The Busy Catholic’s Guide to Finding Time to Pray

St. Paul's call in Thessalonians 5:17 is to "pray without ceasing", but how do we do that in our busy lives today?
In this video, Fr. Mark-Mary offers us practical ways to build little moments of prayer into our daily routine. The important thing to remember is that simply inviting God into these holy pauses will help sanctify your day and strengthen your relationship with him.
For more wise counsel in your journey to God, check out Fr. Mark-Mary's book Habits for Holiness: Small Steps for Making Big Spiritual Progress (ascensionpress...)
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[@TETRARCHFREAK]

I always have time to pray it's the most important part of my day 🙏🏿

[@buddybrown8607]

Voices day, I play pray the entire rosary, thank you for your prayers!

[@eyesofamessenger]

Amen to that! 🙏✝📿🩸🌹

[@helen9073]

I enjoy saying my rosary first thing in the morning...it's a sweet way to start my day.

[@NessA-ls6zb]

love that.

[@maryternes0331]

Me too

[@marionmartin9929]

Thank you Fr. Mark-Mary. I really enjoy your posts. God bless you.

[@justine132]

Thank you, Father. God bless

[@TH-rn8hf]

Upon opening my eyes in the morning while still lying down, I pray "Thank you Lord for giving me another life today..." I mention all the many blessings the Lord has given me and my family - health, safety, protection. I also thank all the holy angels and saints in heaven for praying for me and my family. Then, I start praying the rosary while still in bed. I do this because when I get up I'll be distracted with all the tasks that I'm supposed to do during the day. My alarm is set at 3pm to pray the Divine Mercy. Before going to bed, I pray my night prayers in front of my altar. That's my prayer life. 🙏🙏🙏 I know it's not enough. Hopefully when I retire, I get the chance to attend the Holy Mass every morning in our parish church.

[@Gloucester128]

Would love if you post another morning offering prayer for us. Thanks Fr. MM

[@litzyrios3858]

THANK YOU FR. MARK MARY, I think the Holy Spirit has been guiding me toward this it just wasn;t obvious to me. Edit: I loved what you said about silence, I get so tempted to watch youtube and listen to music and it does affect my prayer life.. it doesnt allow me to concentrate and sometimes my head starts to hurt because I just cant get my brain to focus. Solid advice. Blessings to you and the rest of the Friars.

[@AlexanderBrown77]

Acts 20 kJV ✝️🩸 28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. 1 Peter 1 kJV 19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Romans 3 kJV 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; 🩸all🩸 1 John 1 kJV 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

[@AC-gm6bq]

You are awesome! God bless you Padre...

[@AlexanderBrown77]

1 Corinthians 15 kJV ✝️🩸 1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: ✝️🩸 Romans 3 kJV 23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; ♥️know♥️ 1 John 5 kJV 13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

[@renecorrea1008]

Thank you so much, Fr. Mark-Mary! 🙏🙏🙏

[@rruiz4145]

Thank you for this message! You have shown me ways to get closer to God! I agree, our busy noisy life’s get sometimes in the way with prayer. If I don’t pray in the mornings, I feel incomplete. I was recently diagnosed with cancer, and although a scary disease, this has brought some extra down time, and I love how this extra down time has brought me close to God! So I know that no matter the situation I am facing, I picture Jesus standing next to me, and I know it’s true, He will walk this journey with me!

[@nathanngumi8467]

Word.

[@kevinsantee9581]

Thanks Fr Mark-Mary. Your videos are wonderful inspiration

[@boomblasterdani8379]

I really needed this rn

[@esthert9146]

Thank you for the small reminder to quite the mind and be the Lord.

[@KarenStempkoski]

Around 3 pm I pray a prayer to the Passion of Jesus. I need this structure.

[@gmacch]

I'd like to look into that too. What should I look up?

[@KarenStempkoski]

@@gmacch google 30 day Prayer to Jesus Bitter Passion. It takes about 7 minutes , I pray it everyday for years.

[@wilsoneusebio777]

Amén 🙏🏻🙌🏻✝️

[@Cj-ou8jq]

I truly appreciate it Fr.! Its been rather difficult while doing too much with little capacity, that little by little is the way to build that stronger foundation!

[@karynsweet3138]

We're a homeschooling family of twelve. I've had the most success in building in our prayer time around meals, in schoolwork, and at bedtime, eg. morning offering and the "angel prayers" after breakfast, etc. The internet has actually been a blessing in that I can listen to and pray the Divine Mercy chaplet and Rosary and listen to the CIY while I do my chores (hey, something good can come from the internet!). I still haven't managed to do better with having quiet time with our Lord and scripture....hopefully one day!

[@trumpwon8972]

Love FR. Mark Mary! So practical and helpful! 🙏🏻☺️❤️

[@monicageller226]

Beautiful, thank you for the motivation and the practical tips. Somos peregrinos poco a poco vamos a llegar con el favor de Dios nuestro señor!

[@rosellabogle8059]

Thank you. So beautiful to pray and speak to our Lord and listen to Him. 🙏

[@robinpalaima8500]

Thank you. 🙏

[@Shiftyy0012]

Thank you.

[@alfredindy8058]

Sounds like the Devine Office for Laities, morning, evening, and night prayers?

[@diane8784]

Prayer in rhe evening works best for me. Plus it helps that i belong to a weekly bible study group on Mondays. I have to work up to prayer in the middle of the day; that's a challenge🙏

[@JoannLenz]

ThankYOU! Many blessings to you and all the world .Amen❤

[@bonniescherr7575]

Love this! So helpful!

[@FlowerxLady]

Love this! Thank you so much Father 🙏✝️♥️😇 Trying to be better

[@ElizabethAnnYang]

Thanks!

[@yolandagutierrez7465]

Love love this! Helpful! Thank you Father Mark Mary! 💜🙏💜

[@saoirsehaslonglegs2313]

Thank You Fr..God Bless You.

[@marybussey4473]

Thank you so much!!!

[@emilia4279]

Thank you so much for this! Such a great reminder to just be present and connected with the Lord all throughout the day. ❤️

[@MomHarper]

Thank you. I needed this.

[@caelilawrence2778]

thank you so much Father Mark! wow, this is so helpful for my husband and i as new parents, along with busy days pulled into housecare, errands and a lot usual to-do’s. all are wonderful, but i deeply appreciate the practice of just taking a moment to breathe, give thanks, unite, ask for mercy, and just share that brief moment with the Lord throughout the day, so when we’re exhausted by night or in the morning, while still try all we can to connect and use these practices with the Lord, while are staying in constant communion. ❤ i really love your videos, and your beautiful room. quite inspiring for me! i’ve wanted to do a saints table for a long time.

[@bethedoG...gohome]

You always give useful information...thank you!

[@nancyramirez-almanza]

These videos make me feel soo much better!! Thank you🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@elfridhasman4181]

Thank you For😍😍😍🔥

[@sallyb5076]

Thank you Father!

[@believewithyourheart5627]

Oh such good instruction!! Bless you!

[@manuelvargas467]

Thanks father ✝️❤️‍🔥🕊

[@alexsaldarriaga8318]

Wonderful! I needed this. Please keep up your great work! Thank you very much.

[@maryloumonheim8724]

Thanks

[@sinnetradsouza870]

PRAISE THE LORD. ALLELUIA...AMEN.🙏❤

[@seans.1331]

6:01 Jesus Prayer. “The language of love of the Holy Trinity is silence.”

[@seans.1331]

“There are people who pray...not primarily by virtue of anything they say or think, but rather by virtue of what they are...they may be said to have attained, in the fullest possible sense, continual prayer...'Pray without ceasing' applies to all Christians without exception.” ~Metropolitan Kallistos Ware, 'The Inner Kingdom'

[@shafur3]

Thank you I love your videos🙏🙏🙏🌹📿I Say the Divine Chaplet that you and Father PT did years ago during covid . Thank you.

[@HarleyGirl75]

Very helpful!! Thank you!!

[@JP-tq7ni]

Praying is elevating your mind towards god. How can you be too busy for that? One can do this every minute of life.

[@andrewelliott1939]

I have up at "Hey, hey, hey".

[@gebrumamooshgirmay4514]

I pray or try to pray 3 times a day and I had or was going to write this before but got disturbed or excuse me ☝🏾 got distracted but I pray or have prayed almost all my life but not sure if GOD hears me my Catholic Church ⛪️! I am Catholic with my African American 🇺🇸 Mother! I want to know is my Earth 🌍 going too END! GOD! I was Created by you GOD! Trough a Mother and Father! 🦁⛪️💻🎸! Goodbye GOD IN HEAVEN!

[@quen8171]

Good stuff!

[@Mrgoogle8]

I have the hardest time praying. Singing seems to help me more.

[@Mrgoogle8]

Muy bien, how’s your Latin I need help translating?

[@heathert8895]

Singing is praying twice says St. Augustine

[@Pete.Ty1]

🙏🙏🙏.Thank you

[@metildajoseph5265]

Greetings Father Mark, Thoughts :- -> Message reflect with, "The Importance of Morning Prayers before Lord Jesus Christ by means of Daily Gospel, Chaplet Prayers, Rosary Prayers,Litany of Patron Saints and Spiritual Examen at all occasions in every aspects." -> Wonderful Insights.. Thanks Father.. With regards and Prayers, Ranjith Joseph (R.J)

[@beckyholbrook7253]

Thank you, I needed this reminder

[@MorreHope]

Amen

[@EliB567a]

Awesome ❤

[@eyesofamessenger]

I have alarms set on the phone. ✝🙏

[@SDAM-]

Can you do a video on Ray comfort.

[@janecaws4070]

🙏🕯❤️🕊🌹

[@papapop.]

I struggle very much with my prayer life. I don't like saying this, but to be perfectly honest prayer for me feels like talking to the wall. They say to talk to God like you would your best friend, but my best friend responds. I can see his face and tell that he is listening and can hear his response. We can have a conversation. Talking to God isn't the same, and to be frank, it discourages me from wanting to do it. I am good about saying little prayers throughout the day, maybe asking God to help someone or help me through a certain situation but I struggle to sit down for 5 minutes much less 20-30 minutes of structured prayer. While it is out of the scope of this video, I feel the same way about reading scripture. It feels forced and I don't believe that it should be that way. This lack of motivation saddens and scares me. If anyone else has ever been in this boat and has overcome it, I would appreciate your suggestions. I can also certainly use everyone's prayers to help me get out of this mindset.

[@jennyb.776]

Thank you. I appreciate silence...what about if you have to work in a place where there's music the whole day...?

[@heathert8895]

What do you recommend for a homeschooling mom of many littles who struggles to find 10 quiet minutes let alone the 45-60 that you mentioned here.

[@clairekirsch9523]

I want to know this, too! If you’re losing sleep EVERY night, it’s really hard to wake up earlier for any reason.

[@daniellerozmus2981]

I don’t homeschool, but I have a lot of littles, most of them in our-of-home activities, our 3 year old still wakes up for an hour or so in the middle of the night, and we have an older relative living with us who needs extra care (medical and social) and I agree that it’s so hard to know where to start when your brain just feels FULL. Lately I’ve found it helpful to set alarms on my phone (or smart watch if you use one) specifically labeled with the text of a short prayer or a line from scripture to meditate on for just a few minutes. Currently I use one at 11:02am to pray with Lk11:02, “Your kingdom come,” and one at 3pm to squeeze in a Divine Chaplet that I sometimes pray with my kids. It’s not an hour, but it’s still reaching out for God and reorienting toward Him consistently. Better to do a little daily than doing a perfect hour of prayer once a week.

[@emeselatkoczy9011]

This is useful and inspiring though I have to say that naming the 5 things in the middle of the day that you're grateful for and want to improve is not realistic in my opinion.

[@lukebrown5395]

Our technological age has made it impossible to pray without ceasing.

[@debramichigan1356]

Read the book The way of the pilgrim. I’m 60+ years old and it is the best book on prayer I have ever read (Olga Savin translation) not to mention any book. It is possible !

[@LLandMeTV]

But what exactly do you say? Are you saying pray the rosary 3 times per day?

[@markantonelli53]

It’s not that I don’t have time to pray. I don’t have the desire to pray. Especially since the few prayers that I have offered have gone ignored.

[@suziepeck5717]

Your prayers are never ignored and are always heard. You have to remember though, God does things on His time frame, not yours. You are always heard and He loves you more than you can ever comprehend. It's not when we want it, it's when God knows it's best for you.

[@markantonelli53]

@@suziepeck5717 so, when I pray for God to give me the desire to read the Bible, or the understanding of what I’ve read, or even to make Himself known to me in a way that I will be absolutely sure it’s Him, the fact that it has not happened yet means that now isn’t the best time to be granted such? If not now, then when?

[@suziepeck5717]

@markantonelli53 I can't tell you when because only God knows when. I will be honest with you, I don't even read the Bible. I pray and I'm learning to say the rosary on one of the KZbin channels. And then I look for other Catholic prayers here on KZbin. I think the best that you can do is just to have the faith and know that He will answer you in His own time. Don't beat yourself up about it in the meantime. Perhaps do what I do and just look around KZbin for different forms of prayer. I hear that the divine mercy of Chaplet is a fabulous prayer. Just type it in the search bar and there will be many different channels that have it.

[@markantonelli53]

@@suziepeck5717 my prayers aren’t answered because I’m too unworthy for God to even want to bother with me

[@suziepeck5717]

@markantonelli53 but I can absolutely tell you that is not true. That is actually an insult to our Lord. Not trying to make you feel bad, but you need to know that God loves all of us and we are never a bother to him and we are definitely worth His while. I sent you a link right up above did you see that?

[@zendude123]

There’s 24 hours in a day. Find the time. Sleep faster if you need to. No such thing as “can’t find the time”.

[@Unclenate1000]

Too busy doing things in life that are actually meaningful and lead to actual results... unlike speaking to an invisible god who already knows what I was gonna say and do whatever he wants to anyway lol.

[@lindachisholm4201]

You look so tired. I hope you rest.

[@jldisme]

Thanks!