Five Catholic Prayers For When Your Devotional Life Stalls
Written by catholicradio on October 17, 2023
As with everything in life, there are highs and lows in the spiritual life. Sometimes life circumstances interrupt what was previously a daily ritual of prayer. Other times we may feel distant from God as we grapple with difficulties. Perhaps daily devotional practices have always been a challenge, and perhaps you’ve struggled to find different catholic prayers.
No matter the reason, our heavenly Father always is ready for us to draw near. While praying the rosary and Divine Mercy chaplet are efficacious prayers, if someone is not used to longer prayer time or is easily distracted, these may feel challenging. With that in mind, here are five Catholic prayers for when your devotional life stalls (or never really got started):
1. The Sign of the Cross
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
While often overlooked, the sign of the cross is a prayer that is full of meaning. Technically it is a sacramental gesture which is made using the three middle fingers, symbolizing the Holy Trinity.
Established by the early Church Fathers, it sanctifies a moment or occasion and usually is made before praying other prayers. However it is a good place to start in order to draw one’s mind to the presence of God.
2. The Morning Offering
If you are in a situation where the day gets hectic quickly, you may want to pray the Morning Offering. If you are struggling to find time for prayer later in the day, this prayer offers an opportunity to offer the firstfruits of your time to God and sanctify your day.
O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary,
I offer you my prayers, works, joys, and sufferings of this day
for all the intentions of your Sacred Heart
in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world,
for the salvation of souls, the reparation of sins, the reunion of all Christians,
and in particular for the intentions of the Holy Father this month.
Amen.
3. Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel
Do you have the desire to pray but just don’t do it? Are there a lot of difficulties in your life? Or do you have a “full plate” of responsibilities? This prayer may be a good choice to jump-start your devotional life:
St. Michael the Archangel,
defend us in battle.
Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray,
and do thou,
O Prince of the heavenly hosts,
by the power of God,
thrust into hell Satan,
and all the evil spirits,
who prowl about the world
seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
4. The Prayer of St. Francis
Our society and culture are full of fast-paced….everything! If you are having difficulty slowing down and have a desire for peace and to be a “better person” who is growing in holiness, St. Francis’ prayer may be what you need.
Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace;
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
And where there is sadness, joy.O Divine Master,
Grant that I may not so much seek
To be consoled as to console;
To be understood, as to understand;
To be loved, as to love;
For it is in giving that we receive,
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
And it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.
Amen.
5. Aspirations or Ejaculatory Prayers
As you turn your thoughts to God throughout the day, if you literally only have a moment, this pious practice of praying a short phrase or sentence can be useful.
A longtime pious practice, aspirations or holy ejaculations are a sigh from the soul to God. They are short, heartfelt, sometime full of praise, other times full of petition. You can learn more about these prayers at Aleteia, and some are included here:
Jesus, I trust in You!
Jesus, thank You!
Jesus, I love You!
Angels and saints, pray for me!
Pray Without Ceasing
Do not be discouraged if your prayer life leaves something to be desired. Just begin in a small way and God, Who is never outdone in generosity, will bless you with more opportunities to pray. The Holy Trinity wants to be with you in unity.
If you are looking for someone to pray with, please join us at Catholic Radio Network for the daily Mass, rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet. You can listen online, find your local station, or download our free app for Apple and Android.
