Prayer and Spirituality
Prayer is, at its simplest, conversation and being with God. God loves each one of us unconditionally and forgives us our faults and failings provided that we are sorry and try to put things right. When we pray, we can feel confident talking to God about our deepest desires, needs and concerns. He cares and is listening. No prayer goes unanswered. Sometimes God responds to our prayers in a different way than perhaps we'd hoped for; which we can be sure will be for our long term good and for the good of the person or people that we prayed for. What and whom do you pray for?
Spirituality is based on prayer, which involves setting time aside to listen and talk to God about our lives. We all have our own way of talking to and being with God. Each person has their own unique way of communicating with him. Through the ages, these ways of talking to God and following his ways have developed into what are called spiritualities. You might have heard of some of these spiritualities: Franciscan, Dominican, Benedictine and Jesuit. There are others. The most important thing is to be formed in an authentic way which is centred on the Son of God, Jesus Christ.
“For me, prayer is a surge of the heart; it is a simple look turned toward heaven, it is a cry of recognition and love, embracing both trial and joy.”
St. Thérèse of Lisieux (Catechism of the Catholic Church 2558)
Pause for a moment and be still with God.
An Inspirational Story: The Old Monk
It can be hard to understand why we need to pray and nurture a healthy spiritual life. “I don’t have time to pray,” is what many of us might genuinely feel and say. Reflect again after reading the following story.
A young monk had been living in a monastery for two years and was at his wits end because he did not feel that he knew and understood the art of prayer. One day, in a moment of desperation, he approached a very old monk who was sitting by a river which ran through the monastery grounds. The young monk asked the old monk to explain prayer – what it is and how to do it. Immediately, the old monk grabbed the younger by the scruff of the neck and thrust his head underneath the water. The young monk tried with all his strength to break free but was unable to do so. As the old monk intuited that the younger was about to drown, he yanked the younger out of the water. The young monk gasped for breath like he had never done so before, at which point the old monk said calmly, “That is prayer, my son. It is the very breath of life. Make time for prayer, even if it is difficult at times, because for our inner selves, it is as important as oxygen for the lungs. Without it, we spiritually die.”
You don’t have to be in a special place to pray, or necessarily assume a particular posture. Anyone can pray anywhere. If you don’t know where to start, you’re not alone. To help, please see some of the free resources provided below.
Praying in front of the Eucharist
Sacred Space: Ten Minute Daily Prayer Reflections
Pray as you go: Daily Prayer For Your Mp3 Player
Radiant Light: Paintings For Meditation And Reflection
The Liturgy Of The Hours: Pray Without Ceasing
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This page was compiled by the Catholic Enquiry Office which provides free information about Catholic spirituality, life and beliefs.
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Illustration, 'The soul, like a cavern' by Elizabeth Wang copyright (c) Radiant Light 2008.
Photo: copyright (c) Soda Pictures.