Pray Constantly

It is hard to find time to pray, isn't it? The Catechism of the Catholic Church† explains:

2742 "Pray constantly . . . always and for everything giving thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father." St. Paul adds, "Pray at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance making supplication for all the saints." For "we have not been commanded to work, to keep watch and to fast constantly, but it has been laid down that we are to pray without ceasing." This tireless fervor can come only from love. Against our dullness and laziness, the battle of prayer is that of humble, trusting, and persevering love. This love opens our hearts to three enlightening and life-giving facts of faith about prayer.

2743 It is always possible to pray: The time of the Christian is that of the risen Christ who is with us always, no matter what tempests may arise.

To pray constantly is to be in the Presence of God. Since prayer is one of His Gifts (Grace) to us, it is always possible to pray as long as we humbly accept that great gift. We strive for holiness, we do our very best not to offend God in any way, but it is important to remember that God extends His Gift of prayer to everyone, even the most hardened criminal. Yes, you heard me right ... but it stands to reason that this suffering soul, this hardened criminal, must at some point accept that Gift from God. When we continue to do bad things (sin) we reject God's helping hand - don't ever do that! The covenant God made with us, is given out of perfect love... is never to be rejected.

When God expects constant prayer from you, this can take many forms. My constant prayer is deep, deep inside of me - it is a full awareness that God is with me, NOW, this very moment. I've also experienced rejection, not from God, but because I rejected Him by purposely going against His wishes ... we must guard against those moments. God who is all love deserves total obedience in return.

When we foster this deep relationship with Jesus, with God, always through the Holy Spirit (no one can pray without the help of the Holy Spirit), we stop worrying, we will reflect a happy disposition no matter what hurts at that moment, and it is highly likely we will reach out to help someone else. Jesus told us to love others as we love ourselves - that happens very easily when we keep a very close relationship with Jesus.

Fred Schaeffer, OFS
May 9, 2012 (#601)

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