This is one wall of our "prayer room," where I do my morning prayers. Years ago, I would have been horrified at the sight of all these trinkets, pictures, and "dumb idols." That's how I would have characterized it. But no, Catholics use images to help raise their minds and imaginations to that which is heavenly. Think how an athlete may be inspired by taking a tour through a sports hall of fame, with all kinds of legendary sports imagery surrounding him. Or maybe a patriot visiting the memorials, statues, buildings, and other historical reminders in Washington, D.C., or Boston, or NYC, etc. Meditative prayer involves the imagination, and when our eyes behold heavenly images, it helps burn the realities they represent into our minds and hearts.

I know it's probably just me, but I have a difficult time following through with so many various daily devotionals other than the Rosary. There are so many, and frankly, they don't seem to "do it" for me somehow in the long run. They seem to me either too fluffy or too many words. This prayer regimen, however, is an exception. I've been using Divine Intimacy regularly for about a year now. It has enriched my prayer life tremendously. Following the old liturgical calendar, it offers a reflective meditation that's very deep yet not too long and not overly academic (just academic enough). It's just right for me. And then I have something meaningful to pray about afterward. It makes mental prayer easier, giving me something to engage with. It's how I start my mornings, and I wouldn't start them as well without this book. (No, this is not an affiliate link! It is just to show the book. I recommend people get it from a local Catholic bookstore if possible. They are expensive, but worth the money. You could find the ebook too. Maybe for free, since it is old.)

Amazon.com

Amazon.com

If for some reason, as a Protestant, you object to praying the #Rosary, what is your alternative? Do you spend 15-20 minutes a day meditating on scenes from the Gospels? How many times each week do you prayerfully remember Jesus carrying his cross, helped by Simon of Cyrene? How often each week do you intentionally imagine the agony Jesus suffered in the Garden of Gethsemane -- and pray about it? Depending on how you count it, there are 15 or 20 such important moments from the Gospels we pray over in the Rosary. This kind of regular recitation is not a "vain repetition," but a sweet and holy immersion using our words, our body, our imagination, our soul. Before I became Catholic, most often my prayers were merely "Lord, help me..." or "Lord, bless so-and-so" or "Heavenly Father, we just ask...." (They were certainly not without repetition.) The Rosary, if prayed well, will kick your prayer level up many, many precious notches. And that's the kind of practice you want to repeat, to make habitual. Give it a try. 🙏 📿

These recent murders remind us that (1) hell is not empty and there are plenty more vacant spots to be filled, and (2) our time here is short; it can end at any moment, and we must be ready always -- every day -- to meet our Maker and Judge.