A few years ago, while on retreat, I heard that when some people are asked to pray, not only do they not know what prayer is they are not sure how to go about it. This should not surprise us for even the disciples of Jesus asked Him to teach them how to pray (Luke 11:1). Sadly, prayer for so many of us is solely that of petition – namely, asking God for something, which as essential as it is, should only be a small part of prayer.
My favorite definition of prayer comes from the Catechism of the Catholic Church quoting St. John Damascene, “Prayer is the raising of one’s mind and heart to God or the requesting of good things from God (CCC 2559).” Notice that raising one’s mind and heart to God comes before the asking.
St. Therese of Lisieux offers her own description of prayer, saying, “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.”
For me, prayer is spending time with the one you love, namely God. In prayer, we should first tell God we love Him. When was the last time you said, Lord God, I love you? Then comes acts of adoration, praise, and worship. Next would be acts of thanksgiving for the abundant graces and gifts in our lives. Doesn’t it make sense to ask God for things only after making acts of love, adoration, praise, worship and thanksgiving?
Recently, after talking to Jesus during adoration of the Blessed Sacrament before Mass at our St. Joseph Chapel, He wanted me to remind all of our donors that we at Catholic Social Services pray for them. Not only are we thankful for your support (without which we would not exist), we pray for you, your families and intentions.
While many around us start celebrating Christmas after Thanksgiving, let us be reminded that Advent is a time of preparation for Christmas, a time for an increase of prayer, penance and almsgiving. Preparing ourselves in this manner for the spiritual coming of Jesus into our hearts is also a good preparation for the final coming of Jesus on the clouds with all of His angels. Please know that part of my own preparation for Christmas during this Advent season will be holding all of you in my heart in my Masses, prayers (especially in front of the Blessed Sacrament) and penances.
