By Fr. Bill Kneemiller
For The Catholic Messenger
For St. Paul the Apostle Parish in Davenport and the Davenport Diocese, I am continuing a commitment to promote the “Shorter Christian Prayer” book, which is a foundation for family prayer.
Many older Catholics will remember the saying from Father Patrick Peyton, “The family that prays together, stays together,” in the years that he spent promoting the family rosary. Fr. Peyton’s saying adapts well to families who use the Shorter Christian prayer book, especially for Night Prayer which begins on page 330. It can be said in a few minutes, and is a beautiful way to settle down before bedtime.
I’ve been finding a strong interest in the color-handout, “Morning Prayer for Kids,” which uses a favorite children’s psalm, 117. I encourage parents and grandparents to also learn this short psalm so they can pray it with their children:
“O Praise the Lord, all you nations; acclaim him, all you peoples!
Strong is his love for us; he is faithful for ever.”
My experience is that having a discipline of prayer very much fits into a Catholic-Christian’s life. A disciple needs discipline, and these simple prayers invite Jesus Christ into our lives, our homes and our hearts!
Fr. Kneemiller can be reached by calling (563) 321-0124. Ask him about Dial a Psalm.
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