A Retreat for Everyone – Persevering Prayer (7/15)

In Part 7 of the Retreat: Persevering Prayer, Fulton Sheen underscores the significance of daily prayer, particularly the Holy Hour, as the cornerstone of the spiritual life. He begins with anecdotes to illustrate childlike faith in prayer and contrasts it with the apathy many adults feel toward spiritual practices. Sheen challenges his audience to reflect on how little time they truly dedicate to personal prayer outside of formal obligations, such as the Mass or the Divine Office. He laments how neglect of prayer leads to spiritual stagnation and mediocrity, drawing parallels to physical exercise—where neglect results in weakness and decline.

Sheen delves into the practicalities and transformative power of the Holy Hour, urging priests, religious, and laity alike to set aside a continuous hour each day for adoration before the Blessed Sacrament. He explains that this commitment allows for escape from worldly distractions and inscape—an entry into deep communion with God. Drawing on the biblical story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus, he describes how the process of prayer moves from encountering Christ as a “stranger” to recognizing him in the breaking of the bread. Sheen emphasizes the use of Scripture as an essential part of the Holy Hour, advising spiritual reading to nourish reflection and prepare for more effective ministry.

Finally, Sheen links the Holy Hour to Christ’s own call for perseverance in Gethsemane: “Can you not watch one hour with me?” He stresses that prayer is a reparation for the evil in the world and an intercession for those who have strayed from the faith. By sharing his personal testimony of 53 years of unbroken Holy Hours, Sheen demonstrates its feasibility and the profound strength it provides. He concludes with an impassioned plea to never neglect this practice, warning that without sustained prayer, even the most fervent vocations risk falling into spiritual mediocrity.