“If you are too busy to pray, you are too busy!”
St. Mother Teresa’s words are a powerful reminder for those feeling overwhelmed by the daily demands of life.
Despite the Missionaries of Charity’s challenging work with the poorest of the poor, in 1973, Mother Teresa introduced a daily “Holy Hour” of Eucharistic adoration to their routine, emphasizing prayer even amidst their busy schedules. Regardless of what they had to do, the sisters stopped their work and spent an hour with the Lord.
Most of us aren’t working over 15 hours a day attending to the sick and poor like the Missionaries of Charity. We can all find time to incorporate a daily prayer routine into our lives. Let’s look at how to make this happen.
The Power of Prayer
Mother Teresa’s decision might seem impractical given their workload, but she believed prayer was essential. She noted a profound change in her community, with deeper intimacy with Jesus, greater understanding among the sisters, and increased compassion for the poor.
She asserted, “If we don’t take time to pray, we could not do this work.” The same goes for every single one of us.
Prayer is not just an action; it’s the source of strength and clarity. Daily prayer reminds us of our identity as God’s children and enriches our lives with Christ’s Spirit. St. Teresa of Avila described it as a friendship with God, while the Catechism calls it “the living relationship of the children of God with their Father” (CCC 2565).
Creative Ways to Build a Daily Prayer Routine
Incorporating prayer into a busy schedule doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are practical and creative ways to establish a daily habit:
1. Start Small
- Begin with just 5-10 minutes of prayer a day. Gradually increase the time as the habit becomes more natural.
- Pray one Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be. Over time, add more structured prayers like the Rosary or Lectio Divina.
2. Anchor Prayer to Daily Activities
- Morning Offering: Begin your day by offering your work, joys, and struggles to God.
- Pray while doing routine tasks like cooking, commuting, or folding laundry.
- End your day with an examination of conscience and night prayer.
3. Create a Sacred Space
- Dedicate a small area in your home as a prayer corner. Include a crucifix, a candle, and a Bible.
- Keep a journal nearby to write down intentions or reflections after prayer.
4. Use Prayer Apps
- Apps like Hallow or Laudate can guide you through meditations, Scripture, and Rosary prayers.
- Set reminders for prayer times to stay consistent.
5. Incorporate the Saints
- Ask for the intercession of saints known for their prayer lives. For example:
- St. Benedict: Patron of structured spiritual practices.
- St. Joseph: For balancing work and family.
- St. Therese of Lisieux: For trusting God in the little things.
- Pray a short novena or chaplet dedicated to a favorite saint.
6. Focus on Scripture
- Practice Lectio Divina: Read a short Bible passage, reflect, pray about it, and rest in God’s presence.
- Pick a passage and concentrate on the senses using the practice of Ignatian Contemplation.
7. Involve the Family
- Say a short prayer before meals or bedtime as a family.
- Start a weekly family Rosary or Scripture reading.
8. Build Accountability
- Find a prayer partner or group to check in with regularly.
- Join parish activities like Bible studies or prayer groups.
Making Time for Eucharistic Adoration
If possible, commit to a regular Holy Hour at your parish. Even 15 minutes before the Blessed Sacrament can transform your day. Use this time to:
- Sit in silence and listen for God’s voice.
- Pray the Rosary, Divine Mercy Chaplet, or simply rest in His presence.
- Write your worries and intentions in a journal, offering them to the Lord.
Additional Resources
Feeling overwhelmed by the balance between work and faith? Discover the deeper meaning behind St. Thomas Aquinas’s wisdom and learn about the “Universal Call to Rest.”
For even more great Catholic resources, check out our podcast, which features talks from our SEEK conference, and our YouTube channel for videos and more!
Give
