As part of this year-long effort to better understand what we mean when we talk about following Jesus, called My Jesus Project, I’ve been making a more concerted effort to pray every day. Even though my tendency is to focus on more silent, contemplative reflection, I’ve actually taken on a number of prayers that I do several times each, over a half-hour period or so.
Some, like the Lord’s Prayer (Our Father/God, who art in heaven…), the Jesus Prayer (Jesus Christ, son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner), the Serenity Prayer (Lord, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change…) and the Prayer of St. Francis (Lord, make me an instrument of your peace…), I also practice the “Hail Mary.” Not only that, but I use a rosary to go through my prayers.
Read Full Article »