Ready, Set, Pray!

Well today the Year of Faith officially began.  This is the year that our Holy Father has declared to be a year of learning more about our faith and growing closer in relationship to Jesus.  For my observance of the Year of Faith, I'm focusing on prayer.  This month the focus is the Rosary and so far, not so good.

My pray-the-Rosary-everyday plan has not been without flaws.  Many flaws.  Really, the plan isn't the problem.  The flaws are entirely mine.    I'm embarrassed to admit how many times this month I've realized that I didn't even say a decade of the Rosary the day before.  And it's only the eleventh day of the month!

Why is it so hard for me to be consistent in my prayer life?  Why are my plans for prayer so often spoiled by my reality?  I would love to hear your ideas or tips for a richer prayer life.  Hopefully, this upcoming year will help me to grow in my prayer life.  The bad news is-I'm starting this year off on unsure footing.  The good news is-there's no where to go but up (I pray!)

The week I'm going to try out a Scriptural Rosary to mix it up a bit.  Give it a try with me and let me know what you think.

Quick Takes Friday

• Words that actually came from our 13 year-old's frustrated mouth, "Since when did you guys care about school!"  Seriously?  Does he know us at all?
• Now that the heat has subsided and the rains have returned, our garden has started producing again.  We're hoping for a harvest of red and green bell peppers in a few weeks. 
• October 11th begins the "Year of Faith" as declared by Pope Benedict.  Are you doing anything for the YOF? Why not join my Year of Prayer?
• After highs in the high 80s and low 90s, tomorrow's high is supposed to be in the mid 50s!  Yikes!  I'm now thinking about making soup, cooking warm bad-for-you things, and harvesting my herbs to preserve for the winter.  Does anyone have experience with herb drying?
• Looking forward to a long weekend.  Thanks Columbus!  So, why do we celebrate Columbus Day in October?  Is it his birthday? The anniversary of his historic trip?  Just curious.
• Our nine year-old has discovered football.  Evidently, he plays everyday during recess with some of the other fourth graders.  Yesterday he was happy because the other boys had declared him quarterback after an especially awesome pass.  Here's praying that he's more athletic than his parents!
• Our daughter is now learning that fine arts aren't always fun.  Sometimes it's just work.  It's a sad day for all of us.

Have a relaxing weekend and enjoy your family.
Blessings,
Laura

Year of Faith-Year of Prayer

Pope Benedict has declared the year beginning October 11, 2012, the Year of Faith.   The Holy Father wants us all to focus on learning about our faith and deepening our relationship with Jesus.
So, here's my plan:  I'm going to spend my Year of Faith focused on my prayer life.  For me, it will be the Year of Prayer.  Each month I'll focus my practice on a specific type of prayer. 

Since October is officially the Month of the Rosary, I will be focusing this month on the many ways there are to pray this ancient prayer.  This week my focus will be on praying the Rosary daily in whatever way I can-in the car, in bed, during Adoration. 

I have a couple of tools that I'll be using this month to help me to focus my prayer efforts

• The Laudate app for android (also available for iphones)-this free app has a wealth of interactive information including the daily mass readings, liturgy of the hours, an examination of conscience, stations of the cross, traditional prayers and, of course the Rosary. 
• The Rosary on CD produced by the Mary Foundation and distributed by Catholicity.com They have lots of free CDs that are informative, inspirational and prayerful.  Check them out.
• Author Sarah Reinhard is promoting her new book, A Catholic Mother's Companion to Pregnancy: Walking with Mary from Conception to Baptism, by holding a Rosary-based blog tour using reflections from the book.  Each day a different blog will host Sarah as she provides a reflection on one of the mysteries of the Rosary.  What a great way to enhance your prayer life.  You may even win a Nook!  Check it out.

I would love to have company on my Year of Prayer.  Will you join me?

Blessings,
Laura