I was praying the rosary this morning when an idea for a new prayer experience came to me. This idea is rooted in the richness of several different traditions and practices in prayer which I regularly enjoy
I was driving to my mother’s and I knew she would be gone. So, I thought I could employ a half-hour or so in intercessory prayer for lost souls. My heart ached for certain family members and friends. My mind was also weighed down, per normal as of late, with my current miseries which are certainly really and very heavy. But, I recalled the Catholic idea of lifting up our sorrows as sacrifices in prayer. Instead of wallowing in self-pity or bending God’s ear once again with my pitiful state I would instead “lift them up” and pray for others. The Protestants and Catholics both love the Lord’s Prayer. And, moist liturgical folks love the rosary. So, it occurred to me I could pray an Our Father for every bead, medal and cross on my rosary, 56 by my count. I would put aside my needs, lift up my miseries to the Lord as a sacrifice for lost souls, and humble myself by using the timeless words of Jesus for the salvation of lost souls.
I must admit the rug was very soft on my knees, the air conditioning was very comfortable, Trudy, the lovable dachshund good company and so the bar was kind of low in terms of skill and sacrifice needed to complete the prayer. It took a little more than twenty minutes. Before me on my computer screen I had the image of St. Faustina’s Sacred Heart of Jesus.
It was a very devotional time and I felt I connected with God for his desire for souls. Also, I was aware of the and to make reparations to God for the offenses of the many sins we commit.
I think I may do this again. I am sure the Holy Spirit both birthed this idea and received this prayer.
8-11-11
