The Catholic Defender: Act of Hope
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An Act of Hope is a traditional Catholic prayer expressing trust in God’s promises, mercy, and power to grant forgiveness, grace, and eternal life through Jesus Christ. It is a prayer of confidence, often prayed to reaffirm faith in divine goodness and the promise of heaven.
"O my God, relying on Thy infinite goodness and promises, I hope to obtain pardon of my sins, the help of Thy grace and life everlasting, through the merits of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Redeemer. Amen."
Trust in Promises: It relies on God's faithfulness rather than one's own merit.
Focus on Mercy: It expresses reliance on God's power and mercy to obtain salvation.
Eternal Perspective: It affirms the desire for eternal happiness in heaven.
Purpose: It is used to strengthen one's faith, especially during difficult times.
Hope in the Bible is defined as a confident, unwavering expectation in God’s promises and character, rather than mere wishful thinking. Rooted in God’s faithfulness, this "living hope" is anchored in the resurrection of Jesus Christ and provides endurance, strength, and joy during trials.
Biblical hope is not placed in circumstances, but specifically in God, His steadfast love, and the return of Jesus.
1 Peter 1:3 describes this as a "living hope" born through the resurrection of Jesus Christ
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who in his great mercy gave us a new birth to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead 1 Peter 1:3
Hope is something to be cultivated through prayer, meditation on Scripture, and trusting God’s character during suffering.
It acts as a secure, firm, and steadfast anchor (Hebrews 6:19) that holds believers secure, even in the face of death
This we have as an anchor of the soul,sure and firm, which reaches into the interior behind the veil Hebrews 6:19
Jeremiah 29:11: God’s plans are for welfare and a future, not for evil.
Romans 15:13: The "God of hope" fills believers with joy and peace, allowing them to "abound in hope" by the Holy Spirit.
Hebrews 11:1: Defines faith as the assurance of things hoped for.
Isaiah 40:31: Those who hope (or wait) in the Lord will "renew their strength".
Lamentations 3:21-24: Recalls God's faithfulness, making hope possible even in deep distress.
O Lord God, I hope by your grace for the pardon of all my sins and after life here to gain eternal happiness
because you have promised it who are infinitely powerful, faithful, kind, and merciful. In this hope I intend to live and die. Amen.
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