"Seek a relationship when you pray, not answers. You won't always find answers, but you will always find Jesus." - Fr Mike Schmitz
Prayer is simply how we talk to God. It can take many forms: rope prayers, like the rosary, are memorized prayers we can cling to when we feel lost. Prayer can be expressed through worship in music, or in writing and journaling. We may contemplate scripture, sit in silence, or simply speak to God as we would a friend sitting beside us.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church says this:
“God calls man first. Man may forget his Creator or hide far from his face; he may run after idols or accuse the deity of having abandoned him; yet the living and true God tirelessly calls each person to that mysterious encounter known as prayer.
“In prayer, the faithful God’s initiative of love always comes first; our own first step is always a response. As God gradually reveals himself and reveals man to himself, prayer appears as a reciprocal call, a covenant drama. Through words and actions, this drama engages the heart. It unfolds throughout the whole history of salvation.” (CC 2567)
Try a simple acronym for your next prayer time: PRAY
- Praise: Take time to greet God and thank him for all he has done for you today. Praise the good you see around you (family, friends, nature, good food). Put on a worship song.
- Repent: Be honest with God about where you’ve failed, or where you’re struggling. There’s nothing you could say or do that could make him love you less. He wants to help us in these areas!
- Ask: Ask God for help, or pray for others or specific situations. Ask for graces to help you live your faith.
- Yield: Sit and listen for God’s response. Prayer is a conversation! It involves speaking and listening. If you struggle with sitting in silence, try opening your bible and seeing what the Lord has to say to you through it!