How do you pray?

[dianed]

At times, Act of Contrition, Prayer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be, usually in a repetitious form as I wait for the bus to go to work. I know it sounds crazy or amateurish. BUT…my deepest prayers are those that I say from my heart. It is like I tell Jesus everything like I would a confidant, my fears, my needs, my prayers for family and friends, and prayers for just about everything. Again, while I am on the bus going to work. I am quite fond of repeating what Ven. Solanus Casey often said: “Deo Gratias. Blessed be God in all of His designs.” I am an avid participant in lighting votive candles in front of various statues/shrines of saints - again my prayer from the heart in my own words. I often find it hard to pray novenas to saints and the angels because…well…there are too many of them to “pick and choose from.” LOL! I think the written prayers that came from others are beautiful and wonderful but for me to really get into it, it is in my own words. I also find most of the answers to prayers are the ones that I have said for another person…mainly for their blessings and graces and well being, not really intercessory or healing.

 

[LilyPearls]

Isn’t contemplative prayer only for religious?

Nope, it’s possible in all vocations. If you show God with your actions that you mean business regarding putting Him first in your life and you meditate (the Rosary, lectio divina, one or more of the various chaplets, the way of the cross, or whatever else you choose) God Himself will teach you how to pray and draw you close by His side. He loves you and wants an intimate relationship with you. That doesn’t mean you’ll be given gifts like ecstasies or whatever phenomena because those are special unmerited gifts God chooses to give some people but if you ask God to help you and to teach you to pray He will. Your job is simply to strive for holiness and pray everyday. Having a couple like minded friends helps too, if you don’t already. But you said you went to a Catholic school so I suppose you probably do have a few friends who practice their faith.

 

[Sonny89]

Peace and All Good!

Don’t beat yourself up; morning and evening prayer may be more than many Catholics or Christians. Give yourself a little credit. I’m not sure why you feel there is no depth to these prayers; all prayers are certainly meaningful as long as we keep God in mind. Just mouthing the words is not praying and I believe you understand that.

I think it really is a lot more than many will pray-especially in an age where people perceive that there’s a need always to keep busy doing activities. So many people justify a great reduction in their prayer life to themselves.

I agree, the OP deserves to give himself some credit