To answer this question, one has to first believe that there is a God who exists and He loves you personally and wants to be in relationship with you. He will meet you where you are and He always accepts you with loving arms and ears, ready to listen. 

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There are many definitions for prayer.  St. Thérèse calls it an “outburst from the heart” or “a simple glance darted towards heaven” or a simple word that unites one with God – “Help Me!” or “Thank you!”. 

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Another definition the Catechism of the Catholic Church uses is the traditional one given by St. John Damascene: "Prayer is the raising of one's mind and a heart to God or the requesting of good things from God." St. Damascene  also defined prayer as "ASKING," like the prayer that Jesus taught, "The Our Father," - it can be broken down into 7 ASKINGS.

 

Fr. Thomas Green, SJ defines prayer as an “opening of mind and heart to God” or a “personal encounter with God in Love.”

 

You could say that prayer is simply a conversation, short or long, with God. In the best friendships, friends make time for each other and respectfully listen and talk to each other.  Have you talked to Him lately? Have you asked Him what dreams He has for your life?

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St. Mother Teresa famously said, "The fruit of silence is prayer. The fruit of prayer is faith. The fruit of faith is love. The fruit of love is service. The fruit of service is peace."  Faith, love, peace all start with prayer. In any vocation, but most especially a religious vocation, prayer is what sustains us, energizes us, and helps us to persevere.  Prayer is to a religious vocation what oxygen is to humans. We pray about everything but most especially for souls, those in need (the suffering, dying, & the poor), and any prayer intentions. Send them our way! 

 

Please pray for all priests and religious.  We also need your prayers! 

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