What Devotions Nurture Your Prayer Life?
The January 2010 issue of Sinsinawa Dominican Vision focuses on the Catholic tradition of devotions. In her editorial, Sister Mary Ellen Green, OP, asks readers, "What devotions draw you to God and nurture your prayer?" We invite you to share your thoughts here.
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Responses
I am aware of two devotions at the center of my prayer. Dwelling in the Word is rooted in my Protestant childhood. Dwelling in silence is a more recent contemplative practice that allows me to hear the Word in dialogue with the needs of the world.
Ruth Poochigian, O.P.
An excerpt from Dominican Spirituality by Paul Murray is especially meaningful for me. "A world famous opera singer asked a good friend to help him overcome his stage fright. The answer came in two stages. At first he said, 'When you are singing in public, although you will naturally be singing for a particular audience, secretly, in your inner heart, sing for God'. This worked for a while but soon he had to ask his friend for more help. On this occasion, the advise he received was wholly unexpected, but in the end, even more helpful, 'When you are singing in public, stand up straight, relax, take a deep breath, and let God sing through you!"
My devotion is a silent meditation of being open to the loving energy of God in the universe, inviting it to flow through me and being open to receive it. This meditation can happen anywhere. My favorite place is where I am surrounded by the natural beauty of our planet. I visualize the presence of this loving energy in the air that surrounds me. Throughout the day wherever I am -- at my desk, in my car or engaged in a challenging conversation or task, I can breathe deeply and hopefully let this loving energy flow through me -- let God sing through me.
Paula Winker
I guess my devotions started when I attended Catholic Mass; I went through Catholic grade schools and high schools, and confession was every week. Now I am going back to confessions once a month. My aunt, Sister Bergetta then as we called her, would send me prayer cards to me she was such a inspirtataion for me of what Holy was. She lived it. So I still want to say to her Happy Mother's Day Sister; she inspired me. From her neice in Anaconda, Montana.
Cathy McNally Shagina
My devotions began while as a child hearing my Grandmother recite daily the Efficacious Novena of the 3 Hail Mary's. My mother continued that after her death until her death last year and now I recite it daily. I am devoted to Mother Mary who has been so very close to me. With the saying of this prayer, I strive to know and do the Will of God in my life.
Karen
There are many devotions that I have had in my lifetime, but my favorite has always been the Rosary. From the time I was very little, it was a prayer I loved. During World War II, our family with other parishioners went to All Saints Church in Denmark, WI, at 7 p.m. and prayed the Rosary for peace. I also like the Rosary Novena when I pray for a certain petition for 54 days and in thanksgiving for 54 days. I was happy when Pope John Paul II added the Mysteries of Light, especially with one decade for the Eucharist. The best part is that our congregation is the Congregation of the Most Holy Rosary of the Third Order of St. Dominic.
Janette Wicker, OP
Every morning I have a cup of coffee with God. I kid that God wouldn't want me without a cup of coffee.
For years I have sat near a window and lit a candle, read the readings of the day and prayed for the people in my life and beyond. Since I do this daily I live through the church year - year after year after year. It is basic to who I am, now, as a Dominican and Catholic.
My window has looked out my bedroom window in Peoria, the chapel window on Garfield Blvd. on the south side of Chicago and watching the folks walk to the El on the west side of Chicago. All this comes with me now that my window is views the snow-filled hill behind the Mound. And I thank God for all of it.
Pat Davis OP
Sitting in contemplative silence faithfully every day, just breathing in and out, remembering I don't have to do anything to be loved by God. I just have to show up and spend time with God. The key for me to keep going is not to make any judgement about what is or isn't happening in this prayer time. My spiritual director suggested this appraoch more than 18 years ago and it's still keeping me rooted in God. May we all the the language of God; for me, sitting and being quiet works for me.
Denise Landers, O.P.
Catherine draws me."What hast Thou taught me, O Love Uncreated? Thou hast taught me that I should bear patiently like a lamb, not only harsh words, but even blows harsh and hard, and injury and loss."
Anonymous
The rosary has such a way of helping to calm the noise in my head and ready my heart for deeper richer listening.
Christina
I feel a strong bond with Mary, not only as a mother, but as a mother who has also lived with the death of a child. One of my favorite songs is "Hail Mary, Gentle Woman." It gives me a profound sense of reverence when I sing the words with the beautiful tune.
Anonymous
I have a special devotion to Father Samuel Mazzuchelli, your Congregation's founder. Since 2002 when I attended a Christian Experience Weekend at the Mound, praying through his intercession brings a special comfort and calmness to me spiritually.
Anonymous