What do I do?

Stop.

Be still.

Don't make this a production. Just pray for 15 more minutes.

Setting aside a time to make it happen? Probably wise. Or... add it to your current prayer time.

Fall off the wagon? Well, get back on. That's the only solution to that!

Feel free to use the daily prompts--which will be up at midnight each day--as starts to your prayer. Or a reminder as to what the journey is about. Comment as you are inspired. If the prompts don't speak to you, there is a rich list of prayer sites at the right you can explore. I particularly like Sacred Space, which guides you through reflecting on the day's scripture and your life right now.

Blessings on your NaPraGoMo 2008! And tell a friend!
--IC

Why are we here?

As a leaf turns toward the light.... (picture source).

Why are we here at this blog? ...Or why are we here, period? Believe it or not, this post answers both questions.

Many of you may be familiar with NaNoWriMo, the month where everyone who bears a novel within buckles down and writes it out. As a twist on that fine idea, this is also a perfect month to gets one's prayer life jump-started, improved, deepened, etc. Hence "NaPraGoMo" (National Pray To God Month).

Prayer is the best of habits; it truly does change the way you see things. In stopping and lifting your mind and heart to God, you are giving God permission to act in you (God doesn't need permission, but He wants to be invited). Prayer also tells you in indelible ways who God is and who you were created to be. This website is a simple invitation to pray 15 minutes more than you usually do every day.

I will post a prompt (a prayer, a reflection, a picture, etc.) everyday. These will be more the greater lights of the Christian tradition and Scripture; that is, not me! As I am Catholic, some of these pieces may be rooted particularly in Catholic tradition, but my hope is that all Christians would find this a very welcoming place to be for the month. We share a love for the one, true God. I hope this website could lead people to become more accostumed with taking their concerns to God, and learn to listen a bit better and more often.

If you want to be in the sidebar as one of those praying with us this November, please say so in the comments box. And if you want an idea what this will be like, see last year's experiment in this regard. And spread the word! Setting time apart to be with God will be the most transformative 15 minutes of your day!