The Seasons: A Poem

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Sunrise over Amazing Grasses Family Farm The mad Artist wields His brush, Painted colors rush, To life and give flush, Before the quiet autumn hush. The life seems to pour, As colors fall to the floor, To be seen no more, Outside the dark, grey door. Brightness from below, Sun upon the snow, High, cold clouds blow, Flakes and ice appear to grow. The man melts with little seen, Underneath, pale, grey green, Hides life in dark unseen, Waits for warmth and to careen. Buds on branches show, Patience starts to grow, Trickles, streams and veins flow, Bringing fruits of melted snow. Sprung to life it springs, Bees, birds, sound rings, Lush green flings, Its gift bounty brings. Green growth gives one last rush, Underneath the Painter's brush. The mad Artist wields His brush, before the quiet autumn hush. More poetry is available from James M. Hahn in  The Last Dragon and Other Poems  available now. My new book of cryptogram puzzles " Secret Messages from the Saints " is avai
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How to get better at prayer.

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Luke 6: 12-19

In today's Gospel we read that Jesus spent the night in prayer.  When was the last time you or I spent the night in prayer?  I'm doing great if I spend 10 minutes in prayer.  Maybe a few times a week I'll spend 20-30 minutes in prayer with the rosary.  Once a month, if I remember, I'll spend maybe an hour in prayer in Adoration but even much of that is time spent trying to rein in my wandering mind.

How does Jesus spend the night in prayer?  I mean, what does He do during that time?  The question sounds silly when I say it out loud, especially when I also say the answer, "He prayed."

In our technology driven world our attention spans have become shorter and shorter.  We have conditioned ourselves to be entertained.  Our cell phones, news, politics, web surfing, and television viewing are all just varying degrees of entertainment. They are designed to steal our attention! If you don't believe me, just ask an advertising or tech executive; honest ones.

Today, making time for prayer is a sacrifice.  In a world where most folks check in and view their Facebook account for an average of 35 minutes per day or almost 17 hours per month, it's no wonder a prayer life is lacking for many of us. Not to mention Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, etc. When we include all social media, that means people are on their accounts for an average of 2.5 hours per day. Did you check Facebook today?  Did you pray today?  "I just don't have make time to pray...."

After Jesus' night in prayer He does great things, important things.  Jesus comes down from the mountain and chooses His twelve closest followers.  Judas was part of that group.  Maybe that's why it was an all night time of prayer.  Then, after choosing His team, He goes out and heals diseases and casts out unclean spirits.  Do you see the connection?  Do you see a pattern with the Lord?  Prayer is the foundation for all that the Lord does.  It should be that way for me and for you too.  What could the Lord do through you and me if we spent more time with Him in prayer and less time "liking" the latest meme, post, or picture?

A large number of people from all over came to hear Him!  How? Why? Simon Peter didn't create a Facebook event to let everyone know.  Bartholomew didn't send out an email blast with directions and a meeting time. Philip didn't provide a massive text message to everyone who had texted "fishandchips" to 70809.

They came because "power came forth from him" and that power came from prayer.  Jesus said that we too will do great things but the the power has to come forth from Him through us.  This power can only come from Him through us if we are connected to Him, connected in prayer.

FROM THE SAINTS
“Prayer is the best weapon we have; it is the key to God's heart. You must speak to Jesus not only with your lips, but with your heart. In fact on certain occasions you should only speak to Him with your heart.” - Padre Pio

How to get better at prayer.
  1. Set a prayer appointment - Set a time on your calendar each day to meet and speak with God.
  2. Slowly increase your prayer time. - Don't jump in with an hour right from the get-go.  Build up your "tolerance" so to speak.
  3. Commit - to praying and slowly increasing your prayer time for 30 days.  Mark off the days on your calendar.  If you miss a day, jump right back in, don't give up.
  4. Pray - praying is talking to God, it's spending time with your attention focused on Him.  I enjoy spending time with my children regardless of their level of development.  God is the same way.  Spend time praying as best you can.  Use formal prayers if you want or simply speak in conversation.  Don't forget to listen
  5. Journal - Our newly revised 4 Simple Steps to Better Scripture Meditations: Guide, Workbook, and Journal walks you through 4 easy steps that will help you go deeper in your prayer life.  It includes 31 days of workbook and journal pages too!
  6. Read other good books about how to pray better - Prayer Primer, Deep Conversion, Deep Prayer, Time for God, The Spiritual Life: A Comprehensive Guide to Catholics Seeking Salvation

Click here to read more from James M. Hahn - Blog - Books 
Check out his ongoing memoir about life with his special-needs daughter.

If you'd like to make a donation to help get this book about Catherine completed, our family would greatly appreciate that and you'll be the first to know when it's ready.

God bless you - Jim Hahn
* Contains affiliate links. No, that doesn't mean that the kids should leave the room. Rather, it means that if you click on a link, and if you purchase something, I may get some financial remuneration for that click and buy. All that means is that my kids will finally get to eat, just kidding but I may get something, just so you know...

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