Yes, If You Use Your Own Prayer Language.
Do you struggle praying daily?
I did. For years.
But no matter what I felt, I prayed anyway. That was the “teaching” and “rule” for good Christians like me.
So each day, I went into my room and talked to God.
30 minutes, I was taught. So 30 minutes I did.
Some days, it was Ok.
Some days, it was like being root-canalled.
Or lipo-suctioned. (Just in case you’re wondering, I’ve never experienced it, but my friends tell me it’s torture.)
During those difficult days of prayer, every part of me wanted to get out of that room. I felt so dry. So empty. So distant from God.
And I didn’t know why. Why did I feel so depressed?
I simply concluded it was the spiritual dryness that saints experienced regularly (Ahem.) I read that St. Therese of Avila had spiritual dryness that lasted for 20 years. Who was I to complain?
Until I stumbled upon what I now call “Prayer Language”.
Today, I realize that perhaps many people’s spiritual dryness come from simply not loving themselves. How? By not respecting their own personality, not listening to their needs, and not using their own prayer language.
My Spiritual Arrogance
Once upon a time, I thought there was only one way of praying: My way!
My way of praying meant going to a room, sitting down or standing up, and singing, listening, and talking to God. For years, I’d teach people to do this exact same thing. I called it “Prayer Time” and it had only one definition—Mine.
I remember a woman who said, “Bo, I do my gardening every morning. And when I do, I imagine Him gardening beside me. Surrounded by the fresh air and the beauty of the flowers around me, I spend time with Him. As I dirty my hands with the soil of the earth, I’m blessed. And I feel so refreshed each morning…”
I frowned at her. I said, “That’s nice. But you still need a formal prayer time where you go into a room—and then sit down and stand up. And then use A.C.T.S.—Adoration, Contrition, Thanksgiving, and Supplication…”
Forgive me Lord for my spiritual arrogance!
Perhaps a part of me looked down on anyone who was having too much fun in their prayer life. How could she when I was suffering through my prayers?
I never saw that she was probably closer to God than I was.
Because God made her a gardener. And He was meeting her in the garden. God was talking to her with the prayer language He gave her.
What Is Your Prayer Language?
I still meet people who insist that others pray the way they pray.
“You should go to the Blessed Sacrament and kneel for an hour…”
“You should pray in tongues…”
“You should pray the Liturgy of the Hours…”
“You should pray, worship, jump, and dance like in a prayer meeting…”
“You should pray the rosary…”
“You should pray in quiet, emptying your mind…”
All of the above are prayer languages.
But never the language.
There is no such thing.
Today, I tell people to discover their own prayer language.
I did.
And boy, did I feel relieved that my prayer language wasn’t going into a room and doing the A.C.T.S. No wonder I had great difficulty! I felt disconnected.
My Prayer Language?
Here’s what I do for my daily time with God….
In the morning, I walk out of the house and pray in tongues. That’s just a few minutes of walking slowly, absorbing the sunlight, and inhaling God’s Presence and the beauty of the new day. I claim the blessings of the day. I pray the Novena to God’s Love prayer. (Note: I mail this Novena to all those who partner with my ministry and sign up in www.kerygmafamily.com FREE.)
Why do I pray outside? Because I love nature. I feel God’s Presence much more outdoors than indoors. That’s just how God made me.
I then go into the house, fire up my laptop, and “pray” my Dreambook. This is a 15-page document that lists my ultimate mission in life. (My mission in life is composed of 4 words: “To Communicate God’s Love”.) It also lists my long-term dreams as well as my goals for the year. Why do I pray this way? Because God designed my psychology as a “futurist”.
And then, I start writing. I write my prayers, my reflections, and my insights. When I do this, I feel God’s Presence in a very palpable way. Why? Because God made me a writer, and writing is my prayer language.
I no longer struggle much when I pray.
I love praying. I have fun.
Because now, prayer can be all these activities and more.
Because I’m not stuck with one way of praying.
Because I’m using my prayer language—the language God gave me.
Because prayer is a relationship, not a fixed set of things to do imposed upon me by other people.
Hey, I’ve now come to respect the prayer languages of my friends too…
Examples of Prayer Languages
· One of my friends is a music lover. So each morning, he plays his worship CD. And he sings along for the next 8 to 10 songs, worshipping the Lord. He tells me that this prayer time really connects him to the Lord.
· My athletic uncle jogged daily. (He’s 80 now, so he’s slowed down.) But for years, he ran for miles. And he told me that each morning, he’d talk to God like the Almighty was jogging right beside him.
· A friend loves quiet. She walks to a nearby chapel and spends quiet time before the Blessed Sacrament. She loves it.
Praying Creatively In Difficult Circumstances
Some friends pray in creative ways by the force of their circumstances. In my immature days, I used to judge them, insisting that they “find” proper time for God. Today, I’ve come to admire them very much…
· A friend lives in Sta. Rosa Laguna and travels two hours to work and another two hours going home. She can sleep only 4 hours a day. But thanks to the heavy roadwork now in South Luzon Express Way, her relationship with God has been repaired too. Half of her travel time, she sleeps. And the other half, she turns the bus into her private chapel.
· A new mother can only grab snippets of prayer when she makes her baby sleep. Her “lullabies” are worship songs.
Friend, are you having difficulty praying daily?
What is your prayer language?
Tell me about it in the comments below. And share it to the world too. Someone might get encouraged by your way of praying.
And yes, forward this article to anyone who needs encouragement to pray!
May your dreams come true,
Bo Sanchez
PS. Do you want to homeschool your kids? Read the 16 reasons why my wife and I have been homeschooling our kids for the past 4 years. Log on now at www.catholicfilipinoacademy.com and read my articles about it.
PS2. Build your wealth so you can share it! Join my powerful How To Be Truly Rich Seminar. This seminar will change your financial life. To know more about it, click here.
PS3. For serious students only: Do you want to become a true millionaire? Then you need true millionaire Mentors to guide you. I’m sharing to you my very own team of millionaire Mentors! Join my Truly Rich Financial Coaching Program. For more information, click here.
PS4. Do you want to earn money through your own business? And do you want to earn money through the internet? These coming months, two powerful seminars can change your financial life! If you want to earn money through the internet, then this is what you’ve been waiting for... Click here for details.
PS5. Join now and be blessed! When you join a borderless, international, non-physical community called www.kerygmafamily.com, you receive daily Bible reflections, a Kerygma digital magazine each month, and a mountain load of other great nourishment for your spiritual life for FREE. Plus a whole world of friends who believe in what you believe in! You can also (optional) support our ministry of sharing God’s love to as many people as possible through media evangelization and our work for the poorest of the poor. Log on at www.kerygmafamily.com now!
Every morning... I always say to God: "Praise to you Lord Jesus, maraming maraming maraming maraming salamat kasi buhay na naman ako... Maraming salamat kasi nakakakita ako, nakakarinig ako, nakakalakad ako, nakakaamoy ako, nakakadama ako....
ReplyDeleteI always try to be grateful, affirming and positive each day... .. because we really live in a very nice world if we choose to change our attitude each day...
(^____________________________^)
Heres how i prayed every morning.....i praise God so much coz He give another life again, another chance to correct the wrong ive done....His so Amazing, because He give us a beatiful earth....the Nature! and the people around us who teach us how to be strong, to experience again the challenges of this day. and i prayed for all the people around me, like all the families here on earth...May they find peace and love on their own family and heart.
ReplyDeletesilence is the original language.
ReplyDeleteit's a nice article...we are created differently and so we can pray to God in the best way He can understands us...WE may pray in our own creative way, but what's really important is our HEART to praise Him, to love him and to be with his presence...Me, i love listening to music and as I sing along with it I would pray deep down my heart and soul...It is really fun to Pray, TARA NA PRAY NA TAYO!
ReplyDeletemadaming salamat!!! God answered my prayer!!! i was struggling with my prayer life too and always thought of myself lacking in prayer because I can't keep a quiet time with Him inside my room. hindi pala yun ang language of prayer ko... now i can say that my language of prayer is talking to Him in every second possible.. i always ask Him of the things around me and would always thank Him for all the simple things.. everytime I remember a person or an event, i will always pray for that person because I learned through time that it is God's way of reminding me to pray for that person or event... i will always try to find Him in everything that I do and would always ask Him questions that tickles my mind... :) i will always smile at Him for making me smile... :) all the while i am praying na pala... :) ang galing!!! praise God for you Bo!!! :) it was just today that i've asked my friend to pray for me to always remember to ask God in prayer always
ReplyDeletelove it tatay bo! =)
ReplyDeleteisa din aku sa nagstruggle sa prayertime ko. and i also thought na i should pray that way you first described it. pero one of my nanays in yfc told me a truth about prayer and yun lang ang pinanghahawakan ko until now.
'wla sa posture, sa salitang inuusal, sa tagal. praying is all about the sincerity of your heart. its between you and your God.'
me, i have different ways to pray. most of the time, silent time to reflect and to listen to the Lord. pag gabi, naglalakad ako pauwe, i look at the night sky and talk to the Lord. part of my prayerlife din xempre ang daily readings from the bible and if pag may time, makapagsulat ng articles. even sa byahe i talk to the Lord.
madali akong mapagod at kay Lord lang ako nakakakuha ng tunay na pahinga.
GodBless everybody. ^-^
Thank you for this wonderful soul food! yes, i also went through the time when I felt prayer was too difficult, and I felt guilty about it. but now i came to realize that God is so good you just have to be yourself when you talk to him, be comfortable in His presence. And that's what I do. I talk to Him everytime; mostly uttering one-sentence prayers. I share to HIm what I feel, what's on my mind. My prayer time is all the time. It can be a silent 1/2 hour at church, having a concert in my car singing worship songs, a structured prayer, a short thanksgiving for whatever blessing he gave me at the moment (i.e. a parking space).. anything that the Spirit leads me to do. What's important is that I feel and acknowledge His presence.
ReplyDeleteGod bless everyone!
Thank you for this inspiring and informative article, Bo!
ReplyDelete'Many people confused the moon with their pointing finger,' this is one quote from another religion. It's nice to know that we acknowledge our individualism, even in prayer. The important thing is that, we make it a loving conversation with God. We talked to Him, then we also listen. All in the name of Love and with Love. So pray your way to God!
I work in a chain drug pharmacy and it involves a great deal of customer service to sick people. Many times, people take out their frustrations to us - the very people who are there to deliver their medicine.
ReplyDeleteOn the way to work each morning, I pray the Morning Prayer of St Francis de Sales:
Lord Jesus, I offer you this new day because I believe in You, love You, hope all things in You, and thank You for all your blessings. I am sorry for having offended You and forgive others for having offended me. Lord look on me and leave in me Your peace, courage, and Your humble wisdom so that I may serve others with joy and be pleasing to You all day. Amen.
Then I say my own prayers:
I lift up all the people whom I will be working/speaking with today. Holy Spirit guide and enlighten us that we may see Jesus in each other. Jesus, You are the Great Healer, use me to help your people, send them the healing that they need.
This prayer helps me start the day focused on serving with the Lord.
God bless everyone!
i am so relieved to read this article! im a mother of 2 ... a 2yr old and a 5mos old ... i also work ... my prayer time? your right bo! everytime i look at my kids ..i cant help but praise God for my blessings ... i still miss my bible reading time with my hubby ... we will work on having it again everyday ... but for now thanks Bo!
ReplyDeleteI have been wondering lately how I can start having a disciplined prayer life. After reading the article, I found peace thinking that I can pray in any "language". Thanks Bo, I am hoping for a closer relationship with God because after all, He is all that matters.
ReplyDeleteas of now I am experiencing my spiritual dryness I always pray but it seems God is too far sometimes my mind flies in the middle of my prayer but still I continue praying I really feel guilty but after reading this article it gives me joy and relief maybe I haven't discover yet my prayer language. I will do my best to find it out. I hope it won't take too long just like st. therese 20 yrs. of spiritual dryness :) I know God will help me to find my special prayer language for Him. Thanks Bro. Bo for always inspiring me.
ReplyDeleteHi Bo,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing that you also struggle in your prayer time. I do. I usually say a little prayer in the house, a few messages to God of thanksgiving before going to bed and in the morning. Sometime, just a sign of the cross. Sometimes, we pray as a family with my wife and 4 children. What I usually do is I pray the rosary (daily as much as possible) inside my car while travelling to the office, at least for 15 minutes, though struggling because of what you see outside. As much as possible, attend mass daily (if not in early morning, during lunch time). When we travel out of town, I lead the prayer together with my family. My dream one day is to have my own van (for family and business use) where I can see myself playing praise and worship CDs and praising God in a more big space.
God bless Bro. Bo.!
Louie
bo, you know i pray everyday, even pray the rosary, chaplet of the divine mercy, and Moning prayers before
ReplyDeleteiread my bible, is good to have spent time with the lord
everytime, everyday!
Thanks so much brother bo!!! im always refreshed and inspired everytime i read ur article...while working in the office once in a while i take a look at my window and talk to the trees and the sky and everytime i do that i always feel refreshed and alive...i never thought prayer time ko na pala yun...kasi always feel God's loving presence...
ReplyDeletePart of my prayer is watching Preacher in Blue Jeans and meditating on the insights that you, Bro. Bo., give.
ReplyDeleteAlso, when I pray using the internet, I go to the following sites: www.sacredspace.ie and follow through what it says; www.soundof majesty.org and listen to sacred music and log on to www.kerygmafamily.com to read the Bible readings there.
If I can't do that, I just bring along Companion and medidate on God's word when I travel. When I'm driving, I pray the rosary and listen to radio veritas or DZFE FM.
God is everywhere and we just have to make a conscious effort to acknowledge His presence. "Be still and know that I am God," as scripture says. Sometimes, stillness could be very difficult to acheive thought.
But then again, as you, Bro. Bo, yourself said in last Sunday's feast, it is also important that our life become our prayer; that our lifestyle reflects our prayer.
I guess, my personal issue then is not so much my praying or prayer language, but in living my prayer. This is where I constantly struggle at. I pray yet almost instantaniously afterwards, I do something opposite to what I am praying.
Perhaps you, Bro. Bo, could write about that someday.
Thank and God bless you, your ministry and all the people that help you spread God's love.
Just the right timing. Recently, I am feeling guilty for the lack of prayer time due to work overloads and a lot of sport activities. Whenever I got home, after I say my Thank You Jesus, I just fall asleep instantly coz I am dead tired already. I cannot even remember the last time I pray the rosary.
ReplyDeleteBut thanks to Bo Sanchez daily Bible Reading and reflections. I manage to read God's work every morning before starting to work. But you're right, everybody has their own prayer language. Being in a sales, I am always on the road driving. I would usually play my favorite Christian songs while driving. I would usually talk to Jesus (just talk, while sharing all my thoughts, fears and dreams) while struck in traffic. I would usually say my Thank You to Jesus while seeing those beggars, street pedlars knowing that I have been more blessed in so many ways. However, I still believe, that we still need to do the ACTS and pray our Novenas more regularly.
God Bless!
I love coffee! so my prayer time is my coffee time with God. Every morning and after lunch is my "coffee" appointment and date with Him. It's so refreshing each day knowing that i have conversations over coffee with my Jesus!
ReplyDeletevisit my site. www.mercygrass.blogspot.com
in the morning, i sing then stay quiet for a while and worship and thank God. then throughout the day, in my heart and in my mind, i offer every household chore or anything i do for the different intentions/petitions of family and friends.
ReplyDeletealso, i always look for opportunities to serve. and i just enormously feel being with my Lord while serving... talking to Him, singing to Him, consulting Him, complaining to Him, asking for His guidance, ventilating my feelings, praying for someone, confessing to Him, thanking Him, crying to and/or laughing with Him, praising Him.
listening to our tapes and CDs quiets my soul too.
it's truly wonderful just being in His presence all throughout the day!
Bo , Everyday I feel guilty for not praying to God in a formal way, just what I learned from my grand parents that I have to go to my room ,kneel down and pray solemnly.
ReplyDeleteI cannot do this because when I used to follow such thing the tendency is I will yawn and feel sleepy.
Everyday, when I take a walk having my morning exercise and even going to the office
I talk to God as if He was my partner walking asking forgiveness for not praying him in a formal way because my thinking is that talking to Him is not a way of praying him.
Now thanks Bo, because you give me an insight that we can use our own prayer language to the Lord and it disappear my guilt feeling everyday.
Now my prayer is going to be fun, coz I will not spend much of my time asking forgiveness to Him.
Bo,
ReplyDeletei pray with the Spanish version of OUR FATHER followed by the Our Lady Of Prompt Succor novena...isn't that enough to feel the presence of God?
but i did talk to God everyrtime i got no one to talk to,esp when i felt really bad and very frustrated.
But when i did commit a sin i feel much ashamed to talk to him as well as praying the our father and the novena.
I only have this one sentence prayer, "Thank you Lord for all the blessings that you have given to us this day."
ReplyDeleteThanks for the inspiration. Have a blessed day!
I am blessed. I want to share something when i was in college... i used to "tumingala sa langit just to say thank you Lord" every now and then, and one of my classmate's friend saw me and he thought i'm a weird guy, haha. Now i know that was my prayer language because everytime i'm looking at the sky... i feel so relieved... i feel so light. Now i will going to do it again. Dake dake yaman (salamat) Bro. Bo.
ReplyDeleteearly morning i walk on my treadmill for 20 to 30 mins while listening to worship songs or audio books of bo sanchez, joyce meyer or roseanne romero on my ipod.
ReplyDeletei feel great right after.
my experience tells me that the best time to pray is when my family is still sleeping..
Hi Bo I realy appreciate your inspiring article "Prayer language. This is true and happened to me, the spritual dryness. Every morning and night time I tried to have my prayer time but I always experience spritual dryness, because I'm so exhausted and tired already but I make it sure that I will praise and thank our Lord Jesus. One way that I can communicate from HIM is thru rosary everyday. But I feel guilty then because I know my prayer time in the morning and evening was not enough.
ReplyDeleteNow I know that in any way, I can pray and talk to God in my own little way. Thanks a lot Bo for giving me the idea on how to use my own prayer language.
Dear Bro Bo,
ReplyDeleteAm praying while walking from my residence to our office, while cooking for my family and guests at home, while listening to other's problems, while doing my job, while taking a bath and before going to sleep to thank Him for all the things that happened to me the whole day and repent for the bad things I did and asked Him to help me not to do it again. To prune me, form me and let others saw His goodness through me.
parang ako ung taga Sta. rosa na ginagawang mini chapel ang bus.. and when i go to alabang yung van naman ang mini chapel ko.. kahit san pwede because i know God is listening to me everytime...:p I thank God for making me a prayerful person. I love praying alot it gives me peace of mind and calmness that i need everyday. Pag di ako nagdasal sa isang araw i feel empty at magulo ang buhay...... Thank you bro. bo for your everyday inspiration.. Salamat :p
ReplyDeletei'm worshipping God even when i'm taking a bath..i sing religious songs...even at work...and every time i feel angry, worrying, even if i sinned, i pray to God kahit na napakahirap makapagsalita sa Kanya...after that masarap na ang pakiramdam...grabe..salamat bro bo...akala ko mali tong gingawa ko..na i pray during work kasi hindi ako nakakapunta sa blessed sacrament..pero ang sarap ng pakiramdam kung nagdarasal ka kahit sa opisina na alam mong nsa tabi mo si Lord...praise the Lord..To God be the Glory, forever..thank you..Godbless you and this ministry..
ReplyDeleteI pray every morning while looking at the sky. My bed is near the window so when i wake up i look at the still bluish morning sky. In the silence of the dawn i keep silent, i talk to God, give thanks and ask for guidance.
ReplyDeleteI have another short prayer inside the shower. I talk to Him as if i am talking to my bestfriend.
I also talk to him while on the way to work. And before I go to bed.
I'm currently asking Him to help me sell real property. It's been a month and i am still waiting for His answer.
My own prayer language, when I take a bath, when I'm in a jeep, in a mall, when i'm alone in my room and when Im in the office I will first listen to worship songs and etc. because with His presence I have found my peace.
ReplyDelete"Prayer is simply the sense of God's presence"
Bro. Bo,
ReplyDeleteI make it a point to pray the rosary every morning on my way to work. Then I read the Didache and reflect on the daily gospel. Then I send the reflection to my friends thru text messaging. My prayers are done in such a way like I'm just talking to God in my mind, it's like conversing to a friend, telling Him when I'm upset or when I'm happy, and finally giving thanks to Him for the countless blessings that He showers me everyday. :D
In everything we do, we always have the opportunity to be with God. As Fr. Escriva said, even our work could always be sanctified to God. Therefore, we can use every time of our lives everyday to talk with God. But I also give my time to read the daily scripture so I can be in tune with the church everyday also. Also, it send us messages to guide us.
ReplyDeletethanks for the inspiring message, Bro Bo!
ReplyDeletelike you, my "prayer language" is writing. I usually keep a journal and sometimes when I read through what I write, it strikes me again as something new..(even though it just flowed thru my pen a few seconds before).
I look to it as His way of communicating to me.
I also pray using 'prayer beams.' I like watching other people when I commute to/from my school or to the hospital. When I see other people who I sense are not having a great day or look anxious, I "send" a prayer to them. :-)
thank you always for the inspiring articles!
May He bless you and your family always..
i also like reading the responses of the other readers so thanks and God bless to them, too!
I love God's embrace! =)
ReplyDeleteBro. Bo, thank you so much for being one of my guides in living life as God's love gave me. You're articles inspire me soooo much.
Godbless you and more blessings to you and your community. Godbless! =)
dear bo,
ReplyDeletemy daily prayer?...i hear mass daily,that's my way of praying..i feel everyday for me is complete with the LORD,when i receive HIM in the liturgy of the eucharist..
Everyday when I wake up and before I close my eyes I say "Thank you Lord for this day, for all the blessings for everything and sorry for my weaknesses and most importantly You are the man!" Everything I do, I do it with confindence that God have my back that no matter what happens I will be the one that'll benefit from it, may it be negative or positive. I believe it's how you look and your attitude towards things, thats what really matters. I pray in such a way that God is like my brother and my friend.
ReplyDeleteHi Brother Bo,
ReplyDeleteMy friend forwarded me your wonderful prayer language. Im here in America (Just arrive last Oct. 2008). Every morning I commute to work taking bus then train then bus (1 1/2 hour of travelling). One day I sat beside a man a chinese looking guy at the bart train (Like MRT) and he asked me if I am Filipino and a Catholic and I said yes man your right. He told me that he is a catholic and don't have time to go to the church to communicate with god because of his busy schedule. I told him i think its okay with god as long as you pray to him and give him thanks where ever you are. Just talk to him and he will listen. The next morning we saw each other again and he told me that he prays and communicate to god when ever he wants to riding in the bus, train, lunch, meetings and office time and he feel the presence of god and he thank me for teaching him how. Ako naman i have different way of praying to god, when ever i see beggars here i gave them penny's or any small amount i can give them kasi baka sila si god na nagpapangap na beggar. That's how I pray.
Prayer definitely helped me a lot. Everytime, i get pissed of with people, i usually whisper " Jesus, let me see you in this person" suddenly, i began to like the person. prayer is power.
ReplyDeleteI say good morning Lord sabay inat..Ü.
ReplyDeleteI read didache everymorning, then I follow up by reading the relevant bible passage for the day. It's true that sometimes I feel that God is far away even while praying, but I remember a quote from my favorite tv show joan of arcadia where God said "I've always been here, its just that you refused to see me." That somehow helps. Also I write my prayer reflections in my journal. Its my "no holds barred" conversation with God, and I tell Him everything I'm feeling through my journal.
ReplyDeleteThanks bro.bo for that inspirational soulfood.
Thanks Bro. Bo for this soulfood about prayer. I do feel dryness in my prayer now because I know that have to pray during my set prayer time w/c I can't do because of my 2 kids and always feel exhausted. Now at least I can pray with my own language...while baby sitting, cooking, walking...etc.
ReplyDeleteBo, this is a very good post. It makes praying more meaningful :-)
ReplyDeleteI still struggle to pray everyday. My days are usually packed, I wake up and jump out of the bed immediately, go to the bathroom and do everything to finish preparing for work as fast as I can as I'm usually running late. After work I rush to the gym or to badminton and work out til late (around 11 to 12mn). I get home really tired and try to pray before I fall asleep but then since I'm usually super tired, I fall asleep before finishing. That was my daily routine until I started praying in the car, while driving to work. I admit that sometimes my mind tends to wander but I feel that that's ok since the first part of my prayer is usually filled with giving thanks to God for the blessings He's given me and my family while the last part is usually about the things I'm praying for...so becoming distracted from asking too much is ok in my book.
ReplyDeletedear bro Bo,
ReplyDeletethanks for the inspiration, i thought before my prayer language was far different from my community's way of prayer, ACTS. i love praying ACTS with the community and when im alone in my room i hug my bible, hold my rosary and have fun talking to God. when i feel afraid or troubled i hold tight to my rosary and pray, i do the same when im happy also..in a day, in everything i do (especially when im teaching) when i look at my students, i always smile and say a prayer of thanksgiving to God..
Prayers can make miracles also..because we believe in His mercy..
God Bless us all..
Bo, with due respect to you, please allow me to invite your members to try contemplative prayer as an avenue to have a deeper and meaningful relationship with God.
ReplyDeleteFor those who wish to know more about contemplative prayer, you are all invited every Thursday 2:30-4:30 or 5:30-7:30 to join the Dominican Sisters of Regina Rosarii (Queen of the Rosary) at #70 Scout Fernandez St. Bgy. Laging Handa, Q.C. From Tomas Morato, look for Chili's restaurant, that is Scout Fernandez. Go towards Scout Tuazon. Please wear subdued colors, bring socks, and put your mobile phone on silent mode.
God bless you all!
I'm living in Abu Dhabi but I work in Dubai, so I have to travel close to 300km per day (imagine that). Am I complaining..YES! Everyday I always ask GOD to help me find a job in Abu Dhabi. But by travelling that far, I was able to pray and talk to GOD in the morning and evening while driving. I would even raise my voice in praise, sing (ahem) ,lift one hand at a time (of course).
ReplyDeleteI would talk to him as if HE is beside me and all the Angels and Saints are at the back seat...and it really amazes me of how powerful prayer is.
Although, I've been asking GOD for a job in Abu Dhabi (persistently) to be close to my family.
Thank you for the beautiful insight.., Bro. Bo! I'll share mine. To pray is indeed difficult and at times impossible if in the first place the Holy Spirit will not open the door of my heart and enkindle the fire of His love that will burn all things that impede me from communicating with my God...pride, impatience, boredom...and attitudes that complicate things made simply...Che Dio ci benedica e risplenda su di noi la luce del suo volto!
ReplyDeleteHi Bo,
ReplyDeleteThanks for this encouraging words of wisdom!
Every morning..I said, "Thank You, Holy Spirit, Jesus and Father God..."
I said, "I expect something good is going to happen to me today. I expect the blessings of God will overtake upon me today. Because this is the day that the LORD has made and I will rejoice and be glad in it."
Glory to GOD !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
James Parmis
http://www.JamesParmis.com
Hi Bro. Bo,
ReplyDeleteI always thought that prayer is structured, kasi nga with so many novenas to different saints and rosary and 12 noon angelus, 3pm habit, 6pm angelus with the family.
It was only the time I personally experienced prayer during the weakest part of my life. I felt God embraced me and He comforts me. I am very thankful that through my sfc community I continually experience His Unconditional Love.
Now, I see to it that my life is a prayer each day. To live in love, praise and glorifying my Maker and Savior. God is not limited by space and time. He knows us and calls us even in sleep.
One of my prayer language, when my day is full of hectic schedules. I usually pray a personal prayer in the morning to thank Him for new day ahead and in the evening to praise Him for his providence and guidance the whole day then I read scriptures until I felt my eyes droop. Then I put on my mp3 player on one ear and sleep. (Note: the mp3 player plays the downloaded Bo Talks from Kerygma online).
Would you believe that during my deep sleep at the wee hours of dawn, I would wake up and guess what? The topic of the talk I am hearing in my mp3 player is so striking to me as if God is telling me this is my message for you. For this may God be praised!
wow, thanks for this. :)
ReplyDeletei have to admit that lately, ive been having a hard time finding to pray the moment i wake up and before i sleep at night. somehow, i felt guilty for letting continuously happen everyday but then now i realized that i do have my own prayer language and it feels really, really good! ive stacked up a lot of mp3s of worship songs so everytime before i go to bed, id sing a couple of my favorite hymns and it feels better. the same applies in the morning as i prepare myself for work (i suggest those by bukas palad ministry ^^). i like the feeling of singing those songs (never mind if my voice was worth to be part of a choir ^^). aside from that, i also enjoy the quietness of an empty church. there's something in the stillness of the place that makes me fell safe.
I would like to share my prayer language to you guys....since MP3/MP4 are in today, i listen to daily prayer reflections audio which I download weekly at http://www.pray-as-you-go.org/ and audio rosary files you can download at http://www.rosaryarmy.com at I listen to the reflections/pray the rosary while I'm commuting or before I go to sleep, or when I wake up These audio files are free to download... May you have a fruitful prayer language.
ReplyDeleteIn the morning and before slipping...
ReplyDeleteBut the best time I'm doing the talking so intense and so load to GOD is when I'm in the gym house and lifting the loads!
Even it is much perfect every time I'm in the peak of any mountain!
May GOD be with us always....
Yes that's true, a friend of mine once said, that whatever your character is, ganun din ang character ng psycholgy na ina apply sayo ni GOD. He igreat talaga, kung ano feel mong way na makipag usap sa kanya. welcome ka talaga.
ReplyDeleteYeah, it's true. I always find praying a fun thing to do. Whatever i do and wherever i go--writing my journal, eating my fave "ampalya" vege, laughing with friends, cracking jokes, talking with family loveones, riding the PUJ (kahit sobrang init), walking, jogging, etc- I always feel the presence of God...and for me, that is praying.
ReplyDeleteAnd of course, the highest form of prayer of all is the eucharist celebration. I don't only see God face to face. I also receive him each day. Isn't not too fun and amazing?
Yeah, it's true. I always find praying a fun thing to do. Whatever i do and wherever i go--writing my journal, eating my fave "ampalya" vege, laughing with friends, cracking jokes, talking with family loveones, riding the PUJ (kahit sobrang init), walking, jogging, etc- I always feel the presence of God...and for me, that is praying.
ReplyDeleteAnd of course, the highest form of prayer of all is the eucharist celebration. I don't only see God face to face. I also receive him each day. Isn't too fun and amazing?
Yeah, it's true. I always find praying a fun thing to do. Whatever i do and wherever i go--writing my journal, eating my fave "ampalya" vege, laughing with friends, cracking jokes, talking with family loveones, riding the PUJ (kahit sobrang init), walking, jogging, etc- I always feel the presence of God...and for me, that is praying.
ReplyDeleteAnd of course, the highest form of prayer of all is the eucharist celebration. I don't only see God face to face. I also receive him each day. Is'nt too fun and amazing?
I like writing down my thoughts, my feelings, my reflections and my insight on my journal and this is how I pray everyday and I dont limit my journal writing during my personal time with the Lord. I bring along my journal so that whenever I have time, I would just write anything. I have a habit of documenting anything and everything and I guess that's my way of praying and entries on my journal keep me reminded of how God has blessed me through the years and how wonderful and big our God is.
ReplyDeleteVery nice and Inspiring thought ....!
ReplyDeletethanks Bo
Yes, experience ko rin yan parati. Every time I pray the rosary before going to sleep, nakakatulog na ako bago matapos ang lahat ng mysteries. Madami na tuloy ako utang kay Lord. Imagine, 4 mysteries na ako for a particular day then pag kagising ko another mysteries na kasi it's past midnight na. Nakakahiya kay Mama Mary. Now, my prayer is very spontaneous. Upon waking up, I thank the Lord for giving me another day. . . grateful that everything is fine with me and my loved ones. Before going out, I lift everything in His hands . . . that all will be well and will happen according to His will. Besides, He knows what is best for us. That way, I also learned to be patient and humble.
ReplyDeleteIn times of hard times, I always write my concerns and problems and address my letter to Jesus.
Hi Bo,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your unique prayer language. I have always struggled to pray and I have always felt guilty because I came from a conservative family and I studied in a Catholic school from preparatory through college.
I just could not get along with "boxed" prayers because these were not my words and I've always felt they were "uninspiring".
Some years ago I decided that instead of setting a considerable part of my time praying, I will do what I believed will be more concrete and more beneficial to more people. I decided to uphold the value of Respect. Respect for people (especially those who are respected less), respect for the environment, and respect for others' beliefs.
I am happy that whenever I encounter a difficult/different person and I try to be as understanding as possible, I usually am able to do so. I have also come a long way from being my arrogant self because of this. I hope God doesn't mind.
Thanks Bo,
ReplyDeleteYes, i feel tired when i pray a formal prayer. I think that is because, I feel I am not closed to God... maybe because I don't know how powerful God is..
But thanks to you brother Bo, you teach us prayer with passion in so many simple ways.. And because of that, i get closer and closer to God, i feel that praying is just like a text or a phone call away to my friend! and indeed i am a friend of God. :)
Here is my prayer every morning. I wake up in the morning and say SURPRISE ME LORD!! I feel so energetic because I know theres a bunch of blessings ready to deliver for me each day. Every blessings i encountered each day is a gift from God.
God is so Good!
I do my own prayer through writing... i love to write my prayers! i can pour out everything and i can even reread it again and again. I dont really keep all my written prayers. Some of them are placed anywhere inside my envelopes, folders or kit. Because i write my prayers in any piece of paper. Others, i have thrown away.
ReplyDeleteIm just glad Bro. Bo that i followed myself. Though i pray with our common concept of praying, i also allowed myself to follow my heart in a way. Because i believe God told me so. and i believe that with him, i should make myself comfortable. :)
I certainly affirm Bro. Bo for what he speaks about Prayer Language.
ReplyDeleteI myself do pray not using formal prayers, but I do pray by means of listening deeply to my hearts and minds that there is Someone who sustains me and I trust to that Someone who is my God dwelling in my very self.
I do this every morning and every night, surely it gives strenght every time i am weak and joy every time i am sad. Thus, listening the art of silence i meet God who lives in me and a God who acknowledges me for who I am. Thanks Bro. Bo for reminding me again to pray in my own language.
hi brother bo,
ReplyDeleteyou did it again.
me my prayer language is somewhat a mixed of my activities of my daily living. when i wake up in the morning i will read my just for today inspirational book. feel the air(inhale & exhale) even if it is not so fresh..... hehheheh :-). and thank the Lord for the blessings. and tell to myself that this day will be wonderful, will be great. then i go to drink a glass of water feeling how life is wonderful. i've got two routines in talking to God. after i did all this things. if it is weekdays(working days). our office is a walking distance after i ride a jeepney. and from that i have a walk and imagining that the Lord Jesus is beside me so i start talking to Him, making some jokes, laughing, smiling, and there are times also that i am so emotional - sharing a problems. and then asking guidance. that's my way to office. and in the weekend i try to play Him a song. and feeling His applause. and in the evening before i sleep i have a quite moment for the Lord. reflecting on myself, listening to His voice. then have a good night sleep.
but this is not all.... but if i include all the details - i think theres not enough space. hehehhe.
peace be with you ! ! !
let's keep up the good work.
and let's make this world a better world.
Godbless
every time i pray i ask god to let me feel his presence and give me wisdom to understand his word..it's true struggle karamihan sa pagprpray inside his room..mas marami dun disturb..dun ka papasukin nmg kaaway,,,what important is we pray talaga yung taimtim.. kahit may ginagawa ka and you feel you need to pray..pray effective din yun...
ReplyDeleteThanks for writing this article brother Bo! It's the answer of my struggle for such such a long time..
ReplyDeletei'm active in youth ministry. but lately it's become so difficult for me to pray daily. not because I don't have time. but because I'm too busy with my own worries, fear and many other negative things in my life. But hopefully,your article will inspire me to pray again like I used to be.
please pray for me.. and write more articles about prayer life.
God bless you abundantly!
Amen
Hello Bro Bo,
ReplyDeleteTalagang the best ka! God realy put you on that position para mabuksan ang isip ng mga tao patungo sa Kanya. This is another way of technique on how to deal with God. Mabuha ka!
Bo Sanchez, you are one cool preacher! from my Lingkod ng Panginoon days in Greenhills, to my Dubai life, and now my Texas life, your e-preaching has been such nourishment for my soul.
ReplyDeleteMy prayer time? during yoga...meditating on God's love during Savasana...
Thanks Bo. :) ...really...
when i was waiting for the bus...or walking alone...i am talking to HIM...having discussions with HIM...sometimes, together we listened to music...if i was listening to worship songs, i am doing my concert for HIM...FREE! and i knew He was glad...
ReplyDeletebefore my husband and i sleep, we talk to HIM...as in we talk to HIM...we share our thought, our fears, our joy...we give our thanks...we share our dreams, hoping that our dreams is also HIS dreams for us...
With the problem I had with my husband, I was forced to stay in the U.S. with my children. I was able to get a weekend job which gives me a good pay, but the equivalent is that I can't go to Sunday services. However, with the kind of job I have, I am always talking to God especially at nighttime. I have more time for Him now than before. I hear christians songs after my prayer time at night. So maybe, this is my way of praying. Thanks be to God for this opportunity that I am always with Him.
ReplyDeleteI pray to God thru my prayer language: singing. Everytime I sing, I sing for him! So whatever song I sing, whether worship or secular, I sing it for His glory.
ReplyDeleteI also "pray" to Him by simply speaking my heart out, as if I was just talking to a friend. No highfaluting and deep theological terms, just my own simple heart language. Whenever I pray, I feel like He's just in front of me and is eagerly listening to whatever I was telling Him! Like when I'm very happy, I imagine Him jumping up and down with me. Or when I'm sad, I feel His warm embrace while I cry to Him. Ever since I started praying to God in this way, I felt much closer to Him! And praying has never again been a hard chore to do.
Hi Bro. Bo,
ReplyDeletePrayer, i was taught in school , is the lifting up of our hearts and minds to God. As i grow older, i discovered its deeper meaning and its beauty, when i relate to people @ work, @ home, @ the mall, @ the grocery, @ the post office, and in driving... anywhere. God is my invisible yet tangible Companion. I try my best to start my day with attending the Mass, the highest form of prayer.( except when am sick ). Then @ work, when all seems going right, i'd talk to Him, " Praise God! " or when things are challenging, i'd tell Him, " God help me. " My co- workers who heared this from me often, now are uttering the same words! I talk to Him often even in the simplest tasks that i do everyday. I couldn't imagine a life without His Presence. I'd be a flower without water left to wilt in the scorching sun, for He is the Living Water that gives me Life, the Vine that sustains me in life's narrow road. His Friendship is my joy!
Thanks for this beautiful article 'bout prayer! I hope and pray more people will discover its joy and beauty!
God bless you and your family!
strel
thanks for another helpful sharing. loved it once again. i'm not that guilty anymore for not having the same prayer time/language with my husband, who always wake up so early for his quiet time. Thanks for affirming my own prayer language, as a mom of 2.
ReplyDeleteWhen i wake up (usually upon hearing my hungry baby cry), I say my prayer "Thank You, Lord for this new day You've given me. Please bless & protect my family & loved-ones. " Then happily attend to the needs of my husband & kids.
At the breakfast table, I usually lead the prayer which always start with thanking Him for ALL His Blessings to us. And we lift up to him our family, friends, community, our plans, our needs-health, jobs,even financial blessings... and He answers them faithfully!
I enjoy taking care of my kids, always grateful for such a wonderful gift. We always listen to worship/ Christian songs that my 4-yr-old son enjoys singing along, and also my baby's music while asleep. When free, I read & reflect on the articles on Didache, Kerygma, Sabbath & books that inspire me (yours & Joel osteen's Your Best Life Now are my fave).
And at night, and on happy days with family & close friends, I say "Thank You! And We Love You, Lord!" For I could feel His love overflowing...
But pls pray for me that I would have more time to read the Bible and always be a blessing to others.
Thanks & God bless!
Hope to c u soon here in jkta! = )
Bro. Bo,
ReplyDeleteAside from my morning prayers, and sometimes, I do write in my journal as I pray... or rather, I write what I pray, as if I was writing to God.
But what I do most often and more than once a day (which I just realized after reading this...Thanks! And I thought I often miss my daily prayer time). I pray when I ride my motor-bike. Sometimes, I imagine that God is riding with me and I talk to Him, sharing what has happened so far on that day, and asking Him that something good will happen that day. Specially when I want to be alone... I just ride my bike.And during those times, I know that God is riding with me.
Thanks Bro. Bo.
I think this is the way I pray:
ReplyDeleteI'm a moody individual and don't have much patient reading long story books though I'm anxious what the story goes. So whenever my mood tune into reading, I read the bible story (sometimes watching EWTN Geared for Kids bible and Saints life history) and I love it! Before I start doing work I pause and say "Holy Spirit be with me...
i've been experiencing the dryness and emptiness in my soul and i don't know why....
ReplyDeletei used to walk in the morning in going to the ofiz... its time for me to communicate God... sometimes when i am in the bathroom before i took a bath.... i talked to God... i say Him ... thank you for this wonderful day.. pls. help me to overcome all the fears & doubts i have in my heart... pls. help me to become more good christian.. pls. help me to fight all the negative things that hinders in my mind.
during evening... after work, i used to walk alone & i chose for sometimes ... that is also the time that i used to say him thank you for another day (",
what a beautiful article about praying... how could i be so blind..now i know that as i wake up early everyday to prepare breakfast for my family, could be my prayer also..nagiging burden pati pagplano ko ng ng pagkain for the family which is not suppose to be the case if i could just make it my prayer.
ReplyDeleteaside from reading the bible and my gabay, maybe i could offer the time and make it my prayer language..
thanks for the beautiful article, we should never cease to learn, it really pays to pray...
Brother Bo maraming maraming salamat sa pagsisindi mo ng ilaw ng Salita ng Diyos sa aking napakasiglang umaga ito ang nagsisilbing panalangin ko sa Panginoon dahil sa pamamagitan mo pakiramdam ko kasama ko Sya...
ReplyDeleteI try to keep a regular schedule of structured prayer time however being a hands-on-mom while juggling work is really a challenge. Nevertheless, my own prayer practice eversince is just talking to God in evrything that I do. This way I lift up to him all that is happening right away.
ReplyDeleteWhen I gave birth to my son, my scripture time also suffered a bit but eventually I was able to get back to it and am now enjoying every minute of it. What I do is have my scripture time as my son's bedtime story. This way, I get to read the scripture, reflect on it and also impart it to my son. It's really refereshing. Now, he's 5 years old and he refers to the Bible as Mommy's bedtime storybook.
people say this is not praying at all - but I pray while i draw. I feel like God is looking over my shoulder guiding me. Everytime I feel sad and I pour it out through my drawings, it's like God is the piece of paper and I feel like I'm pouring myself out to him too... And when I do somehow touch someone through my drawings, at the back of my mind I give credit to God. But, I am no pro, mind you. I just like to draw. Anyway, this probably sounds weird. But I'm ok with it. This language works for me. Enough said - thanks for the blog. It's very enlightening!
ReplyDeletemost of you are sharing your ways of praying. i have my own ways too.
ReplyDeletebut i am quite confused.
is talking to God while walking or gardening really a form of prayer? Bo said it is, but do we still need to do the sign of the cross before and after we do our "own way of praying"? i've been talking to God for years, whenever i walk, drive, or anytime i have no one to talk to. during these "talks" with Him, i sometimes ask forgiveness, give thanks, and ask for favors. that's now considered a form of prayer right? but what if we're just "talking" (no mention of forgiveness, thanks, favors) , is that considered a prayer too? is "talking" to God already considered a good communication with Him even if I don't kneel down, make the sign of the cross and pray?
i am sorry for bringing this up here, but would appreciate anyone's help. thank you and God bless
One of my struggles in life is having a prayer time. Naguguilty po kasi ako dahil nagdadasal ako on my way to work . May mga nakakapagsabi kasi sa akin na hindi daw dapat ganun.., dapat daw may time kang nakalaan para kay Lord.
ReplyDeleteThank God for this article.
We'll, i can now say that im dating with the Lord during the business of the road. Mas refreshing sa akin ung ganun kasi di ko kailangang magmadali na matapos ung prayer ko. And i can say whatever i want to say to God. Mas intimate ung communication kasi hindi patterned.
I am often criticized as a Catholic by our prayer rituals. "Born Again" friends would tell me that we do not pray by heart. We only memorize prayers like the "our FAther", "hail Mary" etc... But we do not pray our own prayers...
ReplyDeleteI do not need to argue with them. I grew up in a Catholic environment where we are taught to pray the rosary, pray the Hail mary, etc...
there is no Catholic teaching that we cannot pray in silence...that we cannot pray using our own words...
I pray when I'm watching T.V. When i watch the news and see people suffering. I pray whenever i want to talk to HIM.
This article is really enlightening. I would love to send this to my friends who are not believers of the Catholic faith. Sometimes they have misconceptions on our teachings and beliefs.
I have been struggling with my prayers up to now, because until now I haven't found my prayer language. Sometimes I would ask my friends how to pray ba talaga? It seems that I have forgotten how to pray na. I used to communicate with the Lord often times, but now it seems that I have forgotten how to dial his number. Reading all the comments and blogs of Bro. Bo just now, it made me think of ways how to communicate with GOD. I thank the LORD for giving me the chance to communicate w/ him and reminding me on how to dial his number.
ReplyDeleteA very insightful article. We are currently having weekly fellowships in our office and this would be a great topic for the group.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you bro!
Dear Confused,
ReplyDeleteHi! I might also be confused like you! ha ha ...but this is what came to my humble mind. The kneeling, making the Sign of the Cross, genuflecting in front of the Altar, or kneeling in front of the Blessed Sacrament and @ Mass, are the best forms of prayer, especially when shared with the community. Yet, if we limit ourselves to these , our prayer will also be limited. That's why we bring prayer into our daily tasks in life, or we bring our tasks to a higher level, by making our prayers be the work that we do everyday. That's why the Priest , @ the end of each Mass says, " The Mass is ended, Go in peace to love and to serve our Lord. " So our prayer does not end when the Mass is ended, coz our prayer should be lived on as we face the world again, in our dealings with others, and in everyrhing we do.
Of course, the best answer to your question would come from Bro. Bo and the Theologians.
God bless you and take care...
strel
every morning i start talking to God while feeling the coldness of my bed, cooking breakfast for my family, then I water the plants with God, I appreciate the blooming flowers He has given me and I even feed & watch our turtles swimming with him.... in jeepney and in the office infront of my computer and while walking I silently talk to Him. I think I pray and every oppurtunity He gives me.... Im so happy he's always available!
ReplyDeletehi Bo,
ReplyDeleteyes like any other person i have difficulty in praying daily like having a prayer time, read much about prayer and how to pray but it's still no avail, what i did is to open my heart to the daily situation i am in. Like working from my house to the monastery where i worked i make a conversation with God and commune with the nature. In monastery where silence is abound well i just keep silent in my worked place. I make prayer as simple like brething the air. Of course in still have spiritual dryness and holy darkness but i just utter a word to Him to blessed every person i met and offer every step i take. Funny but that how i communicate to Him which we call prayer.
thanks for affirmation.
just what ive been thru right now! I felt the spiritual dryness in me. Everything that was written on the article really hit me. I realize that what i did everyday as i play and teach these children with special needs is my prayer language. I pray while on my way to work to enlighten my mind that i will be able to give my best for these children to learn and help them in develop skills.
ReplyDeleteAm glad i didnt miss reading this!
bro bo,
ReplyDeletei start my daily prayer 5 minutes to start with, as i go along my daily prayer in increases to 15, 30 minutes and believe me now 3 hours every morning and it seems not enough. the power of prayer is undeniably amazing, i felt God is within me, close to me and experienced Him in an unprecedented way. God is alive forevermore.
thanks for all of you that God uses as His instrument to reach out spiritually poor and lost.
God bless,
jake
unusual it may seem.. i usually pray when i turn on/off a light switch... funny as it may seem but utter "Christ giver of light" it takes on a whole new meaning. Live the prayer thats in my opinion! sometimes i assign prayer requests with objects that i usually use. a key for studying, driving a car for focus in work etc. i really do suggest you find a way to remind you that you really do have to pray. i dont have a regular praying time but i turn my whole day with tiny moments of prayer. God bless...
ReplyDeleteThank you very much for the mail, and all inspiring words from you. As for me, i consider prayer a privilege from God for His children. Praying before i lay to bed and rising in the morning gives me the opportunity to thank Him for all the blessings that come my way. Its also my opportunity to pray for my loved ones, for other people, my co-workers, my company, the leaders in the government, and most important of all, its God's given time for me to read His Word, the Bible. Praying is thanking God for all what He has done in my life, and asking things i want. But, without reading His Word makes my prayers incomplete, hence i may not know His will for me on a given day. That's my routine. Praying requires no time actually, coz you can pray a word or two the moment you mant to talk with God. So, it's very, very necessary to pray and at the same time read the Word of God to feed our soul. God Bless!
ReplyDeletei pray anytime of the day-when i walk going to work 35mins everday i pray the rosary(good exercise for the health),while at work (offering the task given and doing it efficiently),at home as i play with my children(a precious time),helping my wife for the household chores...
ReplyDeleteIt's simply offering all the activities of the day to the Lord.
Hi there,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your inspiration.
I call my prayer Yielding to the Holy Spirit.
Reading the Scripture based on a daily Catholic guide or any daily scripture guide.
Each day 10 to 15 min. Whether I will hear God or not I just read mechanically at the begining.
Then , each day, each week passed, i could already experience
the Word alive guiding me. transforming me. and assuring me of how great God's Love is.
Its similar to the saying " its Marriage that would save Love not Love that will save the Marriage." The daily acts of a Couple's expression of love will strengthen their marriage.
My daily readings, whether theres high or low feelings
sustain me in my relationship with the Great God.
As we yield, as we believe, we will see His Glory.
Keep on praying...
I've come to believed that prayer should always be serious, structured and formal. It has always been like this since my childhood - having to grow up in a Catholic school - until I came across this article that you wrote Bo. Now, I came to realized that I can pray whenever, wherever I am and still be connected with God. I actually heard of this prayer where you are especially when you need it - from a good priest from SVD Fr. Bobby Roxas - he said that we can pray wherever we are and whatever we do for as long as we communicate to God with respect and love. No matter what we do and where we are - the important thing is that is a prayer and communication that comes from the heart. These days - I'd wake up and talk to God - greets him good morning or whatever the time it is of the day or night. One thing I realized - I get connected to him even in most of times I feel not being connected. These talks with God allow s me to do my prayer in a personal way - non traditional, non repetitive and not a prayer that I just memorized. I get angry with God, ask for his help, his guidance, cry a river to him especially when my plans are not going my way. even to this day that I am having difficult times - I know in the deep corners of my heart.... God talks to me a personal way.
ReplyDeletei pray as most people do, but the best prayer I know is attending the Holy Eucharist. But it is difficult for busy people to hear mass everyday, so short private prayers that come from the heart are the best. I recommend every minute wherever you go, when you feel impatient waiting, just pray "Jesus, Mary I love You save souls" over and over, and you have already helped save a lot of souls. But the best prayer I pray is this- '"Lord, may every beat of my heart be an act of love for You".
ReplyDeleteI pray rosary everyday as I go to work for almost 3 years na ,kapag natapos na, pray 15 Our Father and 15 Hail Mary kapag walang magawa, kaya ok lng stuck sa traffic at late sa work , novena prayers din on specified day and recently lang reading gospel before going to sleep at night and by this complete ang day ko kahit late night na talaga kung matapos ^_^
ReplyDelete[...] From Bo Sanchez on Prayer Life. April 17, 2008 Posted by santhrock in Uncategorized. Tags: inspirational trackback Is Praying Supposed To Be Fun? [...]
ReplyDeletebefore i sleep, i said god pls help me ... i dont know what to do. pls guide me and let me see the right way... and when i woke up still saying the same thng... honestly as always. when i get nothing to do, or just a moment i rmmber my problem, i talked to him like a friend and say the same thng. that may his will happened. and help me accept evrything he is giving to me.
ReplyDeleteI am a working mom. Busy with office works and so many other things... Every time I drive to buy some groceries or go home from work. I talk to God as if He was my passenger. I sometimes find myself smiling as if I am talking to someone. I thought it was weird ... but .. I guess.... that's how I communicate with God. When it's just me driving and Him quietly listening on the passenger seat.
ReplyDeleteThank God.... I'm not alone with this type of prayer, praising and communication with God.
God Bless us All....
More Power Bo....
I was told that it is necessary for us to pray for at least 30 minutes everyday and the only way to do it is lock myself in a room and prays to God. For so many years I struggled to have this conservative prayer time, it really torture me. About six years ago, I gave up that way of prayer because I can’t stand anymore.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy talking to God in my daily routine, when I’m doing my household duties, singing, reading reflection articles. On the other side, I felt guilty for leaving my conservative prayer time and not worthy to serve the Lord (might be it because the doctrine). So I stopped join the ministry although my heart fire to serve Him through ministry.
Bo thank you so much for your article, such relieve, like fresh air for my soul. Now I know why I felt so close to God when I using my prayer language. From now on I can continue my language of pray without guilty feeling anymore and start to serve the Lord in ministry again.
Thank you once again.
God Bless You,,,,,,,,,,,
hi brother Bo!
ReplyDeleteI recently went to Baguio to serve the Lord thru Shepherding the Youth in an LSS... I was feeling a little hollow that morning before i went to the bus station so I decided to watch preacherinbluejeans one last time...the april 11 video....something in your last story touched me....the one when you asked the dangerous question....Lord what do you want me to do? and you just decided to buy the lady a ticket to jerusalem....your last message was along the lines....When the Lord asks you to do something for Him...do not doubt his Power...and that whatever he asks you to do...rest assured that HE WILL BE THERE to help you make it possible....
That weekend... was my first encounter with Demonic Possesion....one of us was attacked....but because that last message ignited a fire of TRUST in me towards the LORD.... I FELT HIS AWESOME POWER working thru me and our team of warriors....Truly...GOD is bigger than anything of this world.... the team learned how powerful prayers are...especially the Hail Mary.... and I thank you for the exorcism book....the one Fr. Syquia wrote for shepherd's voice....it helped us a LOT really!!!!
thank you so much....
shiela
i was also struggling with my prayer time before..However, prayer seemed or has always been my greatest connection to God, that way i can talk to Him about my frustrations as well as my joys in life...i dont have many friends as much as other people have, so everytime im faced with heavy load from the complexity and intricacy of the world, i turn to God and always felt His listening ears and comforting hug. although admittedly, the pain doesnt immediately disappear but i always get relief from prayer, its like communicating to a far away friend and getting rid of emotional burden by telling everything what hurts, and the good thing is that im quiet assured that He's listening to me and that He understands,,,, Im a music and nature lover, sometimes i just cant express to God in words some of the things i should've prayed, so i resort to listening christian musics with me singing along with it and with my eyes closed. the morning atmosphere is also when i most feel God around, the morning breeze and the sunrise, the beautiful trees swaying their branches and the birds singing songs...it always reminds me about God. so lets not hesitate praying to God because communication is very important, tell me..if a son doesnt talk to his father or mother, do you think their gap will grow closer?
ReplyDeleteEvery morning I'm thanking GOD for I am still alive. After that I'm going to tell to mmyself ' I chose to be happy today'. At pag naiinis me or I don't feel hundred percent with I'm doing I'm singing gospel songs it's my way to move away the negative things around me.
ReplyDeleteBeing miles away from my family and living on my own, I can only count on GOD and myself. When I feel that I was too far from GOD I'm going to play 3 CD's with song's praise and sing's with it. And while that CD's is playing I'm talking to HIM as if HE was just beside me.
Before I start the engine of my car I will say a prayer to keep me safe. At night before I go sleep I'm thanking Him for the all bleesing ,love,guidance etc., I'm asking for forgiveness kung nagkasala man ako, I'm asking HIm to guide and give my loves ones a good health and to keep them safe all the time. Lastly, my prayers for myself.
In everything that I do lagi ako nagpepray sa kanya asking for guidance na sana tama ang gagawin kong decision.
God Bless You All!!!!!!!!!
bo, thank you for this insights about the ways to pray or how you communicate with your God. Yes, i do affirm what you say that in my childhood, i taught praying can only be done in the church, chapel or a room with an image of your God.
ReplyDeleteBut as i grow up, i was able to create my own way of communicating with my God, the way i want it to be. Yes, you are correct, i'm also struggling in my daily prayers and sometimes skip it intentionally.
Daily communication with our GOd in order to thank, praise and ask Him is very important to me. So, I make it sure to pray everyday one in the morning and the other at night time before i slept.
More Power Bo and God Bless,
thanks for the insight bro Bo. God bless you and your family. i consider my consultation time my prayer time because then spending more time explaining clearly to my patients the cause of their sickness by connecting it to their emotional and spiritual problems in life and when they get out of my consultation room i can see a beautiful smile and relief emanating from their eyes and faces which means they are relieved and healing is starting to take place. then on i give an heartfelt thanks to our Lord for the wisdom He gave me to touch the life of my patient.
ReplyDeleteThank You Brother BO for that wonderful insight. Everyday, I walked for about 30 minutes going to the office and another 30 minutes going home. Some of my friends and relatives thought that I'm a little bit crazy because they know that I can afford to pay for a ride. But the truth is, I really enjoyed walking and at the same time talking (others call it "praying") to God. Because of that, I always feel refreshed and ready for action. I can relate on what your article is all about and I would like to thank you for your wonderful emails. God bless you and your family. More power!
ReplyDeletekuya bo,
ReplyDeleteang isang mahalagang bagay sa akin ay ang pakikipagusap ko sa DIYOS.maraming bakit sa buhay ko ang labis na nabigyan ng kasagutan.payak lamang ang aking pakikipagusap sa DIYOS.
sa umaga paggising ko antanda ng krus ang una kong ginagawa,tapos ang awit ng pagmamahal sa kanya.lahat ng bigat na pasan ko ay dagling naglalaho pagtapos kong umawit sa saliw ng aking gitara.
ang pinakahuli kuya ay ang pagbabasa ko ng kanyang mga salita.dito nakukuha ko ang mga katugunan sa lahat ng aking mga katanungan.
sana makatulong ito sa mga naghahanap ng simpleng paraan ng pakikipagusap sa panginoon.salamat kuya sa walang sawa mong pagsubaybay sa amin.
purihin ang DIYOS amen
Brother Bo,
ReplyDeleteYour article about PRAYING had a great impact on me because i am presently struggling on how to send my messages to the LORD. A lot of questions hanging on my mind like . . . was i asking too much, was i being precise, do i need a reason for such prayers or request, was i being impatient and so on and so forth. But its only now that i realized that making the connetion with GOD need not planned, long or in English.Any message will be perfectly clear when it is STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART. Thats it, anytime & anywhere is the perfect and right time because your heart tells you so. So never hold back and never limit yourself when it comes to connecting and being with GOD. Never, never, never lose that connection.
Rose Tamondong
wow...when i go to mass, i've come to a conclusion that iam a sinner and am so ashamed to actually pray because i don't feel worthy of Him anymore...for the past months or years, i've lost touch on how to really pray...hey man, thanks for this article.
ReplyDeleteGood day, Bro. Bo. I bless and thank God for the blessing of YOU. Let me share my prayer language each working day of my life. Since my work entails data entry, to keep myself from being bored, I listen to Himig Heswita and other religious songs on my iPod. Then at lunch break, I visit the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament to pray or attend a low Latin mass. This greatly inspires throughout the day. In the evening, as often as possible, we gather together as a family to pray and offer ourselves to God and pray for a restful sleep. Yes, you're right Bro. Bo, prayer is a relationship with God and should not be a boring routine. Take care and God bless.
ReplyDeletehi bo,
ReplyDeleteit was an enlightening article for me for i always got confused with my prayer time i spent each day and im glad now i know i am heard and we have our own prayer languages. my prayer usually starts each morning before going to leave for work.
my travel time takes me 30 minutes to go to work, i say a prayer to people i pass with especially who seem to be burdened in life... i pray for the kids on the street for their safety for the whole day.... i pray for the mothers who sent thier kids to school by themselves... for fathers that worked so much.. even for people in the same jeepney i took with who seemed to be sleepy from work, parents looking for a penny in her purse... kids studying in their way for school... and of course for the driver too to have more blessings for the whole day...
thanks bo, i thought i am somehow alienated with the way i pray but now i kow we have different prayer languages...
God Bless us all!!!
WOW!
ReplyDeleteThat's great!
Yes Bo, sometimes I'm trapped in the same way just like you. But reading this article reminded me that we should do everything as a worship to God, just like my favourite verse that I've forgotten :
"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." ( 1 Cor 10:31)
Now I remember that verse again and I will keep that in mind as my guidance in my daily prayer.
Let us worshipped Him with no end as we were made to worship and so called to love!
God be with you all worshippers!!
Thanks Bro Bo for the soulfood !
ReplyDeletemalaking bagay ang nagawa ng technology sa aking buhay kristiano. Dahil sa aking nabiling segunda manong 8Gb mp3 player, araw araw habang umuuwi ako galing trabaho ( 1.5 to 2 hrs travel time dahil trapik ) pinakikingan ko ang mga talks mo Bro. Bo., ang dating mp3 player na puno ng kung ano anong kanta ay unti unti nang napalitan ng mga talks. mga 70+ talks. pati na rin talks ng pagninilay ng mga pari sa internet. at kahit paulit ulit ko na napapakingan ang mga talks, nananatili paring buhay at parang live ang mga nagsasalita, sa mga oras na ito sinasabayan ko narin ng panalangain.
Salamat sa Diyos !
i pray with my husband every morning. we do our conjugal prayers by reading the gospel of the day and do some reflections. though its a struggle in our part but doing so made our relationship with our Lord grew stronger . We thank god for all the wonderful things he has give to our family.I pray individually also expressing my deepest gratitude and asking him my for our daily needs.
ReplyDeletewhen i was in college i live in a dorm across the university every morning while walking on my way to school i would pray the rosary..i am able to recite the first 3 mysteries going and the remaining 2 mysteries i would pray on my way back to our dorm..now that im married i wish i wolud be able to find my prayer language...today is my bday, i was cryng this morning because i feel so empty...thank you so much for the email this is my first email from you bo and i want you to know that you made my bday complete.god really works in ways i will never understand He made me feel loved through this email... THANK YOU IT MEANS A LOT!!!! best bday gift ever...
ReplyDeleteThank you Bro. Bo, your sharing reminded me of my prayer experiences during my high school and even in college days. In my family before we go to sleep, my father used to gather us to pray. Feeling tired and exhausted after the day's activities (including a one and a half km walk on the rice paddies from school), I could no longer concentrate in our prayers. It was just like I was doing it " kasi takot ako kay papa".
ReplyDeleteWhen I started working, I realized how gracious and merciful is the Lord. Then I just discovered that my prayer language is "SIMPLY THINKING OF HIM". In my quiet moments, specially while praying, "habang iniisip ko si God nararamdaman ko na lang tumutulo na ang luha ko" and i don't know why. After praying, ang gaan- gaan na ng pakiramdam ko. :-)
wow! thanks! i always thought na kulang ako sa prayer time..kasi lumaki ako na ang alam ko, everynight you have to pray a serious prayer...talk to God in a serious manner..yung nakakatakot tumawa kasi baka pagalitan ka..di ng ibang tao..kung hindi ni Lord...minsan nga lang masyado na akong pagod pag gabi..di na ako nakakadasal...and i always struggled with it..i felt na di ko nagagawa yung role ko..yung DAPAT kong ginagawa para sa Kanya..
ReplyDeletengayon, alam ko na na yung prayer time ko..yun pala yung pag nakasakay ako sa tricycle every morning papunta sa trabaho at nakakapagpasalamat ako sa Diyos para sa bagong araw at sa lahat ng blessings na binibigay Nya...yun din pala yung tuwing may makikita akong tao na i feel i wanted to help (but sometimes..can't..) i pray for them and ask God to bless them..yung pag naglalaba ako and napapakanta ako ng praise songs..yun na pala yun..
thanks brother bo! i felt relieved! hehe! =)
As I open my eyes every morning, these are the words that comes out of my mouth.. "Good morning Jesus!". By saying those words, I feel that I am blessed with another day. Another chance to do good and help others. Before going to bed, I talk to God by saying the things that happened to me the whole day. And I thank Him for all the things that happened to me, good or bad. =)
ReplyDeletethanks bro. bo...
ReplyDeletewell, my prayer time / language is when I drive to go to work... w/out any radio, just me and my car and of course the honking of cars and jeeps when I pass the sucat interchange. this is where I have a quality time with GOD and thanking HIM for all the blessing He gave me... my work, my family and the people surrounding me who makes me happy... Exacto yun, na pagdating ko sa parking lot ng office, tapos na din ang pag pray ko... I feel so refreshed that I'm ready to go to work and face new challenges not only to work but also to my personal life...
Ang galing... yun na pala yun... Bro. Bo... Salamt ng marami... May God continue to bless us always...
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude in reviving once more my deep-sleeping passion in terms of prayer. During the first few years of my staying in the seminary, i felt exceptional gladness kneeling before the Blessed Sacrament. However, as time passes by, i noticed the gradual deterioration of my prayer life to the point that i almost forget to pray. Before, i used to pray the rosary every day. I make it a habit precisely because many of the priest that i know keep on telling me that rosary is the secret of their success. But now, it's all gone. My prayer enthusiasm competely vanished in the air.
ReplyDeleteBut in spite of my spiritual dryness, i can still manage to make the Sign of the Cross and recite the Three Fundamental Catholic Prayers; Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory be.
The question is, are these prayers sufficient to sustain my prayer life?
Because, we all know that Jesus Christ Himself taught us to pray the Our Father and the Church formulated the Hail Mary and the Glory be with the authority vested by Christ. With this premise, I think praying formulated prayes are sufficient. Because the authority of those persons (Jesus and the Church) behind the institution of such prayers are enough to justify our faith in reciting such prayers.
In addition, what do you think will happen if every body just follow their own way of prayer? i think there's a great possibility to disregard and ignore the formulated prayer. If that so happen, Jesus Christ's and the Church's effort to teach us the formulated prayers for us to sanctify us will be fruitless.
Hi kuya Bo! mabuhay! ^.^
ReplyDeleteSometimes i also struggle praying kasi parang i don't know what to say especially during hard times that there's a feeling of doubt and i know it's wrong. That's why i'm shy to tell Him my problem and to ask for His help kaya nga po during these times i choose to thank Him na lang for His great love and goodness, for giving healthy and happy life each day, for my loving family and friends. We should also be thankful not only for the good things but also for the bad things na dumarating sa buhay natin just like what Job (one of the great saint in the bible) said to his wife when he is facing the ultimate struggles and trials in his life.
Really, life is difficult but when we learn to accept it, it is no longer difficult and God will always be there to help us.....:-) God bless your ministry..THANKS!
Bro Bo,
ReplyDeleteNgayon maluwag na sa loob ko ang pagdadasal kasi nalaman ko sa iyo na ala pala akong dapat sundin na mahigpit na rules para makipag-usap kay God. EVeryday in our life, we can pray on our own little way, though I still believe in Christian doctrines and practices,pero may isang bagay na minsan peronal na pakikitungo natin sa kay God na effective para sa atin.
Salamat Bo sa iyong mga practical at effective na advise ng pagdadasal.
Kapatid na Froilan
Gandang morning!
ReplyDeleteThanks Brod. Bo for this wonderful insights and sharing this article to us.
When i was just a kid it was been a family habit to pray Angelus every 6 o'clock in the evening.. Papa make sure that we are complete in the Family prayer. Papa assigned us to lead the prayer.
When i was in highschool and college it was been my habit na dumaan sa Nazareno Chapel or sa San Vicente chapel para mag-alay ng prayers during Friday after school. Naging ugali ko na na maglakad pauwi kahit solo lang ako para makadaan s chapel.
Now, that i am working and living independently, living away from from my family i'l make sure to attend mass on Sunday or Saturday afternoon after work. And once a month i tried to attend mass in Baclaran and trying hard to attend the feast in Pasig (but i did it twice palang .. ang umatnd ng feast).
Every morning i greeted Good Morning to our Creator, playing the christian songs while preparing my breakfast and fixing things... its my way of worshipping and i feel so alive... i really have a great day!
In my way at work while riding in the tricyle i talk to Him silently.
I'll make sure na maglakad dn lang every morning from gate zone hanggang sa ofiz ... vice versa in d afternun ... habang naglalakad ako kahit na solo lang ako minsan.. feeling ko may kasama ako kasi anjan Siya s tabi ko .... its my informal prayer to talk to Him by saying thank you in protecting me, my bf, my family, by bf's family, the other people, the street people who have no shelter, the leaders in our country and others and asking for His guidance and asking for some favors...
I feel so blessed and grateful because I have this kind of work ... i mean a kind of work that can access ds kind of web.. the articles that i've read from Brod. Bo and the daily soulfoud ...makes me a better person and reminds me always to count the blessings i received rather than counting all the problems i encountered.
By Him I surpassed all the strong typhoons that came into my life and to my family's life.
Thank You so much Dear God!
Thank You Brod. Bo for being our bridge to receive the words of God.
God Bless Us All!
Hi Bro. Bo,
ReplyDeleteI keep on praying and always pray before i go to work , i always pary for the time He will give us on our shift to go smoothly and asking Him for my safety driving to work. And if i got hard time with our patient i always lift up to Him and always utter His name and find He's with me. But there was a time in my life that He never answer my prayer and i just leave it and told myself maybe He dont want me to have it. Or i still have lots to give up, or i never prayed seriously and work hard for it. Now i forget about it and l thanks for what i have right now.
Do you think He was listening for my prayer during those time? I will follow your pattern of prayer and thank you And God Bless.
Hi Kuya Bo,
ReplyDeleteI have different prayer languages I guess. But I know that each one leads me closer to God. I'm more comfortable talking it out with God in my room at night. Sometimes I go to the Blessed Sacrament or in our Carmelite Monastery to unburden heavy thoughts. I also play worship songs to de-stress. Or read inspirational articles like yours to affirm my faith.
But most of all, in whatever I do, wherever I go, I always talk to Him, joke or banter with Him. He is my Best Friend and I'm so happy He's always with me.
God bless.
thanks bo. your article confirms me that im not crazy doing those things for God. Kasi everytime i pray i consider it as a date with God. syempre kapag date i create things to impress Him kaya ang ginagawa ko i set up the table then light a candle then read the scripture. parang romantic ang dating matching it by reading His love letters. Minsan naman i match it with drinking coffee. Minsan napapaisip ako baka ang dating ko di na respectful towards him or baka naloloka na ako kasi oftentimes tumatawa akong mag isa but reading your articles made me realize that i already discover my prayer language. daghang salamat!
ReplyDeleteactually bro.bo iam a pet lover talagang passion ko ang manga hayop lalo na ang aso everyday nag luloto ako para sa pagkain nila and iam not tired of doing it kahit minsan puyat na ako i still do it!!!and iam a workaholic all things na nakikita ko na wala sa ayos i presume it as a kalat talagang e aayos ko sabi nga nila "cleanliness is next to Godliness" and every time i do it i talk to God anything, through mind i just want to know is it already a prayer? aside from it i always pray the rosary before i go to sleep giving thanks to Mother Mary for her love and mercy.. :)
ReplyDeleteI open my laptop, then go to prayer by josh groban and charlotte church then continue with worship songs and thank God for another day.................that He would use me in whatever way He wants me to do especially to the least of my brothers.
ReplyDeleteGood day everyone!!!
ReplyDeleteEverytime I wake up in the morning, I say this kind of prayer. " Thank you Lord for openning my eyes, for extending our lives up to this very moment, for giving us another day of our lives to start with. Thank you for allowing me to see my family again today. Thank you for the goodnight sleep, for the safety and protection. Lord, as we are about to start another day today, we humbly ask for your guidance and protection. We lift up unto ypu our plans and activities today. Guide us and help us to do the things You want us to do for Your greater honor and glory. We offer to you our thoughts and actions. Bahala na po Kayo sa amin today. Amen."
I remember how I would sing "as the deer panteth for the water oh my soul longeth after thee...." I'd close my eyes while singing, I'd try to sing it really slowly. Ninanamnan ko bawat words. Paulit ulit. And I used to do this while putting my first baby to sleep (he is a challenging one - he wouldn't sleep unless you rock him for long periods of time). I used that chance to pray to Him by singing the song that best describes what I want to tell Him. Amazing how I felt refreshed after that nightly ritual. As if I was the one carried and rocked to prayers by my God.
ReplyDeleteOne night, after 8 hours of continous assault to Mt Banahaw peak, I found myself sitting outside the tent. It was full moon. I was amazed by the beauty of the mountain even at night. I sat at the edge of the crater, eyes closed and hearing nothing but the snore of my friends and the sound of kuligligs. And in silence I thanked Him for the beauty of His creation. His presence filled me. And from then on, I never stopped feeling him when I am in the mountains. Or even when I tried diving. Everytime I explore the nature, I am in awe and in praise of Him. And that is my prayer.
So yes. I so agree with you Bo. There is no perfect template about praying. In the end, its about being with and continously getting to know your God.
More power to you. God bless!!
This article is an affirmation on how I pray.... free flowing and spontaneous.... no formulas.... like a child talking to a father. Being quiet and just be present in front of the Blessed Sacrament is what I like most.
ReplyDeleteThe first time I felt my blissful prayer was when I was riding my motorcycle (KMX 125) going to Sinoluan, Quezon. The road was so smoothe I felt the bumps and treads on my wheels. I rode with a small group of riders (20 strong) but I never felt they were there. I felt having wings instead of rubber. Felt like flying.
ReplyDeleteIt was so fun I'm shouting "THANK GOD FOR THIS MOMENT!" AND "HALLELUJAH!" from the deepest part of my lungs.
Alas, two years later, after pulling out an all nighter as a medical clerk (4th year of medicine) in a pediatric rotation, I went home on that very same bike. I felt sleepy, and God woke me with a silver streak of Toyota Corolla in front me, head on. Thank God I didn't have any broken bones of serious injury. Just a concussion.
Now I never knew how to interpret that message. Only He knows. Up until now, I miss those prayers that I wanted to give back.
Now I'm a medical doctor, saving pennies just to get on that bike again and pray some more.
Hi Bo, When I wake up every morning I close my eyes and gently say these simple yet powerful words ... "Lord, be with me today. I need You." It makes my day light knowing I have His love and comfort throughout the day. I like talking so at night, I make kwento with Him like He's beside me. I confess my emotions like if something made me angry or happy during the day. At syempre sinusumbong ko parang isang bata yung mga nambwisit sakin hehe =)
ReplyDeletehi,
ReplyDeletethank you for sending me this wonderful & inspiring e-mail. hope you could send me more..
thanks & Godbless..
jhennie (",)
continuously acknowledging His presence by talking to Him silently & offering whatever i do is in essence my prayer time. He is the God of Guidance, Companion, Provider, Lover, Strength, .... among many other ways of relating with Him.
ReplyDelete(",)
I write down my thoughts and my feelings, and i don't know that it is already a prayer. And I think for me it is my prayer language.
ReplyDeletethank you bro. bo for the very practical teachings..it really is a big help and very enligtening on our communication with GOD
i'm one of those people who struggle, has hard time praying, i feel like i say the same things everyday.. and at some point i stopped, i felt like i didnt have time for it anymore. i was so busy working, and most of my free time i spend sleeping. but i knew perfectly well i wasnt whole. there was a huge part of me missing. i just felt so tired to look for it. and just today, i read my email, and here you are writing about it. i think God tapped me on the shoulder and whispered, "hey i miss you.." and i finally realized that He used to be in that big whole in my heart. i used to be so close to him, i used to sing to him everyday.. just funny because just now also, after how many years, i am again singing along songs of parise.. i feel refreshed. im so happy. and i didnt think that im already talking to Him, and praying, by singing to Him. i love it!!
ReplyDeleteyesterday, i felt so alone...so nervous for the june board exam...
ReplyDeletei started to pray.
"the Lord is my shepherd...i shall not fail"...
minsan nakakalimot ako sa Diyos and i love it when i have problems...diffuculties kc un yung mga driving force para tingin k Lord. but i am always reminding myself to be always faithful to the Lord kc xa lang ang talagang ndi nang-iiwan. For the Lord deserves all Glory...i love Him!!!!
Absolutely I agree with that prayer language.
ReplyDeleteHaving a 30minutes of silence with the Lord really helps us, but having Him in everything we did and in every circumstances we face are AMAZING.
I have practiced a different ways of prayer language. Kung ano ang feel ko na mood ng UTOL ko (Jesus) na makipag usap sa akin I follow. If He wants me to play worship songs, I play it.
My mood tells me how to talk to Him in a great way.
one speaker taught us another of praising God while praying , which I'm practicing now! by using the alphabet!.. glorify and praise God from A to Z....A= i adore you God, B= you are so beautiful, C= we cherish you...Z= you are the Zion! They say there are no words to express how can we glorify our GOD and so use all the letters in the alphabet from A to Z!!!... now that would really makes us complete :p
ReplyDeleteone speaker taught us another of praising God while praying , which I'm practicing now! by using the alphabet!.. glorify and praise God from A to Z....A= i adore you God, B= you are so beautiful, C= we cherish you...Z= you are the Zion! They say there are no words to express how can we glorify our GOD and so use all the letters in the alphabet from A to Z!!!... now that would really make us complete :p
ReplyDeletei pray during mv quiet times, my jog time the same time i watch the beauty of nature, whereever or when i find myself alone or the place is conducive to praying, if i find the need or the urge of praying, that is how and when i pray,
ReplyDeletehi! thanks for the writing regarding praying.... now i realize and know what my prayer language is and it is when i listen to my music compilation wether it is smooth or hard music or any type of music, abd thru this music i can felt God... gosh i cant believe i just realize this thru your writings. thanks bo! love you! :) i can now easily pray not having a hard time thinking bout our almighty. i also realize that in a moment that i listen to my music i pray deep and feel God, i remember i also pray in the morning making my cup of coffee and during making meal for my love ones, friends and family. now i know when god is with me. :) thanks bo! love it! love you!
ReplyDeletebefore i forget i saw you the other day i think at glorieta and i wanted to get some pix of you...i kinda get shy so i just stared at you. hehehe. mwah! more power to you! :)
My way of praying is actually like having God as my bestfriend.. I talk to Him whenever I want to. I didn't even know I was praying. And since I'm a choir member, I unconsciously sing praise songs and I often get teary-eyed out of the blue. I would like to share this short song because through it, I can feel that God is right beside me.
ReplyDeleteSurely the presence of the Lord is in this place
I can feel His mighty power and His grace
I can hear the brush of angels' wings
I see glory on each face
Surely the presence of the lord is in this place
Hi BO, a friend one day give me one of your article, ive read it, all over again and again and again, i feel being untired of reading because every time i read seems always the first time, so wonderful, i never read an article like this before in my entire life, you touched me, I swear to God... ive searched you then in the internet, and thats why im here..
ReplyDeleteyeah, you are right about praying.. even me i have my own creativity of praying, i started my work talking to God, im an OCW working in a semicon company, i worked alone in my line with 18machines around me.. every morning i get my paper and pen, and when i started to write, i started to think God, He is writing with me too, i am not alone in my line, i prayed, i thanked and even ive cried to Him, i can really feel He is there, touches me..but tell you BO, my work is great, eventhough my mind is in GOD, i did my work well enough with no troubles.. thats the miracle i received every day.. with all my heart before i sleep and even if i cant pray when i woke up i know evetime i think of HIM, He is there everytime and everywhere... just thinking of Him makes my own prayer..
Hi Bo,
ReplyDeleteI think i have found the answer to what i recently felt..my "SPIRITUAL DRYNESS"..Well, knock me off, and it's really funny..Whenever i go to bathroom to poo (excuse me..), i talk to God. I can share everything i feel, whether it's good or bad, hatred or love...after which, not only I can release toxic out from my system but i felt my faith's renewed and my relationship with Him strengthens...
Hi Bo,
ReplyDeleteI think i have found the answer to what i recently felt..my "SPIRITUAL DRYNESS"..Well, knock me off, and it's really funny..Whenever i go to bathroom to poo (excuse me..), i talk to God. I can share everything i feel, whether it's good or bad, hatred or love...after which, not only I can release toxic out from my system but i felt my faith's renewed and my relationship with Him strengthens...Thanks Bo..God bless...
wow! what a great realization bro bo! kaya pala! i myself have felt this dryness even in my prayers. i cant seem to say everything in my heart when i am locked up in a room. but now i realized that everytime i play the guitar (since that's what i love to do) and sing gospel and church' songs alone, am i being closer to God. i feel different. i feel so much connection when i play the guitar alone in my room and sing worship songs! thank you for making me realize what my prayer language is!
ReplyDeleteHi everyone, i just found out recently that what i am doing was a prayer. That it is mt prayer language. I really enjoyed cooking at home,for my wife and my kids. And everytime i cook, i am imagining that GOD cooks beside me and instructing me how to cook...it is as if we were talking to each other...and every food i cook turns out to be so delicious....(my wife said)...And this happen everytime I cook and in everything that I do I talk to GOD asking HIS favor and blessing that whatever I will do it will prosper....And when i am driving I also talk to GOD to find a vacant parking space for me,AND IT WORKS SO WELL that the vacant slot is very near to where i am going and i don't have to walk far just to be able to reach that place....And even when playing basketball in a league,right now we are on a 2-0 standing and on monday it will be a 3-0. Its because I invited GOD to play with our team and imagine,we are six in the court and our opposing team is only 5...GOD IS SO GOOD...
ReplyDeleteHi! kuya bo..
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for being an inspiration to all of us. You're right in saying that we have different languages when it comes to prayer, what is important is that wherever we are, whatever we do we offer it all to God.
God bless and more power!
i love to cook. so when im cooking, it's also time for me to pray. it makes me feel much more closer to God during this activity. when i cut the veggies, it reminds me how God has sometimes cutting me through the trials im experiencing, to add to the final outcome of the food i am cooking, he is cooking - and that's me. =)
ReplyDeletethank you for this article Bo. =)
Hi friends...and Bro. Bo, I also experienced spiritual dryness a few months ago. I thought it was indicative of my weakening faith when in fact it was actually a turning point that I was growing spiritually. This is God's way of telling us that mere prayer is not enough. That we should go out into the world and not just pray internally but to share God's good news to others.We must show the world how beautiful it is to experience God's love and become a miracle unto others. We must become like Jesus in other peoples' lives. And that is prayer in action. God bless everyone!!! Pls. log on to my website www.deathtomycreditcards.blogspot.com Thanks peeps!
ReplyDeleteDear bro. bo...
ReplyDeleteVery inspiring article...Before i don't know how to pray and communicate with GOD but now that i'm a member of that CFC Handmaids of the Lord..i've learned the correct way of praying... the ACTS..dati kasi puro supplication ang alam ko ipray.
Now my day is not complete without talking to GOD..every morning i will pray the Good Morning God prayer...then when i was in a van going to my office i prayed also the rosary... at the office reading also the daily scripture of your COMPANION given to me by my officemate a whole year subscription..and also i have a copy of Prayer for Priests..everyday i read that also.
my 5 1/2 daughter know also to pray especially when someone is sick she lay her hands to the sick and pray..GOD always answers her prayer...kaya GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME...We praise you GOD!
Thanks and GOD BLESS YOU always Bro. Bo.
i see God whenever i look under the microscope and see His miniature creations in the oceans which nobody else see (unless they use microscope). These creatures reminds me of His presence.
ReplyDeletei also love nature...they remind me of His generosity. i am always awed by the colors He paints at sunrise and sunset, the clouds formation, the hues of mountains and the oceans.
i am a member of Singles for Christ before and now i'm with the Handmaids of the Lord. i also meditate as i'm a former postulant. now that i'm married, i juggle between work and my newly established business, but i try to make it a habit to thank God every morning as i wake up.
Dear Bro. Bo,
ReplyDeleteSalamat! Naalala ko lang ang mga pagkakataong sinasabi mo "Prayer Language/ Prayer Time", yun yong mga pagkakataong lagi akong busy pero pag pumasok ako ng cr or bathroom kumakanta akong mga praising song at halos di ko nama2layan tumutulo na ang luha ko, corny po. Lalo na yung mga times na maraming trials at puno ng trabaho pero kulang pa rin. Thanks for reminding me that those were my precious moments with God... Yung mga pagkakataong my nasa2lubong akong patay- ili2bing at umuusal ako ng prayers para sa kanila, etc.... Salamat, akala ko , minsan nakalimot na ako, kasi di ko na palagiang ginagawa yung mga dating gawa ko... Godbless! Ethel
i always thought i'm not good at praying....but this just confirms that God has been guiding me..i dont pray those constructed prayets so often but i talk to God all the time..He is always in my mind & i talk to Him a lot...jst like talking to a friend. i even get mad at Him sometimes. although i pray the rosary sometimes and specially the serenity prayer, i still enjoy walking & talking then laughing at times (i look lke i'm a crazy person but i dont care) and i sould almost hear Him laugh with me or cry with me..sometimes scolding me & i love that feeling so much. thanx for letting me know i still can say " I PRAY!"
ReplyDeleteJust timing I am experiencing spiritual dryness and confuse in prayer language. Thanks Bro. Bo
ReplyDeleteHi Bo! I have no structured prayer time ... but every so often, i talk to God when I drive ... and sometimes, i feel embarrassed when during traffic, people would stare at me and are probably thinking who's this crazy person talking to herself. Yes, I pray like Im talking to someone ... i pray to God like im talking to a friend ... that's how ive grown to pray ... :) thanks for this inspiring article!
ReplyDeleteBro Bo, most people think that God is far away. I used to think that until 2 good friends of my invited me to a gathering. Just the 3 of us. U know, i felt so out of place until i ask God, why can't i join in the conversation, why do i feel like they are ingoring me. Then God said to me. I have alway been right beside u, have u notice me in your midst. Then i realised that God is alway there with me but i am the one ignoring Him. Thus now, prayers come easily, cause i now knows He is with me all the time. God is good - Amen.
ReplyDeleteFor me prayer is my greatest weapon for all the struggles in my day to day life. Here's how I pray. First I I thanks GOD for another day in my life, I praise and thank him because im still with him everyday, every morning and everynite of my life. I also praise and thanks him for a good nite sleep that he gives to me, to my children, my wife, my brother and sisters and for all the people on earth. Then after I praise and thank him and say this prayer, "heavenly Father you are in charge of everthing that will happen to me today, be it good or bad, negative of positive. Please make me thankful for everyhting tha happens to me today, AMEN", After this I will Pray the HOLY ROSARY. I also see to it that I give a 10 minutes in reading the 1st reading and the gospel reading on my BIBLE DIARY and write a reflection on it. This is my daily routine in giving all to God and I know that he will take care of me and my family for the whoile day.
ReplyDeleteThe moment I wake up, I would say a short prayer of "joint participation" or I would always say a short prayer before I worked. My prayer says something like "Lord thank you for the blessings that you bestowed upon me. Help me to be a blessing as well to others. May you be proud of what i do today. Let's go! Amen." I have imagined God to be my partner throughout the day; that all my actions were with done with him.
ReplyDeleteNow that I am a mom, I usually pray and claim blessings while I put my child to sleep, while whispering the prayer to my child's ears, so that we share the same prayer, and that he'll know that he is being prayed for. I know in time, when he can verbalize his thoughts, we will pray together.
Hi Bo, you inspired me again.... I also had a struggle in praying, until i read your article. For me kasi, each day i must spent a 15 mins prayer time before i went to work or any activities, and do it in an ACTS way, and sometimes its not successful, because i dont feel his presence. Now, i know the prayer language, im sure my prayer time will grow and i will have a fun and wonderful prayer life with our Almighty. thanks........
ReplyDeletemy prayer language is when i read the articles in your website...when i receive and read the emails about God from my friends...when i walk under the heat of the sun and think about when God was carrying his cross maybe under the same heat...
ReplyDeletei am a student and would always insert prayer when studying.
ReplyDeletei used to pray every 5:30 AM for a quiet sometime since i learned it from my community but since i got married it became my struggle. Kasi i have to wake up early and prepare something for our breakfast and baon for our lunch in the office. But what i usually did, instead of doing my prayer time in my room, i prayed at the kitchen nalang while i'm cooking. By the way, cooking is my passion and it gives pleasure to me to cook something for my wife., hehehehe...it's my choice!
ReplyDeleteAnyways, i felt guilty because parang i' ve lost the pefect moment that i have with God during my prayer time in my room. Thank you Bro. Bo, for this article.I am enlighted and affirmed that i'm not lossing the perfect moment with God. Only the venue lang ang binago ni God. Now i realized that if i am a chef, i'am with the master chef every time i cook. What a great previllege...This is God's new revelation to me.
Thank you and more power to you...
my prayer language starts when my son wakes up and we pray the guardian angel prayer together plus \"thank you Jesus for this day!\"..then when i make him sleep, i sing to him worship songs like \"there is none like you\" which in one way or another also calms me and make me feel God\'s presence in the midst of a long and busy day ahead of me..
ReplyDeletemy prayer language starts when my son wakes up and we pray the guardian angel prayer together plus "thank you Jesus for this day!"..then when i make him sleep, i sing to him worship songs like "there is none like you" which in one way or another also calms me and make me feel God's presence in the midst of a long and busy day ahead of me..
ReplyDeletemy prayer language consists and starts when my son wakes up and we pray the guardian angel prayer together plus "thank you Jesus for this day!"..then when i make him sleep, i sing to him worship songs like "there is none like you" which in one way or another also calms me and make me feel God's presence in the midst of a long and busy day ahead of me..
ReplyDeleteHi Bo,
ReplyDeletejust want to share my prayer language, since my job requires lots of driving, i regularly say my day prayers every time im on the wheels. The heavier the traffic the longer i pray. Oftentimes its during rush hour and thank God for it.
hi Bo,
ReplyDeletei do get frustrated sometimes in praying because i really want to talk to HIM but I don't get the right mood... what shall i do?
[...] But no matter what I felt, I prayed anyway.?That was the ???teaching??? and ???rule??? for ghttp://bosanchez.ph/is-praying-supposed-to-be-fun/Returning to Sorrento along with a Seattle restaurateur Seattle TimesSicily and southern Italy offer [...]
ReplyDeleteSometimes it is a stupid to know that prayer is Fun....
ReplyDeleteWhy? Kse dun ka lang nakikipag usap sa Dios tapos gagawin mo pang fun... What does Fun means...
According to the internet fun means activities that are enjoyable or amusing; "I do it for the fun of it"; "he is fun to have around"
When you Pray to God this is the only way you can communicate to God sometimes it take 2 min or 5 min... then you opted to do it for FUN... I Disagree....
What Does the Bible told us about prayer... Did Jesus told us whenever we prayer do it just for fun?
In matthew 6:1 Jesus teach us how to pray....
Ephesians 6:18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit...
Matt 6:6 Bible teach us to pray where no one can see us...
What you can do is to consult the bible first before you believe in some preacher teaching things not in the will of the Lord.
For they are a false Preacher....
Philipians 1:15 & 17
II Corinthian 11:13 & 15
Matthew 24:4-5
1 Samuel 9:9
Jeremiah 6:16
Isaiah 34:16
John 7:17
Bro Bo;
ReplyDeleteI use to pray anywhere basta feel ko lang n gusto ko syang kausapin. kahit nga nasa CR ako (im not kidding). I'm not tired talaga of praising him everyday kasi dami nyang naibigay sa kin. GOD IS SO GOOD TALAGA!!
The first thing I do in the morning is to read the daily Mass readings then the corresponding reflection for that day using, most of the time, The Word Among Us monthly magazine. I also read Didache and Sabbath. During the day, I just "talk" to Him in simple phrases like: "Lord, please bless that person who seems very much burdened in life", "thank you, Lord. Salamat po.", "Lord, help me for I am feeling very much down or tempted.", "Bless my taxi driver.", "Lord, give me patience.", "Lord, sorry po. Pasensya ka na ha, Lord." I realize that when I am connected with Him even in this simple way, I am very strong against negative forces that usually brings me down.
ReplyDeleteHello, kuya Bo! Good afternoon... I have my prayer time every night, before I go to sleep. I used to read the daily readings in the Bible and then the DIDACHE. And then after that, I write the messages that struck me. I also write my reflections, prayers and other concerns that I feel only God can understand in my journal. As if I'm writing to him personally. I write Dear God instead of Dear Diary. For me, it's a heart-lifting way. It's really good to talk to Him in your own unique yet simple way.
ReplyDeleteGod bless!!!
More power to you, Kuya Bo! Continue writing...
Please include in your prayer this community, Christ's Youth in Action. Thank you! =)
I go to sleep most of the time late. Whenever the clock pionts 12 in the morning, In say my personal prayer, thanking the LORD for a brand new day and life. Then asks his forgiveness and thank HIM for all the blessings, and asks for the things that my herat desires. But I end my prayer with " LORD I submit myself into YOUR WILL. I know that YOU know wht is the best for us....Let YOUR will be done in my life..."
ReplyDeleteThen I read the bible verse for the day ( thw verse written in the book Sabbath) and reflect on it. Then have a silent moment and ask the LORD to speak to me....
God knows how i struggled with my prayer time.. God forgive me but it really sounded like an obligation for me.. knowing the fact that i actually belong to a very religious family and a very active Christian community. i haven't figured out my prayer language yet but i think i know a better way. working in a call center, i can actually spend my 2 15 min break to pray. well, i believe somehow it will evolve into something greater. I'm now excited to actually feel God's presence in my work place and career. tnx
ReplyDeletei'm a busy bee and i live a stressful life as an architecture student..actually i have no such time in doing some other things other than studying and doing my stuffs..i went home after school late and tired and i sleep already in the morning..after an hour of sleep i will wake up and get ready again for school..and that's my life 24/7..truth be told i don't know how to pray and i feel bad that i was deprived of that "talent"...i don't have any prayers..all i know is that i'm happy with what i'm doing though i'm already sick and tired..because i know that God is just around me..i know that even i fail or lose, He'll be there for me. i believe that God is the reason of my happiness, success and achievements..its because of HIM..and it's all for HIM..
ReplyDeleteMy prayer language is enjoying my good life with designing for people what my eyes lay upon!
ReplyDeleteThat gets me really connected to God because it pumps me up and makes me happy and others, for I know that God only wants us to be happy!
It's all nice because its for God's, others', mu, and, therefore, everyone's happiness! ;D
I knew this already in many occasions like the movie Saved!, and this is a really nice message to partake, since praying is an essential thing!
Bo, you did a nice job! ;D
All hail the essentials and God who is our only essential! ;D
;*
brother bo,
ReplyDeleteTrue.... we really got disconnected easily with GOD.. if we don't really appreciate who we really are and what we only have.... probably because we are expecting to much from HIM and we are trying to get it our way.... probably because we are really feeling "self righteous' that we sometimes feel that we're always right in everything that we do....
... i just do hope that i may also be able to discover the perfect language i'll be using in my prayers so that I'll always get CONNECTED with GOD...
bro.Bo,
ReplyDeletethank you soo much..that after reading the arcticle i am opt to search for my prayer language.. but nagugulohan lng ako..
How can i be sure of my prayer language?
baka it will become my excuse to not pray at all because i put myself in to situation that i thought i have my prayer language... sna maintindihan ko..
i have my prayertime as well in the room with my bible and my devotional and in the long run of my service and spiritual life i still feel dryness as you have explained.. i also want to teach people about this but i think it is difficult to explain to them because it could be their excuse to not pray at all.. especially the people that never tried having a prayertime... how do i explained them and i don't want to judge.. if you could somehow help me with this, i would be very happy.. pls email me your comments.. thanks alot.
ALL FOR JESUS..
cebu missions
Kuya Bo as a volunteer nurse sa gov't. hospital I've learned to pray when giving care to my patients halimbawa pag may mataas na lagnat ang bata pinagppray ko sya habang pinupunasan o kaya pag may matanda na kukuhanan ko ng blood pressure nagppray ako at nagpapasalamat sa kagalingan na alam kong ibibigay ni Lord.
ReplyDeleteI believe na may gift of healing ang bawat isa kaya yun ang form of prayer ko at work.Pag nasa bahay naman ako at off ko habang naglilinis ako ng bahay inaalala ko ang mga worship songs sa church.
Dati din iniisip ko dapat laging ifollow ang A.C.T.S. pero ngayon mas nararamdaman ko ang presence ni God.Minsan nga sa tuwa ko parang kaibigan ang kausap ko nasabi ko "Kayo God ha, gusto nyong gawin ko to..cge na nga.." tapos natatawa ako.I pray na maexperience ng lahat yung ganung saya.
God bless po.
During my college days, I used to swim regularly. Coincidentally, it was during those times that I felt what I considered God's calling (for priesthood). I was a Computer Engineering student, and mixing computer and religion was quite too tough a thing to do. It was confusing. And then it was during one of my swimming sessions that I decided to swim myself to exhaustion. It was night and I did it while it was raining hard. The resort was almost empty. I was all by myself. I had wanted to put myself in a situation that I can prove to God that in the same way I will strive too keep myself afloat despite fatigue and fight the threat of drowning (because when it's time to raise my head to breath the rain was filling my face), I will stick to Him no matter what... In that way I really felt I had successfully made my message across to God.... I fel I was really able to make God belive in me that I love Him. And I was counting the laps I was doing because I was also trying to say Hail Mary and Our Father.... It came to a point that it was like I'm in a middle of the ocean - far from land and all I could see was water. But I didn't stop until I was really almost out of air....I never realized that I had set a record for myself in swimming, having swam almost 20 laps (in cold pool and rain water)... And I made it.... survived it.... I dared the dangerous and God saw me through.... I was thankful because there was really no real serious problem in my life or in my family, so I made one serious situation for me. It was like an act, so I could talk to God the way the beaten but heroic people had done. Note: I did not become a priest although I tried to enter a seminary. I am now a "successful" IT officer and a father of one.
ReplyDeleteDear Bo,
ReplyDeleteThank you for this article. i now understand myself. I was so depressed coz I thought I no longer pray properly but after reading your article I was relieved.
I'm 50 yrs old and suffering from hi-blood and heart enlargement and find it difficult to concentrate in my daily prayer. So I just sing songs of praise in the early morning. I thought it was not right but today after reading your article I was so blessed and the guilt i me was lessened.
Thank you and may God bless you more for your love for HIM.
I really love talking to GOD… Being a college student and a student assistant at the same time, plus my other extra curricular activities hinder me from talking to HIM every now and then. But I am really in love with HIM-no doubt… So each morning, as I do my rituals in the bathroom, I sing worship and love songs for GOD. Instead of listening to those romantic love songs in the radio, I would rather sing ALL the songs I know for HIM. I am not good in singing, but I know He does not care at all. =) in every thing I do, I always make it a point that it is for His glory. The time for praying is not only during Sunday. It is every time, every day, every where…
ReplyDeleteGOD BLESS!
hi kuya bo,
ReplyDeletei don't have exact way of praying but one thing i love the most is listening to praise songs. though i don't have a good voice, i'd sing along and it feels relieving.
Hi Bo,
ReplyDeleteThanks for this message. I've been experiencing spirtiual dryness for many years now. After reading your article it gives me an idea to try and look for my prayer language. I've been trying to reach out to God but somehow felt "disconnected". Thank you for inspiring me.
Hi Bro. Bo!
ReplyDeleteThank you for this very inspirational article. Admittedly, sometimes I experience dryness in my prayer and scripture time. And for me to be able to invigorate myself, I usually play my worship CD and contemplating first for all the wonderful things that God has given me. It's easy for me then to sing along and afterwards, my scripture time. After reading and meditating, I texted it to my friends and loved ones for them to be able to remind how great our God... Likewise, I always pray to God that he will continue to use me as His instrument and very hopeful that in my own little ways, God touches them... God Bless Us All!
Dear Bo,
ReplyDeleteHello! Praying can be fun and it's not all about being sad and contrite.
Jesus would love it if we would also include him in our times of greatest happiness. Whenever something good happens to me, I immediately say a quick prayer to thank God. I feel I can send God part of my happiness too!
Anyway, do you remember my iranian friend, (the guy who I bullied in your other post in your blog.) ? He introduced me to a hawaiian exhange student who gave me a copy of their bible.
I was very busy (Running late for Philippine languages bible study) so I took the bible, thanked him and put it into my bag.
When I got to bible study, I realized I had forgotten my old bible (Hiligaynon). Suddenly I remembered the bible my new hawaiian friend had given me.
I flipped it open, began reading a few passages and let out a scream of laughter. Everyone looked at me and I apologized. I kept on reading the bible and I realized it was in hawaiian pidgin english.
It was very funny. I giggled and giggled during bible class. I pinched myself but I couldnt stop. Then I saw a picture of jesus on the cross and that made me stop.
I said a quick prayer to Jesus asking him for forgiveness and for strength to read the hawaiian bible properly with the solemn respect that is required when one reads a holy book.
I read the bible again and I loved it! Despite the somewhat humorous english, I loved the way they porrayed Jesus. He seemed more down to earth, a friend of the working hawaiian man on the plantation.
I felt a nice pleasant warmth coming from the book flowing into myself.
I said a prayer again, this time to thank God for the wonderful experience of reading the bible in another language.
I thanked him especially for the laughter and how it made me see Jesus in a new light.
Bo, i researched a bit more on the net and I copied the excerpts from the hawaiian bible onto my blog. Here's the URL.
http://martinaquino.wordpress.com/2008/05/24/the-bible-in-hawaiian-pidgin
last two years(when i was 15), i have difficulty in praying when i wake up in the morning because i'm too sleepy and honestly many things come 1st in my mind before praying. after months i think God gave me this idea, i dont really eat without praying, so i combined my morning prayer to my thanksgiving prayer, in that way i would not forget to thanks and praise our God =).
ReplyDeletei love worship songs... i always play the worship songs cd that my friend gave me in my birthday... through listening these songs i feel that God is just beside me and hugging me tightly...
ReplyDeleteat the end of my prayer, i always say, " I LOVE YOU LORD".... i started it when i was in grade 5 where my religion teacher tought us to do it in our every prayer.. since then i always say " I LOVE YOU LORD" in my prayers...
God Bless You brother bo...
praying can really be such an effort sometimes although i still do as often as i can and though i do feel so disconnected at times. there was one time though when i passed by our company chapel after work to say my usual prayers. like most of my after-work visits, i noticed that the chapel was empty as usual. so a thought crossed my mind - probably i can try saying my prayers aloud. correction, i thought that, for a change, maybe i should try to simply TALK to Jesus. so i did. i spoke with Him who was there tight in front off me. i said my prayers like i was just in a conversation with Jesus. WE simply talked. and i felt in my heart that He was listening and saying things in my heart. however, i was wary of anyone who might enter the chapel and hear me. you know, mistake me for a co-employee who may have lost it =) believe me, it was the most relaxed, intense, sincere, heartfelt, longest personal prayer/conversation i have had with the Lord. and i felt then that God gave me all the time i needed. no one else stepped into the chapel. at least not until WE were done talking.
ReplyDeleteThanks bo for this article. It was also my experiences in my prayer time. Now I will try to find out what is the prayer language that God give me.
ReplyDeletesometimes, I just wonder that God is inside of me! and feeling this is a great experience of His presence.
sir. bo....
ReplyDelete,this is a great prayer... just enjoy what you love to do with God!thats it. experience God everytime....hehehe laugh
,dance,
sing,
txt,
chat,
play,
read,
cook,
clean,
drink,
hang out,
talk,
walk,
w God.... thank u...
Dear Bro bo,
ReplyDeleteEvery morning sa say:
Good mOrning Lord!
Thank you for waking me up
Bless everyone I love Amen.
Dear Mr. Bo,
ReplyDeleteThis article is really a great help to me.
I also struggling how to pray to God.
I'm just wondering sometimes if how I pray is acceptable to God or not.
Thanks a lot for this article..
God, indeed, made each one of us unique.. Amen..
Hi Bo!
ReplyDeleteMy morning prayer is usually in the bathroom, as I wait for the water to fill in the tub…. In such way, I can feel the relaxing sound the water brings… My prayer would start with thanksgiving for the new day, for having another chance to live and experience God’s love and so on… I don’t have a pattern in praying, it just like I am talking to HIM like any other human being and I pray anytime and anywhere. I can tell HIM everything though I know He already knew it. It’s just lately that I am incessant with my prayer life and indeed it is a life-changing activity.
i pray through my pen. i have my pen and notebook. you can't imagine how my eyes widened when i read that you pray in the same way!
ReplyDeletehi...
ReplyDeletei do pray while i walk... i wake up at early as 4am to
cook breakfast while waiting for the food to be done i read the scripture for the day and at exacly 5am i do get out of the house and do my walking with a rosary in my hand and recite the rosary...and pray for others ,,,after that i tune in on my mp3 with religious musics and continue praying for one hour with a brisk walk until i sweat..