Now that Holy Week is upon us, it may seem like there is pressure to be extra zealous for the next couple of days leading up to Easter. Certainly Notre Dame lives up to its unofficial nickname of “Catholic Disneyland” this week, with a plethora of Mass and prayer service options and elaborate ceremonies that last hours. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve attended some of these in the past, and they are incredible to witness, but they can seem really daunting and intimidating. Plus, as finals approach, homework piles up more and more, and schedules become far more inflexible.
If you want to reflect on Holy Week on your own time, don’t underestimate the power of personal prayer. Attending a Mass or any religious service can be a really fulfilling experience, but practicing prayer on your own can also be fulfilling, perhaps even more so. Recently on HCND, there was an article on mindfulness and its benefits. Prayer’s benefits are much the same: allowing you to achieve calm and to center yourself in the hectic world we live in today, and also to move outside of yourself and focus on the greater mysteries in life, depending on your personal beliefs. Really, prayer is a type of meditation. There is no wrong way to pray, no “script” necessary, but if formal prayers are your preference, then go for it! It can be a reflection or a conversation. As long as the intent is there, you’re off to a great start.
I’ve found that the act of prayer is much like physical exercise. First, it’s a really hard habit to start and maintain. The biggest struggle for me is starting prayer at all. Like working out, I’ll feel the need to pray, but often lack the motivation to begin. Then, if I’ve managed to begin praying, it can become really easy to become bored or tired of doing the activity at all. Keeping focus can be really difficult, as does the temptation to start thinking about all the other things you have to do that day.
Second, it has to be practiced constantly to get better at it and to enjoy it. Like most other skills, prayer will only improve the more often you do it, and most likely you will get more out of it if you take time to pray on a regular basis. Third, going to a public service can often be as intimidating as attending the gym. Is your “form” correct? Should I fold my hands, or just press my palms together? Eyes closed or opened? Head bowed or looking up? The questions go on and on. Praying around others can increase your sense of community, but it can also distract from praying at all. It’s important to remember that everyone is more worried about themselves than about how others are praying. You do you! Finding your own personal spot for prayer can be really helpful, whether public or private. I personally like my dorm’s chapel or the Grotto.
Finally, prayer feels great afterwards, like after a really good workout. It’s really rewarding to take time out of your life to pray, and the more you do it, the more you’ll want to engage in prayer the next time! It can be really helpful in finding balance in life, especially the ultra-busy and active lifestyle Notre Dame students tend to have, and in the case of Holy Week, perhaps help get you in the right mindset for the season.
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