• Written by Katie Edwards

More on prayer. Second Graders need to learn the Act of Contrition for the reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  It is a good prayer to recite at bedtime.  We need to look at our day and realize the things we could have handled in a more Christian way.  Then, we need to ask God’s forgiveness and express our sorrow.  My students come into 7th grade, not knowing this prayer.

"Oh my God,

I am heartily sorry for having offended you.  I detest all my sins because I dread the loss of heaven and the pains of hell. But most of all because they have offended you my God, who art all good and deserving of all my love.  I firmly resolve, with the help of your grace, to confess my sins, to do penance and to amend my life. Amen"

I could get into meditative and contemplative prayer but I have a hard time understanding them. I think meditative prayer is purposely considering the triune God in the simple things around us or meditating on the life of Christ. It is deliberate.  Contemplative prayer, according to St. Teresa of Avila, is divinely produced.  She could not bring it on herself.  “Although no sound is heard, the soul is very well aware that it has been called by God.”  This occurs when the person is quite unprepared for it.  I would have to say that I have experienced God seeping into my thoughts when I am alone and working on simple tasks that require no active concentration such as weeding in the garden or cleaning.  Even though contemplation is divinely given and humanly received, St. Teresa says we must prepare ourselves for it.  I think the message is BE STILL. Find quiet time.