When I made my first communion at Blessed Sacrament Grade School in north Omaha, we were given prayer books and rosaries and taught that prayer was really important. We had to have memorized the Hail Mary and the Our Father as part of the initiation rites of receiving communion. I even learned the Latin phrases necessary to become an Altar Boy. I was taught how to say the rosary and would say it often. My great aunt, Sister Mary Perpetua, gave me a special crucifix that would slide open revealing a special rosary. After going through Catholic grade school and Catholic High School, I learned the rituals and prayers well. I no longer subscribe to the recitation of memorized prayers over and over, but I still hold strong to the importance of prayer. I often include what I learned in my prayers. When I give thanks for my food, I always pray. I do it consistently with my grandsons. I want them to remember me by this prayer. “Dear Lord, thank you for filling the world with color and giving us eyes. Thank you for filling the world with music and giving us ears. Thank you for filling the world with good things to eat and giving us the ability to taste and enjoy our food. So, then (As I learned in School), Bless us, Oh Lord, and these thy gifts which we are about to receive through Christ our Lord, Amen.”
Paul certainly recognized the importance of consistent prayer lives. He gives us some interesting instructions on prayer in Colossians chapter 4. He begins by saying, “Continue steadfastly in prayer…” But Paul’s instructions on prayer continue. He wants us to make our prayers relevant to our lives.. He tells us “…being watchful in it with thanksgiving.” The “being watchful” phrase refers to alertness to the times and situations around us. We should know what to pray for and who to pray for as determined by our life situations and the world situations as a whole. We should know what’s going on in the lives of others and with our nation, our community, and our church. We should intercede for all according to their needs. At the same time, our prayer must contain the element of thanksgiving. We should see God’s work in the world, our country, our churches, and our lives and acknowledge Him as the source of all our blessings.
Another very important item of prayer must be the advancement of the Gospel. Paul continues his instructions regarding prayer by saying, “Pray for us also, that God would open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ… that I may make it clear and know what I ought to say.”