I am prepared to be blasted for this one. I converted to Catholicism after I met my husband. I grew up in a family that prayed frequently, but our prayers were off the cuff... completely from our hearts and minds.
I am having such a difficult time right now, as my 8 year old is getting ready for first communion, teaching them prayers that they have to memorize and have no significant meaning to them. There is no way an 8 year old can understand what they are saying when they say Act of Contrition or the rosary.
I pray the rosary often as an adult and I do it when I need to be calm about something. The repetition is comforting. I also pray the rosary in groups - I believe that anytime a group gets together in prayer, it can be an incredible thing.
I guess I'm just torn right now... teaching my kids these prayers is important, but teaching them to pray from their hearts and souls is even more important to me.
Kelly Russo Photography and Kathryn Weese added this photo to their favorites.
She Wears Many Hats 41 months ago | reply
Beautiful picture from a lovely mother.
Donalyn Ketchum 41 months ago | reply
As a Catholic school kid for all of my elementary education, I still don't see much true spiritual value in memorized prayers. Still - I would think you can teach them to pray from their hearts too. The things they have to memorize can be one "kind" of prayer, but you can model the other kind for them, when you pray together, like before bedtime maybe. It is a powerful thing for a child to hear their parents praying from the heart on a regular basis. And, I love this photo!
tildatoo 41 months ago | reply
I hope that you don't get "blasted" As a Catholic and attending Catholic schools, we learned our prayers very early. Your children may not grasp the depth of the meaning of these prayers, but in time it will become more clear to them. Our bedtime prayers were always for family, friends, anyone in need and I think that praying for someone made it more personal, at least for me as a child.
TheSophisticatedGourmet 41 months ago | reply
Beautiful photo, and if anyone's going to blast you, I've got your back! :)
Ian ( slowly catching up ) 41 months ago | reply
I love this one...Nice theme...
Elise Bauer 41 months ago | reply
Hi Kristin,
The way I look at is that our thoughts and words are a powerful creative force. When we repeat prayers, it's as if we are laying deep tracks of powerful thought patterns in our brains. This is why in so many religions, repetition is important - mantras, Buddhist prayer beads, etc. In the past, when I have felt my world falling apart from grief, I have turned to both the Our Father and the Hail Mary. Repeating them, out loud, is like a bell reverberating God's love throughout my body. I am thankful that I learned these prayers as a child, so as an adult they are so reachable within my psyche.
dineanddish 41 months ago | reply
Thank you all for your comments.
Elise - I totally agree with you. That is exactly why I love those prayers.
So for now, I should look at it like a tool that my kids will be able to turn to use in the future... through these prayers they will soon understand the meanings and will be able to turn to them in need for comfort.
Knowing what they mean, completely, right now isn't as important... they'll find comfort in knowing them in the future.
Thanks for your words of wisdom, all!
KaZa Photography 41 months ago | reply
i think the problem is that they are not being explained in a way that kids can understand.
Souris Mini 41 months ago | reply
beautiful image!
I agree with tildatoo - she put it perfectly! Good Luck
Alanna Kellogg 41 months ago | reply
What a sad world, your fear of being 'blasted' for an honest expression of doubt, not of faith itself, not of doctrine, not even of dogma ... but of a teaching practice. I'm glad you've found peace!
Mary StarMagic - 41 months ago | reply
this is a beautiful shot - and I think you have the answer to your prayer about how and what to teach your children.....
agmeadows 41 months ago | reply
beautiful shot. =)
Jamie Sunday 38 months ago | reply
I agree that praying in a group can be an incredible thing. =)
FelixSS© 35 months ago | reply
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Kathryn Weese 28 months ago | reply
Kristen I love them both very much and I'm a total B&W aficionado but the colour one is the one that speaks to me. Stunningly beautiful. I'm a convert too...8 years ago. The Rosary is my favourite prayer!