Often time when I’m petting him or even playing with him, I pray. With my cat, I mean. Mine is obnoxious enough that he wants/needs alot of attention. But I often pray a bit of thanksgiving for having him in my life. Also, I have started to volunteer at a Humane Society shelter. There, while helping with the animals I find myself praying that they find “forever” homes.
And knowing cats, petting the cat while praying may be less distracting then trying to ignore the cat :lol:I sure hope it’s not a sin…I pray in the shower daily.
Right now there’s a beautiful long-haired 12+ pound cat lying across my shoulders and purring in my ear. When I sit down and lean forward a bit he thinks that means his favorite perch is available. I’m not going to stop praying - or whatever else I’m doing - because he jumps up there. If I scritch his head he stays on my shoulders, but if I stop scritching him he jumps down onto the desk, stands between my arms, and starts rubbing my face.
I do have to push him off then so that I can finish the task at hand.Yes, we are called to “pray continually” but that does not refer to verbal or mental prayers that we say in petition, thanksgiving, or to worship. To “pray always” means a state of soul–to constantly put yourself in the Presence of God. To be aware always that God is near to us, especially when things aren’t going our way. It is a sort of contemplative prayer rather than constantly saying a “Hail Mary” or even an ejaculation. It is the movement of the heart rather than the mind or the lips. I find that I get distracted easily by the common occurances of every day life. That is to be expected. But, when we become aware of God’s Presence, to acknowledge that Presence with a movement of the heart, or to contemplate for a few seconds or minutes how God is present in your life at that moment is what is meant to “pray always”. Jesus was not on His knees every moment of everyday, but He was constantly aware of His Father’s presence. We are to imitate His example. We will NEVER be able to perfect this practice as we are still earthbound. But, when we draw our attention back to Him periodically throughout the day, we will find ourselves happier and more at peace. Prayer comes in many forms. The highest form of prayer is contemplative–uniting our hearts, minds and souls to Our Savior. Contemplative prayer is us being quiet and letting God speak to us through our hearts. That is praying continually.I have nothing to back this up, but aren’t we supposed to “pray continually” or very, very often if possible? It would seem absurd that we can’t pray in the middle of other things.
You may want to set aside a time to focus only on God, but I don’t see why you wouldn’t be able to pray while petting your cat.
Yes! You are maintaining what we in religion call “interior peace”. We obviously cannot focus on God every single second, but to gently recall Him in our hearts or thoughts is what Jesus called, “praying always”. This will bring you much peace and comfort! Well done!
I hope not because when I sit in my prayer-chair to pray, my cat Pete always jumps into my lap.