HOBART – The new year prompts thoughts of fresh beginnings and new hopes. Resolutions often focus on mind and body, with commitments to learning a new skill or eating more whole foods, perhaps. During this transformative time, one area to consider for holistic renewal is the spirit.
“Whether you're looking to start praying or to develop your prayer life, it's always good to make this resolution,” said Father Benjamin Ross, pastor at St. Bridget. “It is a commitment to grow in relationship with God. Just like, or even more than, other long-term relationships, you can always get to know and be known by God in a personal way.”
Father Ross describes prayer as “a gift from God” and encourages an authentic approach to refreshing and strengthening time in prayer. He offers St. Teresa of Avila’s words as guidance: “Pray as you can, not as you ought.”
“Sometimes we discourage ourselves from going to prayer because we have this image in our head of holy hours in the church in deep, satisfying communion with God. And when that does not happen to us on our first try, we give up, or we think we are not doing it right,” Father Ross explained. “Speak to God from your heart, even if it's ‘God I don't know how to pray, teach me.’ It's okay to be silent and just be in the presence of God.”
In this regard, turning to the Holy Spirit becomes apropos.
“Before we do anything in January, we should begin with a prayer to the Holy Spirit,” said Deacon Michael Booth of St. Bridget. “Let’s ask the Holy Spirit to teach us the prayers, the devotions that he would like us to do.”
Deacon Booth gave permission, in a sense, to “let go of the guilt” of not praying well enough. He suggests finding one or two devotions to strengthen personal prayer. A particular favorite of his is Lectio Divina, or “divine reading,” a method of prayer that invites personal reflection on Scripture. This year, Deacon Booth plans to open up and consider more deeply the Book of Psalms.
“Ultimately, what we are trying to gain,” he shared of enhancing one’s prayer life, “is to attune our hearts to God’s heart.”
“Prayer is important because it helps keep me grounded in my faith,” said Jessica Stofko, parishioner of St. Bridget. “It reminds me that God is always listening, invested in my life, and waiting for me to turn to him to work everyday miracles in my life.”
Stofko finds herself turning to prayer in moments of extremes. In times of complete exasperation, despair, lack of hope or fear – she is reminded through prayer that she’s not alone; conversely, moments of pure joy and thanksgiving allow her to give thanks to God for providing those moments.
“In big moments, my prayers turn to words from the heart, anything to express my sorrow or joy,” Stofko said.
A mother of young children, Stofko said she’s teaching them traditional prayers like meal prayers, but also instilling in them a gracious heart. “In the upcoming year, I would like to remember to pray more in the everyday moments, small prayers for patience, strength, and love for joy, thanksgiving, and peace.”
Practical ways to enhance prayer life:
1. Set aside time. Start with an amount of time that you know you can do and commit to it. Be consistent. Later, as you build the habit, you can add more time.
2. Designate space. Choose a location suitable for prayer, which doesn't have to be in a church or chapel. It could be a prayer corner in your house, away from TV and other distractions.
3. Speak from the heart. Give God your worries, fears, hopes, etc. exactly as you feel them. Get to know God and be known by him in a personal way.
4. Incorporate Scripture. Many parishes in the diocese have offered discounted membership for the Hallow app, and other good resources to learn how to pray, reflect, and meditate using the scriptures.
5. Seek guidance. Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you how to pray. Talk to your parish priest for prayer methods or additional devotionals.
6. Cultivate a spirit of gratitude and patience. Spiritual growth takes time, essentially, a lifetime. Let go of expectations of prayer you may have and strengthen your connection with God through gratitude. Be patient and persistent in faith.
Caption: Enhance your prayer life by coming to God as you are, giving over all that dwells within you. Add a religious statue to your prayer space as a focal point in directing your prayers to God. (Provided photo)