Monday August 3, 2026

Matthew 14:22-36

Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side while he would send the crowds away. After sending the crowds away he went up into the hills by himself to pray.

When is the last time you did this: Go by yourself to pray. Yes the highest form of prayer for us is the Eucharist but there is something special about private prayer. I have not done this in a while. I mean I pray here and there but it has been a hot minute since I cleared the afternoon or the day for prayer. When I was in the novitiate we usually had what our novice master called “desert day.” We were encouraged to go off out of the novitiate and stay out until evening prayer. I did not realize then what a gift that was. Life has gotten so busy that even if I were to clear the day, my mind would not clear as easily.

Today I want us to get back to this practice. Get back to going into prayer by yourself especially when things are getting too busy. That mental break at the park will do you so much good. I pray you make the time to spend a few hours reflecting on what God is doing in and with your beautiful life.