devotion
[noun]
A form of prayer or religious worship. Catholic devotions vary widely, from lighting candles to praying the rosary, but they share this in common: devotions are individual and cultural practices that help us experience God in our daily lives.
Our faith is never one-size-fits-all and neither is prayer. Devotional practices are the unique ways we choose to get closer to God and learn more about who God is. These daily faith-builders extend Sunday’s liturgy into all the other days of the week, reminding us that God is with us in every moment, and in every mountain and valley too.
From practices passed down through the centuries to more recent or popular adaptations, devotions invite us to learn new ways to nurture our longing for God. They are ours to try—and ours to change over time. Here are a few:
- Praying the rosary, novenas, Lectio Divina, the examen, Taize, centering
- Walking a labyrinth, pilgrimage, Stations of the Cross, Mary processions
- Venerating saint relics, Eucharistic adoration, perpetual adoration
Whatever devotion you choose, the deeper practice is in saying “yes” to God. Doing that will take you where your heart is longing to go.
Dear God,
You are with me throughout my day. I feel Your presence in every prayer to the saints and our Mother Mary. Thank you for being with me through the different opportunities I have to get to know you better. Keep my heart close to you so that I can be a witness of Your love and a vessel of your peace. Amen.
What devotions keep you close to God?
