Before leading the midday Angelus on October 16, 2022, the Pope considered the seemingly impossible exhortation of Scripture: pray always and don’t lose heart.
The Pope acknowledged:
Now someone might object: “But, how can I do that? I don’t live in a convent. I don’t have much time to pray!”
A solution, he suggested, is a “wise spiritual practice for this real difficulty that the elderly, especially our grandparents, know well can come to our aid, which is a bit forgotten today.”
He said he was referring to the quick, short prayers known as “aspirations.” They are also referred to as “arrow prayers.”
What are they? They are very short, easy to memorize prayers that can be repeated often throughout the day, in the course of various activities, to remain “in tune” with the Lord.
For example, as soon as we awaken, we can say: “Lord, I thank you and I offer this day to you.” This is a short prayer. Then, before an activity, we can repeat, “Come, Holy Spirit.” Between one thing and another, we can pray thus, “Jesus, I trust in you. Jesus, I love you.” Really short prayers that help us stay in contact with the Lord.
How often we send instant messages to the people we love! Let’s do this with the Lord as well so that our hearts remain connected to him. And let’s not forget to read his responses. The Lord always responds. Where do we find them? In the Gospel which should always be kept at hand and should be opened several times every day, to receive a Word of life directed to us.
And let’s go back to the advice I have given many times – carry a pocket-size Gospel in your pocket in your purse. And when you have a minute, open it and read something, and the Lord will respond.
May the Virgin Mary, faithful listener, teach us the art of praying always, without losing heart.
And today we celebrate...