Day 348: The Battle of Prayer

In the battle of prayer, we must face in ourselves and around us erroneous notions of prayer. Some people view prayer as a simple psychological activity, others as an effort of concentration to reach a mental void. Still others reduce prayer to ritual words and postures. Many Christians unconsciously regard prayer as an occupation that is incompatible with all the other things they have to do: they "don't have the time." Those who seek God by prayer are quickly discouraged because they do not know that prayer comes also from the Holy Spirit and not from themselves alone. CCC 2726

In today's reading, the Catechism discusses the battle of prayer. It may seem hyperbolic, but prayer really can be a battle. While we can pray anywhere, our surroundings can be a problem for focusing our attention on God. We also struggle against ourselves, from the concerns of this world which can intrude during prayer time, to various distractions (Did I get that right? Is this really worth God's attention? I don't have time for this! Etc.), to even dryness in how we pray. Finally, we also have the problem of spiritual attacks from the Deceiver (God doesn't hear you! You're nothing but a despicable sinner! There is no God! Etc.). It may lack spiritual profundity, but the old saying of "practice makes perfect," while not a real goal in prayer (as if we are even capable of such), does remind us that the more we pray, the closer we become to God and get better at it, even though our struggles remain. I see this as akin to forgiving "seventy times seven" from Matthew 18:22. Christ didn't mean that we must literally forgive 490 times, and then that's it. You're toast. No, He meant that forgiveness must be limitless and continual, just as His forgiveness of us is. Well, we must pray "seventy times seven" no matter the struggle.

The Catechism Compendium summarizes why prayer is a battle:

Prayer is a gift of grace but it always presupposes a determined response on our part because those who pray “battle” against themselves, their surroundings, and especially the Tempter who does all he can to turn them away from prayer. The battle of prayer is inseparable from progress in the spiritual life. We pray as we live because we live as we pray. (#572)

The Catechism Companion Vol III has some good commentary on this:

Sometimes we think that prayer is supposed to be easy, but it actually is difficult, and knowing that can be helpful. The ability to pray comes from the Holy Spirit, not solely from our individual efforts. Growth in prayer is God's work, and we cooperate with God's work through grace and effort... The Church teaches that "prayer is a battle," primarily with our own inclinations and with the temptations that divert us from union with God. If we consistently are not in a state of grace, it is impossible for us to have a deep connection with God in prayer. (p. 212)