“Prayer is the best weapon we have; it is the key to God’s heart. You must speak to Jesus not only with your lips, but with your heart. If fact, on certain occasions you should speak to him with your heart.”

St. Padre Pio

Prayer life is a deeply personal and, when shared with others, becomes communal. For me, nurturing my prayer life is of utmost importance. It serves as a sacred moment where I engage in intimate dialogue with God. I must confess that there are instances when my prayers feel dry and somewhat mechanical. Acknowledging this, I embarked on a journey to understand the root cause of this spiritual aridity.

How can I infuse sincerity and genuine emotion into my prayers? This quest led me to the realization that what kindles the flames of devotion in one person may not necessarily have the same effect on another. Each individual has a unique path to deepening their connection with the divine. Personally, I discovered that journaling served as a catalyst for transforming my prayers. Through the act of putting pen to paper, my supplications became more candid, raw, and vulnerable. I lay bare my thoughts and emotions before the divine, offering my unfiltered self.

Merely going through the motions of prayer out of obligation, devoid of true sentiment, feels devoid of authenticity. Is this mere recitation truly a form of prayer? Prayer from the heart goes beyond repeating scripted words, becoming surrender and natural communion. Ever since I started writing in my journal, I noticed that even my memorized prayers have become more meaningful.

“ Give ear to my words, O’Lord, consider my meditation. Give heed to the voice of my cry, my King and myGod, for you I will pray.” Psalm 5:1-2

Padre Pio teaches us that praying with your heart invites God to unite his heart with ours. It is then he He hears and knows what we need.

Keep at it! Keep praying. Love the Lord.

Peace and Grace.