Growing Our Prayer Life
Prayer Draws Us Closer to God
When you invest in what matters to God, you strengthen your relationship with Him.
Lifting Up Intercessory Prayer in Our Churches
Members of our community are welcome to use our special prayer spaces for intercessory prayer.
Light a Candle
Along the back wall in St. James Church and in the Reservation Chapel at St. Elizabeth Church there are votive candle stations which represent our “Sacrifice of Praise.” The word “votive” comes from the Latin word votum, which originally meant “expressing a desire.” So the next time you are in the chapel, feel free to light a votive candle as a sacrificial offering, expressing your desires and petitions to God.
Prayer Intention Books
Along the back wall of St. James and in the foyer of St. Elizabeth Seton, you can also find prayer intention books. These intentions are then prayed for during the celebration of Mass, and the rosary offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays following daily mass.
Outdoor Places to Pray at Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish
Saint James campus offers several outdoor spots: the Labyrinth next to the parish center as well as the benches between the two buildings. Other prayerful spots include the statue of Christ behind the center as well as on the tree covered lawns near the church.
At Saint Elizabeth Seton campus, a garden devoted to Mary is a good spot for prayer and lies across from the church with benches (and has a lending library, too!). A sheltered gazebo sits in a shaded spot opposite the rectory. Benches on the church porch during the week offer quiet as well.
Inside or outside of either campus, there are peaceful places to pray.
Learning To Pray
Catholic Prayer
Explore and learn about some of the prayers at the heart of our Catholic Tradition here and here and here.
Learning to Pray: A Guide for Everyone
Read outstanding books about learning to pray and deepening our relationship with God.
- Ten Ways to Pray: A Catholic Guide for Drawing Closer to God by Carolyn Pirtle
- Learning to Pray: A Guide for Everyone by James Martin
Prayer Apps
Discover some Catholic apps to help grow your prayer life.