Offered by Dcn. George Kelly

                                                    Preparing to Pray

 

Think about this powerful insight, “O Jesus, teach us how to make our soul be silent so that You may speak to us.”  [Blessed Louis Brisson]  How can we quiet our souls enough to hear the whisper of the Lord?  In a world filled with noise, even quiet noise can make it difficult to hear the Lord.

 

 

Here are some ideas to find the “deserted place”, meaning a quiet place for our soul.  Chose you favorite scripture quote, chose one that is not to lengthy.  Here is an example is, “I lift up my heart to you, O Lord, and you Will hear my morning prayer.”  [Psalm 5]  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here is a thought from St. Paul, “It is now the hour for you to wake from sleep. The night is far spent; the day draws near. Let us cast off deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us live honorably as in daylight.”  [Romans 13:11b, 12-13a]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maybe you could use this invitation from Jesus, “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.”  [11:28-30]

In 1 Kings chapter 19 we read: “… the Lord said: Go out and stand on the mountain before the Lord; the Lord will pass by. There was a strong and violent wind rending the mountains and crushing rocks before the Lord—but the Lord was not in the wind; after the wind, an earthquake—but the Lord was not in the earthquake; after the earthquake, fire—but the Lord was not in the fire; after the fire, a light silent sound.”

St. Francis de Sales teaches us that our hearts are being formed and conformed to God’s heart.  Essential in prayer is the disposition of our heart, we are called to have the heart of God.  Our friendships should be heart speaking to heart; helping each other grow closer to God!  

 

 

 

 

Love and freedom are central to our relationship with God, and they are foundational to one’s prayer life.  Living the “present moment” gives each of us the “privileged” opportunity to know God and to do God’s will.  “Go to Prayer in Faith.  Remain there in Hope.      Go out only by Love.”

 

So, make room for some God time, some quiet time and sit with the Lord, allowing God to enter your heart, guide your soul and mold your will to His.

 

Saint Joseph, pray for us.

 

Saint Andre Bessette intercede for us.

 

May God Be Praised!