Prayer is sometimes defined as being a heart to heart conversation with the Lord. It is in the context of prayer that we can have a genuine heartfelt dialogue with God. However, most faithful people agree that we sometimes do more talking than we do listening. We need to be more sensitive and attentive to God’s request of us.

Like the bell towers of many of our rural Catholic Churches, we pull on that rope - we rely on prayer - in the hopes of receiving a sound response. However, God also tugs on our heart strings in order that we may respond. We believe that our prayer, at the very least, is heard. At the same time we must give God the assurance, at the very least, that we will listen. When we do, we learn that God leads our hearts to happiness, directs our minds to peace, plugs into our passions and invigorates our souls in service.

When a man considers the vocation to the priesthood, it is essential that he realize that this vocation is a Calling from God and not simply an act of personal faith expression or  occupational ambition. Priesthood is not for the faint of heart. It most certainly is an inspired vocation with its unique struggles, but it also has its special rewards. Undoubtedly, priesthood is a vocation that is not only sustained, but also energized through prayer.

Simply stated, in order to determine whether priesthood is where God is leading you, you must begin with prayer. Your relationship with God in prayer and frequent participation in the sacraments not only nourishes your soul, but also provides some clarity as to what the Lord is asking of you.

Spend some time in prayer and use the scriptures as a source of reflection and inspiration. A few scripture passages show the nature of how God calls individuals to faithful service. Please review the ones I included on this page. Meditate upon the passage. Ask yourself if these sacred words resonate within you and your experience of God.

Matthew

• 28:16-20
  • Jesus is doubted by some disciples. “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you.”

Mark

• 10:13-31
  • Jesus and the children. “Truly I tell you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields, for my sake and for the sake of the good news, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this age--houses, brothers and sisters, mothers and children, and fields with persecutions--and in the age to come eternal life.”

Luke

• 5:1-11
  • Jesus helps the fisherman. “Do not be afraid.”
• 9:12-25
  • Jesus eats with the 12 disciples. “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will save it. What does it profit them if they gain the whole world, but lose or forfeit themselves?”
• 9:56-10:9
  • Jesus and his followers. “The kingdom of God has come near to you.”
• 10:38-42
  • Jesus talks to Martha. “You are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing.”
• 24:13-35
  • Jesus walks with Moses and the prophets. “Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?”

John

• 13:3-17
  • Jesus washes his disciples feet. “I have set an example for you, so that you will do just what I have done for you.”

Peter

• 5:1-11
  • Tend the flock; resist the devil. “Do not lord it over those in your charge, but be examples to the flock. And when the chief shepherd appears, you will win the crown of glory that never fades away.”