From early childhood, St. John Paul II understood the necessity of a life of deep personal prayer. He understood that while prayer was good in and of itself, it was also the essential foundation for meaningful and happy lives.

St. John Paul II prayed constantly throughout the day. He also worked extremely hard and accomplished seemingly impossible things as a young priest and ultimately, as the 263rd successor of Peter, as Bishop of Rome and head of the Roman Catholic Church. 

Prayer offers us a direct line to God. As we begin each day, we have no idea what we will encounter. Some days are easy for us; other days are incredibly difficult.

Prayer is a decision to stop and listen for the Voice of Jesus. Very often, prayer involves placing our worries and cares before the Lord. God is always there waiting for us, with tenderness and restfulness:

Jesus said, “’Come to Me, all who labor and are weary, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me; for I am gentle in lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.’” Matthew 11: 28-30

Sometimes, prayer involves simply calling for Jesus, and then waiting silently for Him. Prayer creates space to hear what Jesus wants to share about our current circumstances. Jesus knows exactly what we need and what we can accomplish, if we work with Him:

“The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want; He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters; He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His Name’s sake.” Psalm 23: 1-3

Prayer can also be an expression of gratitude or worship of the Lord.

One of my favorite prayers is “The Angelus,” a short practice of Catholic devotion to help us reflect on the mystery of God taking human form through Jesus and to celebrate Mary’s role in the history of salvation. The prayer – which is meant to be said three times a day, usually  at 6 a.m., Noon, and 6 p.m. – is a simple way to practice pausing throughout the day, to draw nearer to God.

There is so much that God wants to show and tell us.

The Angelus

The Angel of the Lord declared to Mary: And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.

Hail Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with Thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Behold the handmaid of the Lord: Be it done to me according to Your word.

Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

And the Word was made flesh: and dwelt among us.

Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Pray for us, O holy Mother of God. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray:

Pour forth, we beseech You, O Lord, Your grace into our hearts that we, to whom the incarnation of Christ, Your Son, was made known by the message of an angel, may by His passion and cross be brought to the glory of His resurrection, through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

Note: French artist Jean-Francois Millett completed the oil painting featured above and titled “The Angelus” between 1857 and 1859. The painting hangs in the Musée d’Orsay in Paris, France.