1ST WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Encourage yourselves daily while it is still “today.” 

For many of us, praying has become a familiar and comfortable routine. We have our favorite place to pray—maybe it’s a well-worn armchair or a particular pew in our church. And we have our favorite ways to pray, whether that includes praise and worship or praying the Rosary or just talking with the Lord.

But “comfortable” isn’t always the best thing when it comes to prayer. There can be a thin line between “comfortable” and “complacent.” So one way we can encourage ourselves and one another to keep moving forward with the Lord, as the author of Hebrews exhorts us, is to pray with other people.

This idea led one woman online, where she found a ten-minute virtual gathering taking place every evening during the nine days leading up to Pentecost. Participants recited a set of prayers, then spent a short time exchanging their own prayer intentions. Some asked for prayers to be more patient with their spouses; others asked for help overcoming common anxieties or temptations. Everyone in the group shared how this gathering helped them experience greater joy, a deeper sense of God’s presence in their lives, and renewed strength to follow the Lord. Coming together for prayer, they had “encouraged themselves”!

We might find praying this way a little challenging. For one thing, we might be hesitant to pray out loud for fear of sounding foolish. We also may not feel comfortable sharing our needs. Or we might be wondering how we can find the time in our schedules. But the rewards are more than worth it!

With a little creativity, you can find a few minutes to pray with someone. Perhaps you could set a time to call a friend every day or every week to spend just five minutes praying together on the phone. Or you could gather with some parishioners for a short time of prayer after daily Mass. You and your spouse might decide to pray together each night before going to bed. You could always ask the Holy Spirit to help you find the right approach. This small commitment can encourage you—and those you pray with—”today” and every day (Hebrews 3:13)!

“Lord, help me to find opportunities to pray with other people.”

Hebrews 3:7-14
Psalm 95:6-11
Mark 1:40-45