A Daily Plan for Being a Man of Prayer

Questions for Reflection/Discussion by Catholic Men

1. Which of the steps listed above seem to apply most to your life right now? Apply least?

2. Are you willing to try to focus on at least one or two of the above steps over the next few weeks and then share their impact on your day at the next men’s group meeting? Why or why not?

3. Continue to focus on additional steps each week until they are all, in some measure, a part of your everyday life. What impact are these having on how you live out your faith each day? Continue to share the impact at your next men’s group meetings.

[Editor's Note: This article is the fourth in a series on the theme “Being a Man of Prayer.” Click here to find the first article, second article, and third article]

As you fill your heart with Jesus in prayer each day, you will find that you can give to others the love and forgiveness you have received from Him. You will also begin to notice that you are falling prey less and less to the temptations of the world, the flesh, and the devil. Here are some simple suggestions for being a man of prayer every day:

1. When you get up each morning, take a few minutes to commit your life and your circumstances to Jesus. Commit your family and others that you love to Jesus. Remind yourself of the truths of who you are in Christ. For example,

a. I am loved by my Heavenly Father. I am a beloved son. I can call Him “Abba” (Daddy). He loves me for who I am, just as I am, and where I am.

b. Jesus has saved me. My sins are forgiven by His death on the cross.

c. I have the Holy Spirit dwelling in me. His power and Jesus’ grace are sufficient for me to live this day pleasing to my Heavenly Father.

d. I am a new creation in Christ.

e. I am righteous in Christ.

f. I am dead to sin and alive in Christ.

g. I am no longer a slave of sin, but a slave of righteousness.

2. Pick a time to spend a few minutes each day in prayer and Scripture reflection (perhaps five to ten minutes initially). Mornings tend to be the best time for most men. Consider using daily devotionals such as The Word Among Us to help you in prayer. Experiment with listening to Jesus as you pray, read Scripture, or listen to a teaching or Christian music. For your prayer and Scripture reading, choose a quiet place where you can calm your mind and spirit. Afterwards, record in a journal what you have heard. Decide how to act on the words God gives you. God longs to speak to us. He is only waiting for us to quiet down enough to listen.

3. Try to turn to the Lord as often as you can throughout the day, and rest in the knowledge of His love for you. This is a time to be with Jesus. Talk to Him and listen to Him.

4. Try to carve out another five to ten more minutes during the day to pray and read Scripture, and let God’s words penetrate your heart. Even when your time seems scarce, ask the Holy Spirit to help you find the opportunity to spend an additional few minutes in God’s presence. That may be all you need to be refreshed and strengthened for the rest of the day.

5. At the end of the day, don't be afraid to look at your day and examine your conscience. If you see any areas of sin, just repent to the Lord, knowing He will forgive you your sins. Also, receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation as often as you are able. In addition to receiving the Eucharist on Sunday, look for opportunities to attend daily Mass as well.

6. Finally, pray for one another — your family, other men you meet with, and others. Be open to, and look for opportunities to, pray with, for, and over each other. Do it as often as you can.

(This article by Maurice Blumberg was part of the Catholic Men’s E-zine, Being a Man of Prayer, (March-April 2002 issue) which is available on the NFCM website. You may e-mail them at info@nrcccm.org. Many thanks to The Word Among Us for allowing us to include some material from daily meditations.)

Reflection Questions on Page 2