By Ryan LeBlanc, E.D. Feehan High School, Saskatoon
I was in church the other day, chatting with a young man who loves his faith very much and goes to church all the time.
And he said something that really caught my ear. He said, “I’m not sure if I even know how to be a Christian on the other six days of the week.”
It really surprised me, because I just assumed he felt confident and capable of living out his faith beyond going to Sunday Mass. I shouldn’t have been surprised, because in my own life I’ve often questioned if what I do at church has anything to do with the rest of my life.
I think lots of people who go to church might be wondering the same question, or maybe the question hasn’t even occurred to them yet. If that’s you, I want to give you an answer.
Other people might not go to church regularly, but they go to Catholic school or have their own experiences of the Bible and faith. Having a relationship with Jesus might sound good to them, but they don’t know where to start. Of course, going to church is an important part of building relationship with Jesus, but what can they do today, being not Sunday? If that’s you, I want to give you an answer.
If you want to start being a Christian on a day that’s not a Sunday, here’s what I recommend you do.
Pray.
Like, right now, or in any moment today, turn to God in your heart and pray.
And, if you want to get fancy and have a plan, here’s one.
Pray. Pray. Pray.
In whatever moment it occurs to you, at any time on any day, speak with God. See what happens.
This is the ultimate in low-cost, low-risk behaviour, and billions of people have found that it pays off.
Heads up, as you start with whatever prayer which occurs to you, you will probably find yourself desiring some kind of prayer tradition that’s been handed on to you to help you along. So don’t hesitate to use what Aunty or Kokum or Nono taught you or seek out a prayer tradition that resonates with you.
It really is that simple.
What I tell my students is, you already know how to pray. We all do. But you also could grow your habit of prayer to become more effective. We all could.
So, if faith in the God of the Bible sounds at all inviting to you, give it a shot today. Pray. In a tough moment, or in a beautiful moment. Pray. When it’s quiet or when it’s loud. Pray.
Then tonight, then tomorrow, then whenever it occurs to you. Pray. Pray. Pray.
Honestly, that’s really easy and it doesn’t hurt.
And then, see what happens.
Let’s pray right now.
Jesus who walks alongside us,
you taught your friends to pray.
Guide us to turn to Creator
to speak with him as best we can.
Amen.
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Ryan LeBlanc is the Teacher Chaplain and Catholic Studies Department Head at E.D. Feehan Catholic High School in Saskatoon. He is also discerning the permanent diaconate in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon.