have a reverent, passionate, inspired, enlightened prayer life

There are periods in which I have little difficulty keeping God in my thoughts and my actions. It seems like second-nature to think of how my actions reflect my Catholic dedication to Christ.

There are other times when it is such a struggle to take time out of my day to consider aspects of Christian living as they affect my everyday life. On these occasions, I recite a forced prayer or express thanks for something simple. I then feel guilty and ashamed of my lack of enthusiasm.

I want God to smile on me and be happy with my works. I want to always be zealous in my spiritual life, particularly in my relationships with others.

In order to do this at times when I feel less than ardent, I will focus on the words of St. Francis of Assissi – Preach the Gospel at all times – use words when necessary.

How I intend to enhance my prayer life:

-By sometimes following the ACTS guide:
Adoration
Confession
Thanksgiving
Supplication

-Spending time early in the morning to ‘set apart’ my day.

-Pray while I’m doing mindless chores (will also put me in a good mood).

-Pray for my husband 3 times a day (when he wakes up, when he goes to work/midday, when he goes to bed).

-Pray daily for my children.

... i really want to be close to God. There’s so much to ask for, so much to wonder about…

Prevailing prayer is prayer that is reverent, passionate, inspired, and enlightened, as our goal suggests. It is subjecting oneself to the will of the Lord, praying with the power of the Holy Spirit, and waiting on the Lord patiently.

These are some great articles on “Prevailing Prayer” from heart-talks.com. The site is a little hard to navigate; so the links to the series of articles (8 webpages) are below.

The Nature of Prayer
http://www.heart-talks.com/prevailgprayer01.html

Essentials in Prayer: Reverence, Humility in Prayer, Faith and Reason, Trials and Triumphs of Faith
http://www.heart-talks.com/prevailgprayer02.html

Trials and Triumphs of Faith
http://www.heart-talks.com/prevailgprayer03.html

The Gethsemane Prayer, How to Offer Prevailing Prayer, The Power of Jesus’ Name
http://www.heart-talks.com/prevailgprayer04.html

Secret Prayer, United Prayer, Public Prayer
http://www.heart-talks.com/prevailgprayer05.html

The Answer, The Kingly Power of Believers
http://www.heart-talks.com/prevailgprayer06.html

The Kingly Powers of Believers
http://www.heart-talks.com/prevailgprayer07.html

The Spirit’s Aid in Successful Prayer, The Christian’s Power-house
http://www.heart-talks.com/prevailgprayer08.html