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Do Ordained People Have to Pray? Or: How Holy do I Have to be?
by
Hickman Alexandre
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If you look at the “job description” of an ordained person. it is so easy to get bogged down in all the committee work and such that we can sometimes forget to pray. A big part of what clergy do is to lead in worship and to give spiritual guidance and counseling. That responsibility requires that you are a person of prayer beyond the public prayer life of the parish. Now it doesn’t mean that one must spend the whole day praying; but there should be some time set aside every day for personal prayer and communication with God. Many priests find it helpful to have a “rule of life,” a set pattern of scheduled prayer and reading of the scripture that one follows. Something simple like reading the daily offices will help you to establish a pattern of prayer. It can also be helpful to take time out and go on a retreat, such as to a monastery, where a person can be renewed and refreshed. Remember also that as leaders of the church, you are an example for others to follow. The reality is that most clergy are not spiritual gurus or shamans, but have their own daily struggles as well. Many clergy find it helpful to have a spiritual director, guide, or companion - someone who helps to guide them along the spiritual path. Some dioceses may even require you to have a spiritual director as you enter the process.
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