Tag Archives: prayer

Near in Mouth and Heart

Posted on January 18, 2014 by Michael

Prayer consists in having the Lord not only near in mouth, but also near in heart.  “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34). Prayer does not comprise one empty phrase heaped upon another.  Rather, … Continue reading →

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Petitions Offered in Prayer

Posted on January 3, 2014 by Michael

According to St. Francis de Sales in his Sermons on Prayer, petitions offered in prayer are between meditation and contemplation prayer.   He contends that petitions are made to God in prayer when “we become confident enough to ask for and … Continue reading →

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Thirst

Posted on December 22, 2013 by Michael

Our hearts rejoice in beauty, rest in love, and find comfort in mercy and goodness.   We long to hold these within our heart, to draw of them more deeply.  We thirst for them and from whence they come, Our Father … Continue reading →

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In Silence

Posted on November 23, 2013 by Michael

To pray in silence is one of my favorite forms of prayer.   Silently, I place myself in the presence of Lord.  I may sit or knell.  Typically, my eyes are closed, so as not to be distracted. In stillness, I … Continue reading →

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To Competence

Posted on November 14, 2013 by Michael

Discipleship has its required competencies.  Four important competencies of discipleship are: prayer, thirst for knowledge of God, selflessness, and sharing faith, hope and love in Christ Jesus. The great saints — Augustine, Dominic, Aquinas, Therese of Lisiuex, Theresa of Avila, … Continue reading →

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Distraction in Prayer

Posted on November 8, 2013 by Michael

Distractions can be a difficulty in prayer.  They can affect vocal, meditative, and contemplative prayer.  Distractions do not withdraw us from God; only sin withdraws us from God.  Distractions can be annoying and distressing, but lacking resolve and deliberation are … Continue reading →

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Worship of God is How We Live our Life

Posted on November 3, 2013 by Michael

God has revealed the type of worship He desires, worship carried out in how we live our life.   Worship is not only the words we pray, it is also the actions we take throughout each day. In 1 Samuel (15:22) … Continue reading →

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Indifference

Posted on October 12, 2013 by Michael

Indifference in a garden results in a garden overran with weeds.  Indifference towards a family member or friend results in a broken or impaired relationship.  Spiritual indifference results in a lost soul.  The products of spiritual indifference are a lack … Continue reading →

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To a Healthy Heart

Posted on October 9, 2013 by Michael

We are constantly reminded about the importance of diet and exercise in maintaining a physically healthy heart.  Little is said about maintaining a spiritually healthy heart.  Our physical health is dependent upon our heart’s ability to supply blood and oxygen.  … Continue reading →

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To Courting God

Posted on September 21, 2013 by Michael

Prayer, a time set aside to engage and know God and for God to engage and know us.  Throughout the Old and New Testaments God represents His relationship with His people as a spousal relationship.  Prayer can be viewed as … Continue reading →

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