A day without judging is, like walking on water, humanly impossible, because our brains are wired to assess threats all day every day.
Some days are just one judgmental thought after another. Which is embarrassing (I’m better than this!) and unnecessary. When my head gets into other people’s business and out of my own, PLOOMP! I sink.
Looking out for danger is a great skill, but a good skill can go bad. For example, I saw this the other day: 
Let’s just say I had some judgmental thoughts. But here’s how to turn that around.
The second I realized that I’m thinking how the stroller money could have been better spent or how we’re aborting our children but pampering our dogs, I reached out to God to redeem that moment. By praying the opposite prayer, I avoided sinking into judgment and continued to walk in God’s love.
The prayer went something like this: “Lord, let this dog be a reminder to everyone of Your beauty and unconditional love. Bless the owner abundantly. Give her the grace she needs to get closer to You and love You more.”
Another chance came up on Wednesday when a noisy person infested the adoration chapel—ruffling pages, creaking the chair, and yawning with all the sound effects. As I started to sink into self-pity (Great—now I can’t concentrate!), the “opposite prayer” buoyed me back up.
“Lord, thank you for your powerful love, which can penetrate my heart and transform it, no matter what else is going on. Even when I don’t feel loving, you are at work in my soul and in the soul of my sister who is so dear to you. I thank you with all my heart.”
Amazingly, a prayer like this instantly changes how we feel about the situation. We calm down because we’re now seeing things in their reality, through God’s eyes. We can always ask God to inspire our redeeming prayer. With it, we will have saved that moment from being destructive to being life-giving. We will have participated with Christ in the redemption of the world. We will have helped “restore all things in Christ.”
So here’s wishing you a buoyant week!
Love always,
Rose
Pam
Thank you for those wonderful.examples. judging others is something I am always trying to avoivd often without much luck.
Sylvia
Great idea. Had not really thought it out like that. I struggle with being judgmental in my mind.
It used to be out loud. But this is still not acceptable. Thanks for the kind lesson.
Lourdes
So very true. I am guilty of being very
judgmental. I will put this in practice. Thank you so much.
Janet Loethen
Thank you for the these beautiful prayers!
Cindy
Thank you for this reminder, Rose! I struggle with this daily. God bless!
Terry Wollersheim
This is SO good! Thank you, Rose.
Jeannie
This is EXACTLY what I have been needing! Thank you for sharing this powerful way to pray and change our thoughts which leads to a change in our hearts! I’m going to begin using these prayers today! Bless you for sharing!!
Beverly Gribbin
Thank you Rose for this reminder. I am guilty on both accounts. 1) I have two dogs in a doggy carriage and have struggled with your same experience in adoration. I will remember these two prayers. Much appreciated!
Emarita
Thank you Rose for the inspiration and the suggestion of how to change our thoughts quickly by prayer and be more Christ like. Which is what we are all striving to be.
Janet hughey
Thank you for this inspiration! I too find myself judging others especially in these days and times 🙏
Mary
Great examples, Rose, on how to turn our thoughts from judgemental ones to prayers of praise, petition, and thanksgiving.
Yvonne Templet
Soooo on point Rose! We can’t help what enters our minds sometimes, but as you so lovingly showed us, we can control how we react to those judgemental thoughts! And such a Christlike way to turn the negative into a positive! Thanks for helping us all to walk more closely with Christ!
Joyce Miles
Happy Sunday Rose
Ask yourself why I am judgemental?
Pray and move on with forgiveness.
Lupita Ramirez
Thank you Rose for this, I took struggle with being judgmental but will put your suggestion into practice! God bless 🙏
Lupita Ramirez
Thank you Rose for this, I too struggle with being judgmental but will put your suggestion into practice! God bless 🙏
Debbie
Being judgemental, even in my mind, I feel bad and by the grace of God i ask for forgiveness and in confession as well.
Thank you for the tips of reaching out to God in times of judging.
Thank you Rose🌹
Gretchen
Great topic and solution. Whenever I am judgmental, my mantra is, “God loves him/her as much as He loves me.”
Rose Lennon
Learning to control how I react to the words and actions of others is one of my life’s constant challenges. Learning to pause before reacting is the first challenge; learning to pause and pray is even a bigger challenge but so necessary and helpful. Thank you for your thoughtful reminder!
Marge
Beautifully said and great advice and painful thoughts! Thank you Rose 🌹
Colette
Thank you, Rose!
I needed that!!!
Colette
Kathy
Thank you Rose. I struggle with this on a daily basis. It takes a lot of effort but I have to try harder to pray in the light of the situation that is making me be so judging. I love your suggestions and will try them for myself. Have a great week.
Connie Dexheimer
As always I thank you for all your prayers and for helping me to be a better person. I, too am judgmental and critical mostly in my thoughts. I strive to fight my demons!
Carolyn Schultz
Boy did I need to be reminded of that! Those thoughts of judging come so quick and easy. But no, if I turn it into an opportunity for Grace then the devil will take a hint and see that he has been thwarted by turning that fall into a holy moment. If done enough, those judgey thoughts should abade once he sees we don’t fall into that trap so easily. Thanks Rose, love the way you word things.
Diane Isabelle
Great posting, Rose! I want to snuggle up with that adorable pooch.
Leigh
Oh how I needed to read this – thank you so much!
Witzell
Thank you I will start using this right away!
Sharon
Lucy Edwards
Thank you Rose for such wonderful suggestions as I look forward for all your readings, quotes, running one’s life and I cherish all you suggest. I learn from you all the times and I appreciate it. This reading teaches me a lot!
Thank you,
Lucy
Tom Roberts
I have exactly the same problem in the adoration chapel, but with a cellophane lemon drop wrapper and occasional text message ping. Since my condition is chronic I take a daily dose of blessed John XXIII’s ONLY FOR TODAY as I would a vitamin pill.
MaryAlice
Thank you Rose for bringing to my attention this judgmental problem. I have been praying asking God for a change of heart of my attitude toward some of the other independent living residents here that I live with in this community. I will definitely began to pray as you suggested.
Cecile Smith
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