Father Selvam,
I very much enjoy your sermons and reflections. I have been used to praying by asking God for favours, but as you often invite your readers to, I would like to experience having a deeper connection and conversation with God. I was told that one can experience this by sitting quietly and focusing on the Holy Eucharist, I have tried this for a few short times and find other thoughts creeping into my mind and getting distracted. Would you please share with me how I can pray effectively, and particularly the Jesus prayer.
Thanks and best regards, B.
Dear B,
Thank you very much for your interest in prayer, and taking the time to write a query to me. It is really the grace of God (Spirit of God) that leads us in prayer. Therefore, I would like to invite you to appreciate the presence of the Spirit in your decision to move from “asking God for favours” to “having a deeper connection and conversation with God.” We thank God for this!!
I would like to suggest two points for your consideration:
1. Distractions in prayer should not discourage us from being there – just being available – for God! Human mind is all the time thinking of something. In prayer, we just direct our the focus of our mind and heart on God/Jesus/the Spirit. On the other hand, repeated distractions do teach us something about ourselves – our concerns and desires!! So sometimes when you realise you have been distracted, then bring that distraction in prayer and ask God, what does this distraction about your shallow desires. Then focus your attention on deeper desires – God!
2. It is better to choose a method of prayer (not necessarily rosary or using books) with which we can focus on God. In the link below I have listed some of the methods of prayer that i myself personally use. Pick and use your favourite. Try out some before you fix on a few.
Of course, the choice of the method of prayer will be determined by your age, life-style, the ambient, etc. Generally, I find the repetition of sentences very helpful, and particularly jesus prayer. For some guidelines on how to pray the Jesus Prayer… click on the link: http://www.sahayaselvam.org/2011/02/13/jesus-prayer/
I hope this has been helpful. In your moments of prayer, you could also lift up my poor-soul to the loving presence of God. And remember, the decision to sit in prayer is an act of free will – our personal choice… but what will actually happen in prayer is the Grace of God.