Prayers and a Pen

[White_Orchid]

I just joined the Church last April. I come from a very Protestant background so naturally one of the things I struggle with was Mary.

I don’t think it be have been near the struggle but my own mother on earth was mentally ill and to spare you all the ugly details, let’s just say our relationship was not “pretty.”

Needless to say, talking to someone and calling her Mother is awkward at best. I have to constantly remind myself that Mary is Holy (a far cry from my earthly mom)

I have spent a lot of time talking with our Deacon (who happens to be my God-Father/Sponsor) and I also went to confession to talk with my Priest. Not transferring feelings is a work in progress not to mention, rearranging my theological background. And continuing to forgive my mom.

It’s been really hard, so one day last week, when I was praying to the Lord, He gave me an idea…
When my relationship has been awkward with Him at times or I just had a hard time praying out loud, I wrote my prayers in a prayer journal - like writing a letter to Him.

Since things have been awkward with Mary, this weekend I went out and got a very pretty pink journal so I could write to her. That has made a world of difference.

I’m is still not where I would one day like to be, but it is a start.

Just wanted to share this with you all!

 

[Della]

Welcome home to the Church!

Writing what you want to say to Mary–that’s a good idea. And all the more so since writing out what you want to say helps you. If thinking of Mary as a mother is hard for you, you may want to think of her as more of a mentor–an older sister in the faith who is there to help you draw closer to the one person who meant everything to her, her Son, Our Lord Jesus. But, good idea keeping a journal.

 

[Pablopedro]

I think that is a brilliant and beautiful solution. :newidea:

 

[Contra_Mundum_1]

If thinking of Mary as a mother is hard for you, you may want to think of her as more of a mentor–an older sister in the faith who is there to help you draw closer to the one person who meant everything to her, her Son, Our Lord Jesus.

Della, you have just solved my own struggle on how to relate to Mary. I have no serious issues with my mother but I just couldn’t relate to Mary in this way. A mentor - how obvious and easy, yet it never occurred to me. Thank you

 

[Della]

Della, you have just solved my own struggle on how to relate to Mary. I have no serious issues with my mother but I just couldn’t relate to Mary in this way. A mentor - how obvious and easy, yet it never occurred to me. Thank you

You’re more than welcome. :tiphat:

 

[White_Orchid]

I’m just starting to feel really at Home and its nice to know I’m headed in the right direction!

 

[Contra_Mundum_1]

I’m just starting to feel really at Home and its nice to know I’m headed in the right direction!

That’s great And don’t forget, you are never alone in this. If you can’t find people in real life to help you and advise you, just come back here and you will get what you need. I have learned so much about our faith since I joined the forum.

It takes a little time sometimes to feel really Catholic, it’s like immersing yourself in a new culture and learning its language. Some things will come more naturally to you and others will need a bit more practice and adjustment. It took me forever to understand the veneration of relics, for example, while some other devotional practices seemed like they were made for me.

 

[White_Orchid]

Thank you very much Contra Mundum, It’s very much a like a small “culture shock” at 1st lol

 

[InLight247]

I wrote my prayers in a prayer journal - like writing a letter to Him.

That is a great idea. Writing prayer journal is part of my daily routine. I always start my journal with “Dear Lord” and I talk to Him about my day and my inner most thoughts. Writing prayer journal is naturally a very focused time for me that simply No distraction occurs. I cherish this intimacy very much.

 

[WaitingForJesus]

Hi White Orchid, that writing prayers in a journal works great! I first began to pray by writing letters to the Lord. Although I was raised as a Protestant my faith was not strong…and I spent 25 years as a heathen before becoming Catholic. It took quite a while for me to even get used to praying. Now I tend to use the journal to focus if my mind is wandering a lot or if I need to work through something.

I think this will be a great way for you to get started with Mother Mary. And, I promise you that if you open yourself to her influences you will be richly rewarded! Praying to her will become second nature for you. You may even find that talking to her becomes easier for you than it is with the Lord. For me, it is now mostly just love and adoration when I am with the Lord. With Mother Mary I talk about problems and ask for help.

God bless you and congratulations on your recent conversion!

 

[White_Orchid]

Thank you all for sharing and your encouragement! It really means a lot to me right now.

Just within the last few days I’ve noticed it getting easier to write to her.

 

[beccasmiles89]

What a wonderful idea!! I’ve been thinking of keeping a prayer journal myself. Prayer is something I’ve struggled with - I have a hard time thinking of what to say, or I feel like what I have to say isn’t good enough. I usually express myself better in writing, so I’m hoping this will help me to share my thoughts and feelings with the Lord. I’m also starting RCIA in September, and I thought having a record of my spiritual journey - questions, thoughts, quotes, answers to prayers - would be something to cherish in the future.

 

[White_Orchid]

Beccasmiles That is awesome! And keeping a journal for RCIA will make doing your classes really special. They give you a folder full of papers anyway lol What a great keep sake your journal will make!

 

[Contra_Mundum_1]

I’m also starting RCIA in September, and I thought having a record of my spiritual journey - questions, thoughts, quotes, answers to prayers - would be something to cherish in the future.

What a cool idea. So one day you can look back and see what kind of obstacles you managed to pass and how you coped with difficulties on your spiritual journey. I wish I’d done that