Loading...
Loading...
Click here if you don’t see subscription options
James Martin, S.J.August 19, 2019
Saint Francis in Prayer by Caravaggio, 1602-1604 (Wikimedia Commons)

Subscribe to “The Examen” for free on Apple Podcasts

Subscribe to “The Examen” for free on Google Play

Join our Patreon Community

This week we’ll look at what happens when our prayer becomes too routine. Frequently people who are experienced in prayer find that they tend to get in a rut. For example, let’s say that every morning you pray with the Daily Gospel reading. Now, I’m choosing that example because it’s something I do myself, and I think it’s a great practice. But if you’ve done that for months or even for years, it can start to feel a little stale. Then it becomes less something you look forward to and more of a burden.

There’s nothing wrong with setting a particular practice aside for a time and trying something else. Maybe you could pray with the psalms. Or maybe take a book of spiritual reflections and let that invite you into prayer. Or maybe you could just sit quietly in God’s presence.

These situations are the same as with any relationship. For example, if all you ever did with a friend was see a movie every Friday night, week in and week out, month in and month out, things might start to feel a little stale, even cold. And anyone would tell you, “Just try to do something different.” It doesn’t mean that you’re any less devoted to your friend, just that you need to shake things up a bit. It’s sometimes the same with prayer.

So if things seem a bit routine, shake things up. Just don’t leave out the Daily Examen!

[Don’t miss any of the latest writings, podcasts and videos from Father Martin. Sign up for his newsletter.]

More: Prayer
Comments are automatically closed two weeks after an article's initial publication. See our comments policy for more.
Michael Bindner
4 years 1 month ago

If feeling abandoned, pray angry. God can take it.

The latest from america

America is excited to announce that we are heavily investing in our coverage of the synod to keep you informed.
America StaffSeptember 28, 2023
The synod on synodality has prompted a battle over grand visions for the church. Meanwhile, Catholic parishes are failing to meet the day-to-day spiritual needs of people in the pews.
Pia de SolenniSeptember 28, 2023
Brisk, resolutely modern, as comfortable with technology as with theology, and deeply cosmopolitan, Patriarch Pizzaballa shares Pope Francis’ intention to restore Jerusalem to its former glory.
Noga TarnopolskySeptember 28, 2023
On this episode of “Inside the Vatican,” Gerard O’Connell and Colleen Dulle recap three major moments from the pope’s visit, before giving a preview of three important Vatican events coming up in the next week.
Inside the VaticanSeptember 28, 2023