Out of all the disciplines of Exodus 90, prayer is the most essential—and for many, the most challenging. The question, “What do I do for an hour?” is common among those beginning their prayer journey.
The answer is simpler than it seems. At its core, prayer is a conversation with God, an opportunity to sit in his presence and allow his love to transform us. It’s not about filling an hour with activity; rather, it’s about resting in relationship with God.
The Simplicity of Prayer
Fr. Boniface Hicks, author of Personal Prayer and Spiritual Guide for Exodus 90, shares that vulnerability is “the key to the most fruitful prayer” and “the meeting point of God and man.” It’s in this vulnerable openness that prayer becomes transformative.
Initially, silence can feel uncomfortable. In our distraction-filled world, sitting still before God might feel unnatural. As Bishop Erik Varden explains in Entering the Twofold Mystery:
“The more I depend on distraction, the harder it is to recollect myself in prayer and stillness. As a result, I depend on distractions even more.”
To truly encounter God, we must step away from the noise. This requires courage and a willingness to sit still, listen, and share our innermost selves with the Lord.
The Role of Silence in Prayer
During Exodus 90, daily prayer becomes the cornerstone of your spiritual journey. By dedicating an hour to prayer each day—with at least twenty minutes in silence—you create an oasis of peace where transformation can begin.
Silence allows us to tune into God’s still, small voice, opening our hearts to his guidance. This quiet space in prayer is where we can:
• Reflect on daily Scripture readings.
• Meditate on verses or words that stand out.
• Respond to God’s Word with love and humility.
If you can’t commit to an hour right away, don’t worry. Start small. Even a few minutes of prayer each day can build into something more meaningful over time.
Practical Tips for a Life of Prayer
Here are some strategies to integrate prayer into your daily routine:
1. Find the Right Time
Most men find early mornings or late evenings to be the best time for uninterrupted prayer. Choose a time that works for you and schedule it like any other priority.
2. Start with Scripture
Begin your prayer with the daily Scripture passage provided in the Exodus 90 app. Meditate on a single verse or word that speaks to you, and let it guide your conversation with God.
3. Use the Exodus 90 App
The Disciplines Tab in the app helps you stay accountable to your prayer goals, making it easier to track your progress.
4. Persevere Through Challenges
Prayer, like any discipline, requires persistence. The more you practice, the more natural it will feel. Don’t let discouragement or missed goals hold you back—just keep showing up.
Growing in Deeper Prayer
As you grow in your prayer life, you may experience a shift toward deeper, more contemplative prayer. This is marked by stillness, silence, and attentive presence to God. Such prayer strengthens your relationship with God and equips you to lead your family, parish, and community with love and wisdom.
Fr. Boniface reminds us that contemplative prayer is “vulnerable, attentive, loving presence” between God and man. By embracing this, we allow ourselves to be shaped by God’s love and prepared for his mission.
Your Father Awaits
Each day, your Heavenly Father waits for you in prayer. He invites you into his presence, offering the grace and guidance you need to become the man you’re called to be.
Prayer is not just a discipline; it’s a lifeline. As you embark on your Exodus 90 journey, let prayer be your anchor, leading you to deeper freedom, love, and purpose.
