Our Catholic Faith Journey

• Prayer is an essential part of the Catholic faith. It is a way to communicate with God, seek guidance, and ask for forgiveness. Catholics are encouraged to pray regularly, and there are different types of prayers for various occasions.
• We have such great examples God has given us. The Saints and Angels pave the way for us to grow deeper in our prayer life.
• The oldest prayer is "Lord, Jesus Christ, son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner."
• Jesus also taught the Apostles and us the way to the Father by, "Our Father, who art in heaven,
  hallowed be thy name;
  thy kingdom come,
  thy will be done,
  on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread,
  and forgive us our trespasses,
  as we forgive those who trespass against us;
  and lead us not into temptation,
  but deliver us from evil. Amen.
• As another example, we have our prayer to Mary, the Mother of God. " Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of death. Amen"

What is your favorite prayer?  I would love to hear your different prayers that you hold close to your heart.

 Click on the Home page and scroll down to Questions and Comments. Enter there your thoughts. God bless.

Meditation is a spiritual practice that has been used for centuries in different faiths. It involves quieting the mind and focusing on a particular thought or object. 

Meditation can help reduce stress, improve concentration, and enhance overall well-being. Adoration is a great place to begin that quieting. 

For Catholics, the best way to get started is the Word of God.

Lectio Divina (Latin for "divine reading") is an ancient Catholic practice for praying with Scripture, moving beyond intellectual study to a personal, transformative encounter with God through four steps: Lectio (reading) the text slowly, Meditatio (meditation) on a word or phrase that resonates, Oratio (prayer) responding to God, and Contemplatio (contemplation) resting in God's presence, leading to a final Actio (action) in daily life. It's a contemplative way to hear God speak through the Bible, fostering a deeper relationship with Jesus, as taught by saints and formalized by early monks, and has seen a resurgence in the Church today. The Four Steps of Lectio Divina (LMOC)

1. Lectio (Reading):
   • Read a short passage from Scripture slowly, repeatedly, and attentively, listening for a word or phrase that stands out.

1. Meditatio (Meditation):
   • Ponder that word or phrase, letting it "chew" on your heart and mind, applying it to your own life.

1. Oratio (Prayer):
   • Speak to God from the heart, responding to what you've meditated on, expressing thanks, asking for grace, or confessing.

1. Contemplatio (Contemplation):
   • Rest in God's presence, allowing His word to transform you, letting go of thoughts and just being with Him (this is a gift, not forced). 

Key Aspects for Catholics

• Goal: To have a deeper, personal relationship with God by letting His Word transform you, not just to gain information.
• History: Practiced since the early Church by figures like St. Benedict, formalized by the Carthusians (Guigo II), and encouraged by Vatican II.
• Difference from Bible Study: It's not about academic analysis; it's about listening for God's voice in a particular moment, often using a short Gospel passage.
• Preparation: Find a quiet place, quiet your mind, and ask the Holy Spirit for guidance.