Feedback.The main reason I pray I beg; I request; I entreat you; - used in asking a question, making a request, introducing a petition, etc.; as, Pray, allow me to go s>. See also: Pray is ... To be transformed and enlightened. To love God with my whole heart, mind, and soul, and to love my neighbor as myself. Maureen Pascal Massapequa, N.Y. To gain eternal life (on the right side) for myself and my family. Leo Leo, in astronomy Leo [Lat.,=the lion], northern constellation lying S of Ursa Major and on the ecliptic (apparent path of the sun through the heavens) between Cancer and Virgo; it is one of the constellations of the zodiac. Donath Bradley, Ill. To be one with God and to know and do his will. Ben Sharer Chicago, Ill. To give praise and thanks to God and thus have a closer relationship with him. This in turn gives me some peace, especially in these upsetting times. Sylvia Campanelli Lancaster, N.Y. Habit--I've prayed all my life. Name withheld Niagara, Wis. Connection, protection, guidance, hope, and intercession intercession, n a prayer in which a request is made on behalf of another person. . Joan Barrett Kansas City Kansas City, two adjacent cities of the same name, one (1990 pop. 149,767), seat of Wyandotte co., NE Kansas (inc. 1859), the other (1990 pop. 435,146), Clay, Jackson, and Platte counties, NW Mo. (inc. 1850). , Mo. To share my life with God. When I get to heaven, I want to meet my best friend--the one who went through it all with me. Martha Shanley Pittsburgh, Pa. I most frequently pray for or about ... Healing and peace in our homes, neighborhoods, and world. Paul Milligan Youngstown, Ohio
Youngstown is a city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the county seat of Mahoning County. The municipality is situated on the Mahoning River, approximately 65 miles (105 km) southeast of Cleveland and Making sense of life and events, seeking guidance, and seeking God's will Noun 1. God's Will - the omnipotence of a divine being omnipotence - the state of being omnipotent; having unlimited power . Clare Colella San Bernardino San Bernardino, city, United States San Bernardino (săn bûr'nədē`nō), city (1990 pop. 164,164), seat of San Bernardino co., S Calif., at the foot of the San Bernardino Mts.; inc. 1854. , Calif. Sometimes I complain, but mostly I praise God for always caring for me even through my most difficult experiences. France Cohen cohen or kohen (Hebrew: “priest”) Jewish priest descended from Zadok (a descendant of Aaron), priest at the First Temple of Jerusalem. The biblical priesthood was hereditary and male. Collingswood, N.J. Every human need, beginning with family and then the parish and universal church, the nation, all humanity, and finally the dead. Michael McHugh Michael Hudson McHugh, AC QC, (born 1935) is a former justice of the High Court of Australia; the highest court in the Australian court hierarchy. Judicial Activity Storrs Manfield, Conn. Peace in my own heart in order to be a positive presence with others. Sister Regina Pacis Meservy, S.S.S.F. Milwaukee, Wis. The needs of others I see around me. As I walk in my neighborhood, I often thank God for the beauty around me, and I pray for my neighbor who is dying of cancer when I pass his house. I also often pray when I read the newspaper. Elaine Costales St. Louis, Mo. AND THE SURVEY SAYS ... 1. I am satisfied with my individual prayer life. Agree 45% Disagree 41% Other 14% 2. I generally pray: (More than one answer allowed.)
74% In times of crisis or
personal need.
65% When I get up.
62% Before going to bed.
61% Before meals.
53% On special occasions
(holidays, major life
events).
35% Other.
Representatives of "other": "At random moments--in the car, in the shower." "As the Spirit moves me." 3. I generally pray: 86% More than once a day. 11% Once a day. 3% Once a week or less. 4. When I pray, I: (More than one answer allowed.)
76% Talk to God.
65% Recite memorized
prayers.
56% Read the Bible or
meditate on scripture.
55% Spend time in silence,
listening to God.
43% Pray the rosary or other
traditional devotions.
8% Try nontraditional or
other religions' prayers.
16% Other.
5. I believe God answers prayers:
33% Yes.
52% Yes, but not always how
I imagined.
6% Sometimes.
1% No.
8% Other.
6. The church provides enough and proper guidance for an individual prayer life. Agree 39% Disagree 45% Other 16% 7. I put a lot of thought and effort into improving my prayer life. Agree 53% Disagree 34% Other 13% These results are based on survey responses from 223 U.S. CATHOLIC readers and website visitors. The greatest challenge I have when it comes to prayer is ... The dry times when I can't feel God's presence or see his answers to my prayer. Kristin Peters Canton, Mich. Selfishness. I sometimes use fatigue as an excuse or I say, "later" and forget. Mary Helen Engelert La Mirada La Mirada (lä mĭrä`də), city (1990 pop. 40,452), Los Angeles co., S Calif.; inc. 1960. La Mirada derives from the Spanish for "the view," referring to the panoramic view of the surrounding valleys from atop the city's hills. , Calif. When I let prayer become too intellectual, too "studied," because then it's more about me being in control. Judy Kipka Bloomington, Minn. Distractions and going through the motions. Father Walter Phillips Ogallala, Neb. Quieting myself down. I'm so restless, and my mind won't be still. Marissa Wick Owensboro, Ky. Doing it alone. It is easy to go to Mass and remember at family mealtimes. Name withheld Kensington, Md. As Thomas Merton Noun 1. Thomas Merton - United States religious and writer (1915-1968) Merton said, "I will always be a beginner." Alice Anne Pilkington Longmont, Colo. What has most helped my prayer life is ... Spiritual direction, reading, study, homilies, and knowing spiritual persons. Name withheld Cambridge, Mass. It comes down to one thing--grace. Ann Hunt Brefka Coral Springs Coral Springs, city (1990 pop. 79,443), Broward co., SE Fla.; inc. 1963. Largely residential, it is a city that has grown rapidly along with the southern Florida and Fort Lauderdale area. The population of Coral Springs nearly doubled between 1980 and 1990. , Fla. Using the Magnificat has helped me pray more regularly, but I also appreciate reading prayers from various traditions. Cathy Person Catawba, Wis. Centering prayer Centering prayer is a popular method of contemplative prayer, placing a strong emphasis on interior silence. Though most authors trace its roots to the contemplative prayer of the Desert Fathers of early Christian monasticism, to the Lectio Divina tradition of Benedictine , daily scripture reflection, a prayer group of other parents, and listening to the prayers of my children. My husband and I have returned to the prayers we learned as children with our children. Saying one decade of the rosary each night as a family is a very calming experience after our busy days. Lisa Manthey New Orleans New Orleans (ôr`lēənz –lənz, ôrlēnz`), city (2006 pop. 187,525), coextensive with Orleans parish, SE La., between the Mississippi River and Lake Pontchartrain, 107 mi (172 km) by water from the river mouth; founded , La. Daily Mass. Joseph Wiederholt Alexandria, La. Trying different ways to pray: listening to music, sitting in silence, using the Liturgy of the Hours
Name withheld Champaign, Ill. Letting go of lots of "shoulds." Father Don Blaeser, O.F.M. Countryside, Ill. What the church teaches me about prayer is ... The church has a deep wealth of spirituality and methods to guide each person, but far too many Catholics are unaware of the spiritual resources available. Alphonse Vinh Washington, D.C. Prayer is supplemental to formal church prayer (like Mass) and helps maintain a day-to-day relationship with God. Gary Gullikson Stillwater, Minn. Prayer is a response to God's invitation to deepen our personal, loving relationship with him, through which we are transformed and become channels of God's grace to others. Father William Hibbert Rapid City, S.D. To make my entire day a prayer (thoughts, words, actions) beginning the moment I awake. I still pray the "morning offering" that I learned in grade school. It has served me well for 55 years! Margaret Saliga Whiting, Ind. Prayer is not merely petition. It is also adoration and thanksgiving. Germaine Wieman Houston, Texas “Houston” redirects here. For other uses, see Houston (disambiguation). Houston (pronounced /'hjuːstən/) is the largest city in the state of Texas and the I find it difficult to accept some of the church's perspective on prayer. To me, there is a big difference between "saying prayers" and "praying," and the church seems to emphasize "saying prayers"--and prayers composed by men. I don't find many of them meaningful. Sister Mary Hope Tritz Elm Grove Elm Grove may refer to:
If I could give one piece of advice about prayer, it would be ... Pray always--there are as many ways to pray as there are moments in life! Jim and Mary Jean Smith Chetek, Wis. Listen. God does communicate, just not the way we do. Terry Randles Spokane Valley, Wash. Close your eyes. Breathe in Verb 1. breathe in - draw in (air); "Inhale deeply"; "inhale the fresh mountain air"; "The patient has trouble inspiring"; "The lung cancer patient cannot inspire air very well" inhale, inspire "God," breathe out "Be with me," and let the connection take hold of you. Dorothy Brune St. Charles, Mo. Make it part of your routine, like showering or brushing your teeth. If you have time to do these, you have time to pray. Cindy Bourret Baltimore, Md. Make time to pray and don't always recite the prayers learned in childhood. Sometimes a simple thought to God between meetings is all you need. Dan Stift Cibolo, Texas Cibolo (pron: Sibilo) is a city in Guadalupe County, Texas (USA). A small portion of the city extends into Bexar County. The population was 3,035 at the 2000 census. Today, there are more than 12,000 people living in Cibolo. Ask for help if you need it. Sandy Trine Richland, Wash. Be patient with yourself when trying to improve your prayer. It takes time and effort, as do most worthwhile things. Kay Parish Madison, Wis. Don't measure the how and when. Prayer is individual and personal so there's no right or wrong way. Just do it--your way. Carol Kane Carolyn Laurie Kane (born June 18 1952, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.) is an American actress. Biography Early life Kane's parents are Joy, a jazz singer, dancer, and pianist, and Michael Kane, an architect, who worked for the World Bank. Bloomington, Minn. It's not a waste of time in a busy world, even though it may feel like you aren't accomplishing much. It is the greatest accomplishment we could ever do. Mary Jeanne Recker Anamosa, Iowa Anamosa is a city in Jones County, Iowa, United States. The population was 5,494 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Jones CountyGR6. History General Comments I love to listen to children pray because of their simplicity. They remind me that prayer is simply talking with God. Nicholas Donofrio Oakhurst, N.J. It would be very helpful if churches provided more structure for prayer in the evening--a daily evening Mass, regular Bible studies, or more young adult or adult prayer groups. Parishes need to focus more on helping the busy person find time and ways to pray. Paul J. Kallmann Vancouver, Wash. I don't find prayer difficult at all. It's like breathing. It's become a natural part of my life--and a vital part it is! Geralyn Evans-Nathe Avon, Minn. Genuine prayer has to lead to action. You can't just pray for peace--you have to act for it: protest, write letters, speak out. David L. Corcoran Des Plaines Des Plaines, city, United States Des Plaines (dĕs plānz), city (1990 pop. 53,223), Cook co., NE Ill., a suburb of Chicago on the Des Plaines River; inc. 1925. Among its manufactures are chemicals and electronic equipment. , Ill. It isn't necessary to have a sense of satisfaction with our prayer, but to know we made the best effort. Sister Pauline Therese Daries, C.S.J. Los Angeles, Calif. On the Web Join the conversation online. All are invited to respond to the Reader Survey at uscatholic.org. This month, join U.S. CATHOLIC and At Home with Our Faith readers as they discuss passing on the faith to children. |
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