Stronger Prayer Life?

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Hello. I am currently discerning a vocation to the Capuchins or Diocesan Priesthood. I have been praying more but how do I make time each day to pray? If I enter the Capuchins I will be participating in communal prayer, and I want my prayer life to be organized and continuous. I have looked on the internet and different websites offer advice, but I want something personal. Methods, advice, everything is appreciated. Thanks!
 
brycehecht said:
Hello. I am currently discerning a vocation to the Capuchins or Diocesan Priesthood. I have been praying more but how do I make time each day to pray? If I enter the Capuchins I will be participating in communal prayer, and I want my prayer life to be organized and continuous. I have looked on the internet and different websites offer advice, but I want something personal. Methods, advice, everything is appreciated. Thanks!
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God bless you!

I heard something recently that might help. Instead of planning your day and wondering how to work in prayer, plan your praying and work the day in around THAT.

Novenas have helped me to pray every day, plus I need to spend more time ‘listening’ in silence.

Bless you,
Christina
 
Since you’re discerning your vacation to Priesthood right now, you might be praying more than you’re aware of.
 
Sounds like you might be in the “market” for the Jesus prayer (“Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a miserable sinner”). According to the Philokalia - the eastern monks description of their life including prayer life - you say the first part with each inhale then the second part with each exhale. This is done in your mind, although it soon becomes a part of your life and so is part of your heart. You would then do it even when you were speaking with another and certainly when you are going about your daily activities.
 
A take away from Cursillo was to develop your prayer life much as you would develop an exercise program, one step at time, slowly over time so that it becomes habit.
You might, for instance, begin with a daily rosary. The next week add the Divine Mercy. You can use traditional timings such as 3pm for the Divine Mercy or 6:00 for the Angelus to help you with scheduling prayer times.
Since you will be living in community, at least during seminary, you might check out the daily prayer schedules of the communities that interest you. This can help you pattern your day during the discernment process. The Liturgy of the Hours is part of the daily life of a priest.
Find a friend or spiritual director to help keep you on track.
 
Pray zealously and often, and from the heart; using vocal prayers when absolutely necessary. Make mental prayer your top priority.
 
I would start with the Divine Office - getting a copy of Christian Prayer, the one-volume version, is good way to start if you don’t want the on-line version already suggested. When I pray Morning, Evening, Night Prayer and occasionally the Office of Readings I find it easier and more natural to find or make time for other prayer in my day.

I heartily second the suggestion that you find a Spiritual Director. He would be a very valuable guide at this time in your life.

The Chaplet of Divine Mercy is a powerful devotion that takes little time. Prayed at 3:00 PM it brings us closer to Christ’s Passion and the ocean of His great Mercy. If you are at work, you can pray it during your afternoon coffee break.

Remember to relax and don’t bite off more than you can chew at one time. Gradually add one thing at a time, let it become established before you take on something else. A prayer life is a cross-country marathon, not a sprint. There will be ups and downs, twists and turns along the way.
 
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