Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Just as Jesus spent 40 days in the desert, we spend the 40 days of Lent preparing for the passion, death, and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Lent is a time of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.
On Ash Wednesday, we heard these words from Jesus in the Gospel reading.
“When you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.”
Where is your favorite place to pray? Is it in a chapel, in our church, or somewhere in your home? Do you have a favorite room, or a favorite chair?
Like many people, I have my favorite ‘prayer chair.’ It’s in a quiet part of our house. I have my breviary and other prayer books close at hand. From that chair, I can see my statue of St. Francis of Assisi and a beautiful image of the Blessed Mother holding the infant Jesus that belonged to my mother.
I like to be comfortable when I pray. I enjoy sitting back and having a quiet conversation with God. I alternate between praying and listening. Pray a little, then listen a little. Every day begins with at least 30-45 minutes in my prayer chair. The house is quiet, and it’s a wonderful time to connect with God. I often return to that chair at the end of the day to reflect on the blessings of the day.
A healthy prayer life helps to renew us, strengthen us, and draw us closer to God. Make a ‘prayer plan.’ Find your ‘inner room’ and begin a dialogue with our God who loves you… “And your Father who sees (and hears) in secret will repay you.”
May God bless you and your family.