Day 7: Prayer

Reflection

I believe prayer can help change anyone or anything for the better. So it’s no wonder why Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne prayed throughout her whole life. Because of her love of God, she gave up a wealthy and easy life. She spoke to God in different ways, from spending the whole night praying to saying a quick and short prayer every now and then. Prayer is not just something Philippine did, but it’s a part of her.

Philippine dedicated her life to God at a very young age when she chose to be a nun rather than a wife and mother. When her family begged her to accept the money and marry, she responded with, "Let me alone; it is my happiness and glory to serve my Divine Savior." In the convent, whenever she couldn’t sleep, she would go to the chapel and pray all night.

Ever since she was young, she wanted to travel to the Native Americans, and she finally completed her goal in her early seventies. Since she could not speak their language, she communicated through prayer. The Potawatomi children would put leaves on her dress while she was praying, and in the morning they would see that all the leaves were in the exact same place. This proved that she continued to pray all night. The Potawatomi called her "Kwah-kah-kum-ad" which translates to "Woman who prays always."

Because of the research I have done about Philippine’s life full of prayer, I have been thinking more about the prayers in my life. Since praying all night is a difficult thing to just start, I will try to pray a few more minutes each day. This way I can slowly practice my prayers so I’ll eventually get to follow Philippine’s powerful example. Usually, I will ask for God’s help before a test, or when I am scared, but Philippine prayed just out of her love for God. I know from my heart that prayer is very powerful, and I was taught to pray to God whenever I need to talk. Philippine is a beautiful model to follow in your prayer journey.

Maria

Questions for Reflection

What does prayer "look like" in my life currently?

How do I want to grow in my practice of prayer?

Where can I make an "espacio" (space) for God in my daily routine?

Prayer

Loving God,

Philippine's life of prayer was a response of love to the One who loved her first.

Give us a share in her thirst for prayer,

so that our lives may themselves become a prayer of praise.

We ask this in the name of Jesus, our Lord.

Amen.