Prayer

Prayer

"Prayer is a surge of the heart, it is a simple look turned toward heaven,

it is a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trial and joy." - St. Therese of Lisieux 

What Is Prayer?


Church teaching tells us that "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." (CCC 2567)


In short, pray is a means by which we deepen our relationship with God.


How Can I Hear God's Voice?


Many people question if God is calling out to them. They, like Samuel in 1 Sm 3:3b-10, 19 are not familiar with God's voice and they need help to recognize it.


Mother Teresa shared this wisdom: “We need to find God, and God cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence. See how nature–trees and flowers and grass–grow in silence. See the stars, the moon, and the sun, how they move in silence. The more we receive in silent prayer, the more we can give in our active life. “


If you are looking for the silence Mother Teresa speaks of, you might try Adoration before the Most Blessed Sacrament. It may not happen right away; in fact, you may find yourself quite restless at first. But over time, you will learn to quiet yourself and rest in that silence where God can be heard.


How Do I Pray? What Am I Supposed to Say?


Our society has so programed us for perfection that people often think that prayer must be eloquent and uttered only by those who are ordained. But contrary to how we think we should approach prayer, St. Faustina shares with us the following revelation she received from Jesus.


“My daughter…why do you not tell me about everything that concerns you, even the smallest details? Tell Me about everything and know that this will give Me great joy." I answered, But You know about everything, Lord.” And Jesus replied to me, “Yes I do know; but you should not excuse yourself with the fact that I know, but with childlike simplicity talk to Me about everything, for my ears and heart are inclined towards you, and your words are dear to Me.”


God wants to hear everything, even the smallest details. He is concerned with our highs and our lows, our joys and our worries or sorrows. He wants all that is in our hearts.


Some people find it helpful to share their prayer request through our Michael Sweeney Prayer Line or our Book of Prayers so that as a community we can offer them to God.

To learn more about the Catholic teaching on prayer, visit: Catechism of the Catholic Church (usccb.org)

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