Exercising Faith

   Exercise is an important part of increasing one’s ability in a chosen area.  An athlete increases physical ability through exercise and hard work.  One studying for the law reads the findings of courts and cases from the past to better understand the underlying elements of justice and good legal judgement.  A young doctor does well to partner with an experienced physician, to draw on their practical knowledge of medicine.

   In faith, the same principal applies.  Studying the great theologians and reading the works of the saints will deepen knowledge and understanding.  Finding the right spiritual mentor gives us a source of practical knowledge of living a faith-filled life.

   Prayer is exercise for deepening our faith.  Drawing from the experience of others is certainly useful but until we begin to live it ourselves we limit our faith life.  In prayer we draw not from other men and women but from God Himself.  We look to Christ and His life as an example far greater than any human example to be found.

   Through a devoted prayer life we find that our faith becomes more evident in other aspects of our lives.  In prayer we gain the ability to better direct our lives on the path God has chosen for us; to recognize and accept His plan.

   Just as exercise strengthens the body, prayer strengthens the spirit.  Through study we improve the mind, through prayerful communion with God we improve the spirit and deepen our faith.

By opening our mind to You we come to know you.

With an open heart we come to love you.

In prayer we become one with You.

May we come to know, love and experience You in our lives.

Amen