Welcome to the first of four posts designed to encourage busy Catholic moms (back) into the habit of daily prayer. It will end on the first day of Advent. Hopefully, by the time the Christmas season is over (which is NOT Christmas!), we will all have worked our way up to an hour a day with God. It is possible!! Baby steps, baby steps.
I find that one of the best and easiest ways to start my day off right is to do a morning offering. There are several different forms, but my favorite is:
O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer You my prayers, works, joys and sufferings of this day for all the intentions of Your Sacred Heart, in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world, in reparation for my sins, for the intentions of all our associates, and in particular for the intentions of our Holy Father for this month.
It is meant to be prayed first thing in the morning and makes EVERYTHING that you do a prayer or offering to God. When you are a mom, that is what I call multi-tasking; making your service to your children and spouse prayers to the Lord!!
I find that it takes less than a minute to say, even while settling in my little one next to me. After a few months, I had it memorized; now I get it in even on days we are running late, while I’m dressing or changing a diaper & helping Lil Bit get dressed. Its not perfect, but its better to pray imperfectly than not at all! Have a few extra minutes? Add the Our Father, Hail Mary, Apostles Creed and/or The Glory Be.
Do you spend time with God in the AM? Do you notice a difference when you don’t?