How I did it: This summer my boyfriend's mother died and I was very close to her for years and years. We both had a sense of guilt in that we felt we hadn't prayed enough for her while she was sick and then her death caught us by surprise. She was a very devout woman and so I decided that night to make reparations by emulating her prayerfulness and I gave my word that I would pray the rosary every day for the rest of my life- no excuses. This has been the motivation I needed and I believe it is at least partly due to all her prayers for me. I only remember missing it once because I fell asleep while praying but I made it up the next day. I am very grateful that God brought a new prayerful habit out of me from one of the saddest days of my life.

Lessons & tips: Find a deeper purpose for why you will never miss another rosary and make it a non negotiable act. You must see it as a necessity the same as you see brushing your teeth. Once you make it a necessity and non negotiable you will no longer struggle with yourself about whether or not you will do it.

Resources: Ask God for this grace and thank Him each time you are faithful to this commitment. Give God the glory.

Jan 12, 2012, 09:55AM PST | 4 comments | 9 cheers