Week 341

Positive post Sunday, September 10, 2023- Week 341. 

I’m reflecting on prayer once again this week (See PPS July 23, 2023- Week 334 and June 4, 2023- Week 327).  Prayers, from a simple conversation with God to more structured and formal prayers like The Holy Rosary or The Lord’s Prayer, are our opportunity to deepen our communication and relationship with God our Father.  

When researching prayer, and there is a great deal written on prayer, I came across a list of types of prayers that explains in simple terms the many ways I have prayed throughout my life.  One of my favorite types of prayer is #10, Having a Conversation with God, which I do most days, often praying subconsciously.  Here’s the link: How to Pray as a Catholic: 11 Types of Prayers and Tips (wikihow.com).

As I’m writing this PPS, I thought of another form of prayer I have a passion for, writing!  You might be thinking that writing is a forum for praying, similar to saying a prayer out loud or praying in the silence of your heart.  However, I consider writing, specifically when I write my PPS each week, a form of prayer and reflection.  

When I push “Post” each Sunday morning, I’m sharing an accumulation of many prayers, reflections and observations from my daily life during the week, including my valued and insightful communications with many of His faithful disciples.  Through conversations with God, where I mostly listen and seek His guidance, over the past 340 weeks I have transformed my passion for writing into prayer.  I pray that the good Lord continues to energize and guide me as I work to strengthen and deepen my written prayer each week.

One other thought, we often turn to prayer when in need or in crisis.  If you read the 11 types of prayers, you would know this is listed as the fourth type of prayer, Supplication.  Where many of us fall short is with the third type of prayer, Thanksgiving.  We often need a reminder to thank the Lord for the many blessings we have in our lives and for the strength and wisdom to learn from the challenges we face.  When I pray for others, I often end my prayer by praying that the experience they are going through strengthens their faith and brings them closer to God.

How do you include prayer as part of your daily life?

What types of prayer do you enjoy the most?