[FroggyTheGremlim]

Well, I have to ask - does it (Redemptive Suffering) also act, not only against “Punishment for sins” but for petitions for something good?

For example, can one who is suffering accept and offer it as part of a plea for help and protection for our country from evil leaders and their evil deeds?

I think so. Therefore, count me in. Hope the suffering isn’t more than I can bear and doesn’t hurt those I love.

[mlizzy]

Most definitely; you can pick and choose what you would like to offer up your suffering for, and provided it is for the good of the Lord, I'm certain He will take great care with your quest and desire.

When our sons were younger, and this was during the period of time the Chicago Bulls were winning a string of championships, we told them they could offer up their Hosts for good sportsmanship, etc., of their team, that they play their best, and so on. So one of our sons standing in line for the Eucharist during Communion, got up to the priest, and whispered, as he motioned he did not want the Eucharist, "I'd like to offer it up for the Chicago Bulls." Well, the priest assured him he could consume the Eucharist, and my husband and I "reexplained the offering up," thing, but it sure put a smile on our faces.

[FroggyTheGremlim]

I would also ask - how does one know that the acceptance of suffering is truly doing God’s will and not simply some kind of masochism?

[stfassisi]

Well, I have to ask - does it (Redemptive Suffering) also act, not only against “Punishment for sins” but for petitions for something good?

Certainly,but remember, God answers prayers not in the way we always want them