Sometimes it’s a challenge to keep prayer simple. Once I described my struggles with prayer to a Jesuit friend. He listened patiently, looked at me quizzically over his half-spectacles, and said, “you’re thinking too much, James.”
This brief introduction to prayer from Mary Flick of St. Louis University has helped me keep prayer simple. Take a look at it. Sample:
Say hello. Acknowledge the one you’re with. Focus on the one who has chosen to be with you. Often, closing your eyes helps. Sometimes it helps to be attentive to your breathing. Sometimes just saying the name of the person you are with calms and settles you. Say hello.
Thank God for coming, for having this time to share. Then start with a subject you know something about: YOU. Tell God a little bit about your day, its successes and disappointments, about how you’re feeling, about what you’re hoping for. Sure, God knows all about you already. But sometimes saying it to another helps you to claim it as your own.
Share what comes to mind or what is on your heart. What’s been the best part of your day so far. What’s really good in your life right now. Who, what is giving you the most grief – or the most joy. Talk about it.
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