Thoughts on Prayer

• If anyone asks you for a section of the Bible that highlights what stewardship is all  about, refer them to Matthew 5 – 7, “The Sermon on the Mount”:
  • These 3 chapters have been referred to as “The Constitution for the Kingdom.”
  • This is required reading for all!
• Develop and incorporate a parish stewardship prayer into Sunday Mass and all parish ministry meetings and parish events.
• Many parishes have begun forming Men’s Faith-Sharing Groups
  • Usually start with small numbers but grow over time.
  • Personally invite men to attend.
  • They have great names like “Defenders of St. Michael” or “Gideon’s Army.”
• Pray for other people. The simple statement of “I will pray for you.” has a profound effect on people and encourages them to pray for others.
• Holy Mass – We need to help people understand that we go to Mass to praise and worship God; to see what we can do for Him, not what He is going to do for us. We need to change this perception that God is a genie who grants wishes to us.
  • When attending Mass keep your head “on a swivel.” As you walk from your car and sit down in Church, be on the look-out for people that look lost, lonely or unwelcomed. See how you can help someone. This is the model Jesus gave us. Too many times when we enter Church we are consumed with our own issues. Become “other-centered” and “God-centered” (instead of “self-centered”) before Mass starts.
• Start parish-based prayer groups. Many parishes are specifically forming men’s groups.