. Keep them
in your prayers.

3.   The next finger is the tallest finger. It reminds us of our leaders.
Pray for the president, leaders in industry and business, and
administrators. These people shape our nation and guide public opinion. They
need God’s guidance.

4.   The fourth finger is our ring finger. Surprising to many is the fact
that this is our weakest finger, as any piano teacher will testify. It
should remind us to pray for those who are weak, in trouble, or in pain.
They need your prayers day and night. You cannot pray too much for them.

5.   And lastly comes our little finger; the smallest finger of all. Which
is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others. As the
Bible says, “the least shall be the greatest among you.” Your pinky should
remind you to pray for yourself.

AUDIO ARCHIVES:: 

It is so easy in today’s world to find the things that are going wrong in situations, relationships, etc.  We know how to criticize, but do we really understand the powerful healing effects of complimenting? Let’s take inventory of our lives and see if we tend to be more complimentary or critical in our everyday behavior.  Then let’s challenge one another to begin to compliment first before being ready to impart a criticism. This life exercise can be very beneficial in all our interpersonal relationships, plus it really is more Christ-like. Call us with your take on this topic, 1-833-288-3986.

On Tuesday, call with your take about how we often put human beings on pedestals, expecting more from them than they are able to live up to. Those in leadership are surely called to a higher standard when it comes to their lives and their service of others. This includes those who serve in civil, religious and other capacities. But do we tend to think they are “perfect,” that they should make no mistakes, that our faith in the offices or positions they hold should be shaken by their failures? This topic was suggested by a listener, and it should provide for some interesting conversation. Join in by calling 833-288-EWTN.

The Church has no official guidelines on how to dress when attending Holy Mass. However, many pastors and parishes post rules in the vestibule of the Church, reminding people of what may or may not be worn to services. This question has been discussed and debated much over the past few decades, as many Catholics have lost at least some sense of the sacredness of our liturgical celebrations. On Monday, Jerry and Debbie welcome your takes on this hot-button issue. We’re sure there will be a variety of takes on it. Please join us.

Article by Msgr. Charles Pope.

The Blessed Trinity – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – form a communion of persons. Since man is made in the image and likeness of God, it follows that we are most authentically ourselves when we are living in communion with one another. There is a crisis of that in today’s world. People are isolating themselves in ways never seen before. We often hide behind our gadgets and public profiles, thinking that we are actually inviting people into our lives and entering theirs. But is that really the case? Is it actually possible to have “communion” with others without being in their presence and interacting with them? A few other examples might be online shopping, drive thru food ordering and automation and robots taking the places of many human functions. Call on Friday with your take on where you see all of this going.

The only one who can provide us with an authentic appreciation of love is God, who is Love Himself. He loves us unconditionally. But that is sometimes difficult for us to wrap our minds and hearts around. Instead, we look to “creature comforts” to provide us with the security we long for, and that only God can give. What are some of the ways we tend to do this? What are some of the things that people place their hope and trust in rather than almighty God? The possible takes on this topic are limitless. Share yours on Thursday.

Here is the poem written and read by Fr. John on today’s show:

Our first show of each month is dedicated to prayer.  Please join us as we pray for one another. Call, post or email us your prayer requests and intentions.  We truly do believe in the power of prayer.  As a family in the Lord, we can give the special gift of prayer for each other.  Prayer brings spiritual support, comfort and peace to all. At the end of the show, we will have Fr. John, a dear friend of Take 2, lead us in prayer and impart a blessing. 1-833-288-3986.

Padre Pio said he was not going to enter the pearly gates until all of his adopted spiritual sons and daughters got in. So, that would make him still very active in ministry here on earth. Therese of Lisieux said, “I will spend my heaven doing good on earth.” And we all know that St Anthony is active in our lives for sure. We could all share a take on how one of these saints – or many others – have benefited us during our lives. On Tuesday, share with the Take 2 family the saints are active in your life, trying hard to get you to heaven, especially if there’s one you go to on a regular basis!

Support for praying to Mary and the saints.

Children get it.  They know how to enjoy the moment.  They also know how to view things with a sense of awe and wonder.  Another great quality children have is their ability to shrug off fear.  We, as adults, could really benefit from watching how children approach new situations. But most of all, children seem to happily embrace God. Kids will say the most obvious but incredibly profound things about God.  If we really listen to our children, we can learn some great spiritual lessons.  Share with us what you have learned from your children or grandchildren. Call us at, 1-833-288-3986.

Once a month, Jerry and Debbie invite your calls, takes, comments, questions or insights on whatever is on your mind or in your heart. We call it “Unscripted,” as we come with no set topic or agenda. You determine what we discuss, so get ready to let the world know what’s important to you on Friday!