I’m a sucker for good hashtags. Lately, one of my favorite
trends is for fitness or yoga challenges. Using social media is a great way to
keep yourself accountable. A quick tweet about how you are starting the
#15dayAbChallege or #30DayYogaChallege means that all your friends know that
you are committed to staying in shape (and therefore can bully you if you
don’t). It’s also a good way of developing a habit, challenging yourself to do
new things, and telling the world what is importantto you.
So on that note, I present my unique challenge for you. The
#7DayPrayerChallenge. Starting tonight (Tuesday, September 9th) I am
starting my own challenge!
This challenge is an opportunity to take on different forms
of prayer for 7 days. My prayer for you is that in 7days you develop a habit of
prayer and find some forms of pray that bring you closer to God. Here is your
schedule:
Day One (9/9)- Find your phrase. When accepting any
challenge, you gotta give yourself a motivational phrase to help yourself power
through. So tonight, right now, as you accept this challenge- go look for your
phrase. It can be from the bible, from a religious figure/saint, or really
anything that will inspire you and give you strength for the next 7 days. To
really commit, I suggest tweeting/instagraming/other social media-ing your
phrase with the fabulous hashtag #7DayPrayerChallenge and even including the
picture above (especially if you instagram it).
Day Two (9/10)- Seek out silence for 30 minutes.
At Notre Dame, it is really hard to find time for quiet. Last week, I snagged a
desk on the 12th floor of the Hesburg Library and used it to spend
time eating my ABP sandwich and reflecting and praying about my experience at
ND. It was a great experience and I definitely encourage you to mind a quiet
moment, even if you are super busy, seek out the silence.
Day Three (9/11)- Get moving. Active prayer is awesome
because it gets your endorphins going which leads to a more joyful prayer
experience. My preferred way to do this is through Christian Yoga,
but I recommend you find a way that works for you. Don’t forget to tweet about!
Day Four (9/12)- Readall about it. Write down your thoughts, struggles, and petitions in a letter to
God. Obviously one of my favorite ways to talk to God and talk about God is
through writing. If you like doing this, it might be a great beginning to a
journaling prayer practice for you. Or who knows, maybe you’ll want to start a
blog too!
Day Five (9/13)- And Repeat. Saying the rosary is one of my
favorite ways to pray to Mary and reflect on her amazing life. Take time today
to say a rosary! If you aren’t Catholic, try repeating some of your favorite
prayers as a way of reflecting. Keep updating social media about your progress
this week !
Day Six (9/14)- Spread the Love. Last spring, I challenged
myself to 40 Random Acts of Kindness- today, I challenge you to do just one!
Give back to others by doing a spontaneous nice thing for someone- pay for
someone’s Starbucks, write your favorite quote a sticky note, or leave a gift
card in a bathroom.
Day Seven (9/15)- Celebrate. You made it to Day Seven! If
you are a member of the Notre Dame community, join me (and my boss Kate Morgan
and my co-blogger Katie) for 11:30 AM mass in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart.
If you complete all 7 days of the challenge, we’ll even treat you to Starbucks
following Mass!
That’s right, friends- this challenge ends in free Starbucks!
So what’s stopping you! A chance to get closer to God, a chance to challenge
yourself to new forms of prayer, a chance to develop a prayer habit, a chance
to hang out with me your wonderful blogger, and of course, Free Starbucks! So
get ready, get set… #7DayPrayerChallenge
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