Hey Deacon

In the summer of 2022 Pope Francis declared 2024 would be the “Year of Prayer” in preparation for the 2025 Jubilee “Year of Hope.” Pope Francis encouraged the faithful to prepare by reading the four constitutional documents from the Second Vatican council which I have summarized these past four weeks.

In this 2024 “Year of Prayer”, we are encouraged to return to the basics of individual and community prayer and the need to be in the presence of the Lord, listen to Him, and adore Him. We are reminded to start each day and end each day by simply thanking God for the gift of life and offering your day to him. Keep it simple, fruitful, and intentional, don’t try to be overly creative.

I recall Bishop Rice’s giving his keynote address at one of the Diocesan Men’s Conference echoing a similar message. He said we don’t need to “google’ Catholic websites for the latest and greatest methods to grow in holiness. He said, “Go to Mass, go to Reconciliation regularly, and pray the rosary daily.” He said start the habit of reading and meditating on the daily Mass readings. This is an excellent way to pray with God. And be intentional (committed) to doing so.

If you wish to step it up a notch, consider praying the prayers of the Church, the Liturgy of the Hours, also known as the Divine Office. I suggest using one of the available prayer apps instead of the full four volume book edition. A couple of free apps are Laudate or iBreviary. As part of my clergy promises, I pray the Liturgy of the Hours daily. At the end of each day, my wife joins me in praying Evening Prayer from the Magnificat booklet.

If you are an overachiever, the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (the Vatican’s office that helps promulgate and defend Catholic teaching) has assembled an eight-volume series of booklets titled, "Notes on Prayer," that "delve into the various dimensions of the Christian act of praying. The first volume, titled "Praying Today: A Challenge to Be Overcome," was released January 23. The other texts, to be released over the next three months, will carry titles such as "Praying with the Psalms," "The Prayer of Jesus," "Praying with Saints and Sinners," and "The Prayer Jesus Taught Us: The 'Our Father.'"

Pope Francis said, “Prayer is the breath of faith, it is its most proper expression. Like a silent cry that comes forth from the heart of those who believe and entrust themselves to God."

As we prepare for the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope, let us embrace this opportunity to deepen our relationship with God through prayer and seek spiritual enrichment.

Author Bio:
Deacon Dan Vaughn