"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."—Therese of Lisieux
What is prayer? Prayer in its most basic form is a conversation and a deepening of your relationship with God.
God wants to form a relationship with you. But, how do you do that? Let's look at how you built your relationship with your best friend--you needed to spend time with that person. You shared your feelings and thoughts, even sat together in silence. Think of a couple that has been married for 50 years--they know each others habits, thoughts, passions and fears. God wants that kind of relationship with you. Are you willing to take the time to spend it with Him?
Step one: Set aside some time everyday to sit with God. Add your prayer time to your schedule. Make it intentional. Start with 5 minutes. Once you establish a routine, add more time.
Step two: Create a prayer center in your home. It can be as simple as a chair or as complicated as a room designed for prayer. Again, once you establish a place in you home -- where you go to be with God, you can...
Hang a crucifix
Frame a Prayer Print
Hang up a Large Rosary
Place a holy water font by the door
Decorate using holy decor (like a Wall Rosary)
Hang up prayer intentions -- post its, chalk board or white board and add magnets
Don't forget the Bible
Step three: Think outside the box. Go outside and enjoy what God has Created. Things you can do...
Go for a walk
Sit by the fire
Splash in the puddles
Create a Mary Garden.
Blow bubbles ~ Take the bottle of bubbles outside & begin blowing bubbles. Use this pattern to shape your prayer as you blow the bubbles... 1st bubble: Praise God, 2nd bubble: Ask for forgiveness, 3rd bubble: Thank God, 4th bubble: Pray for others, 5th bubble: Pray for yourself, 6th bubble: Close with praising God
Step four: Start a prayer journal. It's a great way to see God's hand in your life. Here's a few ideas for journaling...
Become aware of God's presence. Look back on the events of the day. ...
Review the day with gratitude. ...
Pay attention to your emotions. ...
You may be shown and remember some ways that you fell short. ...
Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. ...
Look toward tomorrow.
OR
Relish the moments that went well and all of the gifts I have today.
Request the Spirit to lead me through my review of the day.
Review the day.
Repent of any mistakes or failures.
Resolve, in concrete ways, to live tomorrow well.
St. Ignatius’ Surrender (“Suscipe”)
“Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding, and my entire will, All I have and call my own.
You have given all to me. To you, Lord, I return it.
Everything is yours; do with it what you will. Give me only your love and your grace, that is enough for me.”
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