Two weeks ago, I wrote about how our activities and surroundings shape who we become, and how daily prayer fits into that: spending time with God is how we want to be shaped as disciples of Christ.

This week, I have been thinking of how we approach prayer, and liturgy in general. Do we rush into it and through it, like it’s a chore, or do we spend time preparing for it, so that the quality of our time with God becomes our focus, rather than just going through the motions? Are we distracted during our prayers or during the Mass, thinking of everything under the sun except God?

What are we doing in the moments before we pray? Are we gossiping, slandering, judging others, or engaging in activities or behaviour that contrast with the act of worship? Do we spend the rest of our day rushing and neglecting our call to be disciples of Christ?

Even if we are visiting and chatting before Mass in a well-meaning way, how does that impact the way we enter into the act of worship? Do we spend sufficient time readying our bodies, minds, and souls to meet God in prayer and praise, or do we find ourselves rushing in, unprepared?

None of these questions are meant as judgement; we are all susceptible to all of these behaviours. But if we truly want our time with God to convert our hearts, our hearts must be prepared and willing to be converted. From time to time it can be helpful to ‘take inventory’ of our hearts, so that we remain on the path, or come back to it if we have strayed. May God lead us and guide us as we do so, this week and always.

Mother Amanda

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