Do we have to pray every day?

Some other questions to ask: "Do I have to eat every day?" "Do I have to sleep every day?" "Do I have to brush my teeth every day?" For a day, maybe even longer, you could give up doing these things, but a person wouldn't like it and could actually do harm. By not praying, one could become self-centered, selfish and depressed. These are just some of the consequences. Perhaps this is why Christ commands His disciples to always pray.

Christ also tells His disciples that when one prays, he should go to his inner room and pray alone. However, Christ also says that when two or three are gathered together in his name, he is present. Christ wants both private and community prayer. Prayer, both private and community, can come in many forms: blessing and adoration, petition, intercession, praise and thanksgiving. In all these forms, prayer is a conversation with God. Sometimes it is a dialogue, but many times it is listening. Unfortunately, many people think that prayer is telling God what they want or need. These people are disappointed when they don't get what they want. That is why it is important to see it as a conversation in which God is also allowed to communicate what he wants for that person.

You might never ask "Do I have to talk to my closest friend every day?" Of course not! This is because you usually want to talk to your friend to strengthen that friendship. Likewise, God wants His disciples to draw close to Him. This is done through prayer. If we practice prayer every day, we approach God, we approach the saints in heaven, we become less self-centered and, therefore, more centered on God.

So, start praying to God! Try not to do too much in one day. Prayer, like exercise, must be built. Those who are not fit cannot run a marathon on their first day of training. Some people become discouraged when they cannot make night vigils before the Blessed Sacrament. Talk to a priest and find a plan. If you can visit a church, try stopping for five minutes of worship. Find and say a daily morning prayer and, at the beginning of the day, dedicate it to Christ. Read a passage from the Bible, especially the Gospels and the Book of Psalms. As you read the passage, simply ask God to open your heart to what he is telling you. Try praying the rosary. If it sounds a little too much at first, try praying only a decade. The important thing to remember is not to get frustrated, but to listen to the speak of the Lord. When you speak, keep focused on asking God to help others, especially the sick and suffering, including the souls in purgatory.