Jesus told his disciples a parable about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary. – Luke 18:1
Have you ever imagined what your soul looks like? It is eternal, so of course you cannot see it. But play along with me here. Close your eyes and imagine the hidden yet very real part of you. Is your soul strong and thriving? Is it weary? Thirsty? Sin-sick? Wounded?
St. John Henry Cardinal Newman wrote, “Prayer is to spiritual life what the beating of the pulse and the drawing of the breath are to the life of the body. It would be as absurd to suppose that life could last when the body was cold and motionless and senseless, as to call a soul alive which does not pray. The state or habit of spiritual life exerts itself, consists, in the continual activity of prayer.” If prayer is to the soul what the pulse and breath is to the body, imagine what your spiritual life would be like without consistent prayer. Is it possible that your soul is weary or thirsty from lack of prayer?
We all have times when our bodies are tired and weary. This is our humanity. Our souls can experience the same weariness as our bodies can. Our souls need nourishment, rest, and refreshment daily, just as our bodies do. This week, consider reflecting on the health of your spiritual life. What are some things that come between you and a daily habit of prayer? Is it hard to carve out a time and place for prayer? Is it easy to give up when God does not answer your prayers immediately? What is one thing you could do this week to instill a holy habit of more consistent prayer? For prayer resources, go to usccb.org/catholic-prayers.
Jesus, it can be easy to neglect my spiritual life since I cannot see it, but I believe my soul is real and needs to be connected to You, the True Vine, for life (cf. John 15:1). Teach me to pray, Lord. Give me Your Holy Spirit of fortitude to persevere in prayer.