Something For Everyone

Via MarysRosaries.com, Public Domain

Catholics pray the Rosary.

That’s pretty much a no-brainer.

In fact, Catholic families pray a family Rosary each and every night before tucking their nine kids quietly into bed.

Right?

Maybe . . . but maybe not.

While the Rosary remains an amazing, influential, and important Catholic prayer down through these many ages, there are quite a number of Catholics who don’t feel connected to it, and can’t seem to work it into their prayer life despite the deep-rooted feeling that they should. Same goes for a good number of other Catholic prayers that it seems like everyone engages in.

As Catholics, sometimes we can tend toward guilt (I know, it’s hard to believe, but it’s true) around not being able to immerse ourselves in the usual Catholic prayers that seem to be the rage with all our friends. We can often end up trying to force ourselves into praying the prayers we’re supposed to pray, and then we’re left feeling spiritually dry because for whatever reason we don’t connect with them.

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Lucky for us, as Catholics, we have a blessing that we often take for granted. Our Catholic faith has a rich and deep spirituality that honestly has something for everyone. After all, the Church has existed for 2,000 years and has had countless members, all with unique personalities, needs, and interests, and over that time the Church has developed unique spiritual practices that speak directly to those unique members.

Don’t connect with the Rosary? Try the Ignatian Exercises.

Don’t love the length of novenas? Try one of the many chaplets out there.

Don’t have the patience or focus needed for Lectio Divina? Try the Jesus Prayer!

When we take the time to dip our toes into the world of Catholic prayer and spirituality, we immediately find out just how immense this world is. And if we take the time to look around at all the devotions, spiritual charisms, and prayers out there, we’re sure to find something that brings us closer to God and closer to the path of holiness we all so desperately want to walk in our lives.

Don’t feel guilty that you don’t connect with the prayers your friends and family connect with.

Don’t be afraid to find your own path forward in your journey with God.

After all, God loves you as you are, and wants you to reach out to him in a way that embodies who you are and who you want to be.

Have fun!

Copyright 2017 Tommy Tighe