Five Moments to Pray on the Go

– OSV News / Colleen Pressprich

As Catholics, we are called to constantly turn our hearts toward the Lord. As parents, it is our responsibility to teach our children to do it. That might seem impossible, especially during the summer.

I know that for us, this is an even busier time than the school year. Between camps, sports, and the swim team, we're constantly on the go, and our schedule rarely stays the same from one week to the next.

This can make it difficult to find a rhythm, especially when it comes to prayer.

But it is possible—and easier than you might think—to cultivate the habit of prayer during the busiest times, both for you and for your children.

Here are five opportunities to incorporate prayer into your family’s daily routine this summer—opportunities that will deepen your family’s prayer life and will be easy to maintain once the school year begins again. In fact, you’ll notice that all of these are “on-the-go” moments. This comes with an added bonus: praying in the car means fewer distractions. Time in the car opens up opportunities for meaningful conversations, for our children to ask us questions, and for us to better understand their hearts.

As you consider incorporating these brief moments of prayer throughout the day, keep in mind the words of St. Paul VI, who wrote: “People today are more willing to listen to witnesses than to teachers.”.

What does this have to do with family prayer? It means you’ll probably have to step a little outside your comfort zone. I know I had to. Praying out loud doesn’t usually come naturally to us, but it’s the best way to teach our children. It might feel awkward at first, but I promise you it will pay off.

Prayer When Passing by a Catholic Church

Every time our family drives or walks past a Catholic church, we make the sign of the cross and say this short prayer: “Jesus, I love you.”.

Recognizing Christ as truly present in the tabernacle reinforces in our children the idea that the Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith, and helps them understand the importance and centrality of our belief in the Eucharist. Although it may seem simple, this practice has sparked many conversations with our children. It has given us the opportunity to explain to them Eucharistic theology, the differences among various denominations, and even the importance of making the sign of the cross with reverence—which is, in itself, a powerful prayer.

Prayer When You Hear Sirens

Whenever our family hears a siren, we stop whatever we’re doing and say, “Dear Jesus, please help the paramedics, the police officers, the firefighters, and everyone they’re going to help.”.

Short and to the point, this prayer shows our children the importance of looking beyond themselves, of recognizing the needs of others, and of entrusting them to God in prayer. Over the years, we have seen that our children notice when others are in need and ask us to join them in prayer. I am often amazed by what their eyes see that I might have overlooked. Intercession has become a habit.

A Prayer When We See a Homeless Person

Our family has a tradition of praying for the homeless people we see along the way. If it's safe to do so, we stop and ask them their names so we can pray for them specifically.

As Catholics, we believe in the inherent dignity and worth of every person. Taking the time to truly see those on the margins of society, to recognize them as individuals, and to offer a prayer for them provides our children with a powerful witness and shapes the way they treat others. We have had wonderful conversations with our children about the corporal and spiritual works of mercy and about the Church’s social teaching, and we have seen our children grow in love and respect for everyone they encounter.

Prayer When Passing by a Cemetery

I learned this practice from my own grandmother. Whenever we drive past a cemetery, we say a Hail Mary for the souls of those who are buried there and who are still being purified in Purgatory. The souls in Purgatory cannot pray for themselves; instead, they depend on the prayers of others. This simple habit has allowed us to explain the communion of saints in a real and tangible way to our children, and it has given them the opportunity to pray for those who may no longer have anyone to pray for them.

Prayer While Contemplating Beauty

The last time we try to incorporate prayer into our daily lives is when we contemplate something beautiful in the natural world. In those moments, we offer a prayer of gratitude aloud for whatever it may be. “Thank you, Jesus, for this breathtaking sunset.” “Thank you, Father, for the smell of freshly cut grass.”.

Say out loud everything you’re grateful for. This was the part I found hardest to put into practice comfortably, but it has also been so beneficial for my children that I’m grateful I overcame the awkwardness of my first attempts.

Prayer on the Go

Cultivating a Life of Prayer in family It doesn't have to be complicated. These small, spontaneous moments will lead to deeper conversations, longer moments of prayer, and a more vivid understanding of the gift that our Catholic faith represents.

---

This article was first published in OSV News. It is reprinted in Omnes with permission. You can read the original in English. HERE.