One of my daughters suffers from severe migraines that are sometimes debilitating. She has always longed for the migraines to cease. When she was younger and less mature, she had difficulty understanding the connection between her choices and the intensity and frequency of her migraines. The practitioners had offered her many tools and tricks for combating the onset of the headaches. Choosing to change her food intake, improve her sleep schedule, consistently consume vitamins, and increase hydration would chip away at the root cause. She could take control of her health; however, she chose to rely solely on the medication prescribed. Much to her dismay there was little change in her migraines. Not ready to take any further steps, she continued to struggle with pain. However, as she has matured, she has decided to participate more fully in caring for herself. Taking on the responsibility of consistently making healthier food, vitamin, hydration, and sleep choices that support her overall wellbeing has significantly reduced her migraines. As her investment has increased so have the benefits.
The same is true of our spiritual life. How many times are we aware of the practices we should implement into our spiritual life yet choose not to take the next steps. We may create a list of helpful prayer ideas only to have it collect dust. We buzz through our days allotting our time and attention to other areas. However, our relationship with the Lord should take precedence. Grabbing small opportunities throughout our day roots us in the Lord, allowing our relationship to bloom.
From my experience, the initial implementation may be a little bumpy, however, I encourage you to push forward. Add in a morning or evening prayer. Attend daily weekday mass a morning or two. Stop by Adoration and visit our Lord, even if only for a short while. Begin reading your daily meditation book again (or purchase or borrow one). Start reading the daily Mass readings (available at usccb.com). Add in the Angelus at noon or the Divine Mercy Chaplet at 3pm. Pray for the souls of the deceased by name and their family members. Pick up your rosary and pray as you walk, drive, or fold laundry. Utter Hail Marys as you sort and match socks. Explore Catholic podcasts or tryout a new one. Learn a new prayer. Create a prayer corner or space in your home when you can quietly rest and pray. Spend one minute each day talking and being real with Jesus. Join or start a prayer group or book study (Walking with Purpose has a multitude to choose from and Abiding Together offers many options from Apostolic Letters to books to podcasts, all with discussion questions). Ask friends for suggestions that have helped them grow in their relationships with God. Weaving the ritual of liturgy through our day continually turns our eyes to Christ and conversation with Him. It becomes natural to chat with Him as you would a close friend. He is always near; we just need to begin conversing and listening. St. Paul beckons us to “Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Call To Act: I encourage you to take the next step today. What has been a spiritual practice or prayer that you’ve been wanting to begin? Is there a friend who you could invite to participate with you and pray for you? Having someone hold you accountable is valuable. Also, walking the spiritual journey together offers opportunities to discuss roadblocks and triumphs, offering greater success. Start small. Add in just one new practice this week. Hesitate no longer. Today is the day! Moving forward, implement practices that allow your heart to grow closer to the Lord and fully participate in your soul care. The fruits will manifest.
“Again, amen, I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:19-20
St. Clare of Assisi and St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us that we may bravely enter into a relationship with the Lord. Ask God to grant us perseverance and fortitude on this journey. Beseech Him to instill a longing in our hearts for conversation with Him. Beg Him to allow us to recognize our companions on the journey who will help us to grow in our relationships with Christ. Intercede for us that we may always be inspired to invite others to join us in prayer. We ask that your friendship with each other and devotion to a relationship with the Lord always inspire us. We pray through Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior. Amen.
Some of prayer companions and I in the mountains of NC.