Relationships either grow or diminish, and the most crucial factor to whether a relationship grows or diminishes is how much time we put into it. It’s really a simple equation: the more time we put in, the stronger the relationship.

What is true of our relationships with our friends and family members is also true of our relationship with Jesus. It requires time together. Thus, it requires prayer — daily prayer.

Daily prayer is absolutely essential for anyone who wants to be a disciple of Jesus. But what is prayer?

There is much confusion about what prayer is. One of the best definitions came from the great St Thérèse of Lisieux, who said that prayer “is a surge of the heart, a simple look turned toward heaven.” The moment we turn our minds toward God, we are praying.

There are many aids to prayer: the Rosary, Sacred Scripture, and countless books. These are ways to turn toward Jesus and give him a place in our lives.

 One of the goals of Family Discipleship is to help you develop your personal prayer life and the communal prayer life of your family.

If you are not in the habit of daily prayer, make a commitment to cultivate this essential spiritual practice. Choose one of the following and commit to doing it daily for a month.
    -Slowly saying an Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be. (This is great for family prayer, too!)
    - Take ten minutes to read and reflect on one of the four Gospels.
    - Pray a decade of the Rosary while driving