Prayer

As we journey through life, we change in both minor and significant ways. As we do, the way that we relate to God also changes. A form of prayer that was so powerful for an individual in the past becomes ineffective. Too, a way of praying may still be a good fit, but one day you may be tired or out of it or just in a weird mood, and the usual method isn't working for you. Fortunately, there are many ways to pray. There are traditional methods, like the rosary. One can pray using Sacred Scripture or meditation books that offer reflections. It's possible to use images to draw closer to God, or to simply be still in His presence. When it comes to spiritual reading, too, there is a spectrum of choices, ranging from classic to contemporary to inspirational.

One of the blessings of being Catholic is the spiritual tradition that we have at our fingertips. We can benefit from the example of the lives of the saints, rich symbolism (water, fire, light, dove, etc.), the writings of the early Church fathers and mothers, and the long history of the Catholic Church. The Trinity-- Father, Son, and Holy Spirit-- is always at the center of the Catholic tradition. The Virgin Mary leads us to her Son. The symbolism reveals insights into the Triune God. The saints are companions on our journey to God. The history of the Church, with all its complexities, has much to learn from; all those lessons point to-- you guessed it!-- God.

My own prayer life has fluctuated with my faith. It has certainly grown as I grew spiritually! As I first became active in my faith, I learned to talk to Jesus, to be open with a personal God who loves me. When I embraced the Catholic Church more, I saw the value in going to Mass regularly and praying the rosary. I've relied on spiritual reading to get a sense of Him. Lately, I've experienced the connection and peace that comes with centering prayer, with being as still as I can in His presence regularly.

Being a member of a religious community includes a structure of prayer: Christian Prayer, the prescribed Morning, Evening, and Night Prayer, daily rosary, and devotions. This is our way of being faithful to the Church, as these are the same prayers that priests and lay faithful say. They are the prayers of the Church. The structure also involves discipline, continuing to show up through the ups and downs of life. This is a commitment to Jesus, who has become our Spouse through our vows. As with any relationship, it's crucial to keep on showing up, and to be real with Him.

There are times when Christian Prayer is powerful for me, when words and phrases strike me powerfully, as though God Himself is speaking to me. There are other times when nothing seems to make an impression or even when I'm only there because it's on the schedule. This is when the community carries me. They're returning the favor, for when I'm able to carry them.

It's important to remember, though, that the value of prayer isn't found in how effective we find it. I have learned that it isn't good because I may experience peace, wisdom, or joy, though it's wonderful when it happens. Prayer is important because we reach out to God and are available to Him. He is working in our hearts without us knowing it. The most important part is to keep praying, to continue to set time aside for Him and to commit to it. It's a relationship, the most important one that we have, regardless of what our vocation is. For the longest time, I've felt that I was set apart for God, that He wanted me for Himself in a special  way. Giving Him my time is the least that I can do!