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Dear Parishioners: Lent is a time of reconciliation and reflection, and for strengthening our relationship with God. The best way to strengthen any relationship is through communication, and prayer is our way of communicating with God. In many ways, prayer is like the air we breathe. We can try to explain it, but to truly grasp how vital it is to us, we have to experience it. We pray for many reasons: to praise God, to petition, to give thanks, or to ask for forgiveness, counsel, and guidance. We also pray in different ways: privately, as a community at Mass, or in song. The essential component is that we are opening our hearts to God and, no matter what form of prayer we use, or for what reason, God always listens. St. Therese of Lisieux wrote that prayer is a "surge of the heart. It is a simple look turned toward heaven; it is a cry of recognition and love." As we continue our Lenten journey, let us remember the words of St. Therese and make prayer an important part of our lives. For prayer is our relationship with God. It is our reponse of faith and love to God’s love and, like the air we breathe, it is a vital part of life. Heavenly Father, help us to know that Sincerely, |
