Do you ever feel like you’re putting inordinate pressure on yourself to “pray right”? Like it’s some kind of holiness test to show the Almighty that you are true of heart? “Maybe if I squeeze my eyes shut, I’ll draw closer to God”. Or getting the atmosphere perfect. The mood just right. Relax, brothers and sisters in Christ. Trust the goodness and mercy of The Holy One. There is no right or wrong method. We are already there. God is always present. It’s not about learning or obtaining; all that’s missing most of the time is awareness. Our faith teaches us this. Here’s a thought that might help – take it or leave it. Think of the posture of openness, like cupping your hands open to receive the body of our Lord in the Eucharist. Maybe that image is a good one to keep; that receptiveness to what our Lord is dying – literally! – to give us. The present moment is a sacrament of its own if we become more aware. Another possibility is to imagine Jesus’ constant companionship on your daily walk. Suspend the need to control, fix, and manipulate everything all the time.  

Putting God number one implies putting our prayer life number one. Even if it is ongoing dialogue with the Trinity, that is probably the best place to start. Allow His unconditional love to keep you fervent, faithful, and focused. I am a big fan of mnemonic memory devices. I just borrowed one from Dr. James P. Gills in his book “The Prayerful Spirit.” Fervent, faithful, focused – all beginning with “f”. I have also made use of the wisdom of Richard Rohr, a Franciscan priest that you may be more familiar with. Now I borrow from St. Paul, who says to the Philippians (and us): “don’t be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and supplication make your request known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and minds through faith in Christ Jesus.”

Thank you and may your daily walk with God bring you awareness and insight.

Pastor Art