Teresa of Avila: The First Routine
Have you ever been taught how to pray?
Today’s Guest Blogger is: Abby Hendersen, Assistant Director of Faith Formation, Grades 6-8
I know I was taught to pray as a child, because I can rattle off Our Father, Hail Mary, and Bless Us, O Lord even when I’m sleep-deprived or wildly distracted. But I don’t remember being taught how to have a conversation with Christ until I was older.
Did you know you can yell at God? Scream at Him? Laugh, whisper, cry, and simply shake your head in wonder or dismay? His shoulders are big enough. Trust me, he can handle it. As St. Teresa of Avila says, “Mental prayer is, as I see it, simply a friendly intercourse and frequent solitary conversation with Him who, as we know, loves us.”
Like any friendship we need to spend time with God, talking to Him, listening to Him, sometimes just “wasting” time with Him together in silence. “For prayer is nothing else than being on terms of friendship with God.” (St. Teresa)
That might include finding a quiet spot in your house, a favorite place outside, or in the chapel at church. The location isn’t as important as the time spent. Maybe every morning while you brush your teeth, in the car on the way to school or work, or just before bed, once the lights are off but you haven’t yet fallen asleep.
Start small, of course. Big plans are wonderful, but friendships take time to build and grow, so give yourself permission to start with a moment of two here and a few minutes there. It doesn’t matter if you don’t have the words. Start with a thought.
In our home we have taught our children easy little prayers, like “Jesus, I love you. Jesus, help me. Jesus, thank you.” And then helping them expand on those thoughts. How do I love Jesus? How can He help me? What am I thankful for today?
Start today. Start small, and know that God is waiting right there to grow your offer of friendship.