Reasons to Make Time In Your Life for Prayer
No matter what your faith is, it’s always good to make a little time for prayer. Even you’re a fire-breathing atheist, take some time to just wonder at the universe, rather than always thinking of this world. Read our post on beautiful devotionals for prayer and reflection.
All ancient cultures use prayer, and when John Robbins journeyed to the four longest-lived cultures on earth (communities in Chile, Japan, Russia and Pakistan), he was surprised to find none of them even knew what an atheist was, even though they were fairly remote from established religious churches.
Pray As You Go (an online prayer sanctuary)
Pray As You Go is a nice ‘audio sanctuary’ run by Ignatian Catholics. Not only can you listen to a relaxing 10-minute reading each morning or evening, but each one is preceded by nice music, which you can also read about and download at the website.
This is really nice. A beautifully designed site where you can read the prayers and lessons if preferred. But it’s nice to just make yourself a brew, and take 10 to 15 minutes each day, to hear a passage from the Bible, then someone with a nice calm voice explains it. You then listen to the verse again with new understanding, asking what it means to you.
Each lesson is preceded by a lovely relaxing piece of music, and you can also use the site to learn more about the Catholic Rosary, find sign language lessons, explore passages to help your mental health, and much more.
There are even prayers for Advent and Lent, and special prayers for children. This is a good example of ‘prayer done well’. It’s very well put together, and very calming.
Who are Ignatian Catholics?
The Catholic faith has various different ‘families’. There are Franciscans, Benedictines, Passionists and Ignatians. In a nutshell:
- Ignatians are inspired by a Spanish saint, and known for using their gifts to help others, through work. Their work becomes their ‘holy vocation’, if you like.
- Franciscans are inspired by St Francis of Assisi, an Italian former party boy who became the patron saint of ecology and animal welfare.
- Benedictines live a life of prayer and work. Devon’s Buckfast Abbey is run by Benedictine Monks, who make the famous Buckfast Tonic Wine.
- Jesuits are quite scholarly (Pope Francis was a Jesuit priest).
- Passionists focus on modern-day suffering, often helping prisoners and refugees. Minsteracres (a Northumberland retreat) is run by Passionist priests and nuns.
This blog has a post on Franciscans (busy loving everything that comes across their path – rabbits, kittens, spiders, trees, mushrooms) to Dominicans (his favourite Catholic order, because ‘everyone needs a favourite, it’s like baseball’).
Saint Padre Pio (pray, hope and don’t worry!)
When you start reading stories about some of the ancient Catholic saints, it’s far more interesting than watching reality TV shows!
Padre Pio was an Italian saint, who was renowned for performing many miracles, and had the stigmata (blood on his hands, like Christ when crucified).
He would spend hours each day in prayer, and advised everyone to ‘pray, hope and don’t worry’.
Fellow friars said he often appeared in several places at one time, and when not performing miracles, he would often be seen to hear confessions (12 to 15 a day). He said that when people confessed their sins, he would smell flowers!
Just 5 years old when he devoted himself to God, he began his holy life age 15, and lived in a rural friary for over 50 years, until he died in 1968.
Now one of the world’s most popular saints, he has been documented as having performed many miracles. The most remarkable was during World War II, when Italy was still under the Nazi rule.
The bombs that American air forces dropped failed. Years later when an American air base was established nearby, one of the pilots recognised the friar, who he says he had ‘seen in the air’ on that very day!
It’s interesting that in these stressful times, although we have moved away from the ‘fake New Age gurus’ who try to sell us ‘faith and happiness’, increasingly we are also moving away from ‘hell and fire’ churches, and yet returning to the real faith of prayer.
Irish nun Sr Briege McKenna was once asked how to pray. She said it’s a bit like sunbathing. You simply go somewhere you feel at peace with God, and kind of do the same – just sit and be, and absorb your faith and that’s prayer, rather than parroting off prayers you learned in childhood.
Strengthening Your Relationship with God
Prayer feels like an open line to God. Speaking or reflecting, it’s a chance to listen and to share your deepest worries and joys. Many find that devotion to Jesus through traditional prayers brings closeness, like having a steady hand to hold.
Finding Guidance and Clarity
When you need direction, prayer can cut through the noise. Saying the Lord’s Prayer or repeating the soothing lines of the rosary can quiet the mind and bring answers hidden beneath the surface. In silence or with words, prayer helps us recognise the path forward.
Prayer as a Source of Calm and Focus
Think of prayer as a reset button for the mind. Quiet reflection washes away worry and brings life into clearer focus. Many people find that just a short time spent in silence or peaceful prayer, helps them feel more centred and alert for the rest of the day.
Coping with Life’s Challenges
Life throws plenty of challenges our way. Regular prayer is like an anchor during chaos. When faced with tough choices or loss, people often rely on prayers they’ve known since childhood. These words and moments of stillness give comfort and hope when things feel out of control.
Creating Sacred Moments in Everyday Life
You don’t need hours of free time to pray. With a bit of intention and creativity, prayer can be part of even the busiest routine.
Sacred moments can happen anywhere – on the morning train, during a lunch break, or before bedtime. Try short prayers or simple quiet reflection as you go about your day. Whisper a Hail Mary at a red light or pause for silent thanks, while making coffee.
Tips for Sustaining a Consistent Practice
Keeping a prayer routine is easier with small steps:
- Set a reminder on your phone, for a daily moment of prayer.
- Pair prayer with another routine, like brushing your teeth or your morning walk.
- Use written prayers, such as the Lord’s Prayer, to give structure if your mind wanders.
- Share prayer time with family for extra support.
Consistency comes from finding what works for you, not from perfection.
Where to Find Prayers to Pray
Blair Piras is an American Catholic artist, who offers lovely images of Jesus and favourite saints, with prayer cards on the back. These are nice to carry on your person (especially when travelling) or just to keep by your beside.
Pray As You Go is a gentle Catholic site where you can pray along each morning. However, the site also has some lovely music you can listen to, which you’ll likely enjoy, whatever your faith or belief. Just find the songs you like and click through to listen online.
Poor Clares (Ireland) is a closed order of Catholic nuns, who wrote a very popular book Calm the Soul, based on their popular music. They have nice prayers on site, by nuns who between them have very interesting histories.
From former campaigners to accountants, you can read their biographies on-site from how they ended up here, after quite a few heavy partying days!
Turn to Scripture (to face everyday challenges)
Leave It At The Feet of Jesus is from a Bible teacher who lives in Michigan, USA. This 90-day journey is designed to bring you closer to God and find peace and wisdom in all things – from decision-making and relationships to struggles with emotions and self-worth.
An uplifting journal to help you carve out meaningful minutes each day to discover messages that relate to your real life. Turn to Scripture, to face everyday challenges, and find inspiration to let go of worries and distractions, to live out your faith authentically.
Life can feel overwhelming at times. Work piles up, relationships strain, worries creep in or unexpected changes leave us unsettled. When the pressure builds, many find comfort by turning to scripture.
The Bible is more than an old book; it’s a collection of passages that have supported people for generations. It’s there for those moments when you need clarity, reassurance or a simple reminder that you aren’t alone.
God’s Word (to know that you’re loved)
365 Truths for Every Woman’s Heart is from a Christian counsellor and life coach, a daily source of hope. Packed with powerful statements drawn from God’s Word, learn that:
This book will help to strengthen your heart, and deepen your faith.
God’s word offers hope, comfort and practical wisdom in heartfelt, everyday ways. Whether you’re facing tough days or looking for purpose, the words found in scripture speak into real lives with encouragement and a clear reminder that you are seen and loved.
30 Meditations (based on Lectio Divina)
Present in Prayer is a beautifully illustrated devotional, with 30 meditations for a powerful prayer practice. The opening prayers are followed by a thoughtful reflection on a Bible verse, and guided meditation using the centuries-old practice of lectio divina, to help you slow down and linger on God’s Word.
Jennifer Tucker is a lettering artist and advocate for mental health, who lives in Georgia, USA.
Lectio divina, or “divine reading,” stands as a treasured way for people to slow down, focus, and listen deeply. With roots reaching back to early Christian monks, this step-by-step reading method helps anyone seeking a gentle rhythm to their spiritual life.
Many appreciate its calm, steady approach—reading, reflecting, and quietly listening for meaning—especially in busy times. Each step feels simple yet full, inviting you to pause and take in something bigger than yourself. Let’s look at how lectio divina works and why so many find it helpful.
Reading (Lectio)
Start with a short passage from scripture or another meaningful text. Read it slowly, even out loud if you like. Let the words settle. This isn’t about racing through or studying background details—a few clear sentences are enough.
People often find themselves drawn to a particular word or phrase, and that’s the point. Let it stand out. This act of attentive reading feels honest and patient, laying the groundwork for everything that comes next.
Reflecting (Meditatio)
After reading, take time to reflect. Think about what you just read and how it sits with you. This isn’t the time for analysis or debate—let your mind wander over the words and see what they stir. Some notice memories, feelings, or questions bubble up.
The aim is to let the text speak, in its own way, to your life. There’s real comfort in slowing down and letting something meaningful rise to the surface without rushing.
Responding (Oratio)
Next, respond in your own way. This can be prayer, a silent word, or just a note of thanks. Sometimes people talk to God, share worries, or simply say what’s on their mind. It’s a personal moment—honest and unscripted.
There’s no set formula. People use this time to open up about hopes, doubts, or even just the need for calm. Many discover the simple act of responding helps build trust and honesty, both with themselves and with their faith.
Resting (Contemplatio)
This step is all about quiet. Set the book aside. Sit in silence. If thoughts drift, that’s fine—bring your mind back gently. There’s no need to force anything; just rest in a spirit of calm attention.
This silence isn’t empty. It holds the feeling of being present and cared for, without pressure to perform. For many, this is the most peaceful part, a steady pause in a noisy day.
Living (Actio)
The final step moves beyond the silence. Consider how the reading changes your day or actions. This isn’t about grand gestures—sometimes it’s as small as being kinder, more patient, or more hopeful. Some write a note, make a phone call, or simply try to hold on to a kinder thought.
Whatever comes to mind, the aim is to carry the spirit of the practice forward. People often find this step makes lectio divina real, linking quiet moments with daily life.
200 Prayers for Encouragement and Hope
Powerful Prayers for Positive Thinking offers 200 devotions to inspire you to pray for encouragement and hope. Each prayer begins with a relatable Scripture to help clear your mind.
Whether you are overworked, overstressed, overwhelmed, or just “over” the craziness of life, you will welcome the peace and comfort this delightful prayer book will bring to your daily quiet time.
Finding comfort in prayer is something many people share. At times, we all feel stuck or in need of a lift, and a simple prayer can help move us forward. Prayers for encouragement and hope aren’t just words, they’re reminders that you aren’t alone and that new strength can come with each new morning.
Whether you want a daily boost or you’re facing a tough season, these prayers are here to help you keep going with confidence.
The Benefits of Reciting The Lord’s Prayer
Everyone knows the Lord’s Prayer. But what is it, and what are the benefits of reciting it? In these days of ‘manifesting everything you want’, it’s a simple prayer that basically acknowledges a love for God, asks for forgiveness, then forgives others, and leaves everything to God’s Will. It’s a lot simpler than writing hundreds of affirmations!
Our Father who art in heaven,
Thy kingdom come,
Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses
As we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever and ever.
Amen
The Prayer of Unwanting is about saying the Lord’s Prayer to get over ourselves, rather than a magical way to ask for stuff. The purpose of prayer is simply to change the heart of our wanting. In this book, a pastor leads us into a prayer that Jesus taught us to pray, and how.
Hail Mary is the other main prayer of the Catholic faith. This beautifully illustrated edition includes images of the natural world, alongside the traditional words.
Prayer is something everyone can do, and you don’t have to use complicated or flowery language. Prayer is simple, and something you can carry forever through life.
A Book to Understand the Power of Prayer
Simply Pray is a book on how to understand the power of prayer: ask, seek and knock! This simple concept from Matthew 7:7 is known the world over. Now the author masterfully weaves her own story (from desperation and divorce), to hope and healing with Biblical principles and Scripture.
With over 30 years of answered prayer in her own life, Deb demonstrates how every concern, is worth bringing to God.
Prayer doesn’t have to be a mystery. Nor does it have to be for the super-religious person. Jesus gave simple directions for anyone to pray, and this book unpacks how anyone can make prayer a part of everyday lives.
God listens and cares about any issue we bring to him, and can also bring you peace from relying on Him, rather than always focusing on carrying the burdens of life yourself.
More than a simple prayer ABC, this book includes prompts at the end of each chapter, to experience prayer for yourself. Try it today, and make prayer of your daily life. It may just change your life!
Deb Hopper has been married for almost 30 years (and is a mother and grandmother). But before that she reached breaking point spending 10 years as a single parent, which saw her begin a powerful prayer journey. She even launched a non-profit to help single mothers on their next times.
Reflections and Prayers for Everyday Life
Pause and Pray is a book of reflections, prayers and actions for everyday life. Inspired by the traditions of St Francis of Assisi, each of the dozen prayers include a brief reflection and a simple action, to make your everyday life more prayerful. The book is divided into sections including prayers for:
- Care for creation
- Love
- Family
- Gratitude
- Joy & wonder
- Forgiveness
- Sorrow & grief
- Acceptance
- Patience & peace
- Courage
- Compassion
- Social justice
Each page is designed to give you space to pause, reflect prayerfully on an intention, and take that intention with you into the world, with a concrete action. If you’re seeking a way to make daily life more prayerful, this is the book to integrate prayer into everyday life.
