God calls first
Prayer is a covenant relationship: God seeks us, and we respond from the heart. The Church prays in blessing, adoration, petition, intercession, thanksgiving, and praise; through vocal prayer, meditation, and contemplation.
The Lord's Prayer is the summary of the whole Gospel. The first three petitions concern God's name, Kingdom, and will; the final four entrust our needs, forgiveness, struggle with temptation, and deliverance from evil.
Suggested reading: Matthew 6:5-15; Luke 11:1-13. Jesus teaches us to pray with trust, forgiveness, and perseverance.
When prayer feels dry or distracted
Distractions reveal what our heart is attached to; dryness can call us to a purer fidelity. Prayer neither controls God nor replaces responsibility, medical care, or action for justice.
What do I want God to take care of in my place? How might he be inviting me to cooperate or change?
For seven days, set aside ten minutes: become present; read the day's Gospel; remain silent; speak honestly with God; end with the Lord's Prayer and one small resolution.
References
Path progress
Learning to Pray with Jesus
Sign in to sync this progress