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What is the one thing that we want to do more of, never make enough time for, are capable of doing in countless different ways, always wondering if we’re doing it right, are skeptical of its effectiveness, and the topic thereof is always seeming to pop up in our lives?
If you read the title of this editorial, you know it’s one of those words, and it’s not “how,” “is,” “your,” or life”.
Since you’ve made it to paragraph three, I’ll assume you know I’m talking about prayer, and you’re perfectly fine with this topic.
Whether it be in the confessional, in a conversation with a close friend or spiritual director, in a small group setting, or the occasional “sidewalk discipleship” encounter, talk of our struggles and challenges will come up.Inevitably, as a means to make things better and on the right path, someone is going to ask “How is your prayer life?”
I’d be willing to wager, more often than not, that the person being asked said question will think, if not verbalize, that it could be better, she or he could pray more or even start praying.
If anyone reading this thinks they have a solid and perfect prayer life that doesn’t need any improvement whatsoever, please talk to me as soon as possible. You can help me.
If that’s not you, trust me, we’re all in the same boat (well dock for me, I don’t like the water all that much).
What is prayer
What exactly is prayer?
The mighty Catechism of the Catholic Church says prayer is “The elevation of the mind and heart to God in praise of his glory; a petition made to God for some desired good, or in thanksgiving for a good received, or in intercession for others before God. Through prayer the Christian experiences a communion with God through Christ in the Church” (2559-2565).
The not-so-mighty Kevin says prayer is taking yourself away from the world, and your challenges, and connecting with God.
It’s a chance to “let it all out” to the Lord, and then let him do the talking for a little bit.
It’s a chance to align yourself with God’s will for you, by using simple communication and letting God take care of the rest.
Start praying
I’m not going to make a bold promise that you can say a prayer right now, and it’ll make everything better in your life.
I’m not a smart enough theologian for that, nor do I know the full extent of your relationship between you and the Almighty One.
I do think I can say that it certainly can’t hurt if you did pray.
Many authors, faith apostolates, and other organizations have made lives and careers out of teaching others how to pray. Yet, it is a constant challenge and struggle to do so.
For those who don’t know quite how to start, here are five easy suggestions to start your prayer life or take it to the next step.
1. A morning prayer. As soon as you wake up, do SOMETHING.
It can be anything from a Sign of the Cross, to a morning offering prayer, to the Rosary, but do something to start your day in communication with God and keep the lines open.
2. Read the Bible. Or, get a Bible, as the case may be. Every day, read part of the Gospels or the Mass readings for the day. Get used to opening a Bible and using it.
3. Talk to your “mother”. If a Rosary is too much, pray one “Hail Mary” a day or a decade of the Rosary.
4. A meal prayer. If you have time to eat, you have time to pray.
5. A night prayer. Before you head to bed, mirror what you did in the morning. End your talk communicating with God.
It can be a Sign of the Cross and thanking God for your day. It can be an Act of Contrition, or the Examen, but again, do SOMETHING to end the day on a prayerful note and get ready for tomorrow.
If you’re doing some of these already, do more.
Even if you have to channel your inner St. Thérèse and be a little soul with baby steps, push yourself to new levels of prayer.
When should you pray?
NOW! Yes, all caps means I’m shouting.
Let this be a nudge for you to say a little “hello” to God right now and build the relationship.
You can do it.
God wants you to pray. He wants to hear from you and talk to you.