The disciples came to the Lord with the fervent request, “Lord, teach us to pray.” We should also have the fervent desire to grow in our life of prayer. So often we only pray when we find it convenient or when we are in need of something.
Saint Therese of Lisieux said “for me, prayer is a surge of the heart; it is a simple look turned toward heaven; it is a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trial and joy.”
Prayer is a relationship with God. There are many things that we choose to make a priority in our life (be it the gym, a television show, or some type of hobby). Prayer ought to also be a priority that we are never willing to sacrifice no matter how busy or tired that we may be.
We can understand that we are in need of oxygen if we are to survive. Not only should we be concerned with our bodily wellbeing, but also our spiritual wellbeing. In such manner prayer acts as the oxygen that fuels our body for all that we will face in this life.
In the Church we have liturgical prayers such as the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and the Liturgy of Hours. These prayers join us to the universal Church as we join together in one body in prayer with those gathered throughout the whole world.
We also have a multitude of devotions such as the rosary, stations of the cross, or divine mercy chaplet to name a few. These devotions are not babble because through them we fervently pray to God and connect ourself unto Him.
Prayer is not limited to liturgical prayers and devotions. Not only should we take these up, but too we should enter into the silence of prayer. In a such a manner we join with God and enter into something which is so great that we will always have something further to grow in.
Through our prayer we should enter into adoration before God, have contrition for our sins, have thanksgiving for all that has been given to us, and have supplication where we turn to God and ask Him for our needs and petitions for ourself and for the whole world.
Prayer is important as an individual, but so too it is especially important for the family. The family is the domestic church and so prayer ought to be a central part of the family life. If you have yet to do so enthrone your home to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and as one turn your sight towards Christ.
Our Gospel goes on to speak pertaining to the door that will be opened when one knocks. This is precisely that happens with our prayer. This is not to be confused that prayer is magic where we get what we want whenever we make a wish. Prayer is a personal relationship with God that assists us in being moved towards His will whatever it may be in our life.
“Lord, teach us to pray.”
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