With so much tragedy and anxiety in the world, it’s more important than ever to remember that God is with us through everything. We’re not alone. But sometimes the same routine prayers don’t seem to make a difference. Perhaps this is a good time for you to try a different form of prayer, for a different season of life.

• Vocal prayer is what we’re all most used to. We say words to God, either from an established prayer (Our Father, Hail Mary, etc.) or simply speaking to God directly from our hearts.
• Meditation is thinking about God. It helps us recognize his presence in every moment of our lives. We can meditate as we read scripture or any religious text that inspires us.
• Contemplation is resting quietly in God’s presence. (Compare it to sitting in front of a beautiful sunset. We don’t think about the sunset, we absorb its beauty. That’s the way we contemplate God.)

Now, more than ever, we need to turn to God and know that we rest safely in his heart, no matter what events are happening in the world. The stormy sea of our lives can only be navigated when we’re sure of our course and how to get there. Prayer helps!