We live in a world filled with noise. Notifications, deadlines, conversations, and constant activity can make it hard to find stillness. Yet in the midst of this busyness, one of the greatest treasures we’ve been given often goes overlooked: prayer.
Prayer is not just a task to check off or a duty to fulfill—it’s an invitation to friendship with God. And like any friendship, it grows when we give it time, honesty, and attention.
Prayer as Relationship
At its heart, prayer is simply being with the One who knows and loves us most. It is where we bring our joys, our struggles, and our hopes into God’s presence. As Fr. Jacques Philippe and Sr. Anne of Jesus remind us in their new book, The Treasure of Prayer, prayer places us “directly in contact with our Creator” and opens us to the intimacy that transforms our lives.
Think of your closest friend. You don’t just talk to them when you need something—you share daily life with them. The same is true with God. Prayer is where we cultivate this steady friendship, one that steadies us in storms and draws us toward the good and beautiful.
Discovering the Facets of Prayer
For many of us, prayer can feel intimidating. We may not know where to start, or we may feel discouraged when distractions creep in. That’s why the wisdom of the Church—and guides like The Treasure of Prayer—are so helpful.
This book breaks prayer down into approachable, short chapters that reflect on different facets of prayer: silence, perseverance, trust, gratitude, and more. Each aspect offers us a new “entry point” into conversation with God. Whether you pray in quiet moments at home, in front of the Blessed Sacrament, or while walking outside, you’ll find that prayer takes many shapes but always leads to the same place: deeper communion with God.
Making Prayer Part of Everyday Life
One of the most beautiful truths about prayer is that it doesn’t belong only to saints in monasteries or those with hours of free time. It belongs to us—all of us. We can pray in the kitchen while cooking, in the car on the way to work, or in the small pauses of our day.
Prayer can be as simple as repeating a short phrase—“Jesus, I trust in You”—or quietly offering thanks for a blessing received. It’s not about perfection but about presence. God doesn’t need long, eloquent words. He desires your heart, offered with sincerity.
Why Prayer Is the Treasure
Jesus once said, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Mt 6:21). If we make prayer our treasure, our hearts will rest more and more in Him. And from that friendship flows peace, strength, and joy—gifts we can carry into every corner of our daily lives.
If you’re looking for a way to deepen your prayer life this season, The Treasure of Prayer by Fr. Jacques Philippe and Sr. Anne of Jesus is the perfect companion. Rooted in tradition but written with simplicity, it will help you see prayer not as a burden but as the gift it truly is: the path to growing in friendship with God.
