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It is my pleasure to share with you our St. Josaphat
Prayer Guidebook. This book represents the culmination of our Year of Prayer at St. Josaphat Parish. We embarked on the Year of Prayer because we all want to improve our faith life and grow closer to God. Prayer is the main way we do that.
However, many people I talked to were unsure of how they should pray. Even Jesus' apostles felt their prayer life was lacking, which is why they asked him, "Lord, teach us how to pray." (Luke 11:1) They could tell that Jesus' time of prayer was much deeper and more fulfilling than their own. So they asked Jesus to teach them how to pray to the Father.
In that same spirit, in order to help the parishioners of St. Josaphat grow in their comfort with prayer, we presented different prayers, methods of praying, devotions and spiritualities throughout the Year of Prayer. This Prayer Guidebook is the collection of all of those resources plus additional prayers to enrich your spiritual life.
I hope you will use this booklet to strengthen your relationship with God and expand your ability to pray and lead others in prayer. My prayer life has grown considerably over the years through the use of the Ignatian Imaginative Method of Prayer (p.18), the Examen Prayer (p. 24) and the ARRR prayer (p. 31).
The good news is that there really is no wrong way to pray. All of the prayers in this book have been added to the rich spiritual tradition of the Catholic Church over the centuries by different saints, holy men and women, young and old, who found these prayers as a path to knowing God in a more intimate way.
I encourage you to explore this book and see which prayers, methods of praying or devotions speak to your heart and help you form an authentic prayer life that strengthens and nourishes your relationship with God. And please let us know if you have any favorite prayers that we haven't included in this first edition.
Most importantly, make time for prayer each day. One of my favorite quotes about prayer comes from Fr. Hilary Ottensmeyer, a Benedictine Monk from St. Meinrad Abbey. He said "Until you are convinced that prayer is the best use of your time, you will not find time for prayer." Life is busy and we can easily become distracted and let the worries of the world overtake us. But that's precisely why we need prayer! As Jesus says, "Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)
My brothers and sisters, find rest in the Lord by making time for prayer each and every day. And know of my continued prayers for all of you and your families. If you would like additional copies of the St. Josaphat Prayer Personal Guidebook, please contact the Parish Office and we will be happy to assist you.
God Bless,
Watch Your Mailbox!
Our First Edition Prayer Guidebooks will be sent to all registered parishioners this week. SJS and RE families will find them in their student's backpack.
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