One of the topics that I’m most commonly asked to speak on as a Catholic evangelist is prayer. And it makes sense since I wrote a testimonial/devotional book on prayer. But even so, at times I still see prayer as a chore rather than a response to God’s invitation to be in relationship with Him.

I do have little check-ins with the Lord throughout the day, listen to gospel or contemporary praise music, and give a “Praise You Jesus!” as often as the moment arises, but I still hunger for more time with God. At the same time, the more I think about what to pray and when to pray and for how long, I get slightly overwhelmed and just move on to the next item on my to-do list.

I don’t want my relationship with God to just be an item on my to-do list.

And neither does God.

In today’s Gospel reading (Matthew 6:9-13), Jesus gives us the “Our Father” prayer. It reminds us that God, Who is life itself, is greater than all things, giver of all good things, and unfathomably more merciful than we can imagine. And He loves us!

If you feel as though prayer is burdensome, tiring, or the thought of it annoys you, I invite you to be honest with the Lord. Ask Him to reveal to you where these feelings are coming from, why they are persisting, and how you can grow from them. That honest communication is itself a beautiful prayer.

Our Father, please ignite our desire for You and help us respond to Your infinite love with faith and discipline. Amen.

[bctt tweet="Our Father, please ignite our desire for You. // @chikasworld" username="blessedisshe__"]

listen to today’s devotion