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Question Title Posted By Question Date
prayer after communion wendy Wednesday, January 5, 2005

Question:

The Church I attend plays music with singing during communion. After receiving Our Lord, I like to pray, but it is very distracting when everyone is singing. Then I wonder if I should be singing along with everyone else, and find myself struggling to balance the big hymnbook while kneeling (can't hold on) and feeling awkward. What happens is, if I try to pray, I feel like I should be singing. When I sing, I feel like I should be praying. If I had my druthers, I would be kneeling, eyes closed, head bowed, hands clasped in prayer, but the music is so darn loud, I feel like instead of fighting it, maybe I should just go with it. I just want to do what God wants me to do. What do you say?

God bless!

Sandy

Question Answered by Mr. Jacob Slavek

Dear Sandy and Wendy,

   I actually feel pretty much the same way as you do.  This is what I do:  As soon as I take my seat I pray "oh Sacrament most holy oh Sacrament divine...."  three times, then whenever possible I pick up the hymnal and make the communion song part of my prayer.  Usually it is an appropriate prayer, even if it is "modern".  After the hymn is over there usually is a short period for personal prayer.  AFTER MASS IS OVER is another necessary time for prayer since Jesus is still present inside us in the Blessed Sacrament.  Unfortunately at this time many churches become social halls, but I've just learned to overcome this and ignore it.  When I have a special need for more time in prayer with the Eucharist, I'll make a visit at a perpetual adoration chapel.  A habit of a weekly adoration is good, or at least monthly.

  I've never had problems balancing a hymnal while kneeling though.  :-)  Simply though what I would say is take all the time for personal prayer you need, quiet, kneeling with your hands folded and eyes closed, but when your done make the communion song part of your prayer as well.

Mr. Slavek
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