Marc John Paul on Praying

"The modern world cannot comprehend the fact of the Saint. Actually, I’m becoming ever-more convinced that the modern world can’t comprehend much at all - but that’s beside the point.
"The reason she shudders and grinds to a halt when contemplating the Contemplators is the false idea that ‘one must simply get tired of it all’. At the end of the day – putting beauty and truth aside – surely there are only so many Ave Marias one can mutter? Surely it’s extremism, to live a life in constant prayer, constant mortification, and constant contemplation of Christ? Surely the Saints get bored of Sainthood?

"As a mediocre Catholic, I understand the complaint all too well. We’ve all been there, when our prayer suddenly curls up and dies like spiders on our lips, when the faith that surround us bores, when Mass is a chore, fasting a pain, obedience to The Church frightfully difficult. There are times when I do get tired of it all, dammit. I am usually made aware of this sad fact when praying my Rosary, and halfway through the third mystery I realize I’ve spent 35 Hail Marys thinking about bacon. (And not even the Father-of-the-English-Renaissance-variety.)"

In a recent commentary, blogger  Marc John Paul reflected on prayer and on the Saints as examples on how to pray. 

To access his complete post, please visit:

Bad Catholic: How To Pray Badly (26 OCT 11)