Traditional prayers enrich the beautiful treasury of sacred resources we employ to understand and express our faith. They are foundational to our habit of prayer and are formed through scripture and doctrine. They provide an entrée into communication with the divine when we are unsure how to begin and a compass to direct our conversation when we require support and inspiration. They enable us to present one voice when we join together in communal worship.
Saint Phillip Neri reminds us that “It is an old custom of the saints of God to have some little prayers ready and to be frequently darting them up to heaven during the day, lifting their minds to God out of the mire of this world. He who adopts this plan will obtain great fruits with little pain.” Yet Saint Augustine cautions that “Many cry to God, but not with the voice of the soul, but with the voice of the body; only the cry of the heart, of the soul, reaches God.”
Simply reciting words is not praying. Therefore, we must take care to ensure our prayers do not become mechanical. Prayer is so much more than repetitive phrases. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us that prayer is “a vital and personal relationship with the living and true God” (CCC 2558). An effective prayer is offered from a humble heart and delivered with thoughtful intention. “According to Scripture, it is the heart that prays. If our heart is far from God, the words of prayer are in vain” (CCC 2562). Saint John Climacus observes that “Faith furnishes prayer with wings, without which it cannot soar to heaven.”
As we celebrate Eastertide, we use prayer to reflect deeply on the significance of our belief, God’s infinite charity for us, and our role in salvation history. Only through God can sin and death be conquered. Only with God can we fulfill our purpose. And only in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit can we unite in prayer. Our prayer draws us into the love of God and leads us beyond knowing about Him to actually knowing Him.
In the spirit of the season, we will review the meaning behind some of our most common prayers this month. Please share your tips for staying engaged during prayer and your insights regarding the dangers of spiritual dryness.
Best wishes to you and your loved ones for an Easter season filled with joy!
