This morning I read my daily devotion that continued on the theme of happiness. It was a quote:

“You pray, you love—that is the happiness of man upon the earth.” ST. JEAN MARIE BAPTIST VIANNEY, THE CURE OF ARS

Quite honestly, my prayer life has been lacking. I don’t like feeling far away from God and I always need help to be more loving. So, today I prayed the day. Before I took my dog on her morning walk I said some basic prayers and asked God to watch over me and my family. As we were returning to the house, the paramedics had come to one of the homes in the neighborhood. I prayed for the person who was having the problem and those who were helping him/her. I prayed before meals. At breakfast my mother read from one of her Lent booklets and the daily action was to say the “Our Father”, so she, my dad, and I prayed it together. When I was on social media I prayed for the people I was communicating with. I prayed especially for 2 friends who are having funerals for loved ones in the next couple days. I noticed that when I pray for specific people, I grow in compassion for them, thus growing in love. During my afternoon walk, it was beautiful outside and I thanked God for the place I am and the sunshine. I had planned on going to the Reconciliation Service at the church tonight, so I prayed to prepare my heart, to examine my conscience, and to connect me with a priest who I would feel comfortable with. As I was waiting and preparing to go to Confession I used the app on my phone and accidentally started the Pandora music app. The song, “I’m Not Who I Was” by Brandon Heath came on. I quickly turned it off, but thought how incredibly appropriate it was as after Confession, I always feel like I am starting anew. I thanked God for the reminder and chuckled to myself. During Confession, one of the suggestions the priest had for me was to pray and ask God to show me how I should be praying at this time in my life. Perfect. After Confession, I prayed a long time as I felt God’s cleansing presence. I thanked Him for the beautiful Sacrament of Reconciliation, for faithful priests who allow themselves to be channels of grace, and for speaking through the priest I talked with. I am praying right now for all those who read this blog – that you may feel God’s love and peace right this moment. As I drift off to slumber, I will continue to thank God for the day and all that He provides me with and ask for the faith to continue praying the days.

I Found God today in communicating with Him – specifically in praying the day and I hope to continue this trend.