Comments on: What if I just don’t like to pray at all?

By: Patricia

Patricia — Mon, 17 May 2010 09:07:27 +0000

I don't know if this will help Genevieve, but perhaps she could try praying in a different way – although I'm not sure exactly how she is praying now.

I know that for me, formal vocal prayer, method prayer etc., have always been extremely difficult. When I first felt God drawing me to Himself many years ago, I didn't even know there were “correct” ways to pray. I just started talking to Him about my life and sharing my hopes and dreams with Him, etc. He is so exquisistely patient and kind that He gradually increased my reverence and awe of Him, and especially led me to His Real Presence in the Most Blessed Sacrament. I simply loved just gazing at the tabernacle and smiling at Jesus. I did take up the rosary for a few years, but that too became very simple, and now I find that I will spend 30 minutes or so just praying one decade very slowly. Years later, now a secular Carmelite, I realize that God was completely in charge, and that He was leading me to pray in a way that was best suited to me. We are all different.

Perhaps Genevieve needs to focus more on a relationship with Jesus, as Father suggested. Just tell Jesus that you don't like to pray, and ask Him for help. Be very simple and childlike. Ask Him to show you how He wants you to pray. Include Our Lady as well. She is so gracious and kind. Truly Our Lord will eagerly respond to any interest you show in Him. He is so grateful and joyful that you have begun to try to pray — even without “liking it.” Be sure that He will surprise you with the greatest adventure of your life, if you only give Him the chance. God's blessings to you, Genevieve. Believe me, HE is worth the effort.

By: Genevieve40

Genevieve40 — Sun, 16 May 2010 07:33:33 +0000

I randomly searched google today for “don't like to pray” and did a double-take when I saw this in the search results. (Evidently it's a question I've still had for a while.)

Fr. Burtka, thank you for answering.

By: Dan

Dan — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 05:32:25 +0000

Years ago, I remember reading the psalms and being "jealous" of the joy that the psalmist found in praising God. I couldn't imagine this, since I had never felt that way. So I began asking God to give me that grace and, over time, I have come to find joy in praising our Lord, particularly in reading the psalms. Ask God for the grace to enjoy prayer and for the guidance of His Spirit to lead you in prayer. Just my .02.

God bless,
Dan

By: praymore

praymore — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 01:05:19 +0000

Remember, since prayer brings us closer to God, the enemy will do all he can to keep us away from prayer. Prayer is a battle.The Catechism (2725) says “Prayer is both a gift of grace and a deterimined response on our part. It always presupposes effort.” We must fight to pray in order to receive the benefits/rewards of prayer. See the Catechism 2725-2745 for more. And thanks to Fr Richard Sutter for sharing this reflection on prayer at a recent spiritual exercises retreat.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 06:16:00 +0000

Do you have difficulty praying? You are not alone…

By: Carolyn P

Carolyn P — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 03:05:18 +0000

Iam learning to pray/talk to God by jounaling to sciptures.
It's exciting but, time consuming.
GOSH—-I love being Catholic and wish everyone could see the beauty of our church. Not necessarily join it but, understand it. Even many of our own donot understand the treasure that they have.
Carolyn

By: Jess

Jess — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 01:25:26 +0000

Great question and great response! I have been there and I did exactly what you suggest…I began to read. The more I learned, the closer I felt. The closer I felt, the easier prayer came to me. It's all about the journey.

By: Marta

Marta — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 21:42:32 +0000

Thank you Father.
“Ask and you shall receive”… someone said: “Prayer is man´s strenght and God´s weakness” or something like it!.
It might help just trying to address Him as if he were your closest friend or dearest brother… talk to Him (not to yourself!) and d´ont think you are crazy by doing it… sooner or later you will feel your heart becoming warm and peacefull.

By: JoFlemings

JoFlemings — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 18:31:21 +0000

This is very beautiful, Fr. Burtka! Thank you!

By: Mary7Macharia

Mary7Macharia — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:25:33 +0000

A wonderful advice you have given here Fr. Joseph. Reading this question,I, like you, feel the Holy Spirit is reaching out to this child and God is pursuing this Soul He created because it is precious to Him. I have no doubt soon, God will catch up with him/her and he/she will find the joy of undestanding the bliss of feeling the love of the Ultimate Loving Father who, through Jesus Christ, came down to seek and save His lost, confused and doubtful sheep. Let us pray this will happen during this Holy Season of Lent for this child beloved of God