For me, prayer is a surge of the heart…
For me, prayer is a surge of the heart; it is a simple look turned toward heaven, it is a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trial and joy.  – Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, quoted in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 2558.
 
As we continue in these strange days, perhaps we realize that we need some assistance in our life of prayer – inspiration, discipline, and different ways – as we are not able to gather in Church physically and be present to the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.  This quote from “The Little Flower” seems to me to be a great place to start, it is from the beginning of Part Four: Christian Prayer, of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. 
 
There is much to be said, taught, and reflected upon regarding prayer, this post is meant to help you build up your habit of prayer during these strange days.
 
As we begin, a few words about the Catechism of the Catholic Church.  The Catechism is an official summary of the Teachings of the Church – this is worth noting, promulgated by Pope John Paul II it is a reliable source for understanding and handing-on the precepts of the Faith.  To be clear, it does not abrogate prior catechisms and it is meant to encourage and guide future local catechisms.  However, a certain deference in our current age is given to this Catechism promulgated by Saint Paul II, as it is the most recent universal catechism.  What may come a surprise to many Catholics is the prominence of Christian Prayer within this text – prayer is the subject of one of the four parts, a major topic of this summary of the Teachings of the Church.  I would strongly encourage all to read through, at least a quick review, of the major topics of the Catechism’s treatment of prayer – there is much to be learned and considered.  For a brief list of aids so that you can understand and improve your own efforts of prayer I would recommend reviewing the following: the Universal Call to Prayer; the forms of prayer; the way of prayer; the expressions of prayer; the battle of prayer; and a wonderful, extended, treatment of the Lord’s Prayer – certainly worth reading, studying, and mediation.
 
… embracing both trial and joy.
 
One of the great temptations in the practice of prayer is to limit when and why, as well as where, we choose to pray.  It is paramount that our life of prayer penetrate every circumstance, not merely in good times or when we need something from God.  Nor can we be followers of Christ, a people of prayer, if we only pray when we are in Church or attending organized prayers.  No, we must resist these temptations to limit our prayer.  Rather, we must cultivate in our hearts a relationship with God through prayer that exists in each moment of our life.
 
I have found that having structures for my time of prayer and devotional prayers to be a great help. It need not be complicated, perhaps just at the kitchen table – its most helpful if it is a quiet place and free of immediate distractions.  Also, a bit of a plan – pray the Rosary, the Stations of the Cross, the Divine Mercy Chaplet, or another favorite devotion.  Building the habit of prayer is the most important aspect of cultivating a deeper prayer life – it need not be the same prayers each day or week, just that prayer be a priority. 
 
A few suggestions…
 
In the past two Sundays I have made a handful of suggestions on how to pray, and they would be as good a place as any to take some time and pray today: Lent is like a long retreat and To whom shall we go?
 
If you haven’t already seen it, I would strongly recommend taking the time for participate in the Extraordinary Urbi et Orbi – it is a captivating moment, worth the time – from  Friday, March 27 ^th with Pope Francis.  The homily of the Holy Father is worth the read, it offers much to pray about during these unique and challenging times.  I offered a few notes on this important moment, in my Friday Blog Post.
 
 
 
Know of my prayers for you, please pray for me!
 
Father Wilke
 
Saint Joseph, Guardian of the Redeemer, pray for us!