It seemed hopeless

It seemed hopeless. I found that there was nothing I could do or say to make the situation better. I went to pray the Rosary; offering it for the situation at hand. The rhythm of the words helped me to begin to shut off the anxiety I was struggling with. I was able to meditate upon the mysteries a bit more fully.

After saying “Amen”, I received a call. The situation had been resolved. With my own effort I had only seemed to make things worse. Yet, when I sought the intercession of the Blessed Mother and focused my attention on Christ, humbly acknowledging my own lack, the peace I had tried on my own to unsuccessfully foster, had come.

Is every time I pray the Rosary like this? Absolutely not! Often, I struggle with distractions; meditating more on my “to do” list, a conversation I had, a movie or a game, or where Tom Brady will play quarterback next season.

Distraction in prayer is common. The witness of the saints, and the very faith we profess teaches exactly that. Prayer requires time, attention and effort; it is discipline for spiritual combat, and we are at war. St. Paul reminds us that our struggle is not with flesh and blood, and prayer is one of our greatest weapons. The enemy of our souls desires to pull us away from prayer. We are tempted to become discouraged by distractions and dryness. But the remedy is faith, fidelity to times of prayer, and watchfulness. Even our distractions help us to be more aware of those areas we may need more detachment from in order to grow closer to God! Enter Lent! If we really desire to have the best Lent ever, what is needed most is a humble awareness of what hinders our prayer life, for this moves us closer to Christ and helps purify our hearts. Prayer ultimately springs from a desire for a relationship with God. We must be humble. We must be persistent. I have found the Rosary to be one of the greatest prayers in helping me in this way. This Lent, please consider praying the Rosary every day!

- Fred Shellabarger