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‘Pray Everywhere, for Everything, and All the Time.'
At times when things are going so well for us, our prayer life takes a hiatus. Likewise, it appears to this writer that, with the successes of Western civilization, falling away from its Christian roots and prayer, has taken a hiatus in general. We don’t need God any longer. In time, we may believe that we are so distant from God that our prayers are useless anyway; thus, our prayer life dwindles, and we become fixed on the ways of this world. That is not what God intends for the life of a Christian. God wants us to pray all the time, everywhere, and for all our needs.
Well then, when and where should we pray? How about as Jesus did such as when we arise in the morning or in the evening, as Jesus did upon the mountains. Certainly we pray on the Sabbath, our Sunday worship, but being devoted to prayer is our calling. And it makes no difference when in terms of sickness, health, or wealth, whether things are going well or not. Christians pray all the time. We can thank and/or plead with Jesus. Here are a few common prayers we can repeat all day long:
“Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”
“Oh, most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Thy kingdom come.”
“Oh, most Holy Heart of Jesus, Thy will be done.”
“Jesus Christ, Son of God, renew a right spirit within me.”
“Jesus Christ, guide me and protect me.’”
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
There are hundreds of others available to us. We can find and choose them in Scripture. Of course for us Catholics the ‘Rosary’ and ‘Chaplet of Divine Mercy’ can be considered essential for everyday.
It is fine to pray at dinner, in Bible class, at bed at night, while jogging, in any solitary place, waiting at the doctor’s office, while driving, or at church other than Mass time for our average lives. It is commonplace to pray at social occasions, such as weddings and special events. Let us see where Jesus prayed. Interestingly, at various and sundry locations, as you can find. That is, temples, housetops, along the river, on a boat, in prison, on mountains, and also at supper. My wife and I have placed a small altar in one of our large walk-in closets.
The Bible shows us that people prayed for everything in both the Old and New Testaments. Petitions are for mercy, forgiveness, protection and safety, peace or suffering, wisdom, battles in war, health and prosperity, and for our children, friends, and relatives. Any concerns are subject to prayer for us.
I would say prayer 24/7. It shows we surrender to Him; we are continually dependent on Him, that He is our source. It helps maintain and deepen our connection with God. Then we will see more clearly how prayer works in our lives as we move closer to Christ in the process. I hear we will be praying and worshipping nonstop in heaven. You might as well get into the practice and prepare for that day to come.
www.michaelbaglino.com/speaker
Source:
Baglino, Michael J. Europe Meets Florida. New York: LT Writers, 2023.
Jeremiah, David. Overcomer. Nashville: W. Publishing. 2018.
Dr. Michael J. Baglino, Ed. D. is a retired college professor, most recently an adjunct prof. in behavioral science at Palm Beach State College, Florida. He is a graduate of both Winona State University, MN and Florida International University, Miami. Michael is also a retired entertainer [singer/actor], performing primarily as a Frank Sinatra tribute artist under the name ‘Michael Matone’. A parishioner of St. Therese de Lisieux Catholic Church in Wellington, FL, Michael serves as a lector, EM, and 4th degree Knights of Columbus. He is a professional member of the Society of Catholic Social Scientists. The Baglino family, wife, children and grandchildren all live in South Florida.
He is the author of 5 books, most notably ‘From Gramsci to Freud’ and ‘The Dr. B. Reader on the Ologies’. In his books, Dr. Baglino presents a series of articles and vignettes on religion, psychology, politics and culture. He shows us that God is with us in our daily lives interweaving trials, travels, and decisions with Catholicism. Definitely not without humor, Michael presents a down to earth and Catholic perspective to so many of our contemporary issues. See www.michaelbaglino.com/speaker.
