Keeping Prayer in Summer: A Mother's Strategy

One way to be sure that we remain prayerful this summer is to begin each day with prayer. This simple suggestion may seem like a no-brainer to a praying individual; however the busyness of mornings and preparations for summer outings of even the most well-intentioned "pray-ers" can cause prayer time to become lost in the commotion.

P align=justify>NEW MILFORD, CT (Catholic Online) - Just the thought of summer  could bring thoughts of rest and relaxation to our weary minds. We may recall the lazy days of summer during our youth and crave a time to kick back and relax. School and homeschooling will be finished for the year, so we may even anticipate a bit of excitement and adventure getting us out of the ordinary routine; possibly exploring new places or trying new things with our families.

Some families plan escapes to beaches and paradise vacations, while others may stay home with a much more relaxed schedule from the school year, affording lots of time to play games, read books and plan day trips to fun spots. The local library is a nice place to visit with the kids and combines a learning experience with the excitement of new books to look at or read, depending on their age and interest. Parks and recreation centers open new opportunities to play, enjoy, and explore.

Summertime can be a time of well-deserved rest and also a welcome change of scenery. While making plans for our families this summer, let's not forget about the prayer. Summer is certainly not a time for our faith to go on vacation, after all. A change in schedule once we hit summertime and an eagerness to "get away from it all" could inadvertently possibly cause us to lose touch with our spiritual needs.

Prayer Strategies

One way to be sure that we remain prayerful this summer is to begin each day with prayer. This simple suggestion may seem like a no-brainer to a praying individual; however the busyness of mornings and preparations for summer outings of even the most well-intentioned "pray-ers" can cause prayer time to become lost in the commotion.

Getting on our knees when we face each new day and giving it right over to the Lord will indeed start the day off with the proper disposition. Mothers should teach their children to do the same. A morning offering in our own words or a more formal version and a prayer to our Guardian Angels after Grace Before Meals is said at the breakfast table works very well with our captive hungry "audience!" We, of course can offer our hearts to God throughout our active days as well. Teaching our children to begin their day with prayer is an invaluable lesson that will remain with them as they grow older and begin to navigate life on their own.

Pope John Paul II emphasized the importance of family prayer so many times. For instance, he said, "Prayer needs to become a regular habit in the daily life of each family. Prayer is thanksgiving, praise of God, asking for forgiveness, supplication and invocation. In all of these forms the prayer of the family has much to say to God. It also has much to say to others, beginning with the mutual communion of persons joined together by family ties" (Letter to Families, 1994). Let's find those daily opportunities for family prayer.

When making plans for family trips, perhaps we can consider including shrines, basilicas, and holy places, incorporating them into our trips. When we research places of interest for our family this summer, we can utilize the many Catholic magazines, newspapers, and websites that often highlight interesting places for pilgrimages and family visits. Al of our activities can become teachable moments too. We can attempt to attain that nice balance of nourishment for our family's spiritual life as well as the necessary fun and enjoyment for our senses which enables us to relax or be entertained.

Summer travel actually affords us many opportunities for prayer. Prayers such as turning to Jesus and Mary in the Rosary can be said in common in the family vehicle en route a vacation spot or while traveling to the beach, park, or picnic area for day trips. Each child can voice a prayer of petition about something that is close to their heart and offer prayers of thanksgiving for God's gifts - including family time together. Naturally, we will want to ask our good Lord and His Blessed Mother for protection over our family as we travel.

Turning the Negative Around

Annoyances and inconveniences can crop up at any time. Summer doesn't automatically translate into bliss. However, the traffic jams, whiny children, bug bites, sunburn, or unexpected delays and mishaps can be turned around and used for good. We have a perfect opportunity to "offer it up" to God and ask Him to use a small sacrifice or inconvenience on our part for the good of others and the sanctification of our families, rather than allowing the situation to cause us to become annoyed or angry. Let's keep our cool and turn to prayer. We can ask our Lord to use our sufferings for the souls in Purgatory too, so that they can get to Heaven a little faster, by God's grace.

The late Rev. John A. Hardon SJ, a world renowned theologian and author and my former spiritual director has said in his book, Theology of Prayer (The Daughters of St. Paul, 1979) "When I suffer prayerfully, I recognize that God is behind the suffering and I humble my head in faith.when I suffer prayerfully I trust that God has reasons for permitting what I endure and that in His own time and way, the experience now suffered will eventually somehow be a source of grace."

These prayer times amid struggle or inconvenience are not only spiritually enriching and gifts for the recipient, they also become beautiful and memorable teachable moments; pointing our children to patience and thinking of others during trials, helping them turn to prayer rather than to allow the negative situation to get the best of them.

Whatever your family plans may be this summer, whether it will be sitting on a blanket in your back yard reading a book under the apple tree or jetting across the country to visit your relatives or to a fun vacation spot, be sure to have fun, enjoy, and pause often to offer your joyful heart to the Lord! Your example of prayer throughout your summer days will inspire your family and the others whom God puts in your midst all summer long. Have a happy and holy summer!

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Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle, noted as one of the top ten most fascinating Catholics in 2009 is a Catholic wife, mother of five, catechist, award-winning  journalist, best-selling author, host of EWTN's television series: "Everyday Blessings for Catholic Moms," and Lay Missionary of Charity (Mother Teresa's Order). She is the author of "Catholic Prayer Book for Mothers," "The Heart of Motherhood: Finding Holiness in the Catholic Home," and "Prayerfully Expecting: a Nine-Month Novena for Mothers to Be" (with a foreword by Blessed Teresa of Calcutta). All were endorsed by Blessed Teresa and blessed by Pope John Paul II. Her latest books are "Catholic Saints Prayer Book," "The Domestic Church: Room By Room: A Mother's Study Guide," and "Grace CafĂ©: Serving Up Recipes for Faithful Mothering." Her most recent book is: "Mother Teresa and Me: Ten Years of Friendship" (December 09). All are available through her website: www.donnacooperoboyle.com and she offers free shipping on group study orders. Donna-Marie also offers daily inspiration at her blogs: "Daily Donna-Marie: A Dose of Inspiration", "Embracing Motherhood," "Moments of Inspiration with Your Favorite Saints" and "View from the Domestic Church." Her work can be seen in several magazines, newspapers, and Catholic websites. Watch for Donna-Marie's EWTN television series: Everyday Blessings for Catholic Moms which has premiered on April 12th.

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