Father Jim's Corner

PRAYER - A TIME FOR REFLECTION AND RELAXATION

Traditionally Summer is a time for reflection and relaxation. But it is quite obvious that traditional things have slipped by the way side in our times and in today's hectic high paced environment reflection and relaxation are hard realities to find anymore. It is important for our spiritual life to capture again these important elements for our own refreshment and development. In the early Church it became apparent that a solid prayer life opened up doors and opportunities for this type of spiritual reflection and relaxation. The question then how do we pray in view of our life style and when do we pray.

The great personalities of both the Old Testament and the New Testament, including our Lord Himself, recognized the need to withdraw from the daily activities of life and enter into an encounter, a dialogue with our God. There are formal prayers, such as the Lord's Prayer and many rich and inspirational writings both from the Scriptures as well as men and women of faith, whose prayers have come down to us through the passage of time. There are prayers from our rich liturgical tradition and of course there are personal prayers from the heart in which we seek to speak with our God and our Lord. Throughout all the demands of our busy schedules we need to withdraw from these worldly demands and be refreshed in God's presence through personal prayer encounters. Early in the morning when we rise from sleep or at the end of the day reflecting on the day's happenings and on tomorrows needs – asking God for guidance and direction as a tool for growth and hope. Prayer is doxology, praise, thanksgiving, confession, supplication and intercession to God. Prayer is aliveness to God. Prayer is strength, refreshment, and joy. Through the grace of God and our disciplined efforts prayer lifts us up from our isolation to a conscious, loving communion with God in which everything is experienced in a new light. Prayer becomes a personal dialogue with God, a spiritual breathing of the soul, a foretaste of the bliss of God's kingdom.

How is one to pray? Only the Holy Spirit can guide us to pray as we should. Just as a child learns to walk by walking, one can best learn to pray by praying, trusting in the help of God. Put your whole soul into your prayer. Think about the meaning of every word you pray. Make it your own personal prayer. Be persistent in prayer. Do not yield to carelessness or neglect. Strengthen your prayer through a lively faith in the Lord, a spirit of forgiveness toward others, and genuine Christian living.

When do we pray - Paul reminds us in his letter to the Thessalonians - to pray in all circumstances to give thanks in all things. We need to bring God into every aspect of our lives. Prayer then is that connection to God that enriches, revitalizes, restores and energizes our lives. Summer a time for reflection and relaxation - relax and reflect this Summer in the joy of our Lord.

Fr. James C. Moulketis

June 2010

Wyckoff, NJ