I grew up praying most of the time asking for help with my immediate issues or praying for others that needed immediate help. I remember as a kid I would say all my prayers at Church on Sunday after I received communion or right before I would go to bed. I was never taught on how to pray for myself, pray for others and to have a consistent practice.
Out of desperation I had to create a daily prayer practice that made sense to me that connected me with God, helped me on my journey and helped others while maintaining a sense of calmness and trust that everything will be ok.
This daily practice started over twenty years ago. It started first as a discipline, then a commitment and now is a devotion. A devotion and love for God, myself and others.
This is a simple daily practice that has only a few tweaks from time to time. Right when I wake up in the morning and I’m fully awake I say my first prayer. Thank you for another day, how can I serve you. This get up prayer has changed over the years as I’ve continued to deepen my practice. I’m at a place where this one hits home and accomplishes where I’m at today in my life. Gratefulness for Life, Helping Me while Helping Others.
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The heart of the practice is the daily Rosary. Again I wasn’t taught how to do this, where to do this; I did it out of desperation and this is at the CORE of my practice. This is a non-negotiable practice I do every morning for at least 20 minutes. When I started 20 years ago I was doing this once a week and gradually over time it became a daily practice. The point I’m trying to make here is I wanted to do something daily that helped me stay connected to God. By taking this approach, this time has been my most precious time where the daily ritual has turned into a friendship. Once in awhile this can turn into a conversation or meditation and last up to an hour. When this happens it happens naturally.
The heart of the practice is the daily Rosary. Again I wasn’t taught how to do this, where to do this; I did it out of desperation and this is at the CORE of my practice.
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Throughout the day I will say a prayer during activities such as being thankful before eating meals, and before and after yoga. These daily repetitions keep me connected to all.
Another helpful practice is praying for others. This is a daily practice and has become effortless. See we all have a piece of God in us and it’s that piece that connects us all.
Here are some examples:
Anytime I walk I pray for anyone that crosses my path. Most of the time it’s a stranger and I look them in the eyes say Hello and say to God please bless this person.
After yoga class. I thank God for this beautiful practice, my health and body and ask him to bless all the souls in the room.
Prayer is the highest honor we can give one another. It’s one of the most sacred and beautiful things we each possess. When we learn how to use it for the highest good, we become connected to all. When we feel that connection we know we are home. We are FREE!
Many blessings on your Prayer Practice!
Live Brave,
Chris
This article originally appeared on Chris Forte’s Blog
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