The How-To Book of Catholic Devotions, Second Edition. Mike Aquilina
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the New Testament, the name of Jesus was identified with His person and His power. Devils are cast out by the name of Jesus (Lk 10:17), and cures are worked by the power of the name (Acts 3). Christians were people of the name — followers of Christ. To invoke the name of Jesus was possible because of the relationship between Christ and His disciples. In saying “Jesus,” the disciple tapped into all that the name meant — Savior, King, Lord, Provider, and so on.
Because the Jesus Prayer focuses on the name of Jesus, the devout recitation of the prayer touches the depth of the relationship and power of the person behind that name, Jesus.
The Jesus Prayer is normally said slowly and in rhythm with one’s breathing. The person focuses on Jesus Christ while the words provide an entrance to prayer.
The Jesus Prayer is helpful always, but especially when there is tension and anxiety in life. The method itself has a natural calming effect. The Savior’s name brings comfort when, perhaps, it is difficult for us to find words. At the same time, Jesus hears our prayers and brings the supernatural peace that surpasses understanding.
Have Mercy on Me
“Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
— Philippians 2:9-11
“And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at that gate of the temple which is called Beautiful to ask alms of those who entered the temple. Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked for alms. And Peter directed his gaze at him, with John, and said, ‘Look at us.’ And he fixed his attention upon them, expecting to receive something from them. But Peter said, ‘I have no silver and gold, but I give you what I have; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise and walk.’ And he took him by the right hand and raised him up; and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong.”
— Acts 3:2-7
“The invocation of the holy name of Jesus is the simplest way of praying always. When the holy name is repeated often by a humbly attentive heart, the prayer is not lost by heaping up empty phrases (cf. Mt 6:7), but holds fast to the word and ‘brings forth fruit with patience’ (cf. Lk 8:15). This prayer is possible ‘at all times’ because it is not one occupation among others but the only occupation: that of loving God, which animates and transfigures every action in Christ Jesus.”
— CCC, n. 2668
“And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance and lifted up their voices and said, ‘Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.’”
— Luke 17:12-13
Three
A Tradition of Prayer
1. How to Make a Prayer of Thanksgiving
Western society has lost the true notion of thankfulness. Yes, we set aside a day once a year when we try to focus on being grateful. Most children are still taught to say “please” and “thank you.” Still, we have been so blessed over the last generations that we tend to take for granted our material comforts. Worse yet, many people have begun to view what we have as a right rather than a gift. This is not a Christian way of thinking. Good Christians cultivate an attitude of gratitude.
Prayers of thanksgiving should have a place in our relationship with God every day. “Thanksgiving characterizes the prayer of the Church which, in celebrating the Eucharist, reveals and becomes more fully what she is” (CCC, n. 2637). To pray with the Church, to be a Eucharistic people, requires that we be thankful. The word eucharist literally means “thanksgiving” in Greek.
There are some gifts of God for which we should be especially thankful. Among them are our families, the sacraments, God’s mercy and forgiveness, the Scriptures, and the Church.
Scripture directs us: “Always and for everything [give] thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father” (Eph 5:20). And: “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving” (Col 4:2). Scripture also gives us many prayers that we can use in thanksgiving. Good starters can be found in Psalms 107, 136, 138, 145, and 147.
We can also simply say “thank you” whenever good things come our way — and even when trials come our way. For all things work together for the good of those who love God (see Rom 8:28). When we cultivate the habit of saying “thank you” to God, we’ll see that other virtues follow afterward. Humility, for example, comes more easily to someone who is grateful, who sees himself always on the receiving end of God’s favors.
Thankfulness as a Lifestyle
We easily accept that it is appropriate to give thanks when we experience blessings. But spiritual writers tell us that our gratitude needs to go beyond this. Scripture, when speaking of thanksgiving, includes such phrases as “in all circumstances” and “at all times.” Even when we are in the midst of struggle or hardship, God is still with us. He still cares for us, even when we don’t readily sense His care. Accordingly, it is appropriate to thank God even amid difficulties and trials. Praying a prayer of thanksgiving at these times not only attests to the reality of God’s love and constancy, but it also helps us to have the right perspective. We can be secure in the knowledge of our Lord’s presence with us.
O Give Thanks
“In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.”
— 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NABRE)
“Let us all, everywhere, in every place
At every hour and at all times,
Daily and continually,
Believe, truly and humbly, and let us hold in our hearts,
And love, honor, adore, serve,
Praise and bless, glorify and exalt,
Magnify and give thanks to the Most High and Supreme Eternal God,
In Trinity and Unity,
To the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
To the Creator of all,
To the Savior of all,
Who believe and hope in Him,
And love Him.”
— St. Francis of Assisi
2. How to Read the Bible
St. John Chrysostom tells us that the Holy Scriptures are letters sent by God to humanity. Have you been reading your “mail” lately? In the Scriptures, inspired by the Holy Spirit, we learn of God, His ways, and His will for us. St. Jerome tells us that ignorance of the Scriptures is ignorance of Christ.
Reading from the Bible must be a regular part of our devotional life. A little time set aside each day, perhaps in conjunction with a time of prayer, is a wise practice. Our reading should always be done prayerfully. Since it is God’s desire to speak to us and form us through His word, we need to have expectant hearts each and every time we pick up the Bible.
If you are not accustomed to reading the Bible, it is important to choose wisely where to begin. Starting with one of the four Gospels is a good beginning. After the Gospels, some of the epistles of St. Paul would be a good next step.
Before you actually begin to read, take a moment to recollect that you are about to take in the living word of God. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you and form you as you read. You can do this with your own words or by using a prayer like the one below:
Come,