THE IMPORTANCE OF RECITING PRAYERS

Posted on March 11, 2022 by franksantucci

Each one must know by heart the prayers in use in the Congregation. Begin at once to require it of scholastics and have them recited as soon as they are known.

Letter to Father Charles Bellon, 30 August 1844, EO X n 853

“Recited prayer is a vital way of connecting to God through the community of believers-by saying prayers that have been prayed for generations, you are participating in a worldwide, centuries-long relationship between God and his people. Of course, it’s important that these recited prayers do not substitute for an authentic, spontaneous relationship with God. Like saying “how are you?” to friends, these prayers need to be deliberate and intended. It’s not necessarily about the words-people often use the rosary to meditate, not to think about the content of the “Hail Mary,”-but it is about your intention. These prayers shouldn’t be a duty or a magical way to get God to do what you want. They’re a way to grow closer through reciting what has already been said-like saying “good night” before you go to bed. “(https://bustedhalo.com/googling-god/how-to-pray/recited-prayers )

St. Paul of the Cross writes: “When you are dry as dust in prayer, don’t quit, but keep going. Use little short prayers.”

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One Response to THE IMPORTANCE OF RECITING PRAYERS

  1. Eleanor Rabnett, Oblate Associate says:
    March 11, 2022 at 11:48

    “Recited prayer is a vital way of connecting to God through the community of believers – by saying prayers that have been prayed for generations… participating in a worldwide, centuries-long relationship between God and his people.” There is something quite wonderful and natural about joining with others and praying intentionally, that simple act of coming together and repeating aloud the words of shared belief and hope. Perhaps it is the act of “joining in with others” which is most important to us.

    One of the things I miss most since the pandemic began is as I approach the priest or Eucharistic Minister to receive communion is hearing the words “the Body of Christ” before actually receiving the Eucharist – often I do not know if it has been said or not because we have all been consigned to wearing masks and those of us who are deaf are unable to hear or to read lips through the masks. I find myself waiting to be able to join in with my Amen before consuming the Host. A very specific way of coming together, of giving and receiving. It has always been that way with God initiating and we responding. What a gift to be able to join in with others and to praise God together, be it spoken or sung. And God – God will know my intention even if I am unable to give words to it.

    Some mornings I come here and feel I am as “dry as dust” with my daily prayer. I must start out with whatever comes to my mind, which thanks be to God somehow leads me to eventually listening to God and then sharing here aloud my conversation with God and all of you.

    My Lord and Master, Jesus Christ, only true Son of the Living God, have mercy on me a sinner.

    Have mercy on me Lord.

    And God always responds.

    Reply

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