Repetitive Prayer
Do your prayers have patterns? If not, you may want to consider trying repetitive prayer. Catholics who pray the traditional rosary have a pattern to their prayer. Repeated prayer brings about meditative, contemplative thoughts and truly opens the communication with God.
Have you ever noticed that when you are lost in reptitive acts such as doing the dishes, you find the greatest inspiration? Your thoughts are clear and new ideas just seem to flow. Other repetitive practices such as sewing, knitting, beading and other needlework will do this also. Repeating prayers with an intention also accomplishes the same wonderful results.
Some find repetitive prayer far more than 'free style.' You'll just have to find out for yourself, though. It isn't a practice reserved for Catholics. Your prayer life is your own. If you've never practiced repetitive prayer, it is certainly worth a try. Repating a mantra or affirmation can bring about the same effect. You can reach that wonderful prayerful meditative state which allows you to stop long enough to listen to God. Prayer is a two way street-you talk to God and you listen to God. Sometimes we forget to stop and listen. Repetition, Mysteries of Faith and ContemplationContemplating the Mysteries of Faith is another way to form patterns of prayer. Contemplating the Mysteries in prayer is one way to honor and learn to imitate in life the Mysteries and the Virtues of the life, death, passion, and glory of Jesus and Mary. Contemplating the mysteries is another way to get closer to the Lord. The Mysteries are the Sorrowful Mysteries, the Luminous Mysteries, the Glorious Mysteries and the Joyful Mysteries. Contemplation of the Mysteries is part of the traditional rosary prayer, also. Contemplation on the Mysteries is certainly not reserved for Catholics, however. Choose a Mystery for each day of the week or each prayer session and keep with this pattern. Your actual prayers may or may not be repetitive, but you are focused on a specific pattern-in this case the Mystery. Routine can be a very comforting and important part of your prayer and spiritual life.
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