As Catholics, we often find comfort and guidance in the routine of daily, weekly, and yearly practices of our faith. We go to Mass on Sundays, observe Lent, and celebrate major feasts like Christmas and Easter. But what about the simple transition from one month to another? Though not specifically outlined in the liturgical calendar, starting a new month offers us a fresh opportunity to draw closer to God. And what better way to do this than through prayer?
The Importance of Prayer
Prayer isn’t just a “good thing to do”; it’s essential for our spiritual life. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, prayer is “the raising of one’s mind and heart to God or the requesting of good things from God” (CCC 2559). It is a way for us to establish and maintain our relationship with God, just like we’d keep up a friendship by talking and spending time together.
Scripture also emphasizes the need for continual prayer. In 1 Thessalonians 5:17, Paul urges us to “pray without ceasing.” In the same way, a new month offers us a specific moment to focus on our relationship with God. It serves as a milestone, a marker that can prompt us to pause and reflect on our spiritual journey.
Universal and Personal Intentions
As a Catholic community, we have universal prayer intentions, which may be recommended by the Pope or the local Bishop. These could include prayers for world peace, the sanctification of the clergy, or the spread of the Gospel. At the same time, each individual has personal needs and intentions: for family, health, and guidance, for example.
So, when we pray at the beginning of a new month, our prayers can be both universal and personal. We can pray for what the Church asks us to pray for, and also for what we, in our individual lives, need to pray for.
The Powerful Prayer for a New Month
Though there is no official “New Month Prayer,” we can piece one together inspired by the richness of the Catholic tradition. Our prayer can consist of praise, thanksgiving, confession, and petition. It can look something like this:
Praise
“Great are you, Lord, and exceedingly worthy of praise; your power is immense, and your wisdom beyond reckoning.” This is a paraphrase from the Confessions of St. Augustine, reminding us to start our prayer with a focus on God’s glory.
Thanksgiving
“Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, his love endures forever” (Psalm 107:1). Thank God for the blessings of the past month, whether they are obvious or hidden.
Confession
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Take a moment to ask for God’s forgiveness for the times you have fallen short.
Petition
“Give us this day our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11). Ask God for what you need — whether it be strength, wisdom, or patience — in the upcoming month.
Closing
“You are the King of the ages, immortal and invisible, to you be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” This line, derived from 1 Timothy 1:17, serves as a fitting close to our prayer, directing all our prayers and desires towards the glory of God.
Ensuring Our Prayer Aligns with Church Teaching
The above prayer is a compilation, a patchwork of different elements from Scripture and Church Tradition, and it aligns with the universal teachings of the Church. It is not an official or obligatory prayer but rather a template that can be adapted to fit individual needs.
It is important to remember, however, that all prayers should be in line with the teachings of the Catholic Church. According to the Catechism, “In prayer, the faithful God’s initiative of love always comes first; our own first step is always a response” (CCC 2567). As such, our prayer should not be about trying to change God’s will but about aligning our will with His.
Final Thoughts
Starting a new month with a focused time of prayer helps us reset our spiritual compass, calibrate our relationship with God, and set forth with renewed energy and purpose. While not obligatory or officially outlined by the Church, this simple act can be a powerful way to build our spiritual lives.
As we approach the beginning of a new month, let’s take the opportunity to pause and make this prayer, adapting it as necessary for our personal intentions. It is not just a good way to start the month; it’s a spiritually enriching practice that can help us draw closer to God.