Running the Race
“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win.” (1 Corinthians 9:24-25).
A Lesson from the Course
As I watched my son compete in a cross country race this weekend, I realized that cross country reminds me about perseverance in prayer life. Both share the need for discipline, sacrifice, and commitment without the need for elaborate tools. What is expected is that you show up even when it’s hard or your tired and trust that God will meet you there. Just as a runner commits to daily practice, a healthy prayer life involves nurturing and consistency in order to feel the connection that our heart desires with Christ.
Saint Therese of Lisieux said “for me prayer is a surge of the heart; it is a simple look turned toward heaven, it is a cry of recognition and love, embracing both trial and joy“ (CCC 2558).
Her words remind us that prayer is about fulfilling the relationship we were created to have and feeling the love from God that is our heart’s deepest desire.
Jesus is the Model for Prayer
The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines prayer as “the raising of one’s mind and heart to God or requesting of good things from God“ (CCC 2559) .
Throughout salvation history, God’s people turned to Him in prayer. Jesus Himself prayed often to His Heavenly Father and taught us how to pray by giving us the Our Father. He emphasized that prayer transforms the heart. It doesn’t change God, it changes us. Because we were created in the image and likeness of God to be in relationship with Him, prayer is necessary to being connected with God and growing in our faith life.
Forming Students who Pray
As catechists or campus ministers, it is our privilege to teach students how to pray. Once they leave the Catholic high school “bubble,” prayer will sustain their faith. Students are each unique, and their approach to prayer will be too. Our role is to introduce a variety of prayer forms to keep in their spiritual toolbox so they can find what draws them closest to Christ.
The Catechism outlines five forms of prayer:
Blessing and Adoration
Petition
Intercession
Thanksgiving
Praise
I personally like to teach students ways of prayer that involve the senses to engage their hearts and minds more deeply.
The Rosary
Lectio Divina (praying with Scripture)
Visio Divina (meditating on sacred art)
Journaling
Silent Contemplation
These allow students to explore options in order to find the unique way that they pray and communicate best with God.
Creating a Prayerful Classroom
A prayerful classroom environment invites students to experience faith as part of daily life. It’s calming and peaceful. In my classroom, I include:
A Prayer Board with a Saint of the Week, Verse of the Week, and Prayer of the Week
A Liturgical Calendar Display to connect class discussions and prayer to the Church year.
A Prayer Table with a cloth matching the color of the liturgical season, a Bible, prayer book, crucifix, and symbols that help students visually engage in prayer.
These simple tools make prayer visible, tangible, and accessible.
My Prayer Bulletin Board provides a variety of ways to pray and changes frequently.
Practical Tips for Teaching Students to Pray:
Suggest a prayer space at home. Encourage students to set up a small corner with a Bible, rosary, and journal.
Pray with them, not just for them. Students learn best by doing it alongside us.
Pray consistently and instill confidence that they can pray on their own. Begin every class in prayer and choose students to lead the class in prayer.
Share tools and resources. Provide handouts and direct them towards teen-friendly prayer apps like Hallow or Laudate.
Accompany them. Walk with them until prayer becomes natural and authentic and them give them opportunities to encounter Christ in prayer.
Helpful Resources:
Here are some of the classroom resources that I use to create a space for prayer and faith formation:
Catholic “Saint of the Week” Bulletin Board Set -The Adventures of a First Year Teacher
Catholic Prayer Bulletin Board Rosary Scripture Classroom Decor Bible Verse - Sara J Creations
Weekly Gospel Worksheets and Saints Worksheet Collection - The Religion Teacher
Vocation Ministry - materials for teaching about vocations and praying for priests.
Running for the Imperishable Crown
We are called to run to win, but not for our own glory or a prize that fades. We run for an eternal reward. Prayer gives us strength to face spiritual battles, maintain a clear focus on our mission, and the peace to love always. When students see us praying regularly, they may be inspired to start their own spiritual journey or grow more deeply.
