Reversion to the one true faith

[Searching1]

My mother loves God and my father is a self-described atheist. My mother insisted I be raised catholic, but once I was confirmed, I thought as most public school attendees do and rejoiced for having “graduated” from going to church or practicing religion.

Now, many years later, it’s a funny thing because I wish I had understood what I was being told for so many years. But at least I understand now and I feel God’s grace working in my life. My reversion brought with it a fervent desire to learn more about the faith I thought I knew already.

I am now following the precepts but yearn to do more. I have learned about the rich culture of devotional practices and prayers and I am trying to construct my daily, weekly, monthly, and annual life of faith in a more devotion-oriented way (and I feel BRAND new to it all).

I want to ask this community about their personal daily lives as practicing Catholics: what devotions do you daily, weekly, monthly, annually partake in? What daily sacrifices do you offer up? How exactly does one “offer up” something or anything? Can a person who faces temptation and overcomes said temptation offer up that “overcoming”? What are some mortifications you may practice? What is required for consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, etc., etc., etc.

 

[halogirl]

So happy for you!! Obviously weekly mass is the place to start. Adoration of the blessed sacrament I would highly encourage you to practice. Welcome home !

 

[Crocus]

Daily prayer of the rosary.
http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/prayers-and-devotions/rosaries/how-to-pray-the-rosary.cfm

I like to conclude it with prayer to St Michael, for protection against temptation to sin, while asking my personal Guardian Angel to guard me throughout the coming day.

St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle, be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly host, by the power of God, cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls.
Amen.

 

[TheLittleLady]

I pray night prayer from the LOTH (Liturgy of the Hours, Divine Office).

I keep Advent and Lent and TRY to maintain meatless Friday all year.

 

[Jimbo]

Wonderful!

Myself I make a morning offering every morning. During the day I sometimes (not enough) say the Angelus at noon, and pray at the 3:00 hour as well in memoriam of Christ’s death on the cross.

At night I try to do an examination of conscience.

During the day, I have little ‘conversations’ with God where I ask for help, guidance, and forgiveness. But this is just stuff in my head.

 

[Cor_ad_Cor]

Morning prayers very early; I wake up extra early with the intention of spending 30-60 minutes with God (and my coffee) in quiet. I take this from things I’ve learned about how monks live - offer prayer and praise at all times, first thing in the morning, at the break of day, etc. Except, I’m not a monk, so I squeeze it in before the wife and kids wake up.

Liturgy of the Hours, when I can… sometimes that’s praying while doing something else (not ideal) or listening to a recording online.

Occasional rosary, especially on long car trips.

Mass when it’s not a work day. Confession about once every 6 weeks (for me - I’m a firm believer that your cadence there is a personal setting that no one can prescribe).

Follow the liturgical and cultural practices of the Church, including the precepts surrounding the various seasons.

During the day, I have little ‘conversations’ with God where I ask for help, guidance, and forgiveness. But this is just stuff in my head.

^^ This. I think this is one of the most important things we can get ourselves in the habit of doing.