Reflect
As athletes from around the world gather to compete in this year’s Summer Olympics, we’re reminded that much of our lives is driven by competition: for jobs, resources, even in our relationships. What a relief it is to turn to prayer amid the rat race and “keeping up with the Joneses.” However, the temptation can sometimes be to treat prayer as a competition, of sorts, by thinking that if we just “pray harder” or “pray better,” we’ll somehow be closer to God or a better person of faith. Even in the spiritual exercise that is prayer, we need God’s help to let go so that we can truly immerse ourselves in God’s healing presence.
Pray
God,
I spend so much time comparing myself to others,
Speculating over their various perceived faults or superpowers.
Help me to put a stop to that toxic way of thinking,
And remind me in your gentle way that life’s not about winners and losers,
Or who “deserves” to be awarded and who doesn’t.
May I find the grace to detach from my ego
And begin to walk the path of prayer with sincerity and newfound hope.
Amen.
Act
Prayer, though not a sport, does take practice. Fortunately, there are many “coaches” and “trainers” in our Catholic tradition who can help. From St. Augustine (“Late have I loved you, Beauty so ancient and so new”) to Padre Pio, who reminded us to “Pray, hope, and don’t worry,” we are a Google search away from guidance from the masters of the form.
