JUST SHOW UP….
With the Season of Lent quickly approaching, we are reminded that we have the opportunity to “go the extra mile” in our efforts to develop a closer and more intimate relationship with God.
We all know that prayer is one of the recommended practices during this sacred time, but most of us, as some time, question our prayer life: “Is my prayer good enough or long enough? Are my words and thoughts acceptable and pleasing to God? What if I am easily distracted?” Prayer, and it’s length and methods, can be as individual as one’s own fingerprints. Any time we choose to relate to God, or sense His presence, we pray. Prayer takes place in planned or unexpected moments, in quiet, or in spontaneous, joyful praise. Prayer can be communal or personal. It can be when we struggle, or are searching, when we need comfort in grief, or just want to give thanks. But most importantly, in any of these times, we must learn to listen. Keeping a prayer journal, meditating on the lyrics of a favorite hymn or praying together with others and for others can be starting points in deepening our inborn desire for God. And of course, there is the greatest prayer, the celebration of the Eucharist.
St. Josemaria Escriva is quoted as saying “You don’t know how to pray? Put yourself in the presence of God, and as soon as you have said: ‘Lord, I don’t know how to pray!’ you can be sure you have already begun.” Sometimes all we have to do is show up – and let God do the rest.