Youcat commented through CCC – Question n. 510 – Part I.

YOUCAT Question n. 510 - Part I. Is it possible to pray always?

(Youcat answer) Prayer is always possible. Prayer is vitally necessary. Prayer and life cannot be separated.   

A deepening through CCC

(CCC 2742) "Pray constantly… always and for everything giving thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father" (1 Thess 5:17; Eph 5:20). St. Paul adds, "Pray at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance making supplication for all the saints" (Eph 6:18). For "we have not been commanded to work, to keep watch and to fast constantly, but it has been laid down that we are to pray without ceasing" (Evagrius Ponticus, Pract. 49: PG 40, 1245C). This tireless fervor can come only from love. Against our dullness and laziness, the battle of prayer is that of humble, trusting, and persevering love. This love opens our hearts to three enlightening and life-giving facts of faith about prayer.     

Reflecting and meditating 

(Youcat comment) You cannot keep God content with a few words in the morning or evening. Our life must become prayer, and our prayers must become life. Every Christian life story is also a story of prayer, one long attempt to achieve ever greater union with God. Because many Christians experience a heartfelt longing to be with God constantly, they turn to the so-called “Jesus prayer”, which has been an ageold custom particularly in the Eastern Churches. The person who prays it tries to integrate a simple formula - the most well-known formula is “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner” - into his daily routine in such a way that it becomes a constant prayer.

(CCC Comment)

(CCC 2757) "Pray constantly" (1 Thess 5:17). It is always possible to pray. It is even a vital necessity. Prayer and Christian life are inseparable. (CCC 2743) It is always possible to pray: the time of the Christian is that of the risen Christ who is with us always, no matter what tempests may arise (Cf. Mt 28:20; Lk 8:24). Our time is in the hands of God: It is possible to offer fervent prayer even while walking in public or strolling alone, or seated in your shop,… while buying or selling,… or even while cooking (St. John Chrysostom, Ecloga de oratione 2: PG 63, 585).      

(This question: Is it possible to pray always? is continued)