Warming up and stretching out

Many trainers and exercise experts will strongly recommend before a workout to warm up. Frequently they will also recommend taking the time to cool down or stretch out after - especially if it were an extremely strenuous workout. It can feel really good to stretch out those muscles that worked hard and take the time to sit and be before jumping in the shower and moving on.

I think the same approach could be taken with Mass - the ultimate prayer workout. Now, I get it sometimes we are flying by the seat of our pants to get to Mass for one reason or another (ex: the baby had a major blow out before getting into the car seat, flat tire and had to take a different car, unforeseen road closure or back up, etc.) But, usually we are able to arrive a few minutes ahead of time. This time could be used to warm up in prayer - calling upon the Holy Spirit to be present, looking at the readings before Mass, and bringing to mind anyone or anything you'd like to lift up in prayer. This will help orient our mind to be open to this very holy and special time of prayer.

Because Mass is such an ultimate prayer work out (praying as a community and individually, through scripture, in the Sacrament of the Eucharist, and invoking those in heaven to join us in prayer) we need a few moments to pray and stretch out after Mass is complete. We can reflect upon something said in the homily, something from one of the readings or Eucharistic prayer, or simply in thanksgiving for the time spent with the Lord. Now, having a toddler I totally get it that sometimes the prayer and stretch out after Mass is simply "I love you Lord!" God sees your efforts.

From encouragement of friends, priests, spiritual mentors and directors, and others who have gone before me I have been doing this for quite some time. I have found that Mass is often more fruitful and meaningful. So, if you are in a spiritual drought or feeling fatigued from Mass lately - take a few moments before and after Mass to warm up and stretch out. I don't think your efforts will be in vain and in God's time, blessings will come.

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Father, I thank you for the gift of the Mass. May I always be able to take a few moments before to warm up to this time of prayer and a few minutes after to stretch out. May this time be fruitful to lead to a deeper love of you and a deeper relationship with you. In your name, Amen.

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Simply a little pencil in God's hand,

Elizabeth