When we fail to pray, it has a great change in our inner

In fact, I had never stopped to think of it, maybe knowing well what prayer gives me and for having, as a child, that discreet reminder that “God punishes if we do not pray.” The happy discovery that I have made, every day, is that if I stop praying, God will not stop loving me, for love of Him is unconditional. He does not love because He is loved but because He is love itself.

^{Photo: Daniel Mafra / cancaonova.com}

You might ask me: “So why does Word of God teaches us: ‘Pray without ceasing in all circumstances?'” (Thess. 5). It is that prayer purifies the hearts of all disordered affections attached to earthly and fleeting things and brings us closer to God, for whom our soul is thirsty and longing, even if it is still not aware of it.

I share with you this story to help you better understand the value of prayer  “It is said that, in a forest, there was an  old, abandoned hermitage dedicated to St. Rocco. Every year, in preparation for a party came the pious sacristan of the nearby village, who swept and adorned the small shrine with simplicity and beauty. At the party the night before, the old bell of the hermitage was strongly rung to invite the residents of the neighborhood to participate in the festivities. On top of the turret, the bell had saved a year of silence and solitude. Birds and nocturnal insects they found a peaceful haven where nested comfortably dominating the space. However, it was enough the first ringing of the bell and everyone went out looking for other places. “

And that makes us understand what happens within us. When we fail to pray and fast, hidden idols begin to settle in the dark recesses of our soul and try to make their home there. Greed, pride, self-sufficiency, vanity and so many other ills nest in our being causing dismay, sadness and increasingly distancing us from the happiness that God wants to give us. I myself am a witness. Often, I find myself restless, impatient and intolerant to myself. So, it’s like a discreet little bell started ringing there inside me telling me what is missing prayer. When this happens, I try to immediately resume my spirituality harder and without delay, also I realize the rewards. It is that when we take courage and do ring  the bells of prayer in our lives, casting out of our interior everything that is contrary to God and our soul is prepared to receive it. As He is the light itself, He enters our soul and dissipates all kinds of darkness, returning us to the peace and the serenity that greatly want.

So, let the bell of prayer ring out  in our lives with courage and willingness today! The rosary, the prayerful reading of the Word of God, confession of sins and the participation in the Holy Mass can be great ways to start over. And remember: even if you stop praying, God will still love you but if you pray, you can experience this love, and this will make a difference.!