Introduction
Have you ever sat down to pray and found your mind wandering off like a stray sheep? Or maybe you’ve tried to pray, but words just wouldn’t come out? If you find it hard to pray, you’re not alone. Even the most devout among us have faced this struggle. In this article, we’ll explore what the Catholic Church teaches about prayer and offer some practical advice.
What is Prayer According to the Catholic Church?
Before we get into the solutions, let’s first define what prayer is. 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). Simple, right? It’s talking to God, but it’s also more than that. It’s a relationship, a dialogue between you and God.
Why is Prayer Important?
Prayer is so important that St. Paul tells us to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). The Catechism also reminds us that “Prayer is the life of the new heart” (CCC 2697). Essentially, prayer is the heartbeat of our spiritual life. Without it, our relationship with God suffers.
Common Struggles in Prayer
Distractions
Even the saints had a hard time with distractions. St. Teresa of Avila, a giant in the realm of prayer, often spoke of her struggle with distractions.
Dryness
This is a term used to describe the feeling of absence or indifference during prayer. It’s as if you’re talking, but nobody’s home.
Lack of Time
In our busy lives, finding time to sit down and pray can be a real challenge. This leads some people to abandon prayer altogether.
What to Do When Prayer is Difficult
Start with Humility
The Catechism reminds us that, “If you want to pray better, you must pray more” (CCC 2657). But the starting point for better prayer is humility. The Bible tells us, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). So, begin your prayer by recognizing your need for God.
Use Existing Prayers
If words fail you, why not use the prayers that have been passed down through generations? The “Our Father,” for example, was taught by Jesus Himself as a model of prayer (Matthew 6:9-13).
Set Aside Time and Space
You don’t need to spend hours in prayer to make it meaningful. Even just a few dedicated minutes can make a world of difference. Create a quiet space that is conducive to prayer.
Seek the Sacraments
The Sacraments, particularly the Eucharist and Reconciliation, are special channels of grace. These sacraments can rejuvenate your prayer life.
Talk to Someone
Sometimes, talking to a priest or a trusted friend can help clear obstacles in your prayer life. Don’t underestimate the power of community in helping you pray better.
Theological Opinions on Improving Prayer Life
It’s worth mentioning that while the steps mentioned above are grounded in the teachings of the Catholic Church, the emphasis and methods can vary depending on theological opinion. Some spiritual writers emphasize more on contemplative prayer, while others may focus on active participation in community prayers.
Conclusion
In the words of the Catechism, “In the battle of prayer, we must face in ourselves and around us erroneous notions of prayer” (CCC 2726). The difficulties we face in prayer are not insurmountable. With humility and perseverance, our prayer life can become what Jesus intended it to be: a rich, fulfilling conversation with our Heavenly Father.
If you’re finding it difficult to pray, remember you’re not alone. The whole Church, in heaven and on earth, is praying with you. You have the communion of saints and the grace of the sacraments to help you along the way. Turn to God in your struggle, and you’ll find the grace you need to pray well.
So if you’re struggling, take heart. The very desire to pray is a grace from God. Act on that grace. Start small if you need to, but start. You’re not alone in your journey towards a fulfilling prayer life.
Remember, as the Catechism beautifully puts it, “Prayer is a vital necessity” (CCC 2744). So, let’s get praying!