Hey Deacon!

Last week I had the pleasure of giving a talk at Our Lady of the Cove’s PCCW monthly meeting. I was asked if I could present an overview on the canonization process for sainthood. I hope my presentation provided a clear understanding of the process. (I tried.) Nonetheless, I truly enjoyed my time with the ladies of The Cove.

 After opening the meeting with prayer, the women were invited to share a favorite word, phrase or inspirational prayer that was on their heart. There were two prayers shared that were mentioned more than once. They were: “Jesus, I trust in you” and the surrender prayer, “Jesus, I surrender myself to you. Take care of everything.” Both are a beautiful reminder that we should center each day with prayer – Pray without ceasing! (1 Thessalonians 5:17)


One recommended prayer to apply this technique is ‘The Jesus Prayer’: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, Have Mercy on Me a Sinner.” When repeating this prayer, take a breath, exhale, and pray ”Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God. Have Mercy on Me a Sinner.” Our breathing is unceasing. When we link prayer to our breathing, we essentially pray without ceasing. 

This is not meant to be a prayer technique as if there is some mystical approach or if it were a magic spell of some sort. Instead, the idea is that through the prayer, one is putting oneself – one’s whole self constantly in the proper relationship to God.

Another suggested prayer for this approach comes from the Divine Office: Liturgy of the Hours. The opening words to begin each day are, “O God come to my assistance. O Lord make haste to help me.” This prayer should especially be used in times of doubt, fear, and to fight off daily temptations. It is a cry from the heart for God’s divine assistance.

Fr. Longenecker suggests a third prayer for daily meditation, Psalm 136:1, “Praise the Lord for He Is good, for His mercy endures forever.” This psalm comprises the essence of 1 Thessalonians 5: to “Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” 

These prayers serve as a reminder to give glory to God always – in praising Him, in seeking repentance, and petitioning Him when we need help. The fact that these prayers are from the bible should also inspire us to pray more, knowing that God hears and answers our prayers when they are in accordance with His will.

May we remain faithful in prayer, and in everything give thanks to God. Beathe in. Breathe out.


Author Bio:
 Deacon Dan Vaughn