The Way of Prayer

   “Prayer doesn’t change God; prayer changes us.  It’s not about convincing him of our will; it’s about surrendering to his will.”  (Matthew Kelly – “Rediscover the Rosary”)

   Our prayer life is one of the most important aspects of our lives as Christians.  It opens our hearts and minds to God.  It gives us the opportunity to survive the chaos of our world and be at peace with God.  Prayer lets us experience His love in a very special way.

   My prayer life has changed dramatically over the years.  As a young man my prayers were mostly those said at Mass or on special occasions.  I really didn’t know how to pray so the comfort of prepared prayer appealed to me.

   As my faith grew and deepened I began to understand that prayer involves more than the standard prayers we all know.  Don’t get me wrong, I still pray the formulaic prayers and take great comfort in them.  The Our Father, the Rosary and many others are and will remain a constant part of my prayer life.

   St. Paul said, “Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”  (1 Thess 5: 16-18)”.  If we are to follow his instruction we must make prayer a constant part of our life.  A time set aside for daily prayer is essential to a good prayer life, but prayer doesn’t always have to be planned.  Just a word of thanks to God or seeking His guidance in our daily life is a means of prayer.  Offering all we do to God makes everything we do prayer.

   Prayers won’t change the will of God; nor should they.  They help us recognize and accept that His will is what we need in our life.  Even when we don’t understand it, God’s plan is the best plan.

   God listens for our prayers.  He wants to commune with us and will do so if we let Him.  Let’s pray for His guidance, thank Him for His many blessings and, in love and faith, commit ourselves to His will.

   “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.”  (St. Therese of Lisieux)