“Though I’m quite unworthy, I love to say the Divine Office every day, but apart from that I cannot bring myself to hunt through books for beautiful prayers. There are so many of them that I get a headache. Besides, each prayer seems lovelier than the next. I cannot possibly say them all and do…
How to Pray
Taking the “I” Out of Discernment
Two questions you might ask in discerning God’s will: 1) Lord, what do you want me to do? 2) Lord, what do you want? There is a hint of selfishness in that first question. That’s why the second way to discern God’s will is even better. When we seek out God’s will objectively, then we…
Imitation vs. Impersonation of Christ
“Sometimes methods and programs of meditation are aimed simply at this: learning to play a religious role. The idea of ‘imitation’ of Christ and of the saints can degenerate into mere impersonation, if it remains only exterior.” Thomas Merton, Contemplative Prayer, 69 Remember the WWJD? bracelets? The idea is pretty simple: ask yourself frequently throughout…
What You Should Know about Daily Catholic Devotions
To prepare for the release of To Heal, Proclaim, and Teach, I’m dedicating each week to a specific theme. This week’s theme is “Be Evangelized.” Even the most veteran of teachers and ministers need to be continually evangelized. As Catholics we have a treasure trove of devotions to help us be evangelized each and every…
Because God Loves Me
Adding a new prayer practice? Giving something up for God? I hate to break it to you, but you won’t get anything out of it. Well, at least not all by itself. Setting the table and sitting down, doesn’t make a meal. You still need the food. It’s pretty easy to put all of our…
