Doesn’t that word bring back your days in school? How many times did we have to recite, sometimes in front of our fellow classmates, our ABC’s, our multiplication tables, and memorize so many other facts to further our education? I remember taking hours to practice our 7th grade school assignment, which was to recite in class the poem, “The Village Blacksmith”, by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. It amazes me that I can still recall at least the first stanza of that poem!
In the same way, being able to recite many prayers that we learned as a child, may sound boring or monotonous to some, but repetitive prayer can be a life saver in any number of circumstances, aiding us in pulling us closer to Jesus on our spiritual journey. We all have prayers that come from memory, that we can recite and are on the tips of our tongues. Many times, especially if we find ourselves in trouble, stressed or even driving in traffic, saying the Lord’s Prayer or a decade of the rosary can calm our nerves, helping us to focus better. And, when we lay our heads down at night, having a familiar prayer to complete our day, it can help us to put everything in perspective, give thanks and help us to rest easy till a new morning comes.
It is also comforting to me when I attend a different church, we are still reciting the same prayers, allowing me to feel part of the celebration.
Just like learning the poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, these prayers stay with me, close and familiar, whether I’m sitting quietly or find myself too weak to find my own words.
Lastly, I have a very good friend that was part of our prayer group that met every week for many years. At the end, this amazing woman would always fall back on this one memorized prayer. I feel guilty to admit it, but I would wonder, “Why are we always saying the same prayer every time?” However, I was so proud when I could recite her favorite prayer; and that same prayer continues to bring me comfort, thanks to Elinor, my faithful friend.
So, the next time you feel unmoved by reciting the same prayers, change your thought process by feeling blessed that our traditional and deeply rooted words hold so much more. They are written on our hearts to be able to share with others, sending a message of our strong faith.
What is your favorite prayer? I hope you will share with us.
“Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and enkindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your spirit and they shall be created, and you shall renew the face of the earth. O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations. Through Christ Our Lord, Amen.”
“So, leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words again.” Matthew 26:44
From God's Lips 