Problems and Solutions in Prayer Problem 1 Time

Problems and Solutions in Prayer • Problem #1: Time – The first and hardest thing is taking the time and doing prayer. – It is an activity that we must engage in. It does not just happen to us. – Cookbook analogy – This problem never goes away. • Solution:

Problems and Solutions in Prayer • Problem #2: Excuses – Exercise analogy – Unlimited number of things we could be doing – You don’t feel like it before or during, but when you’re done you know you’ve done something good. – Even if it is a valid excuse, it does not make it a good excuse. • Solution:

Problems and Solutions in Prayer • Problem #3: Afraid to pray – Sin and guilt – “God is a killer, ” says sin. And it’s right! – God wants to kill the cancer of sin. – Remember: God came to call sinners, not the righteous. • Solution:

Problems and Solutions in Prayer • Problem #4: Boring – This is a lie! – Feelings vs. Reality (What is true) – Satan can manipulate our feelings but he cannot manipulate reality because God, who is Truth, is the author of reality. • Solution:

Problems and Solutions in Prayer • Problem #1: Time – The first and hardest thing is taking the time and doing prayer. – It is an activity that we must engage in. It does not just happen to us. – Cookbook analogy – This problem never goes away. • Solution: – Just do it! – Make time. – The solution is to pray!

Problems and Solutions in Prayer • Problem #2: Excuses – Exercise analogy – Unlimited number of things we could be doing – You don’t feel like it before or during, but when you’re done you know you’ve done something good. – Even if it is a valid excuse, it does not make it a good excuse. • Solution: – Pray!!

Problems and Solutions in Prayer • Problem #3: Afraid to pray – Sin and guilt – “God is a killer, ” says sin. And it’s right! – God wants to kill the cancer of sin. – Remember: God came to call sinners, not the righteous. • Solution: – PRAY!! – Remember “Do not be afraid. ” – Turning back to God is a prayer. Just do it!

Problems and Solutions in Prayer • Problem #4: Boring – This is a lie! – Feelings vs. Reality (What is true) – Satan can manipulate our feelings but he cannot manipulate reality because God, who is Truth, is the author of reality. • Solution: – PRAY!!!!! – Focus on reality not your feelings.

The problem with the solution: • Pray! Just do it! • “It’s simple but not easy. ” • We complicate things, so remember, “Whenever you start giving excuses for anything (or are afraid, or don’t have the time, or think it’s boring), that’s the time to start doing the thing you’re giving excuses for not doing. ” –Peter Kreeft

Shut Up and Pray – Ceili Rain Just like him & her & him & her You got me rockin', nothin' but rockin' You got me searchin’ for something that isn't And Bill & Buddy and Ray Just the same old, same old thing But did they talk and did we talk You wanna party, have a big party Too loud to hear You say? I need a ticket, and on that ticket it will You say- Pray, pray Say: "So who'd you bring? " For everything you're worth I brought him and her and him and her Pray, pray- for wisdom on the earth And Bill and Buddy and Ray Listen to Me- while I- while I And they're all ears and we're all ears Say say- shut up & pray For what you have to say Hey wait a- but if ya- just lemme You say- Pray, pray I’m gonna- I need ta- Please lemme For everything you're worth Pray, pray- for wisdom on the earth I brought him and her and him and her Listen to Me- while I- while I And Bill and Buddy and Ray Say say- shut up & pray And they're all ears and we're all ears Hang on a minute, a doggone minute For what you have to say How ‘bout the shoutin', screamin' and You say- Pray, pray hollerin' For everything you're worth That Your meek people do? Pray, pray- for wisdom on this earth If they can do it, I'm gonna do it Listen to Me- while I- while I Can't stop me, Motor Mouth Bobby gonna Say say- shut up & pray Get his message through

Other problems in prayer… • • Distractions Lack of faith Reciting words without meaning Lack of habit • What solutions can you come up with?

Aids to Prayer: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Time Management Silence Posture Environment Focus on the Word Prayerful people Sacramentals Icons

Time Management • Stewardship of time – Time is a gift, do you use it wisely? • Advice: Set a time that works for you. Remember that you have to make time, it won’t just happen. • “Some people find time to pray in the evening and some in the morning. Our sentiments are different at these times. The heart will know a time for both. ” • Can you pray any time?

Silence • “The best kind of friend is the kind you can sit on a porch swing with, never say a word, then walk away feeling like it was the best conversation that you ever had. ” – Orson Welles • We struggle with silence a lot. Silence makes us uncomfortable generally speaking. Maybe we don’t get enough of it? Maybe we’re scared to be alone with God? Maybe we’re scared to be alone with ourselves? • Advice: the quiet helps minimize distractions, so seek out silence and learn to appreciate it

Posture • Standing – Reverence and respect, joy, thanksgiving, or praise • Sitting – Meditation, rest, and openness • Kneeling – A gesture of humility, penance, piety, or adoration • Prostration – Submission and vulnerability – Offering everything to God

Environment • • Can you pray anywhere? What’s special about Churches? What’s Eucharistic Adoration all about? “But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you. ” Mt 6: 6 • Our environment affects us for better or worse. • Advice: be aware of the effects of your environment and make it as conducive to prayer as possible.

Focus on the Word Lectio Divina: divine reading

Prayerful People • Surrounding yourself with prayerful people can be a very encouraging thing. • We are social by nature, meaning, we are meant to interact with one another. • Advice: The family that prays together, stays together. Prayer forms lasting bonds. • “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. ” Mt 18: 20

Sacramentals Definition: sacred signs which bear a resemblance to the sacraments which… 1. prepare us to receive sacraments 2. make occasions of life holy 3. always include a prayer, often with a specific sign

Sacramentals

Icons: Good Art?

Prayer Kits!

Aids to Prayer: Choose 3 of the following 8 and describe how they have helped or should help your prayer life to a person next to you. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Time Management Silence Posture Environment Focus on the Word Prayerful people Sacramentals Icons