The Primary Fuel for the Christian Journey
by Deacon Thomas Frankenfield
The Journey
As the months and years have passed in our relationship via this wonderful
website, we have shared each others pains, hurts and joys. Regardless of
the situation, we have always relied on prayer as the primary tool for our
personal healings. It seems the more I chat with people, the more depth and
diversity I see in how people pray, especially in their personal prayer
styles. Join me over the next few articles, as I journey with you into the
center of our relationship with our God—prayer.
What is Prayer? A Personal Revelation.
Many years ago, I was on a high school retreat when the priest, retreat
master, asked us to define prayer is in our lives. I was a bit lost for
words. At that point in my life, I understood prayer as those sacred
prayers I found in my St Joseph Prayer book which I used most nights before
going to sleep. It was a book given to me at my Confirmation and within its
pages were the basic prayers of the Catholic Church. In summary, my little
book was all I needed. I thank my parents, teachers and pastors for giving
me that fundamental level and of course, the little prayer book. However,
in that time in my life, I was missing the personal aspect of prayer.
An Invitation to Look Deeper
A few years later while stationed in Korea with the military, I experienced
an overwhelming intensity of loneliness and painful despair which lead me to
seeking a new relationship with God--a very personal experience of Jesus.
Once I turned these pains, troubles and hurts to the Lord, I finally began
to understand that Jesus was there for me “24/7” if I let Jesus into my
heart.
As Jesus penetrated my being and I opened my entire life to His love, my
attitude towards prayer changed drastically. I began to drift away from my
little prayer book as I learned to speak to Jesus from my heart.
Additionally, in Korea, I began my first steps in a life of service to the
People of God, especially those who are broken in some ways. So, the
connection of prayer and service to God’s people made my relationship with
God natural and easy. It was at that point, I truly began to understand
that prayer is simply communicating with God - listening and talking to Him.
I invite you to deepen your relationship along with me.
Listening and Talking to God
Over the next few articles, I will embrace topics of personal prayer and our
relationship with God. So my friends, let’s journey together to see how we
embrace Jesus by discussing how we listen and talk to Him. I hope that you
are ready to take a deeper walk with Jesus. Are you ready to let Jesus into
your heart’s deepest chambers?
You are not alone; you have the entire Christian Community walking with you.
As one guide, the Catechism of The Catholic Church (CCC) summarizes prayer
in the section called “Prayer as God's Gift” when it states, “"Prayer is the
raising of one's mind and heart to God…” (CCC 2559) Are you ready to give
your heart and mind to Jesus?
Regardless of our problems, hurts and pains, Jesus calls us to His heart.
In the words of St Paul, “Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by
prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God.
Philippians 4:6” May God bless all of you and make your journey smooth.
For Your Reflection
From a Ministry Perspective:
- How do you pray? Describe the way you communicate with God and then
share it with those who you minister to, so they can understand you better.
- Is Jesus calling you to further expand your relationship with Him by
exploring different ways to pray? If not, what is holding you back? If yes,
what areas are most appealing to you?
From a Family Perspective:
- How do you pray? Describe the way you communicate with God and then
share it with those in your Domestic Church, as parent, sibling, widow or
single.
- Is Jesus calling your Domestic Church to further expand your
relationship with Him by exploring different ways to pray? If not, why? If
yes, what areas are most appealing to you?
I would love your feedback, thoughts, stories and ideas. Please email me.
Deacon Tom
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