Prayer & devotions

[Verzejd]

How do you pray? In the past year, I have (I feel) been getting more out of prayer. I have committed myself more fully to Christ…what I mean is He now takes a front seat. I am a cradle Catholic, who like others (in my opinion) for a long time took our Faith & Lord for granted…asked for help only when needed, etc… I have 5 kids & a beautiful convert wife (who inspires me with her faith–I feel converts are the spark of the Catholic world by the way)…& did not always have God/Christ/HS first—now I am trying to do that in many ways. One way is prayer…20-30 minutes (as soon as I get up from bed…prayers of thanksgiving & praise, then read Scripture, other holy reading, asking for prayers of the Church Triumphant, rosary, Divine Mercy chaplet, etc…) before PT (physical training–I’m Army), constant prayers (prayer darts or ejaculations & the Jesus Prayer & daily Mass (almost depending on work schedule)-)—just always keeping my thoughts on the eternal things & our Lord. Trying to have faith like a child…total trust. Looking for more suggestions. How do you all pray & stay close to God daily? I admire our Muslim brothers & sisters in that they daily make their religion a part of their daily life. I sometimes feel our Christian brothers & sisters (as I did for a long time) kept our Lord only on the Sabbath. Looking for more ways to do this. Thanks. God bless you. I don’t mean to be judgemental of others—I apologize & say these things b/c of my past mainly.

 

[LilyM]

Sounds like you’re doing a lot already! Bear in mind that those of us who live out in the world do have to spend time on our work, family and other comittments, so we’re not required to do the serious amount of formal prayer that religious or retired people may be able to do.

The brief ‘aspirations’ (I find people are less prone to giggling like schoolkids when you DON’T call them ‘ejaculations’ ) are a good idea. I try to offer whatever work or recreation I’m engaged in to God as well, briefly ask his help before I start, thank him when I’m enjoying something or doing something well.

 

[Tonks40]

What a wonderful prayer life you have!! I’m also a cradle Catholic who rediscovered her faith in Christ nearly a year ago, and I found that I couldn’t get enough prayer in my life. I’ve settled down now to where I do read the daily Scripture readings, I say my prayers in the morning, I’m trying to incorporate the Angelus at noon, and a Divine Mercy Chaplet at 3pm, in addition to my prayers and rosary at night, more readings and reflections. During the summer, I was attending daily Mass (kids on vacation), but I’m now trying to devote myself to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and attend First Friday Masses.

Prayer to me is my anchor…my means to focus on our Lord. Even if it’s a quick, impromptu prayer of help, thanks, or worship (awe), it’s like my engine that keeps me running!

God Bless You and your family! You are truly blessed!

 

[LilyM]

Tonks40:

What a wonderful prayer life you have!! I’m also a cradle Catholic who rediscovered her faith in Christ nearly a year ago, and I found that I couldn’t get enough prayer in my life. I’ve settled down now to where I do read the daily Scripture readings, I say my prayers in the morning, I’m trying to incorporate the Angelus at noon, and a Divine Mercy Chaplet at 3pm, in addition to my prayers and rosary at night, more readings and reflections. During the summer, I was attending daily Mass (kids on vacation), but I’m now trying to devote myself to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and attend First Friday Masses.

Prayer to me is my anchor…my means to focus on our Lord. Even if it’s a quick, impromptu prayer of help, thanks, or worship (awe), it’s like my engine that keeps me running!

God Bless You and your family! You are truly blessed!

I’m in the same situation - cradle Catholic, very recently seeking to broaden my faith after drifting away. The First Friday devotion was fairly well-known and popular when I was in Catholic school umpteen years ago - we used to have a special Mass in the school chapel for it I think, not that I ever managed to do the nine first Fridays in a row

Not so many Catholics seem to know about it or to bother with it these days. Good to see someone besides myself is taking it up again God reward your prayers! The Angelus is traditionally said three times a day though (meant to be 6am, noon and 6pm or as close as possible). Since I’m usually awake by 6am I do it, even if it’s while in the shower

 

[AlanFromWichita]

With my family I say recited prayers plus spontaneous intentions, and occasionally lead a made-up prayer. We take turns “leading” the prayer and each day, each person gets a chance to lead in a memorized prayer or in supplying an original prayer or intention.

When I’m by myself, I don’t typically use memorized prayers, but I talk to God in many ways, sometimes just through my feelings. I may talk softly (I don’t shout so much anymore but I occasionally whine), or simply let my feelings and thoughts do the talking. Other times I just try to sit quietly and try not to think of anything, in surrender usually to a situation I can’t “figure” my way out of.

Alan