Perseverance

Is that even how you spell that? Holy smokes...

Anyway, earlier this month, my roommate - darling SFO - decided to follow through with a recommendation made by one of our friends. SFO is now in the process of getting "jacked." Or ripped, or buff or whatever.

Most people, when discussing plans to get in shape, will mention that it's best when working out becomes part of your routine. However, going from a sedentary lifestyle to one that involves strenuous physical activity at specified intervals and in regimented form is difficult. It requires dedication, discipline and perseverance. All good things.

Reflecting on the events of today, Good Friday, I have realized how the Church has always been promoting these values and methods - not for working out, but rather for the incorporation of prayer into one's daily life.

Yet, in my opinion, it is so difficult to stick to - or formulate and begin - a routine for prayer. Part of what makes it so difficult is that I seldom know where to start. Do I just open the Bible and start reading? Do I simply talk to God? Can I approach a priest to ask for advice?! Is that something people do?

Very good questions - but what are the answers? Indeed, as everyone has a different learning style, so, likely, does everyone have a different praying style*. Finding that out has been a very difficult trial in itself, so far. But it appears that everywhere I turn I find that the recommendation of making prayer into a routine, a devotion, a life†, is standard.

Further to that, the results of a life of prayer are sometimes invisible. The results are not readily seen - not even as "readily" as those hoped for through physical exercise. This is a great source of frustration for me: I give up far too easily, far too often.

It takes dedication, discipline and perseverance. Lots. Fortunately, the strength to muster these in spades is found in the Lord God... I just need to keep reminding myself of that.




*I almost typed partying style. Indeed, people have different ones-of-those, too.
†Or perhaps it is turning a life into a prayer?