What types of prayer practices do I think are reasonable for any Christian to do on a daily basis? I think time spent in quiet reflection and prayer in the mornings is reasonable. As well as nightly prayers before bedtime with the kids. And, of course, blessings before meals in thanksgiving for what we have.
What limitations or special circumstances do I or my family have? The only limitations I can see is my own laziness and perhaps discomfort with quiet reflection. I tend to start thinking about all the things I need to do instead of being present with God and allowing Him to speak to me. Then I get frustrated because I can't keep my concentration long enough so I try very hard to concentrate ... then I start thinking about my to-do list. It's a vicious cycle. But I know that centering prayer comes with patience and persistence and that what I need to do is just schedule it and stick with it.
Which prayer practices do I want to schedule in which time slots? Which time slots do I want to leave free to choose a form of prayer spontaneously? I think it best that I not overwhelm myself and set unattainable goals since this will be the first time in my life I'm actually scheduling prayer instead of saying smaller prayers of thanks or intercession throughout the day. I'd like to do some sort of daily reflection in the mornings to help center myself. Preferably before the kids wake up -- I seem to be waking before them these days anyway. And then at night, I'd like to read something to the kids during our reading time that is spiritually based and have this followed by prayer.
Is there someplace I can pray without distraction? Where? Can I create a prayer spot, with easy access to my Bible, Rosary, Catechism and other prayer aids? How about a statue, pictures and candles? If I move the pink chair into our room and put the rocking chair in the attic (or in Mary Beth's room) I can easily create a space for this. I will do this tomorrow when Jason is home in the morning.
How often do I think is reasonable to get to Confession? When can I do this? Will I take the children with me? If not, who will care for them? Could regular confession conflict with any ongoing commitments? If so, how can I reconcile them? I think once a month should do it but I'm unsure on this. I'll ask Mom when she gets home. I can schedule it with Father Chester and make sure that Jason closes on those days so I can go without the kids. Otherwise, I'm sure that Chelette, Rachel, Missy or someone similar would watch the kids for me.
How often can I get to Mass? What about the children? What about spiritual direction? I'd like to go twice a week. Once on Sundays at 9 am so the kids can attend Children's Church (or Saturday afternoon for Anticipated Mass) and once on Fridays at noon and then we can join Mom and the students for lunch. Spiritual direction is something I want to do but it's just not in the budget right now. So first things first ...
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