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Father's Reflection 8.6.23
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How Do I Begin to Pray in Silence?Happy feast day of the Transfiguration!One of the topics that you will likely hear me talk a lot about is prayer. That sounds obvious, but I believe prayer is one of those practices that is much talked about and little understood.My primary job as a priest is to pray and be in intimate relationship with Jesus and help others to do the same. I have to admit that though I have been praying more intentionally for a prolonged period of time on a daily basis since 2009, I continue to discover how much more there is to learn about this central pillar of Christian life.Attached is a little guide that I put together a few years ago to help give some general structure to prayer. There is no formula to great prayer any more than there is a formula to an amazing conversation with a close friend, but these general elements may help you as they have me in the last few years to make prayer more about receiving God’s love than trying to perform to earn it!As I said, you’ll be hearing more on the topic in the months to come, but I thought I would already put this resource in your hands as a starting point.Remember: the only “bad” prayer is non-existent prayer, so try to commit to 15-30 minutes of being with Jesus every day, even though it may FEEL like you are wasting your time. We walk be faith, not by feeling!In Jesus’ joy,Fr. JoelHow Do I Begin to Pray in Silence?“Prayer is a close sharing between friends; it means taking time frequently to be alone with Him who we know loves us” -St. TeresaPrayer is a gift, a response to what God is doingCome, Holy Spirit! Teach me how to pray!ACKNOWLEDGE
- The Father is already here, looking upon me with affection, loving me in this moment before I do anything
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In this moment, what are my honest THOUGHTS, FEELINGS, and DESIRES?
- ASK Jesus what you most want to receive from Him!
-And/Or-What have been my “high” or “low” moments in the last day or two? What thoughts, feelings, and desires do those memories bring up as I revisit them?(Write these down in a prayer journal if this helps you to express them)RELATE-Share these thoughts, feelings, and desires directly with Jesus (writing them to Him if helpful)Regardless how it “feels,” Jesus is listening and wants to hear from you. Share everything!RECEIVE-Allow Jesus to be with you and speak to you through Scripture (or other spiritual reading)-What words, phrases, or images resonate with you? Or what happens when you place yourself in the Scripture scene? What has your attention?When reflecting on a Gospel story or memories, imagine Jesus in that scene, loving you there.RESPONDHas this time with Jesus inspired you to take some concrete action today?-Or-Is there a word, image, or phrase that will help remind you of His love for you?**Express gratitude for the graces received!**