The Prayer for When You Feel Dry
Are you making time for the "daily bread"?
Photo By: Flickr/Our Lady of Peace Geneva
Recently I was covering an adoration hour for my dad. I've had many of my own in the past few years or so, but it had been a while since I'd been, so it was really a treat. I prayed a chaplet, sang a few hymns (since we were alone), did some journaling, had a conversation with the Lord and at the end, I felt so grateful we'd spent that hour together, so I left with a "Thanks for your time."
That struck me.
I'm sure I've prayed that many times, but in the moment, I thought about the scene from an outsider's perspective. To any non-Catholic, it would appear that I had just thanked a piece of bread for being there. Why? The bread wasn't going anywhere. It was I who had put in the time, right?
It does seem very silly to actually think it out like this because we know better. We know it's not just bread. And I do. I know better. So why have I acted so often like it was my time to give? Like I was the one doing favors? Why didn't I see beyond the bread?
During spiritual direction last year, a priest told me that if I felt tempted to leave adoration quickly, I should stay five minutes longer, that way I'd conquer the temptation and conquer myself.
It seems a strange practice for a bit of bread, but as previously stated, it's not just bread. The truth of the matter is far stranger.
The strange truth is that our God would choose to take on the form of human flesh, and then give us Himself so completely as to be our food - bread and wine.
In many cultures, bread is something that is baked routinely. It's something that's quickly gone - eaten up by the people to fuel another day of wages.
If then, the very creator of the universe makes Himself our bread every single day, what kind of wages are we earning? We could never make up for what He's given. We will never be able to pay Him back for the gift of His very body and blood. And yet, every single day He is there in what seems to be a mere piece of bread, sustaining you with something even more precious than life: grace. He does this every single day for no other reason than He loves you.
As He "give[s] us this day our daily bread," I hope we're thanking Him for more than His time.
Recommended Stories
About the Author
I’m one of six children in a beautiful, rambunctious family. When I was around 5, my family was brought home into the Catholic Church and things have been upside down, inside out, and completely wonderful ever since.
Now I’m a Franciscan University of Steubenville English writing/Theology major graduate, making my way by reading, writing, reflecting, and, most importantly, praying. When I’m happy I write; when I’m sad I write. But no matter what, I’m pondering everything, resting in the heart of Our Lady (Luke 2:51). I seek the marriage of my two passions by writing here at Catholic365, and also on my blog, littlemissponderer, at purplemarbleblog.wordpress.com.
In my personal time, you’ll find me at the movies watching the latest dramas, thrillers, and action movies. If I’m not there, check the gym for a sweaty girl on a treadmill. Most often though, you’ll find me at home with my family, basking in God’s mercy and love.
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us! Most Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us!
