Reading the lives of saints and catholic authors I have always felt inadequate in the “never ceasing to pray” department. I thought it impossible to always have God on my mind and lips. The idea of thinking of God 24/7 seemed exhausting. How could I get anything done if I was always praying? In one of the older catholic prayer books I was blessed to have been given, it was recommended to start with a short prayer. A simple, “Help me God” or “Thank you Jesus”. It seemed silly and childish, but easy! I wanted to praise God and think of Him, but distractions were ample with crying children, dirty floors…
My excuse for not praying more was always time and lack of quiet. A couple of years ago I read, Holiness for Housewives and Other Working Women. While reading this book it finally dawned on me that He doesn’t expect me to pray the same routine as a cloistered nun or even as a woman whose children have left the nest. I didn’t need to have an hour a day by myself to read scripture and meditate. My prayer has to be of the work variety.
I offer up cleaning the same floor four times in the span of two hours because of milk, tracked in chicken poop, potty training toddler, and dog-water-bucket-splashing-children-who-should-know-better. God is praised for the miracle of life as I wash perfect baby toes and soft toddler curls. God is thanked for the wonderful husband who works hard to provide for us as I prepare dinner. God’s creation is marveled at his while taking nature walks with my young explorers. God’s wisdom is sought as I struggle to answer about evil in the world to growing adolescents. God’s peace is sought as I try to stay calm with the chaos of eight little people around me. Reflection of the Gospel story is pondered while I pray the rosary folding laundry, doing dishes, or cuddling freshly bathed PJ wearing children during our evening family rosary. My scripture reflections are often from one of the children’s school books. God’s holy saints are learned about from Lucas when he retells a story from one of his Seton books. (When I win the lotto I never play, I want to get the full Seton curriculum for all my kids.) Even illness is an opportunity to offer praise and gratitude to our Father! Illness is a great guilt reliever to stay in bed and read the Bible, or about the life of a Saint of my choosing.
In the beginning of my quest for more time in prayer I would often forget my goal. Anxiety about managing life or just “busyness” would distract me. For me it has been a slow habit to form. Having religious objects and pictures around the house serves as a great reminder. Teaching the children to say a prayer as an emergency vehicle passes or for souls in purgatory when passing the cemetery, and Grace before meals helps because they don’t forget and enjoy these family prayer times. When it takes my exhausted, scattered brain three or four tries to say one Our Father and actually concentrate on all the words, I know that God is happy with my small imperfect attempt to connect with Him. God has blessed me with my many “interrupters”. He expects me to pray through their care not despite it!